Malachi 3:3 "Refining and Purifying Silver"

[Starman3000m]

Malachi 3:3 “He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver”

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: 'He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.'

She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time.

The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?'

He smiled at her and answered, ' Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it.'

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

 

[onel0126]

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

Sure sounds like purgation to me--"Nothing impure shall see the face of the Father."

 

[Starman3000m]

Sure sounds like purgation to me--"Nothing impure shall see the face of the Father."

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (1 John 1:8-10)

One is cleansed by the Blood of The Lamb in the here and now when one comes to faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. This is the Saving Grace that God bestows upon His Children whereby He sees us being perfected through the Righteousness of His Son and not of our own. There is no second chance to get it right.

 

[onel0126]

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (1 John 1:8-10)

One is cleansed by the Blood of The Lamb in the here and now when one comes to faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. This is the Saving Grace that God bestows upon His Children whereby He sees us being perfected through the Righteousness of His Son and not of our own. There is no second chance to get it right.Says you since the scriptural reference to this is not in the KJV (at least the current one)

....and speaking of the KJV, I'm really going to be nitpicky here, but are you British? I realize the KJV uses saviour but when not quoting scripture, its OK to use savior. We won that war.....

 

[Starman3000m]

....and speaking of the KJV, I'm really going to be nitpicky here, but are you British? I realize the KJV uses saviour but when not quoting scripture, its OK to use savior. We won that war.....

Speaking of quoting scripture, it is not recited as much exclusively in Latin anymore but in English. We won that war! LOL

 

[onel0126]

Speaking of quoting scripture, it is not recited as much exclusively in Latin anymore but in English. We won that war! LOL

Damned shame too....We had to dumb it down for the US Church. Latin still however is the language of the Church.

 

[Starman3000m]

Damned shame too....We had to dumb it down for the US Church. Latin still however is the language of the Church.

For the Jews, God's Language is Hebrew;
For the Muslim's Al'lah's Language is Arabic;

I speak neither and I thank my God (literally) that He is Multi-lingual and understands me when I pray.

 

[Zguy28]

Damned shame too....We had to dumb it down for the US Church. Latin still however is the language of the Church.

What happened to Koine Greek and Aramaic? Be careful that you do not put your church traditions and membership above Christ.

 

[onel0126]

What happened to Koine Greek and Aramaic? Be careful that you do not put your church traditions and membership above Christ.

I'm not. Latin has the advantage that the meaning of its words is less likely to change radically from century to century. This helps to ensure theological precision and to safeguard orthodoxy. Since Latin is spoken as a native language by no modern community, the language is thought to be a universal, internally consistent means of communication without regional bias. Accordingly, recent Popes have reaffirmed the importance of Latin for the Church and in particular for those undertaking ecclesiastical studies.

 

[Starman3000m]

I'm not. Latin has the advantage that the meaning of its words is less likely to change radically from century to century. This helps to ensure theological precision and to safeguard orthodoxy. Since Latin is spoken as a native language by no modern community, the language is thought to be a universal, internally consistent means of communication without regional bias. Accordingly, recent Popes have reaffirmed the importance of Latin for the Church and in particular for those undertaking ecclesiastical studies.

Of course, you are only referring to the ensuring of "theological precision" and safeguarding "orthodoxy" to mean Roman Catholic Orthodoxy, right?

Orthodox Judaism feels the same in regard to Hebrew being God's language of choice and, as mentioned, Muslims believe their Al'lah has perfected Arabic as the language of choice. Muslims are encouraged to memorize the Qur'an - in Arabic

The Truth Is: The Main Gospel Message of placing faith in Jesus Christ is really quite simple and not complicated at all for translation into any language that's why I highly doubt that Christ's Disciples had to learn Latin prior to undertaking the Great Commission of spreading the teaching of Christ throughout the world.

 

[onel0126]

Of course, you are only referring to the ensuring of "theological precision" and safeguarding "orthodoxy" to mean Roman Catholic Orthodoxy, right?

Right.

that's why I highly doubt that Christ's Disciples had to learn Latin prior to undertaking the Great Commission of spreading the teaching of Christ throughout the world.

Seriously?

 

[PsyOps]

Damned shame too....We had to dumb it down for the US Church. Latin still however is the language of the Church.

I'm not. Latin has the advantage that the meaning of its words is less likely to change radically from century to century. This helps to ensure theological precision and to safeguard orthodoxy. Since Latin is spoken as a native language by no modern community, the language is thought to be a universal, internally consistent means of communication without regional bias. Accordingly, recent Popes have reaffirmed the importance of Latin for the Church and in particular for those undertaking ecclesiastical studies.

So, I take it you're fluent in Latin? Do you speak this within your circle of friend rather than English? I realize we’re talking about accuracy of Scripture, but I honestly don’t see any better accuracy in translation from the Hebrew and Greek to Latin than to English.

And I am going to take issue with your “the Church” comment. Let’s be clear that you mean this to be the Catholic Church. I don’t recognize the Catholic Church as THE Church.

 

[onel0126]

So, I take it you're fluent in Latin? Do you speak this within your circle of friend rather than English? I realize we’re talking about accuracy of Scripture, but I honestly don’t see any better accuracy in translation from the Hebrew and Greek to Latin than to English.

Fluent, no. Do I have a better grasp of the English language because I studied Latin? Yes.

And I am going to take issue with your “the Church” comment. Let’s be clear that you mean this to be the Catholic Church. I don’t recognize the Catholic Church as THE Church.

As is your right.

 

[Starman3000m]

Seriously?

Well, I really hope that you aren't of the literal belief that "Latin" was/is the choice language for spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

On the contrary, when you read the New Testament Book of Acts, you will find that Christ told His disciples that if He did not leave the Holy Spirit could not come unto them. (John 16:7-11)

It was the day of Pentecost when the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in various languages that were understood by the many foreign people who had gathered for the "normal" celebrations. This time it wasn't so normal as people heard the Gospel preached in their own language (tongue).

Here's the event as it happened:

Acts, Chapter 2: verses:

1: And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2: And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3: And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4: And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5: And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
6: Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
7: And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?8: And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?9: Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
10: Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
11: Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.12: And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
13: Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
14: But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
15: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
16: But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
17: And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
18: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

 

[onel0126]

Well, I really hope that you aren't of the literal belief that "Latin" was/is the choice language for spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

On the contrary, when you read the New Testament Book of Acts, you will find that Christ told His disciples that if He did not leave the Holy Spirit could not come unto them. (John 16:7-11)

It was the day of Pentecost when the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in various languages that were understood by the many foreign people who had gathered for the "normal" celebrations. This time it wasn't so normal as people heard the Gospel preached in their own language (tongue).

Here's the event as it happened:

Acts, Chapter 2: verses:

1: And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2: And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3: And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4: And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5: And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
6: Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
7: And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?8: And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?9: Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
10: Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
11: Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.12: And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
13: Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
14: But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
15: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
16: But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
17: And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
18: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

Seriously? I was being f-a-c-e-t-i-o-u-s. Completely off topic, did you know that facetious is the ONLY word in the English language that uses (1) all of the vowels and (2) in alphabetical order? Wow that Latin did pay off!!!

 

[Starman3000m]

Seriously? I was being f-a-c-e-t-i-o-u-s. Completely off topic, did you know that facetious is the ONLY word in the English language that uses (1) all of the vowels and (2) in alphabetical order? Wow that Latin did pay off!!!

OK - but it is of a truth that some religions expect their followers to formally deliver their prayers/liturgy in a "specific" language - believing that this is more pleasing to God somehow.

However, as noted in the Book of Acts, there were multitudes of people gathered in Jerusalem (circa 33 AD) from all parts of the world who heard the Gospel Message delivered in their own language:

(Acts 2:5) And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

Thus, according to the Bible, it appears that the Salvation Gospel of Christ was known thereafter throughout the world and more than 1000 years before Rome ever thought of conquering other lands and forcing people to accept the RCC doctrine.

Just sayin...

 

[onel0126]

OK - but it is of a truth that some religions expect their followers to formally deliver their prayers/liturgy in a "specific" language - believing that this is more pleasing to God somehow.

However, as noted in the Book of Acts, there were multitudes of people gathered in Jerusalem (circa 33 AD) from all parts of the world who heard the Gospel Message delivered in their own language:

(Acts 2:5) And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

Thus, according to the Bible, it appears that the Salvation Gospel of Christ was known thereafter throughout the world and more than 1000 years before Rome ever thought of conquering other lands and forcing people to accept the RCC doctrine.

Just sayin...

Starman--Quite frankly I don't think Christ gives two donkeys in what language one prays to Him....The fact is the RCC DOES NOT MAKE ONE PRAY IN A SPECIFIC LANGUAGE BECAUSE IT IS PLEASING TO GOD. I simply stated in an earlier post WHY Latin was chosen. Is this unbiblical? No! Does it disagree with the Gospels? No!

 

[Starman3000m]

Starman--Quite frankly I don't think Christ gives two donkeys in what language one prays to Him....The fact is the RCC DOES NOT MAKE ONE PRAY IN A SPECIFIC LANGUAGE BECAUSE IT IS PLEASING TO GOD. I simply stated in an earlier post WHY Latin was chosen. Is this unbiblical? No! Does it disagree with the Gospels? No!

OK - but then really, what's the whole point to have to learn a totally different language than what one already fluently understands? That's what I was getting at.

 

[onel0126]

OK - but then really, what's the whole point to have to learn a totally different language than what one already fluently understands?

In the case of the RCC, so everyone is "on the same page". So the Vatican can release papers in a universal language instead of 227 dialects. It truly IS NOT rocket science, and again, NOT unbiblical or in conflict with the Gospels.

Religion aside for a minute--God forbid we "broaden our horizons" and study other cultures and learn other languages....

 

[Starman3000m]

In the case of the RCC, so everyone is "on the same page". So the Vatican can release papers in a universal language instead of 227 dialects. It truly IS NOT rocket science, and again, NOT unbiblical or in conflict with the Gospels.

Religion aside for a minute--God forbid we "broaden our horizons" and study other cultures and learn other languages....

Glad you agree that a missionary should broaden his/her horizons, study other cultures and learn other languages. In fact, that's why the Gospel should be published in "227" + dialects! It's far easier to have "the locals" read and easily comprehend pertinent information in their own language than to formally "train" them to learn an entirely new language for a year or so before they can begin to understand what you're trying to tell them.

again, just sayin...