Therefor,If......

By Kehinde Mowoe

The title of this book may seem somehow strange to many, but will, with a deeper insight reveal the fact that, often, words and phrases are used in the bible, an understanding of which makes the sentences or phrases to which they are attached much clearer. This is because such words are in themselves, within the context of use, pregnant with meaning. Thus words such as ‘verily, verily,’ spoken frequently by Jesus, ‘in Christ,’ ‘Selah,’ ‘therefore,’ and ‘if,’ depending on the context of use, have profound implications within the context of use that often require further insight and elucidation so as to understand the message being put forward.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Aug 27, 2020
• ISBN: 9781716624599

Book preview

Therefore, If…..

Gbemisola Mowoe

A publication of O J Mowoe Ministries

Unless otherwise indicated 

All scripture quotations are taken from the King James Bible Version, (KJV) Copyright 1999, by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee.

Copyright 2020 by O J Mowoe Ministries

All rights reserved

Contact: [e-mail]

                [e-mail]

DEDICATION

I DEDICATE THIS BOOK,

TO ALL TRUE BELIEVERS EVERYWHERE,

WHO SEE THEMSELVES AS CUSTODIANS OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I ACKNOWLEDGE GOD THE FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO IS IN THE UNSEEN PLANE, AND I AM THANKFUL FOR THE IMPETUS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, UNDER WHOSE INSPIRATION THE WRITING OF THIS BOOK WAS MADE POSSIBLE.

INTRODUCTION

The bible is a unique book in the way in which much information is hidden in words, phrases and sentences often glossed over by those who read them without dependence on the illumination of the Holy Spirit. If we are to ‘work out our salvation with trembling and fear’ as stated in Philippians 2:12, we must diligently ‘study to show ourselves approved’ as enjoined in 2 Timothy 2:15. The greatest struggle in Christendom seems to be that of the inability to simply accept and appropriate the finished work of Christ on the cross by faith. Many continue with their Christian life based on assumptions that never become a reality. From salvation to the eventual attainment of eternal life, the grace of God is responsible and available for those who come to and remain in Christ till the end, to become who He says they are, if they are diligent in their pursuit of the truth in Christ. There are so many passages in the bible that many quote glibly, whilst their lives belie the truth of it because of inadequate understanding of its deeper meaning communicated through words used. It is in this context that 2 Corinthians 5:17 will be examined in the light of what it truly posits.

Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTERS

Therefore

…..if….

…..any man….

…..be in Christ…..

…..he is a new creature.

Old things are passed away

..…all things are become new….

Presumptuousness

CHAPTER 1

Therefore…..

Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

The subject matter of this chapter may seem somehow strange to many, but will, with a deeper insight reveal the fact that, often, words and phrases are used in the bible, an understanding of which makes the sentences or phrases to which they are attached much clearer. This is because such words are in themselves, within the context of use, pregnant with meaning. Thus words such as ‘verily, verily,’ spoken frequently by Jesus, ‘in Christ,’ ‘Selah,’  ‘therefore,’ and ‘if,’ depending on the context of use, have profound implications within the context of use that often require further insight and elucidation so as to understand the message being put forward.

The use of the word ‘therefore’ at the beginning of a sentence has implications for a deeper understanding of the message being conveyed.  That is, what Paul is trying to convey in the scripture under focus cannot be fully understood without taking into consideration the implication of the use of the word ‘therefore’ at the beginning of the sentence. This approach must be applied whenever the word ‘therefore’ is used in a sentence. According to the Mariam Webster online Dictionary, the word ‘therefore’ is defined as follows;

1a: for that reason : CONSEQUENTLY

b: because of that

c: on that ground

2: to that end

The following verses are examples of the use of this word.

James 4: 17;

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

Hebrews 1:9;

Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

James 4:4;

Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

Hebrews 2:1;

Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.

Hebrews 4:1;

Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it

Ephesians 4:1;

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

2 Thessalonians 2:15

Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

Galatians 6:10

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

1 Timothy 2:1

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

Philippians 2:1

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

Romans 2:1, 21, 26;

Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest does the same things.

….

Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?

…..

Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?

In relation to our text in 2 Corinthians 5:17, the message in the sentence to which the word ‘therefore’ is attached must be seen as a consequence of, or predicated upon what was stated immediately before it in 2 Corinthians 5:10-16, the import of which must be understood so as to appreciate the full meaning of what is being stated.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.

For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.

Thus, it is obvious from these verses that Paul was concerned with the fact that those who call themselves followers of Christ should live accordingly and wholly unto Him, because of the terror of God’s coming and sure judgement. The terror of God here is a reference to His wrath against the children of disobedience spoken about for example, in Revelations 16:1-4, 9-11, 17-18, 20-21.

And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.

And the first