Dr. Leonard Grecnway, pastor of the Riverside Christian Reformed Church of Grand Rapids, Michigan, is in charge of Our Question Box. This department is for everyone. No signatures are required and no names are published.
Although we are happy about the popularity of this department, we regret that, due to all the questions now on hand, no more should be sent until further notice. The patience of those with questions will therefore be appreciated.
From a reader in Canada
Question (slightly revised): What is the meaning of Ephesians 5:11, and how can we apply it today?
Answer: Paul bids us “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them.” These “unfruitful works” are the works of man in his unregenerate state. Because they manifest the carnal mind which is enmity against God (cf. Rom. 8:7) they are opposed to the fruit of the Spirit (cf. Gal. 5;22-26). Under no consideration can they be pleasing to God, for they do not issue from true faith and are not motivated by love for God. As children of the light we should do what light does when it reveals what is going on in dark places. We have an “office” as believers to condemn the wicked works of darkness for our own sake, for the sake of others, and always to the glory of God. Certainly there are occasions when this can be, and should be, done publicly. We have media available to us by the use of which we can forthrightly reprove these works. Let us who profess to be the children of light courageously speak out against pornographic books and magazines, unwholesome movies, T.V. and radio programs, etc. Too often, I fear, we appear to be engaged in a conspiracy of silence.
From a reader in Grand Rapids, Michigan, who, with the King James and Revised Standard Versions before him, asks a question regarding the preferable translation of the following texts:
Hebrews 11:1 – I prefer the R.S.V. because my reading of the Greek leads me to conclude that the author of Hebrews at this point is describing faith as an anticipation, not with wistful longing, but with utter certainty and conviction.
Matthew 5:22 – While there is some manuscript support for including the phrase, “without cause,” as found in the King James, the better reading appears to be with the R.S.V. Admittedly, this involves a change in meaning.
