This is so unbelievable to me that I can hardly take it in. There is a current discussion going on at the "Pulpit Magazine" regarding an article John MacArthur has written, entitled "The Rape of Solomon's Song" criticizing Mark Driscoll's teaching on the "Song of Solomon". Comments are ablaze. The sad part in all this, is that both MacArthur and Driscoll interpret this book in exactly the same way; the only difference being how "crude" or "refined" it should be taught.
Every single person commenting has missed the real problem. Here was what the Lord laid on my heart tonight:
Does it matter to anyone that MacArthur's interpretation (and obviously Driscoll's, as well) of this book differs from many great men of God, down through the centuries--i.e., many of the Puritans, Spurgeon, J.C. Ryle, Lloyd-Jones and many, many more and that MacArthur states (in his Daily Bible) that their interpretations are misleading ideas?
Why doesn't this concern any of you? These men knew God and knew the Word of God, as well, if not better then MacArthur does. Perhaps, if more would actually see the real beauty in this book, they would spend more time in learning about the "Mystery" Paul talks about when he is describing the relationship between a man and a woman in marriage and Christ and His church.
Frankly, I feel great sorrow for all who have turned this into a "self-help" book on Marriage-- which is what these two men have done. If you can learn the real beauty being taught in this book; your marriage would improve greatly because you would be less focused on self and more focused on Christ.
"The Song of Solomon is undoubtedly a picture and a prophecy of the relationship between Christ and his church. Written in a poetic, dramatic form, it is a perfect representation of the church as the bride of Christ. This is a New Testament term but the Song of Solomon sees it long before it came to pass. This is how Solomon describes God's overflowing love: 'He brought me to the banqueting house. . .' and that is where He always brings us. It is not to some kind of 'soup kitchen', or to some temporary place where we can be given just a little food to keep us from starvation. No, no! It is a 'banqueting house'! . . . and His banner over me was love. Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples, for I am sick with love' (Song of Solomon 2.4-5). There is so much love that it is almost overwhelming me." LLoyd-Jones.
Perhaps, if we actually understood this book; the way God intended, we would be having a different discussion.
"For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church."
I don't mean to be disrespectful--but it has been my observation that Dr. MacArthur does not care much for "mysteries".
Every single person commenting has missed the real problem. Here was what the Lord laid on my heart tonight:
Does it matter to anyone that MacArthur's interpretation (and obviously Driscoll's, as well) of this book differs from many great men of God, down through the centuries--i.e., many of the Puritans, Spurgeon, J.C. Ryle, Lloyd-Jones and many, many more and that MacArthur states (in his Daily Bible) that their interpretations are misleading ideas?
Why doesn't this concern any of you? These men knew God and knew the Word of God, as well, if not better then MacArthur does. Perhaps, if more would actually see the real beauty in this book, they would spend more time in learning about the "Mystery" Paul talks about when he is describing the relationship between a man and a woman in marriage and Christ and His church.
Frankly, I feel great sorrow for all who have turned this into a "self-help" book on Marriage-- which is what these two men have done. If you can learn the real beauty being taught in this book; your marriage would improve greatly because you would be less focused on self and more focused on Christ.
"The Song of Solomon is undoubtedly a picture and a prophecy of the relationship between Christ and his church. Written in a poetic, dramatic form, it is a perfect representation of the church as the bride of Christ. This is a New Testament term but the Song of Solomon sees it long before it came to pass. This is how Solomon describes God's overflowing love: 'He brought me to the banqueting house. . .' and that is where He always brings us. It is not to some kind of 'soup kitchen', or to some temporary place where we can be given just a little food to keep us from starvation. No, no! It is a 'banqueting house'! . . . and His banner over me was love. Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples, for I am sick with love' (Song of Solomon 2.4-5). There is so much love that it is almost overwhelming me." LLoyd-Jones.
Perhaps, if we actually understood this book; the way God intended, we would be having a different discussion.
"For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church."
I don't mean to be disrespectful--but it has been my observation that Dr. MacArthur does not care much for "mysteries".
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