September 23 – Psalm 82:6-7; “They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course. I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.”
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The study word of the day is ‘gods’. In the Hebrew it is elohim. Earlier in the year we took a quick glance at this word, but I encourage you to take a deeper look for yourself! Check out the verses in the Bible describing what this means. Genesis 1:1, 1 Sam. 28:12-13, Ps. 82:6, John 10:34 are just a few to begin with for now. Does it make sense God would contradict Himself and tell one group of people they’ll become gods when they believe in Him? Or, as scripture clearly says, He is the Only God, Creator of all that is, elohim?
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Doctrine and Covenants 76:53-55, 58; “And who overcome by faith, and are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, which the Father sheds forth upon all those who are just and true. They are they who are the church of the Firstborn. They are they into whose hands the Father has given all things—Wherefore, as it is written, they are gods, even the sons of God.”
The use of ‘gods’ here is for earthly kings and judges. It does not mean “earning rewards” and becoming a ‘god’ like the Triune God himself. You are correct in using other verses of the Bible to interpret the meaning. This is the proper way to interpret and understand God’s Word, the Bible. One cannot just take a verse out of context.
Also, It’s important to note that Jesus used the scriptures to teach in the temples; therefore, He verified that they are the inerrant and true Word.
Amen Miss Sue – and thanks for adding your precious insight as a mature Christian to this all important topic. It is SO important we study all things, verify all things, and accept with humbleness our true identity as being created, and not the Creator. Also in accepting there can only be ONE TRUE GOD. If you believe there’s more than this, it makes you a polytheist, and not a monotheist as the Bible so clearly proclaims!
Michelle