Dear COA Family,
When we were in school, one of the first things we learnt was the significance of tenses in languages.
In the English language, there are primarily past, present and future tenses that cover the relevant time frames. Each of these tenses consists of four aspects: simple, continuous, perfect or perfect continuous which describe the action and event in more detail. They are all essential for clear communication.
For example, “I ate my breakfast this morning” (simple past tense) is different from “I am eating my breakfast right now” (present continuous tense). When hearing the former reply, the listener would not offer more food to him or her. When hearing the latter phrase, the listener would not disturb the person having breakfast more than is necessary.
Similarly, tenses in biblical language are crucial for us to understand the meaning of the words of Jesus or doctrines taught by the apostles. This will affect how we respond to them.
A well-known verse in the Bible is John 3:16. It is often translated as: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only on, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (Italics are mine.)
Any Christian, upon hearing this teaching, would either respond by believing in Jesus Christ as his saviour that very moment or encourage others to do so. This is what we usually do in our evangelistic efforts to help people become “saved”.
Yet a more proper translation of the verse from the Greek ought to be: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes and goes on believing in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (Italics are mine.)
This is because the tense of the verb “believe” in Greek (“pisteuōn”) is actually in the present participle active tense signifying a continuous or ongoing action.
This has great significance to our understanding of what constitutes salvation. It tells us that our faith in Christ should not be limited to a one-time decision made in the past to believe but is an ongoing relationship of trust in Christ every moment of each day. It reminds us that salvation is a continuing journey of faith from the beginning to the end till we meet Jesus.
This has great significance too in our evangelistic and discipleship efforts. We are not so much concerned to get people to say the sinner’s prayer (akin to signing on an insurance policy) as to ensure that they grow by getting baptised, confirmed and joining our church services and cell group meetings regularly. This is because salvation for them too is not a one-time decision made in the past but an unending walk with Christ for the rest of their lives.
By teaching according to this manner, our daily attitudes, actions, behaviours and responses become crucial to our faith. They show whether we are adhering to our beliefs or straying away from them. It can make the difference between us being saved or not!
So, don’t underestimate the importance of tenses in God’s word.
Am I therefore saying that it is a must for every Christian to know Greek as well? Not to that degree but it is important to get yourself immersed in God’s word and study the Bible diligently. There are numerous commentaries which deal with the tenses and meanings of the words to help you understand the Bible better.
As you keep a close watch on growing in understanding of God’s word and living your faith out diligently each day, you “will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Timothy 4:16). It is that important!
God bless,
Revd Ian