rsc2a said:
[quote author=graceandtruth]I agree.
How do you deal with the terminology of Proverbs 11:30 which references "winning souls" in the KJV and "capturing souls" in the ESV?
I believe this language is perfectly acceptable when we use it with the understanding that it is God working in and through us to bring about the salvation of others.
What say you?
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise. (Proverbs 11:30 ESV)
The fruit of the righteous... - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control
...is a tree of life... - whose leaves are used as medicine to heal the nations.
...and whoever captures souls... - Let your light so shine before men...
...is wise. - The fear of the LORD is the beginning....
Summary
One who (truthfully) follows Jesus (not their manufactured version of Him) will exhibit the fruit of the Spirit. These character traits will be a tool that God uses in the individual to allow him to be an ambassador for Christ. (The Biblical language would be that these tools enable the individual to be a minister of reconciliation on behalf of (and through) God as God reconciles the world to Himself.) By faithfully living for God (as evidenced by said fruit), you will exhibit true wisdom even as others are won over to your / God's cause by your character and behavior.
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I don't disagree with your summary. The purpose of fruit is to prepare the soil to receive the seed. However, this is not to say that we should never speak to people on the subject of salvation, or that we should not lead them to a point of understanding that they may make a personal decision. If the purpose of fruit is to prepare the seed, we ought to offer the seed.
I have no problem with the KJV wording of winning souls. It speaks of the spiritual warfare and bringing another to one's position, standing or side. The term also speaks to the rescuing of a captive. This is in line with much other Scripture, as we see terminology about the armor of God and being a good soldier.
Salvation is a miracle involving all three parts of the God-head. God chooses to use people to share the Gospel message with other people that they may come to a point of understanding and personal decision of faith.
Rom 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
Rom 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Rom 10:16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.