BWA6067@TAMAGEN (01/12/90)
Curiosity is killing me.
Jesus *did* say, "For he who is not against us is on our side." (Mark 9:40)
What are the requirements for being classified as "one who is not against
Jesus?" In this context, there was a man who did not follow them (the
disciples and Jesus) who was casting out demons in Jesus' name. Who is
qualified to make such a judgement...Jesus alone? Did He expect the disciples
to make such a judgement, in light of His teachings about wolves in sheep's
clothing, etc.? That is, was everyone who cast out demons in Jesus' name to
be considered "for" Jesus?
It sure sounds like it to me. When I consider Jesus' statement about
casting out demons in the name of Beelzebub, it sounds as though Jesus really
*has* constrained the demons in this respect: that they may not be cast out
in the name of Beelzebub so as to prevent His children from being confused.
Therefore, it would be impossible to cast them out by ANY OTHER AUTHORITY
BESIDES JESUS, so that it would be certain that anyone who *did* cast out
demons MUST be:
a) acting in Jesus' name
b) considered "for" Jesus
Is this a fair (albeit poorly expressed) rendering of the situation? Mr.
Kiefer? Ms. Arango?
queue ball