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To: FourtySeven
The problem is with your line of reasoning here that the word for “worship” used in Scripture is not always applied to God. Among numerous Old Testament passages that can be provided to demonstrate “worship” of created beings (that was not forbidden), there is also Rev 3:9 which uses the exact same word (”proskyneo”) that you claim is only appropriately applied to God. It’s not given to God in that verse and in fact God Himself (Jesus) sanctions the “worship” of created beings in that verse.

Let's keep things in context. "Behold, I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and make them know that I have loved you".

Notice Who is causing the members of the synagogue of Satan to bow down.

who are they bowing down to?

When you bow down to someone what is the significance?

Matthew 27:29

And after twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and they knelt down before Him and mocked Him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!"

Revelation 22:8-9

8I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed me these things. 9But he said to me, “Do not do that. I am a fellow servant of yours and of your brethren the prophets and of those who heed the words of this book. Worship God.”

Acts 10:25-26

And when it came about that Peter entered, Cornelius met him, and fell at his feet and worshipped him. But Peter raise him up saying, “Stand up; I too am just a man.”

John and Peter (you remember Peter don't you?) set the example of how we should handle this.

We do not bow down or worship Mary.

3,591 posted on 12/29/2014 7:00:48 AM PST by ealgeone
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To: ealgeone
Notice Who is causing the members of the synagogue of Satan to bow down.[in Rev 3:9]

God (Jesus, "The Holy One, the true one, he that has the key of David", cf Rev 3:7)

who are [the Synagoge of Satan] bowing down to?

The members of the church of Philiadeplphia who "has kept my word and haven't denied my name" (cf Rev 3:8). In other words they aren't bowing down to (proskyneo) God. They are "proskyneo" to created beings (the faithful of the church of Philiadelphia)

When you bow down to someone what is the significance?

You are showing respect and/or defrence to another, not necessarily worshiping them as you would a god or The God.

This is in fact demonstrated by your citation of Matt 27:29. I can assure you His torturers were not worshipping Him as they did their gods, much less the true God (which clearly in their hearts they did not know.). They were giving Jesus false worship (even though He was deserving of infinitely more.)

The rest of your post I do not see the relevance thereof, for it seems to miss the point that is clear from the above: Rev 3:9 solidly and unquestionably refutes your claim which is "proskyneo" is only due to God alone. The fact that St Peter refused to allow someone to bow to him (because he was humble) and/or that St John erroneously attempted to worship the messenger as he would the One God are irrelevant. They are both examples of erroneous worship and/or humility. Not proof that all worship of created beings is wrong.

Again: Rev 3:9 solidly and unquestionably refutes your claim which is "proskyneo" is only due to God alone.

Unless and until you acknowledge this I see no point in dialoging with you further.

3,598 posted on 12/29/2014 7:44:28 AM PST by FourtySeven (47)
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