Last week we started a discussion of some signpost words to help guide you through your Bible study. We learned to watch for "therefore" and the conclusions or reasons it points to. This week, we have a different kind of concluding signpost: The If – then team.
You'll find the if-then anytime the writer is trying to build a case leading to a logical conclusion. If the premise is true, then the conclusion must be.
Paul uses it regularly in his letters. For example, in defending the grace of God as the means of salvation, he says: "I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” Galatians 2:21
The statement prompts you to stop and examine the premise part, the "if" part. Does righteousness come from the law? Well no. It comes from the grace of God. To agree with the premise means you must accept the conclusion that Christ dies in vain. We know He didn't. Paul knew his readers wouldn't accept that conclusion either, so they'd would have to go back and reexamine their ideas about righteousness, grace and the law.
However, you are much more likely to see the "if" without the "then". It's implied. Logically it's still there as part of the argument. Honestly, I doubt we even notice it's missing. Here area few more examples.
- [I]f anyone is in Christ, (then) he is a new creation – 2 Corinthians 5:17
- If we confess our sins, (then) He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
- If anyone thirsts, (then) let him come to Me and drink. John 7:37
So, when you see that "if" marker slow down and take notice.
What is the premise (the "if" part)?
And what is the conclusion (the "then" part)?
What do you learn from them?