M
MarcoPolo
Guest
I wonder if one of the reasons Protestant Reformers rejected Sirach had to do with it’s teaching on man’s free will in choosing God:
Sirach 15:11-20
Say not: “It was God’s doing that I fell away”; for what he hates he does not do.
Say not: “It was he who set me astray”; for he has no need of wicked man.
Abominable wickedness the Lord hates, he does not let it befall those who fear him.
When God, in the beginning, created man, he made him subject to his own free choice.
If you choose you can keep the commandments; it is loyalty to do his will.
There are set before you fire and water; to whichever you choose, stretch forth your hand.
Before man are life and death, whichever he chooses shall be given him.
Immense is the wisdom of the Lord; he is mighty in power, and all-seeing.
The eyes of God see all he has made; he understands man’s every deed.
No man does he command to sin, to none does he give strength for lies.
Sirach 15:11-20
Say not: “It was God’s doing that I fell away”; for what he hates he does not do.
Say not: “It was he who set me astray”; for he has no need of wicked man.
Abominable wickedness the Lord hates, he does not let it befall those who fear him.
When God, in the beginning, created man, he made him subject to his own free choice.
If you choose you can keep the commandments; it is loyalty to do his will.
There are set before you fire and water; to whichever you choose, stretch forth your hand.
Before man are life and death, whichever he chooses shall be given him.
Immense is the wisdom of the Lord; he is mighty in power, and all-seeing.
The eyes of God see all he has made; he understands man’s every deed.
No man does he command to sin, to none does he give strength for lies.