“If So Be”

The little phrase "if so be" is used four times in the New Testament, each time setting forth a vital spiritual result established on the basis of a vital spiritual premise.

1. "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby: if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious" (1 Peter 2:2,3). The true Christian life is one of thirst for the Word of God.

2. "Ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you" (Romans 8:9). The true Christian life is one of guidance by the indwelling Spirit of God.

3. "We have testified of God that He raised up Christ: whom He raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not" (1 Corinthians 15:15). The true Christian life is one of certainty of future resurrection.

4. "If children, then heirs: heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together" (Romans 8:17). The true Christian life will necessarily entail suffering for the sake of Christ.

These "if so be's" of Scripture, although seemingly expressed in the form of conditions, actually speak great assurances.

—Henry M. Morris (1918-2006), adapted