The Bible Infallible

[Waiting2BwithHim]

We know that the Bible is infallible and that everything God has said is true.

We also know that everything that God has wanted us to know is in the Bible.

Now my question is if everything that he wants us to know is it in it how come do you think that we don't understand what is actually being said?

Everyone has interpretations of Scriptures. If God really wants us to understand what he wants us to know then how come we don't agree

the meanings of Scriptures?

Why is this not easier for us to understand what is really meant?

Make sense I pray?

[mizzdy]

We know that the Bible is infallible and that everything God has said is true.

We also know that everything that God has wanted us to know is in the Bible.

Now my question is if everything that he wants us to know is it in it how come do you think that we don't understand what is actually being said?

Everyone has interpretations of Scriptures. If God really wants us to understand what he wants us to know then how come we don't agree

the meanings of Scriptures?

Why is this not easier for us to understand what is really meant?

Make sense I pray?

Well most of us all put our own opinions, thoughts and interpertations in the scriptures, its never Gods fault or the fault of the scriptures its just us making things much harder than it really is. The scriptures if we just really let them, let the Spirit direct our teachings then we can see that it really simple. The message in the bible is simple, love God first and allow Him to direct us as we serve Him, bring about His will not only in our lives but wherever He directs us, not always so simple when we cannot get out of His way.

shalom,

Mizz

[Shiloh62]

Probably because we are human.

[MeCajunboy]

We know that the Bible is infallible and that everything God has said is true.

We also know that everything that God has wanted us to know is in the Bible.

Now my question is if everything that he wants us to know is it in it how come do you think that we don't understand what is actually being said?

Everyone has interpretations of Scriptures. If God really wants us to understand what he wants us to know then how come we don't agree

the meanings of Scriptures?

Why is this not easier for us to understand what is really meant?

Make sense I pray?

It may take you your entire life to fully understand that question, literally ! Because, you will come to find that the longer you serve God and the closer you draw to him in the time you spend with him and the intimacy you gather in his presence, you will find that many scriptures take on a whole new and deeper meaning as you climb to the Heavens.

[Guest shiloh357]

We know that the Bible is infallible and that everything God has said is true.

We also know that everything that God has wanted us to know is in the Bible.

Now my question is if everything that he wants us to know is it in it how come do you think that we don't understand what is actually being said?

Everyone has interpretations of Scriptures. If God really wants us to understand what he wants us to know then how come we don't agree

the meanings of Scriptures?

Why is this not easier for us to understand what is really meant?

Make sense I pray?

There are several reasons...

1. The Bible is a book that is meant to be searched out. There is no one verse, chapter, book that contains all of the truth on a given subject. Many people base their theology of a given subject on only a few verses, and ignore or are unaware of more information that the Bible contains on that subject.

2. There is a hermeneutic dimension to consider as well. The Bible is among other things, a piece of literature and it behaves like literature. Much of our lack of understanding also stems from the fact that the Bible is a piece of literature that was born in the ancient near east, and reflects in some ways the culture of that time period. Often, we try to read modern cultural paradigms into the Bible that did not exist when the Bible was written and this only adds to the confusion. The Bible is a book of history written to a people in history and it reflects that reality. The historical/cultural context is a much ignored dynamic in biblical interpretation among many Christians and as such, leads to erroneous "interpretations” if you will. There is also a linguistic gap in that the Bible was not written in English. Those words, just like words we use today, had a specific context and meaning according to the culture of the biblical time period and when that element is ignored, it makes the Bible more confusing and hard to understand.

In addition, there is a lot of confusion over terms like "interpretation." In any given text, not just the Bible, interpretation is objective. There can be only one "interpretation" of any given text. If I read biography of Martin Luther King Jr., I read that book in accordance with the intent of the author and I allow the author to lead me to what he wants me to understand about MLK. The same is true if I read an instruction manual, a cookbook, a newspaper Op. Ed., a fictional novel, or a book on theology. The same should be true when I read the Bible as well. The idea of interpretation is that we read the text in the light of the object the author has in view; otherwise, what's the point? Those who approach the Bible having already decided what they want to get from it, who want to mold the Bible around their preconceptions, tend to create a lot of confusion in the Body of Christ. The Holy Spirit uses the Bible to mold us; we should not be trying to get the Bible to fit into a personal agenda.

There is no such thing as "my interpretation" vs. "your interpretation." People often confuse application with interpretation. Application is personal and subjective. It is often how the Bible is ministered to us based upon our personal and individual needs, which leads into the next point.

3. Another thing that adds to the confusion is the lack of understanding that God minister's His Word differently to different people based on their individual needs. God may use a particular passage to minister a truth to me to meet a need I have, and then minister the same passage to you based on your need. People will get into needless theological debates over what a passage means when in fact, what they are debating over is how the verse or passage was ministered to them. It is a senseless and needless controversy, but is way to frequent, unfortunately.

4. Related to the last point is the fact that all of us come to the Bible from having lived in different social environments and very different experiences. People, who come from homes where their fathers abused them, will have a much different view of God than people who grew up in happy homes and had loving fathers. Relating to God as father will mean something different to both groups. A Jewish person, who finds Jesus as their Messiah, will view the Bible in different lens than a Gentile who got saved at a very young age. They read the same Bible, and have the same set of facts, but the perceptions they bring to the Scriptures will in some way determine what they take from Scriptures.

Denominations tend to disagree more over tradition than doctrine. That is not to say there are no doctrinal differences, but even where they disagree doctrinally, much of it is over nonessentials. With only a few exceptions, most denominations are able to still have unity when it comes to primary Christian duty. Churches of various denominations can put their differences aside to work together for the good of greater society. Unity does not exist in every one believing exactly alike. Unity is not the absence of diversity. It is found in our ability to come together despite our differences and work for the good of society and for the Kingdom of God.

[oak]

You touched upon a post I wrote and deleted because it became convoluted. But one of the essential questions, I had, is why do we not see scripture as clearly as we need to as well as some people bending scripture for their own purposes. “For God commanded, Honor your Father and Mother…But you say, if anyone tells his father or his mother, What you would have gained from me is given to God, he need not honor his father’. So for the sake of your tradition you have made the void the Word of God.” Matt 15: 4-6. So Christians and Churches still engage in this type of behavior (not all).

Reading the posts I do find that though the Bible can be read from a historical or cultural point of view, but if that takes precedents over reading the Bible as a Book of Faith, this creates problems. Therefore its main purpose is Salvation. If you think a church is to be held on to for authority, I won’t totally disagree but I have difficulties with the Mormons and the Jehovah’s Witnesses for example. I can’t accept God being a man from another planet or disregarding The Holy Spirit.

In conclusion there are three wills at play, man’s will, evil’s will and God’s will. We are in the midst of warfare. I try to find people face to face that are in the Holy Spirit and with love strive to do God’s will, regardless of the cost. For them the Bible is less paradoxical. For those that read the Bible for knowledge and perhaps feel mental ascension is a viable way, it is nothing but a stumbling block. I see true faith as struggle that has hardships along the way. Suffering and self- sacrifice are inevitable even for those who were graced by Christ’s peace; I feel they care about the fallen etc. We are in a period of confusion that is reaching great heights; we can’t rely on ourselves but only Christ. How do we do this? Maybe one of the answers is that God knows are heart. I am not against knowledge and edification but if it’s not prioritized it becomes void. And if you feel lost in the wilderness repentance, forgiveness, love, humility, obedience, prayer and patience, are great gifts. Who can argue about the truth of the Beatitudes? There is so much more to say, but I pray Christ’s Truth will be written in our hearts, and then the Scriptures will come alive and surpass understanding.

Oak

PS I have a long way to go.

[JohnD]

Back to the OP:

2 Peter 1:20-21 (KJV)

20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

So, private interpretations are wrong.

John 16:13 (KJV)

13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

The same Holy Spirit who wrote the Bible (through the prophets he inspired) will illuminate the Word of God. And how we know this illumination is actually from the Holy Spirit is by putting it to the test prescribed in scripture.

1 Thessalonians 5:21 (KJV)

21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

1 John 4:1 (KJV)

1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Acts 17:11 (KJV)

11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV)

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

When it comes to human traditions...

Mark 7:8 (NASB95)

8 “Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.”

Mark 7:13 (NIV)

13 Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.”

An aside about the OP title... any apparent contradiction in scripture is the product of the imperfection of human communication / understanding. A calculated risk exposing his inerrant Word to such misunderstanding and misinterpretation but one God was willing to take to save souls.

Edited August 15, 2011 by JohnDB

[Guest]

We know that the Bible is infallible and that everything God has said is true.

We also know that everything that God has wanted us to know is in the Bible.

Now my question is if everything that he wants us to know is it in it how come do you think that we don't understand what is actually being said?

Everyone has interpretations of Scriptures. If God really wants us to understand what he wants us to know then how come we don't agree

the meanings of Scriptures?

Why is this not easier for us to understand what is really meant?

Make sense I pray?

Jesus wants us to listen to the Church.

He gave us a Church with authority to teach. Outside of this authority there will be confusion.

Dear One Jesus Gave Us His Word To Listen To And To Live By

And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Matthew 4:3-4

And Sent The Holy Ghost With Authority To Teach

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John 14:26

And As For A Church, Jesus Says

And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. Revelation 1:17-20

Open Your Heart

Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Revelation 3:17-22

Peter Warns

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. 2 Peter 2:1-3

Jesus Warns

All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.

For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,

And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.

But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.

And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. Matthew 23:3-10

Usurpers Usurp For A Season

And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.

Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. John 5:27-29

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The Bible Is Treasure Without Peer

Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever. Psalms 119:160

Whether Men Agree Or Not

And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. John 12:47-48

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A Heads Up To Those Who Would Replace The Holy Book

With Unholy Words Of Vapor

And A Sampling

Of Why Believers Joy

And Treasure Their Big Book Of Jesus

The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers.

Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions immutable.

This Book contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers.

Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions immutable.

Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy.

It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you.

It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's charter.

Christ is its subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end.

It should fill the memory, rule the heart and guide the feet.

Read it slowly, frequently and prayerfully.

It is given to you in life, will be open in the judgement, and be remembered forever.

It involves the highest responsibility, rewards the greatest labor, and condemns all who trifle with its holy precepts.

From The Front Of My Gideon New Testament