When and where Scripture clearly repeats the same principle over and over again, it is relatively easy to see that Scripture confirms Scripture.
However, when what appears to be contradiction come into view, the principle of Scripture confirming Scripture becomes more difficult to perceive. It is how to resolve when these "contradictions" that is the focus of this presentation.
Without the enabling (John 15: 5) power that a Spirit-filled soul receives from God, coupled with the spiritual discernment that the advancing disciple develops, the soul is under the influence of the fallen nature. While under this influence, Man will often perceive Scripture as being contradictory rather than a source of clear guidance or instruction.
Granted, such passages as Ecclesiastes 3 reveals that there are times when God would have us take one course of action, and there are other times when God would have us to just the opposite. While not being a contradiction, this scenario does bring out the need for the advancing disciple to be able to discern which of two "opposing" courses of action that one needs to embrace at any given time.
As examples, there is, “A time to KILL and a time to HEAL (Eccl. 3: 3 NASB).” There is, “A time to search and a time to give up what is lost (Eccl. 3: 6 NASB).” There is, “A time to tear apart and a time to sew together;." There is, "A time to be silent and a time to speak (Eccl. 3: 7 NASB).” There is, “A time to love and a time to hate;." There is, "A time for war and a time for peace (Eccls. 3: 8 NASB).”
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training righteousness…(2Tim. 3: 16 NASB italics mine)," but this is providing that Scripture is being properly interpreted and applied.
There are what would later be called scientific facts to be found in the Bible (e.g. the word is round - Isa. 40: 22), but the Bible was never intended to be used like a dictionary, an encyclopedia, or a scientific reference manual where one can quickly locate and secure a complete answer to all the questions that one may want to secure. If one (incorrectly) interprets the "circle of the Earth (Isa. 40: 22 NASB) to mean that the Earth is like a round coin on it's side, one would argue that the Bible teaches that the world is flat. But if one (correctly) interprets this same "circle" to refer to a sphere (or ball), one would say that the Bible teaches that world is round. As time would eventually reveal, the second interpretation was/is correct.
Ignorance of Scripture, such as what it has to say about the Angelic Conflict, has resulted in many erroneous interpretations of Scripture concerning what it has to say about such things as the age of the planet and the age of the life form that we now refer to as Man. In time, the ever-changing, evolving, and self-correcting body of scientific knowledge will catch up to Scripture, providing that Scripture was/is being properly interpreted and applied in the first place.
As the old saying goes, if only I had known "that" then, I wouldn't have made the errors I made. When it comes to the study and application of the Word of God, the aforementioned "that" consists of all of the "secret things - Deut. 29: 29 NASB" that God has chosen to conceal, or to later reveal to us in the course of time or eternity. These absence of facts does not mean that the existing facts are not true, but just that it takes an act of faith to accept.
Although there are some "secret things (Deut. 29: 29 NASB)" that God withholds from us in order to require/generate faith (Heb. 11: 6), the Bible, as we know it today, does contains all the information that we need (not want) to know. All that we can know about God is available to us, but many times will not be found unless we seek God (or His answers) with all our heart and strength (Jer. 29: 13). One of the reasons that we do not so seek God or the things of God is that we fear what those answers might be, and do not want to face the challenges that learning the truth can bring to us!
"You will seek Me and find Me (or My answers) when you search for Me with all your heart (Jer. 29: 13 NASB)."
Passive curiosity falls short of this type of seeking with all one's heart.
For may of us, this type of seeking will not be our chosen course of action until we have tried virtually every other opportunity available to us (See the Old Testament Book of Ecclesiastes). Sometimes, such exploration will be at the cost of our own hurt, and the hurt that our negative decisions cause other people around us. Solomon was one of the wisest kings in Israeli history, as far as leading God's people, but had to learn by experience the vanity (meaninglessness) of finding satisfaction in any area of "success," if God (or the things of God) is not in the picture.
Concerning the things that we are NOT to know, at least not this side of Heaven, we have to trust God. Trusting God when we can see our way clear and are in agreement with what God has to say is no great accomplishment. But choosing to place our trust in Him when all that we know, have experienced, or can conclude, suggest the opposite, it IS a a big deal and greatly honors and glorifies God.
Did you ever notice how most every thing that Man discovers or engineers, that initially seems to offer reat potential for improving the human environment, relatively quickly becomes the means for his own mass injury and destruction?
By denying, redefining, selectively quoting, and misapplying Scripture, one can make the Word of God a-p-p-e-a-r to say just about anything that a clever communicator wants it to appear to say. With the same tactics, one can “justify” any activity that one desires to embrace and/or "get out of " doing what they would otherwise feel compelled to do.
The devil is a master of such deception, and has a track record of doing so, dating as far back as the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3), and as relatively recent as when he tempted the humanity of the Lord Jesus Christ in the wilderness (Matthew 4/Luke 4). Those of us who have developed our spiritual discernment can see how such ongoing attempts of demonic deception is taking its place and its toll in the lives ourselves and others around us. To be deceived is normal, but to do nothing about it when the truth is learned, is foolish.
One of the best examples of insanity that I ever heard is when we keep on doing the same old things, the same old ways, but expect a different outcome. Rather we want to acknowledge it or not, we are changing every day, either moving closer to or further way from the things of God. Accordingly, the bottom line is rather or not the changes we make are for the better or the worse.
When an archer releases an arrow, it is his intention for the arrow to strike a bulls-eye on the intended target. Rather or not this will be the end result, however, is dependent on his ability to have considered and addressed all of the contributing factors that goes into making a perfect shot.
It is only when ALL of the relevant passages of Scripture addressing any given issue are taken into consideration that an appropriate doctrine and/or plan of action can be formulated. Picking out the verses of Scripture that support our position, while disregarding the ones that would cause us to think twice, is a recipe for disaster. Once something is repeated often enough and for long enough, it becomes accepted as the way things should be, regardless if it is actually correct or not.
Going beyond what can actually be substantiated in Scripture is another recipe for disaster. We do so when we fill in gaps created by the Deut. 29: 29 secret things of God with the ever-changing body of knowledge we call scientific "facts" and/or human viewpoint. In doing so, we open the door opens to many false teachings, conclusions, and eventual embarrassment (Proverbs 30: 6) when proven wrong.
“Do not add to His words Or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar (Proverbs 30: 6 NASB).”
God has made available, through the Scripture that does exist, all that we need to hear, in order for us to make informed decisions, and to make us morally accountable for the decisions we make.
As noted in our introductory paragraph, on the surface there can be what appears to be contradictions between the guidance or prohibitions one verse or passage offers, and the guidance or instructions found in other verse/passages. The devil will use this scenario to confuse the weak believer. A weak believer is one that is either ignorant of what the Bible has to say concerning any given spiritual issues, or lacks the willingness and/or desire to apply the accurate doctrine that he/she does have.
"Religious" (as opposed to spiritual) people and organizations have a notorious track record of being the most violent and forceful of groups, even though they are completely wrong. Matthew 7: 13 NASB teach that when it comes to spiritual issues, the many (majority) is usually wrong! One therefore, must be careful when he/she goes along with the "religious" opinions of the majority (Luke 8: 18 NASB).
"So take care how you listen; for whoever has (accurate doctrine), to him more shall be given (as Scripture confirms Scripture); and whoever does not have (accurate doctrine), even what he t-h-i-n-k-s he has shall be taken away from him (Luke 8: 18 NASB)."
There are three steps that can resolve what can appears to be "contradictions" found in the Word of God.
Step one is to consider the historical setting in which any given passage of Scripture was written. All Scripture was written and compiled for our edification, but not all Scripture was written or compiled for our application, here in the Church Age. Being able to discern the difference between what was a part of the Old Testament dispensation, what is a part of the Church Age dispensation in which we are presently living, and what is intended for future dispensations (periods of human history to come ) is what keeps the Church that God designed on the course that God desires. We do not, for instance, make animal sacrifices on the altars of our Temples, even though such things had been a central part of the worship that took place in former times. Making what had been a part of Old Testament activity a part of Church Age worship has resulted in many false practices being brought into the worship services of the Church Age.
Step Two calls for comparing all related Scripture when formulating doctrine and a course of action. As noted earlier, focusing on the verses that seem to support our position while disregarding others is a recipe for disaster. One can not bring to mind or make such comparisons if we have not made such passages a part of our personal/individual soul structures.
Step Three calls for interpreting and applying Scripture in light of the originally inspired (Hebrew/Greek/Aramaic) languages of the original transcripts (scrolls) that became what we now refer to as "The Bible."
Those who consider ANY Bible that has been translated into ENGLISH or LATIN as "the" inspired"words of God need to do a little research, and consider that not ONE "English" or "Latin" word ever came from the mouth of God the Father, God the Son, or God the Holy Spirit! Bibles that have been translated into ANY other language (e.g. Latin/English) are at best, only translations of the words that God inspired. Some translators have done a better job than others. Some have gone through many revisions, attempting to provide a more accurate Bible.
The study and teaching of the Word of God, using these three steps, is the primary function of a pastor-teacher, but any advancing disciple worth his/her salt will always refer to Scripture before accepting or rejecting any teaching that comes from ANY given pulpit. If the teachings of the Apostle Paul were subjected to such scrutiny (Acts 17: 11), would not we be wise to do the same concerning our own source of edification? Furthermore, when the (Acts 17: 11) took place, the New Testament portion of the Bible was still a work in progress, whereas we now have access to the completed Canon of Scripture to be used to screen the teachings with which we are presented.
Religious clergy are trained and ordained to promote the religion that the religious authority that trained and ordained them promotes. It won't be too far along the road of Biblical discipleship before one begins to note the difference between Biblical Christianity and Christian Religion.
When I heard, on two different occasions, the man standing behind the pulpit advising the congregation present not to read their Bibles if that was causing confusion or concern, I knew that I was not where God wanted me to be. In my heart of hearts, I had known all along that I had made a wrong choice to be there, but when I heard this, I knew that it was time for me to leave. I had been born again and saved long before I ever went there, so my salvation was never in jeopardy. Never-the-less, and I made compromises for reasons that, at the time, seemed reasonable in the interest of familial harmony. As long as my children were eventually presented with the Gospel Message, I was satisfied with that, even if I was to be the one who did so.
As for the rest of it, so I thought, it wasn't all that all that important.
Obviously, I had never heard or wasn't listening when Luke 14: 26 was being read or taught, nor was I paying much attention concerning what the Bible has to say about the spiritual function of Christian husband and father. The standards by which human viewpoint would evaluate how "good" a husband and/or father is, and the standards by which God makes the same evaluation are quite different. By human standards, a husband/father who is an atheist, a non-Christian, or a back-sliding believer can provide materialism, secular education, a clean and relatively safe home, and raise "successful" children. But the hauntingly spiritual question still remains, "For what does it profit a man (woman/child) to gain (or be given) the whole world, and forfeit his soul (Mark 8 36 NASB italics mine)."
As the old saying goes, authority can be delegated, but not the responsibility. The Bible clearly places the responsibility for the spiritual environment in the home is on the shoulders of the husband/father.
Role reversal is just one of the strategies that devil has used to destroy and to re-define the family structure that God ordained. The negative choices we make and the examples we set not only impacts ourselves, but those around us. The devil is well aware of the odds of success when attempting to take back surrendered territory (areas of control) in a marriage or familial environment.
Christian husbands and fathers are not responsible for any insubordination on the part of rebellious wives or children, but they are responsible for the spiritual environment of the home and the examples they set. As the old saying goes, you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. The question that a godly husband and father must ask and answer is rather or not he led the horse to the water. Before one can lead his family to the water, he must first locate and drink it himself.
When confessed (1John 1: 9), God will always forgive our sins of negligence, but people are not always so quick to forgive. We may not always be the one to undo the damage that our negative choices have caused. When Paul was converted, he was not received with open arms. His pre-salvation life of persecution was not forgotten. In time, Paul became accepted by the Church at large, but there will always be those who are slow to forgive and who will NEVER forget, nor will they let you forget.
Preaching to and teaching spiritual truths to family members is an uphill battle, as Scripture itself concedes that, "...a prophet (spokesman for God) is not without honor, except in his hometown and in his own household (Matt. 13: 57 NASB)." Part of the reason for this, is that it is among the people who know us the best, is the knowledge of all that we have done in our former days of spiritually weakness.
When there is too much negative history in view, one has to let go and ask God to use other people and other events to address the spiritual issues that family members need to acknowledge and address. Don't be surprised if God's answer to this prayer request is for all Hell to break out in the lives of the one(s) prayed for, if this is what it will take to turn them around. You may not be welcomed or otherwise able go where they are, but God is already there ahead of you. He can make something beautiful out of any mess we have caused.
Like all other born again believers, my salvation was never in jeopardy, but if I wanted to identify and to execute the The Post Salvation Spiritual Life that God had in mind, changes were in order. For an advancing disciple, what the Bible has to say IS the bottom line when resolving all spiritual issues.
ALL born again believers are forever saved and Heaven bound, no matter where they were when the Gospel Message was presented to them. One can be just as saved as a result of being presented with the Gospel Message ar Joe"s Bar as he/she can be while seated in Saint Joe's Church.
Gathering together with or in a local assembly has got nothing to do with retaining salvation, but which local assembly a born again believer chooses to gather together with or in has much to do with developing the type of post (after) salvation spiritual life that glorifies God.
ALL born again believers are Christians, but not all born again believers become or remain in life of discipleship. Matt. 7: 13, 14 teach that only a minority of each generation will find the tread the straight and narrow way. The majority will not. Likewise, I believe the same minority principle applies to post salvation discipleship, as only a minority of those who are saved seem to find and/or remain on the straight and narrow road of discipleship.
Q. If all born gain believers are Christians and Heaven-bound (which the are), what difference does it make IF, WHEN, or WHERE, one "goes to Church"?
A. Church Age believers do not "go to Church," but are the Church that are commanded (Heb. 10: 25) to gather together to participate in such things as the type of worship that God desires (John 4: 24) to receive. The difference between local assemblies, is what takes place when those gathered together are present. The bottom line for evaluating any local assembly or ministry is to what extent are souls are being saved, and to what extent those who are born again believers are being made disciples. This was the Great Commission (Matt. 28: 19, 20) given to the Church that God designed. In truth, if all the products and practices of Man made religion were to be removed from the majority of the local assemblies of our day and age, what would remain would be leave them barely recognizable to many who "worship" there on a regular basis,
As an Apostle, Paul was both an evangelist (one who proclaims the Gospel Message to unbelievers), and a pastor-teacher (one who teaches Bible Doctrine) to those who were born gain. Largely due to his infamous past before he was saved, and the resistance he received from outside and inside of the "Christian Community" at large, he was often received under a cloud of suspicion by secular, political, economical, and religious elements among the people to whom he reached out .
"Now these (believers) were more noble that those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things (being presented to them by Paul) were so (Acts 17: 11 NASB italics mine)."
Church Age believers are commanded (1Pet. 3: 18) to grow in the knowledge of the Lord. Like the ancient Bereans of Acts. 17: 11, one would be wise to make sure he/she gets it right by confirming Scripture with Scripture.
Once received an understood, one is accountable for one's chosen response to the Gospel Message and the Bible Doctrine that he/she has received.
"...From everyone who has been given much (Scripture), much will be required...(Luke 12: 48 NASB italics mine)."
Ignorance of Scripture is what opens the door to all the false alternatives that Man has engineered in the name of religion, with the full endorsement of the devil.
Being a "technical student" and applier of the Word of God is what being a "m-e-t-h-e-t-e-s" is all about. M-a-t-h-e-t-e-s is the Greek Word of the original transcripts that became what we now know as the New Testament. A m-a-t-h-e-t-e-s is a technical student in a teacher-pupil environment. The Greek word m-a-t-h-e-t-e-s t has been translated disciple in the English Bibles.
Some passages were intended to be in force throughout all of the dispensations (periods of time) of the human history. Others were intended to be in force during specific dispensations and NOT in others (Matt. 5: 17, 18). "
"Do not think that I came to abolish the (Old Testament) Law or (what the Old Testament) Prophets (had to say); I (the Lord Jesus Christ speaking) did NOT come to abolish (The Law), but to fulfill (the Old Testament Law). For truly I say to you, until Heaven and Earth (Rev. 22) pass away (the completion of human history and the human environment, as we know it today), not the small letter or stroke (detail) shall pass from the Law (Old Testament) Law until all is accomplished (Matt. 5: 17, 18 NASB italics mine)."
Along the way, after each part of the Law has been fulfilled, they are no longer in force in the ongoing and unfolding plan of God. They have already served and fulfilled their divine purpose. Trying to re-do or to continue to do through "religious" practice, ritual, or ceremony, only what God could have done (and did do), is an insult to the One who already accomplished it, and has declared it "finished - John 19: 30 NASB)."
Disregarding any of the commandments that are still in force for the duration of the Church Age has serious consequences (Matt. 19a NASB) for born again believers, but there is much honor to be received by those who obey and teach others to do the same (Matt. 5: 19b)."
"Whoever then annuls (invalidates/dismisses) one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others (by word or example) to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven...(Matt. 5: 19a NASB)."
"... but whoever keeps and teaches them (by word or example),he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5: 19b NASB)."
Like a runner in a torch-relay race, one cannot pass along to others something that he/she has not already grasped for him/herself first. There are some major differences between what the Word of God has to say and what religions, including some " Christian" religions say about the means of obtaining and retaining of eternal life, and what the post salvation spiritual life of becoming a m-a-t-h-e-t-e-s is all about.
One would be wise to learn of the differences and make the necessary adjustments, as where (Heaven/Hell) and how (with/without reward/privileges) one will experience for all of eternity hangs in the balance.
* * *
Much of what is perceived as being contradictions is the result of some of the less than accurate translations that appear in the Bibles that have been written in the ambiguous English language. The same word can have different meanings that the English language fails to make clear, but were made clear in the (Hebrew/Aramaic/Greek) languages that God originally inspired.
The classic example of this scenario is found in Exodus 20: 13. In the KJV translation, it reads, “Thou shall not kill.”
Yet, in Eccl. 3:3, the same Bible tells us that there are times to kill.
There are passages in the Old Testament when God commanded His people to engage and to entertain such things as military warfare and capital punishment that resulted in the killing of human beings, by human beings.
Can God remain true to His own nature by ordering someone to be done if that something results in something that God Himself has labeled sin? The answer to this is a rhetorical question is "No." The issue here is that God did NOT command His people not to kill, but He did commanded His people not to murder. In the NASB Bible, Exodus 20:13 is more accurately translated, "Thou shall not murder."
There are passages in the Old Testament that speak of justifiable homicide when such things as issues of self-defense are in view. There are Old Testament verses that speak of no criminal liability for accidental deaths.
We can cite passages in the Old Testament that called for the imposing of capital punishment for certain violations of The Law, providing there were at least two eye witnesses to the actual event. New Testament that calls for servants of the secular government to carry out capital punishment for those convicted of violating secular laws of man (Romans 13).
Sin is sin, no matter who commits it. The argument that only God can take life (kill) is contrary to both New and Old Testament Scripture. What God can not do, and what Man can NOT do, is to commit murder.
Q. What can Man do that God can not do?
A. God, in HIs deity, can NOT sin. Since God can not sin, there are hundreds of things that Man can do that God can not!
Another classical example takes place due the ambiguity of the English language when the English word “love” is used.
In the original Greek language, Scripture makes a clear distinction when, for example, it is speaking of the a-g-a-p-e love of God, and when is speaking of the various and multiple forms of love that can be experienced and exhibited by Man.
We are not for example, commanded to “love” our enemies (Matt. 5: 44) with the same type of love that we are commanded to have for God (Matt. 22: 37), for our spouse (Eph. 5: 25), family/children (Luke 14: 26), or fellow believers (John 13: 35). Many believers are put on false guilt trips when they cannot feel or express personal love for some people or things, when in truth, it is a very different type of love that such verses require.
God loves all souls, but hates all sin. One can have unconditional (godly) love for a person while hating the sin with which they are involved.
There are many more examples where weak translations into the English language have taken place. The point is that in many such scenarios, it is not the Bible that contradicts itself, but the way in which it has been translated and/or applied that is in error. In short, it is on the human side of the equation that the error has taken place.
In closing, the principle that Scripture confirms Scripture IS valid, but it is dependent on the accurate interpretation and application of the Scripture that is in view. As long as there is a "contradiction," there is an adjustment to be made. When the Bible is then being correctly translated, interpreted, compared, and applied, Scripture will confirm Scripture.
However, when what appears to be contradiction come into view, the principle of Scripture confirming Scripture becomes more difficult to perceive. It is how to resolve when these "contradictions" that is the focus of this presentation.
Without the enabling (John 15: 5) power that a Spirit-filled soul receives from God, coupled with the spiritual discernment that the advancing disciple develops, the soul is under the influence of the fallen nature. While under this influence, Man will often perceive Scripture as being contradictory rather than a source of clear guidance or instruction.
Granted, such passages as Ecclesiastes 3 reveals that there are times when God would have us take one course of action, and there are other times when God would have us to just the opposite. While not being a contradiction, this scenario does bring out the need for the advancing disciple to be able to discern which of two "opposing" courses of action that one needs to embrace at any given time.
As examples, there is, “A time to KILL and a time to HEAL (Eccl. 3: 3 NASB).” There is, “A time to search and a time to give up what is lost (Eccl. 3: 6 NASB).” There is, “A time to tear apart and a time to sew together;." There is, "A time to be silent and a time to speak (Eccl. 3: 7 NASB).” There is, “A time to love and a time to hate;." There is, "A time for war and a time for peace (Eccls. 3: 8 NASB).”
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training righteousness…(2Tim. 3: 16 NASB italics mine)," but this is providing that Scripture is being properly interpreted and applied.
There are what would later be called scientific facts to be found in the Bible (e.g. the word is round - Isa. 40: 22), but the Bible was never intended to be used like a dictionary, an encyclopedia, or a scientific reference manual where one can quickly locate and secure a complete answer to all the questions that one may want to secure. If one (incorrectly) interprets the "circle of the Earth (Isa. 40: 22 NASB) to mean that the Earth is like a round coin on it's side, one would argue that the Bible teaches that the world is flat. But if one (correctly) interprets this same "circle" to refer to a sphere (or ball), one would say that the Bible teaches that world is round. As time would eventually reveal, the second interpretation was/is correct.
Ignorance of Scripture, such as what it has to say about the Angelic Conflict, has resulted in many erroneous interpretations of Scripture concerning what it has to say about such things as the age of the planet and the age of the life form that we now refer to as Man. In time, the ever-changing, evolving, and self-correcting body of scientific knowledge will catch up to Scripture, providing that Scripture was/is being properly interpreted and applied in the first place.
As the old saying goes, if only I had known "that" then, I wouldn't have made the errors I made. When it comes to the study and application of the Word of God, the aforementioned "that" consists of all of the "secret things - Deut. 29: 29 NASB" that God has chosen to conceal, or to later reveal to us in the course of time or eternity. These absence of facts does not mean that the existing facts are not true, but just that it takes an act of faith to accept.
Although there are some "secret things (Deut. 29: 29 NASB)" that God withholds from us in order to require/generate faith (Heb. 11: 6), the Bible, as we know it today, does contains all the information that we need (not want) to know. All that we can know about God is available to us, but many times will not be found unless we seek God (or His answers) with all our heart and strength (Jer. 29: 13). One of the reasons that we do not so seek God or the things of God is that we fear what those answers might be, and do not want to face the challenges that learning the truth can bring to us!
"You will seek Me and find Me (or My answers) when you search for Me with all your heart (Jer. 29: 13 NASB)."
Passive curiosity falls short of this type of seeking with all one's heart.
For may of us, this type of seeking will not be our chosen course of action until we have tried virtually every other opportunity available to us (See the Old Testament Book of Ecclesiastes). Sometimes, such exploration will be at the cost of our own hurt, and the hurt that our negative decisions cause other people around us. Solomon was one of the wisest kings in Israeli history, as far as leading God's people, but had to learn by experience the vanity (meaninglessness) of finding satisfaction in any area of "success," if God (or the things of God) is not in the picture.
Concerning the things that we are NOT to know, at least not this side of Heaven, we have to trust God. Trusting God when we can see our way clear and are in agreement with what God has to say is no great accomplishment. But choosing to place our trust in Him when all that we know, have experienced, or can conclude, suggest the opposite, it IS a a big deal and greatly honors and glorifies God.
Did you ever notice how most every thing that Man discovers or engineers, that initially seems to offer reat potential for improving the human environment, relatively quickly becomes the means for his own mass injury and destruction?
By denying, redefining, selectively quoting, and misapplying Scripture, one can make the Word of God a-p-p-e-a-r to say just about anything that a clever communicator wants it to appear to say. With the same tactics, one can “justify” any activity that one desires to embrace and/or "get out of " doing what they would otherwise feel compelled to do.
The devil is a master of such deception, and has a track record of doing so, dating as far back as the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3), and as relatively recent as when he tempted the humanity of the Lord Jesus Christ in the wilderness (Matthew 4/Luke 4). Those of us who have developed our spiritual discernment can see how such ongoing attempts of demonic deception is taking its place and its toll in the lives ourselves and others around us. To be deceived is normal, but to do nothing about it when the truth is learned, is foolish.
One of the best examples of insanity that I ever heard is when we keep on doing the same old things, the same old ways, but expect a different outcome. Rather we want to acknowledge it or not, we are changing every day, either moving closer to or further way from the things of God. Accordingly, the bottom line is rather or not the changes we make are for the better or the worse.
When an archer releases an arrow, it is his intention for the arrow to strike a bulls-eye on the intended target. Rather or not this will be the end result, however, is dependent on his ability to have considered and addressed all of the contributing factors that goes into making a perfect shot.
It is only when ALL of the relevant passages of Scripture addressing any given issue are taken into consideration that an appropriate doctrine and/or plan of action can be formulated. Picking out the verses of Scripture that support our position, while disregarding the ones that would cause us to think twice, is a recipe for disaster. Once something is repeated often enough and for long enough, it becomes accepted as the way things should be, regardless if it is actually correct or not.
Going beyond what can actually be substantiated in Scripture is another recipe for disaster. We do so when we fill in gaps created by the Deut. 29: 29 secret things of God with the ever-changing body of knowledge we call scientific "facts" and/or human viewpoint. In doing so, we open the door opens to many false teachings, conclusions, and eventual embarrassment (Proverbs 30: 6) when proven wrong.
“Do not add to His words Or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar (Proverbs 30: 6 NASB).”
God has made available, through the Scripture that does exist, all that we need to hear, in order for us to make informed decisions, and to make us morally accountable for the decisions we make.
As noted in our introductory paragraph, on the surface there can be what appears to be contradictions between the guidance or prohibitions one verse or passage offers, and the guidance or instructions found in other verse/passages. The devil will use this scenario to confuse the weak believer. A weak believer is one that is either ignorant of what the Bible has to say concerning any given spiritual issues, or lacks the willingness and/or desire to apply the accurate doctrine that he/she does have.
"Religious" (as opposed to spiritual) people and organizations have a notorious track record of being the most violent and forceful of groups, even though they are completely wrong. Matthew 7: 13 NASB teach that when it comes to spiritual issues, the many (majority) is usually wrong! One therefore, must be careful when he/she goes along with the "religious" opinions of the majority (Luke 8: 18 NASB).
"So take care how you listen; for whoever has (accurate doctrine), to him more shall be given (as Scripture confirms Scripture); and whoever does not have (accurate doctrine), even what he t-h-i-n-k-s he has shall be taken away from him (Luke 8: 18 NASB)."
There are three steps that can resolve what can appears to be "contradictions" found in the Word of God.
Step one is to consider the historical setting in which any given passage of Scripture was written. All Scripture was written and compiled for our edification, but not all Scripture was written or compiled for our application, here in the Church Age. Being able to discern the difference between what was a part of the Old Testament dispensation, what is a part of the Church Age dispensation in which we are presently living, and what is intended for future dispensations (periods of human history to come ) is what keeps the Church that God designed on the course that God desires. We do not, for instance, make animal sacrifices on the altars of our Temples, even though such things had been a central part of the worship that took place in former times. Making what had been a part of Old Testament activity a part of Church Age worship has resulted in many false practices being brought into the worship services of the Church Age.
Step Two calls for comparing all related Scripture when formulating doctrine and a course of action. As noted earlier, focusing on the verses that seem to support our position while disregarding others is a recipe for disaster. One can not bring to mind or make such comparisons if we have not made such passages a part of our personal/individual soul structures.
Step Three calls for interpreting and applying Scripture in light of the originally inspired (Hebrew/Greek/Aramaic) languages of the original transcripts (scrolls) that became what we now refer to as "The Bible."
Those who consider ANY Bible that has been translated into ENGLISH or LATIN as "the" inspired"words of God need to do a little research, and consider that not ONE "English" or "Latin" word ever came from the mouth of God the Father, God the Son, or God the Holy Spirit! Bibles that have been translated into ANY other language (e.g. Latin/English) are at best, only translations of the words that God inspired. Some translators have done a better job than others. Some have gone through many revisions, attempting to provide a more accurate Bible.
The study and teaching of the Word of God, using these three steps, is the primary function of a pastor-teacher, but any advancing disciple worth his/her salt will always refer to Scripture before accepting or rejecting any teaching that comes from ANY given pulpit. If the teachings of the Apostle Paul were subjected to such scrutiny (Acts 17: 11), would not we be wise to do the same concerning our own source of edification? Furthermore, when the (Acts 17: 11) took place, the New Testament portion of the Bible was still a work in progress, whereas we now have access to the completed Canon of Scripture to be used to screen the teachings with which we are presented.
Religious clergy are trained and ordained to promote the religion that the religious authority that trained and ordained them promotes. It won't be too far along the road of Biblical discipleship before one begins to note the difference between Biblical Christianity and Christian Religion.
When I heard, on two different occasions, the man standing behind the pulpit advising the congregation present not to read their Bibles if that was causing confusion or concern, I knew that I was not where God wanted me to be. In my heart of hearts, I had known all along that I had made a wrong choice to be there, but when I heard this, I knew that it was time for me to leave. I had been born again and saved long before I ever went there, so my salvation was never in jeopardy. Never-the-less, and I made compromises for reasons that, at the time, seemed reasonable in the interest of familial harmony. As long as my children were eventually presented with the Gospel Message, I was satisfied with that, even if I was to be the one who did so.
As for the rest of it, so I thought, it wasn't all that all that important.
Obviously, I had never heard or wasn't listening when Luke 14: 26 was being read or taught, nor was I paying much attention concerning what the Bible has to say about the spiritual function of Christian husband and father. The standards by which human viewpoint would evaluate how "good" a husband and/or father is, and the standards by which God makes the same evaluation are quite different. By human standards, a husband/father who is an atheist, a non-Christian, or a back-sliding believer can provide materialism, secular education, a clean and relatively safe home, and raise "successful" children. But the hauntingly spiritual question still remains, "For what does it profit a man (woman/child) to gain (or be given) the whole world, and forfeit his soul (Mark 8 36 NASB italics mine)."
As the old saying goes, authority can be delegated, but not the responsibility. The Bible clearly places the responsibility for the spiritual environment in the home is on the shoulders of the husband/father.
Role reversal is just one of the strategies that devil has used to destroy and to re-define the family structure that God ordained. The negative choices we make and the examples we set not only impacts ourselves, but those around us. The devil is well aware of the odds of success when attempting to take back surrendered territory (areas of control) in a marriage or familial environment.
Christian husbands and fathers are not responsible for any insubordination on the part of rebellious wives or children, but they are responsible for the spiritual environment of the home and the examples they set. As the old saying goes, you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. The question that a godly husband and father must ask and answer is rather or not he led the horse to the water. Before one can lead his family to the water, he must first locate and drink it himself.
When confessed (1John 1: 9), God will always forgive our sins of negligence, but people are not always so quick to forgive. We may not always be the one to undo the damage that our negative choices have caused. When Paul was converted, he was not received with open arms. His pre-salvation life of persecution was not forgotten. In time, Paul became accepted by the Church at large, but there will always be those who are slow to forgive and who will NEVER forget, nor will they let you forget.
Preaching to and teaching spiritual truths to family members is an uphill battle, as Scripture itself concedes that, "...a prophet (spokesman for God) is not without honor, except in his hometown and in his own household (Matt. 13: 57 NASB)." Part of the reason for this, is that it is among the people who know us the best, is the knowledge of all that we have done in our former days of spiritually weakness.
When there is too much negative history in view, one has to let go and ask God to use other people and other events to address the spiritual issues that family members need to acknowledge and address. Don't be surprised if God's answer to this prayer request is for all Hell to break out in the lives of the one(s) prayed for, if this is what it will take to turn them around. You may not be welcomed or otherwise able go where they are, but God is already there ahead of you. He can make something beautiful out of any mess we have caused.
Like all other born again believers, my salvation was never in jeopardy, but if I wanted to identify and to execute the The Post Salvation Spiritual Life that God had in mind, changes were in order. For an advancing disciple, what the Bible has to say IS the bottom line when resolving all spiritual issues.
ALL born again believers are forever saved and Heaven bound, no matter where they were when the Gospel Message was presented to them. One can be just as saved as a result of being presented with the Gospel Message ar Joe"s Bar as he/she can be while seated in Saint Joe's Church.
Gathering together with or in a local assembly has got nothing to do with retaining salvation, but which local assembly a born again believer chooses to gather together with or in has much to do with developing the type of post (after) salvation spiritual life that glorifies God.
ALL born again believers are Christians, but not all born again believers become or remain in life of discipleship. Matt. 7: 13, 14 teach that only a minority of each generation will find the tread the straight and narrow way. The majority will not. Likewise, I believe the same minority principle applies to post salvation discipleship, as only a minority of those who are saved seem to find and/or remain on the straight and narrow road of discipleship.
Q. If all born gain believers are Christians and Heaven-bound (which the are), what difference does it make IF, WHEN, or WHERE, one "goes to Church"?
A. Church Age believers do not "go to Church," but are the Church that are commanded (Heb. 10: 25) to gather together to participate in such things as the type of worship that God desires (John 4: 24) to receive. The difference between local assemblies, is what takes place when those gathered together are present. The bottom line for evaluating any local assembly or ministry is to what extent are souls are being saved, and to what extent those who are born again believers are being made disciples. This was the Great Commission (Matt. 28: 19, 20) given to the Church that God designed. In truth, if all the products and practices of Man made religion were to be removed from the majority of the local assemblies of our day and age, what would remain would be leave them barely recognizable to many who "worship" there on a regular basis,
As an Apostle, Paul was both an evangelist (one who proclaims the Gospel Message to unbelievers), and a pastor-teacher (one who teaches Bible Doctrine) to those who were born gain. Largely due to his infamous past before he was saved, and the resistance he received from outside and inside of the "Christian Community" at large, he was often received under a cloud of suspicion by secular, political, economical, and religious elements among the people to whom he reached out .
"Now these (believers) were more noble that those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things (being presented to them by Paul) were so (Acts 17: 11 NASB italics mine)."
Church Age believers are commanded (1Pet. 3: 18) to grow in the knowledge of the Lord. Like the ancient Bereans of Acts. 17: 11, one would be wise to make sure he/she gets it right by confirming Scripture with Scripture.
Once received an understood, one is accountable for one's chosen response to the Gospel Message and the Bible Doctrine that he/she has received.
"...From everyone who has been given much (Scripture), much will be required...(Luke 12: 48 NASB italics mine)."
Ignorance of Scripture is what opens the door to all the false alternatives that Man has engineered in the name of religion, with the full endorsement of the devil.
Being a "technical student" and applier of the Word of God is what being a "m-e-t-h-e-t-e-s" is all about. M-a-t-h-e-t-e-s is the Greek Word of the original transcripts that became what we now know as the New Testament. A m-a-t-h-e-t-e-s is a technical student in a teacher-pupil environment. The Greek word m-a-t-h-e-t-e-s t has been translated disciple in the English Bibles.
Some passages were intended to be in force throughout all of the dispensations (periods of time) of the human history. Others were intended to be in force during specific dispensations and NOT in others (Matt. 5: 17, 18). "
"Do not think that I came to abolish the (Old Testament) Law or (what the Old Testament) Prophets (had to say); I (the Lord Jesus Christ speaking) did NOT come to abolish (The Law), but to fulfill (the Old Testament Law). For truly I say to you, until Heaven and Earth (Rev. 22) pass away (the completion of human history and the human environment, as we know it today), not the small letter or stroke (detail) shall pass from the Law (Old Testament) Law until all is accomplished (Matt. 5: 17, 18 NASB italics mine)."
Along the way, after each part of the Law has been fulfilled, they are no longer in force in the ongoing and unfolding plan of God. They have already served and fulfilled their divine purpose. Trying to re-do or to continue to do through "religious" practice, ritual, or ceremony, only what God could have done (and did do), is an insult to the One who already accomplished it, and has declared it "finished - John 19: 30 NASB)."
Disregarding any of the commandments that are still in force for the duration of the Church Age has serious consequences (Matt. 19a NASB) for born again believers, but there is much honor to be received by those who obey and teach others to do the same (Matt. 5: 19b)."
"Whoever then annuls (invalidates/dismisses) one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others (by word or example) to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven...(Matt. 5: 19a NASB)."
"... but whoever keeps and teaches them (by word or example),he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5: 19b NASB)."
Like a runner in a torch-relay race, one cannot pass along to others something that he/she has not already grasped for him/herself first. There are some major differences between what the Word of God has to say and what religions, including some " Christian" religions say about the means of obtaining and retaining of eternal life, and what the post salvation spiritual life of becoming a m-a-t-h-e-t-e-s is all about.
One would be wise to learn of the differences and make the necessary adjustments, as where (Heaven/Hell) and how (with/without reward/privileges) one will experience for all of eternity hangs in the balance.
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Much of what is perceived as being contradictions is the result of some of the less than accurate translations that appear in the Bibles that have been written in the ambiguous English language. The same word can have different meanings that the English language fails to make clear, but were made clear in the (Hebrew/Aramaic/Greek) languages that God originally inspired.
The classic example of this scenario is found in Exodus 20: 13. In the KJV translation, it reads, “Thou shall not kill.”
Yet, in Eccl. 3:3, the same Bible tells us that there are times to kill.
There are passages in the Old Testament when God commanded His people to engage and to entertain such things as military warfare and capital punishment that resulted in the killing of human beings, by human beings.
Can God remain true to His own nature by ordering someone to be done if that something results in something that God Himself has labeled sin? The answer to this is a rhetorical question is "No." The issue here is that God did NOT command His people not to kill, but He did commanded His people not to murder. In the NASB Bible, Exodus 20:13 is more accurately translated, "Thou shall not murder."
There are passages in the Old Testament that speak of justifiable homicide when such things as issues of self-defense are in view. There are Old Testament verses that speak of no criminal liability for accidental deaths.
We can cite passages in the Old Testament that called for the imposing of capital punishment for certain violations of The Law, providing there were at least two eye witnesses to the actual event. New Testament that calls for servants of the secular government to carry out capital punishment for those convicted of violating secular laws of man (Romans 13).
Sin is sin, no matter who commits it. The argument that only God can take life (kill) is contrary to both New and Old Testament Scripture. What God can not do, and what Man can NOT do, is to commit murder.
Q. What can Man do that God can not do?
A. God, in HIs deity, can NOT sin. Since God can not sin, there are hundreds of things that Man can do that God can not!
Another classical example takes place due the ambiguity of the English language when the English word “love” is used.
In the original Greek language, Scripture makes a clear distinction when, for example, it is speaking of the a-g-a-p-e love of God, and when is speaking of the various and multiple forms of love that can be experienced and exhibited by Man.
We are not for example, commanded to “love” our enemies (Matt. 5: 44) with the same type of love that we are commanded to have for God (Matt. 22: 37), for our spouse (Eph. 5: 25), family/children (Luke 14: 26), or fellow believers (John 13: 35). Many believers are put on false guilt trips when they cannot feel or express personal love for some people or things, when in truth, it is a very different type of love that such verses require.
God loves all souls, but hates all sin. One can have unconditional (godly) love for a person while hating the sin with which they are involved.
There are many more examples where weak translations into the English language have taken place. The point is that in many such scenarios, it is not the Bible that contradicts itself, but the way in which it has been translated and/or applied that is in error. In short, it is on the human side of the equation that the error has taken place.
In closing, the principle that Scripture confirms Scripture IS valid, but it is dependent on the accurate interpretation and application of the Scripture that is in view. As long as there is a "contradiction," there is an adjustment to be made. When the Bible is then being correctly translated, interpreted, compared, and applied, Scripture will confirm Scripture.