If God intended to communicate to us in a way we can understand, why do the saints have so much trouble interpreting the scriptures, to the bringing forth of division in the church, whereby there are made many denominations?
Is the Bible a confusing book?
Discussion in 'Baptist Theology & Bible Study' started by Guido, Jan 17, 2022.
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Nothing wrong with God’s Word, but the people trying to understand it is another story.
peace to you -
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SavedByGrace Well-Known Member
Today, denominations are very important, as we need to distinguish between us and others. Like, those who hold to the so-called "doctines of grace"; and others who see this as a smoke-screen, for man-made teachings. etc, etc -
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Jesus indicated that the Bible "experts" of His day held mistaken views as to the meaning of scripture. They had added to scripture using speculation. Speculation was and is the mother of false doctrine.
Mark 7:11-13 (NASB)
but you say, ‘If a person says to his father or his mother, whatever I have that would help you is Corban (that is, given to God),’ you no longer allow him to do anything for his father or his mother;thereby invalidating the word of God by your tradition which you have handed down; and you do many things such as that.” -
162 I rejoice at thy word, As one that findeth great spoil. Ps 119 -
Marooncat79 Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
Is God the author of confusion? -
Matthew 15:6
he is not to honor his father or mother.' And by this you have invalidated the word of God for the sake of your tradition.
When scripture is twisted to support man-made doctrine, such as to support slavery or anti-antisemitism, pride rather than humility is on display. -
2 Corinthians 4:2
but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in trickery nor distorting the word of God, but by the open proclamation of the truth commending ourselves to every person's conscience in the sight of God. -
The more we study, the more we learn. -
Scarlett O. ModeratorModerator
Here's a few reasons -
- The Bible was written long, long ago. Cultural and language patterns have changed drastically. We can't read about Lot willing to give his daughters to be raped and think that the thing to do then or now.
- And using Lot as an example, we can't believe that because someone did something in the Bible that God condoned it. A lot of people do that.
- Here's another - the genres of the Bible can be confusing it you don't understand them. Are you reading poetry, history, prophecy, or letters? That's important to know.
- Also, the Bible is not in chronological order. For those with weak comprehension skills, that can be a barrier to understanding.
- The Bible is a book made of 66 smaller books. It's very important to understand HOW those 66 books fit together - in other words - the flow of the WHOLE story is important to understand.
- The Bible is a spiritual book that must be discerned through our spirits via the HOLY Spirit. If we do not sit down WITH the Holy Spirit and ask him to guide us, our natural selves will not understand.
- Some people sit down to read the Bible with THEIR opinions and ideas and their minds already made up of who God is and how the Bible should read. That's a MAJOR no-no! We should come to the Bible ready to learn from the Holy Spirit, and with our own minds and hearts moldable and pliable.
We must STUDY the Bible. Study takes time, time, and time. -
[Proverbs 26:4-5 NKJV]
4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Lest you also be like him.… a little. Confused
5 Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes.
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Am I the only one not confused?
I admit that sometimes I don’t understand a passage, but never confused.
God said it, I believe it.
If my mind cannot grasp the mystery, then by experience of His faithfulness I will not be confused, but abide. -
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Scarlett O. ModeratorModerator
There is a time to walk away from an idiot because all that will happen is you will fall into a verbal brawl with them which is probably what they wanted in the first place. You will sink to their level - so, we are to walk away.
And sometimes, the idiot needs correcting and IMMEDIATE correcting. Do so, to keep his false views and foolish ways subdued and put into place. -
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Scarlett O. ModeratorModerator
He wrote in a LOT of couplets. A sentence composed of two opposite behaviors. Like this one: Proverbs 12:2 = "A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but a man of evil devices he condemns."
You find these all over Proverbs. This one in question is so long that it takes up two sentences and two verses. I don't see a deliberate confounding of truth.
It's just a very long couplet as opposed to usual one-verse ones.
That's only a problem when Hebrew is not our first language.
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