Question
Apparently many believe that they have correctly and rightly divided the
Word of God and found "the" truth as it was mean to be understood by
God, even if God said it was a mystery. There is nothing wrong with
discussing interpretations and working out what one believes "ought"
to be the correct interpretation even when so much is involved in determining
what "is" the truth. I am not so sure everything in the Bible is
as crystal clear as some would like to believe.
Answer
The things that we need to know for life and godliness are there. The
Bible must clearly define the gospel, and how to live the Christian life.
Question (continued)
Could God have left some things for us to decide on our own?
Answer (continued)
I don't think so, the Bible is all-sufficient and can answer every area of our
lives. Sometimes we like to think that God is silent in an area, because
we don't want any advice in that part of our life.
Question (continued)
Don't many people disagree on just about every passage in the Bible?
Answer (continued)
Not really true, most passages are pretty clear cut and can only be taken one
way. The disagreement comes on doctrine, because it effects behavior and
belief, and man wants it his way, and God's way is going to be somewhat
different. Most religions like to have a "works" gospel, giving
man some credit for salvation, so the majority of people in the world will
reject any passage that says by faith and faith alone.
Question (continued)
I am not saying we cannot know anything. But aren't some things
harder than others to understand?
Answer (continued)
That's very true and that some things (a few) may be open to interpretation.
Every verse and translation is an interpretation of the original Hebrew and
Greek (and Aramaic). But again, each verse has only one, and only one
correct interpretation, and God is not trying to hide His truth, but reveal it.
And, yes, there are some things that are beyond finding out, and they are
obvious to the Bible Scholar, but doctrines like election, and eternal security,
are clearly and abundantly taught in the Bible, so they are not one of the
mysteries.
Question (continued)
How can you be so sure that Election isn't one of them?
Answer (continued)
By the volume of verses that address it, also by the impact of the doctrine on a
Christian's life. By the importance the Apostles showed to the doctrine.
Peter and Paul were big into election, always talking about trying to reach
God's elect. God is trying to communicate His Word--not hide it. True
there are a few
things which He has only given us a glimpse or a hint, but these again are very
obvious, and we don't chase after them trying to dig deeper. Again, for every
doctrine and truth in the Bible there is only one correct interpretation, so for
example, when one Bible Scholar says God is absolutely sovereign in
Salvation, and another says, no, man has some part and can say no, then one of
the two Bible Scholars is wrong, and in effect lying, but maybe not
intentionally, but still speaking error, for whatever reason, often times
because he has not done enough study, or came with prejudices.
Question (continued)
Many Christians believe Satan works against them. Satan is more
concerned with a Christian who is actively saving souls, that is a problem for
him.
Answer (continued)
Satan has lots of help from the demons, and is working on all fronts. He
does work against soul-winners, but there is a lot more effectiveness in
destroying and distorting the truth that the "soul-winners" are
taught, that is, if you can weaken or negate their messages, then you really
don't have to follow each one around as they witness--just destroy their
message.
Added to Bible Bulletin Board's "Tony Capoccia's Questions and
Answers" by:
Tony Capoccia
Bible Bulletin Board
Box 314
Columbus, New Jersey, USA, 08022
Websites: www.biblebb.com and www.gospelgems.com
Email: tony@biblebb.com
Online since 1986