Results 1 - 2 of 2
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | I'm skeptical | Luke 14:26 | seeking4truth | 101574 | ||
Hi BradK, I do appreciate your concern and thanks for caring. But I am in a place right now where (I know this is going to sound sacriligeous) quoting key scriptures just doesn't help me very much. Why? Isn't it because I don't believe the scriptures? Well, yes and no. I believe the scriptures are from God and are therefore infallible. But I don't believe that we interpret them infallibly. I know that I don't. I've been wrong so many times (while claiming to know for absolute certainty) that I no longer trust myself. And everytime I would have sworn that it was the Holy Spirit revealing truth to me. For example, I could list about 8 verses that seem to say that a person can lose their salvation. I could list about 8 that seem to say that salvation is eternal. I could list about 6 that seem to say that salvation is a progressive process. And I could list about 6 that seem to say that it is an event. So it is difficult for me to know what truth is anymore. That is why I am seeking it and what others may say about it. The beauty of a forum like this is it encourages us to look at more than one passage of scripture and to consider more than one viewpoint. I have a philosophy (and I admit that this may be wrong) that truth cannot be known UNTIL all the passages of scripture concerning a certain topic have been considered and there is no contradiction between them. Unfortunately, I find that Christians can (and do) argue about almost every doctrine and each one has their "pet" verses they use to substantiate their view. If you will find my post about Jesus' criteria for being a believer, you will see what I mean. (Sorry I don't have the link) But Jesus listed criteria for believers in Mark 16 that I just don't meet. So by His own words, I am not a believer (at least, not in the sense that He requires). I tend to think that I believe in Jesus like I believe in Abraham Lincoln. He lived, He died, He ascended, He will return. But I do not speak in tongues, pick up serpents, drink poison, heal the sick, thread on scorpions nor can my faith move an anthill, let alone a mountain. So by Jesus' own estimation and definition, I am not a believer. And I don't know if I ever will have that kind of faith in Him to do those things. I know, that makes me not worthy of the kingdom. What can I do? I guess all I can do is to trust that He sees my heart and that somehow His grace will be sufficient for me when it is all said and done. Thanks again for caring, BradK. If I relied on ONLY John 17:3 and 1 John 5:11-13, I might have some hope. But I know way too many other passages that say that I must endure to the end to be saved, or that I must be baptized to be saved, or that even acknowledging that He is Lord AND doing some of the miracles that He listed as signs of true believers is not enough. He still says to depart from Him. All I can do is to be like Job and say that though He slay me, yet I'll have to trust that His judgement is right. seeking4truth |
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2 | I'm skeptical | Luke 14:26 | BradK | 101593 | ||
seeking4truth, I followed your answer and argument, for the most part:-) To preface my response to you, at some point you must believe by FAITH! You must accept what God has said through His Word- by faith. Jesus said said that He is the way, the TRUTH, and the life, and further that His Word is TRUTH ( John 14:6, 17:17). Christ inextricably links both Himself and His Word as being truth! Unfortunately, time doesn't allow me to provide a detailed response to all the questions you pose. I'll address two quick points: 1. Yes, I do also agree that OUR interpretation of scripture can at times be in error as we are fallen. However, the majority of scripture is easily understood by someone who approaches it in faith, humbly seeking truth (2 Tim. 2:15)It's meanings are not hidden to only those with special or complete knowledge, nor is God the author of confusion (1 Cor. 14:33). 2. A proper and systematic understanding of Biblical Interpretation can be very helpful( if not essential) to correct understanding of God's Word. Along with that comes the absolute NEED to properly consider CONTEXT! Most of the examples you gave me, can-in my estimation- be resolved by the context ( Mark 16, enduring to the end to be saved, etc.). If you would like some resources in this area, let me know. I would posit that all of us would be disqualified as a believer based upon Mark 16! Remember, my friend that Eph. 2:8-9 is the key to our salvation: "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;not as a result of works, so that no one may boast." Speaking the Truth in Love, BradK |
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