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NASB | Leviticus 16:34 "Now you shall have this as a permanent statute, to make atonement for the sons of Israel for all their sins once every year." And just as the LORD had commanded Moses, so he did. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Leviticus 16:34 "This shall be a permanent statute for you, so that atonement may be made for the children of Israel for all their sins once a year." So he did just as the LORD had commanded Moses. |
Bible Question:
Dear Joe, You write: 'Saying "all I need is me and my Bible" doesn't work, either, because most of what we hold regarding the Holy Scriptures was taught to us by others...' Are you saying that if a person knew how to read and all that he had was the Bible, that it would not be enough for him to arrive at a saving faith? If so, that is a pretty strong statement, even for you. Granted, most all of us sit under someone's teaching. But how do you know if it is valid teaching or not? The Bible. I do believe that all that is necessary in a humble soul, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit of God. In fact, I would recommend that any new Christian avoid sitting under anyone's teaching for at least a year so that only he and the Holy Spirit can spend time learning what God's Word says and means before having it filtered through someone else. I don't know about you, but I have no desire to chew someone else's food to get my nourishment. God promised me that he would lead me into all truth through His Word. Right or wrong, I trust Him to do so. Commentaries are exactly that - 'com'ments from 'men', nothing more, nothing less. I recently tried to discuss an issue with my pastor and all he wanted to do is read from his commentary. I said, "Pastor, why can't we just stick with God's Word and let the Holy Spirit and other scripture interpret this passage." "Oh, this commentary explains it very well," he replied. Made me what to puke. Commentaries have their place AFTER God's Word, not before it or alongside it. What do you think? Does one truly require more than the Bible and the Holy Spirit to know truth? In Christ, Bill Mc |
Bible Answer: Bill: You wrote: "Are you saying that if a person knew how to read and all that he had was the Bible, that it would not be enough for him to arrive at a saving faith?" I am not saying that at all (factoring in the "minor" detail of the Holy Spirit's involvement, of course). You wrote: "In fact, I would recommend that any new Christian avoid sitting under anyone's teaching for at least a year so that only he and the Holy Spirit can spend time learning what God's Word says and means before having it filtered through someone else." I think that is the most horrible idea that has come from your keyboard yet. Kalos already quoted Ephesians 4:11 for you, and it is very clear from Scripture that God has established his church for a reason. To suggest that a new believer avoid the sound instruction and edification and correction that comes from the church is so completely contrary to Scripture that it doesn't require any exposition. Why does Paul instruct Timothy and Titus in being TEACHERS of sound doctrine (that's three epistles, mind you) if teachers are so unnecessary? Sheer nonsense. Yes, we are to test the spirits (1 John 4:1; Acts 16:11). However, "testing the spirits" assumes that we are actually listening to someone besides ourselves. God gave teachers to the church. Not all who claim to be teachers of truth are indeed teachers of truth, but to reject God's true gift of good Bible expositors is to dishonor Him to a great degree and build oneself up in pride. And what about verse like these? "The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." --2 Timothy 2:2 "But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine." --Titus 2:1 Need I cite the passages which rebuke individuals for being UNTEACHABLE? If, as you say, new believers don't need teachers, why would the more mature ones? Why listen to anyone's teaching at all, ever?!? I hold to my original, biblical contention that where possible, sanctification and growth in the knowledge of the truth does not come about in solitude, but in the context of the community of believers. --Joe! |