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NASB | Luke 24:27 Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Luke 24:27 Then beginning with Moses and [throughout] all the [writings of the] prophets, He explained and interpreted for them the things referring to Himself [found] in all the Scriptures. |
Bible Question:
Can one accept Christ but not the Bible? Can one be a skeptic and a believer at the same time? Can an individual accept the Son of God but reject the written Word of God? Edb, Emmaus, Hank, Justme, Mommapbs, Morant61, Reformer Joe and anyone else who wishes to reply: I have a question for you. I sincerely would like to know: Here on the forum we often read postings written by people who claim to be Christians, who profess faith in Christ for salvation. Then they go on to say they have many strong doubts about the Bible -- its inspiration, authority and reliability in the various English translations. Often they cite verses by Paul that they question -- ones they don't agree with or that anger them. Or they may cite passages in Genesis that they have a hard time accepting as inspired, accurate and literal. Some do not trust any English translation, as if all were perverted versions produced as a result of some conspiracy to deceive. You get the picture. My question is: Is it likely that the person who continues to reject part(s) of the Bible, to question the inspiration or authority of the Bible, to have no confidence in any English translation, etc. -- is it likely that such a person is really a Christian? Especially if this doubt and mistrust of the Bible continues for years and years with no change, no growth, and no resolution? (In my question I am not suggesting that we pick certain individuals by name and judge whether they are saved.) My question is a general one. In short, people who have a low view of the Bible and who question every other verse they read -- how likely is it that they have really come to know Christ, with the result that they are saved and indwelt by the Holy Spirit? If one's faith in the written Word is so uncertain, precarious and fragile and remains that way for years and years, is it likely that this person truly believes that Jesus is everything the Bible says he is? Is it likely that their salvation is real? Again, this is not to judge any given individual(s) as to their salvation. But, it just seems a contradiction to me that although what we know of God and Christ is contained in the Bible, there are people who have little or no trust in the written Word of God and still claim to be Christians. Is this possible, impossible, the normal Christian experience, abnormal or what? What do you all think? Why do you believe what you do regarding this question? Can you give scripture and sound reasoning to back up your view of this matter? Sincerely, Radioman2 |
Bible Answer: How to read the Word? Thanks, Radioman, for an excellent question. I look forward to reading other responses. In fact, I have been wishing to read a good book about this topic: not a "what is the Bible?" -- but a comparitive "Here are 4 attitudes to the Bible, and the fruit of each way within the life of the believer.." From the phrasing of your question, I suspect you already hold your answer firmly. I see myself having a few traits from the "dubious" side of your question ---- and yet I hold the Bible as my authority. I think a literalist interpretation is a narrow criteria for holding the Bible as authoritative -- God can give us metaphors as well as history. I also think knowing the context is important for interpretation. The finer points of interpretation can be a struggle -- wrestling with the text, with our fallen nature, listening for the Holy Spirit's guidance. There is much, however, that is quite clear. We can be very firm believers, grow in maturity and effectiveness, and still wrestle with the Bible. Wrestling is part of growing. Trust is part of growing as well, obviously. My relationship with the Bible is characterized by both. I have seen communities that believe like I do blossom, produce fruit of servanthood and accountability and deep prayer lives, worship deeply grounded in the Bible -- not sentimental, but rich. There is one area that makes me wonder about the effect of engaging the Bible daily as I do: these communities tend not to experience dramatic physical healings or the "signs and wonders" of the book of Acts. I certainly embrace these things as possible -- and relevant for the people of God today. I just haven't seen those specific gifts developed in the communities where I have been fed. Is this because these communities focus on other concerns (servanthood, justice, etc) or is there something inherent about reading the Bible literally that aids in miracles? The exception -- where I was fed in a way that expectantly prayed for the miraculous -- was a small group led by a man who had seen many miraculous things (with Jackie Pullinger, Hong Kong -- see her book "Chasing the Dragon"). And this man holds a more literalist view of the Bible than I do. To sum up: I think the Bible is crucial for every Christian. The Bible is the principle way we discern Truth from error, learn the character and will of God, and submit ourselves to God's plans. People who reject the Bible create a religion other than Christianity (see Spong's books, for instance, for the invention of new religions under the guise of Christianity.) There are, however, different ways of interpreting the Bible --- as any survey of the history of the Church will show you. These differences needn't be a source of fear: we are all Christians growing in the grace of our Lord. In fact, the differences within Christendom is a strength -- for the different streams within the faith develop depth in different areas of understanding God. May the grace of God surround us all. In Christ JRM |