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NASB | John 7:17 "If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know of the teaching, whether it is of God or whether I speak from Myself. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 7:17 "If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know whether the teaching is of God or whether I speak on My own accord and by My own authority. |
Bible Question:
John 16:13 tells us the Spirit of Truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth. We know it is true because GOD'S word says it. If we then have differing interpretations of GOD'S word, and assuming we are to rely on the Holy Spirit for the guidance, why would the Holy Spirit teach people totally different things on the same Scrpiture? Romans 14:5 also tells us, "Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind". Romans 2:15 says God's laws are written on our hearts. If further says in Matthew, Mark, and Luke that a kingdom divided against itself will not stand. With these scriptures in mind, can it be assumed the reason for the division among Christians is the fact that some are not being guided by the Holy Spirit - Spirit of Truth? I mean the really major issues like: Can you loose your salvation, Baptism being required for salvation, etc. I am a new Christian and amazed at the lack of unity regarding the interpretation of scripture. Any thoughts that can help? Please try to keep it simple, I have no formal education in any of this like it sounds that some of you have. Thanks Sam |
Bible Answer: Hi Sam: Through out History Man has gone to battle over this question. I do not feel there is one defined answer. However we know that the Bible does not conterdict itself. And there are somethings that just won't be answered until we are in Heaven. I do feel that God speaks to us through His word, in His time. example: Reading a passage and then a couple months later you read it again, and it like pops off the page at you with an understanding of it that applies to your own life. Well God has just spoken to you. Not to Joe down the street because Joe dosn't have the same problem you do. Thats where I see the problem comming into play. We need to work on ourselves and not Joe down the street. The Serenity Prayer says it all. God Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change (meaning other people) the courage to change the things I can (meaning myself) and the wisdom to know the difference. As a new Christian, my advise to you is to just work on your relationship with the Lord and don't get caught up in others understanding of the Word. Just let it speak to you. I hope this helps, It has helped me to overlook thoes things and to focuse on Him and me. In His Grip Princess MJ |