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NASB | Romans 4:3 For what does the Scripture say? "ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS." |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 4:3 For what does the Scripture say? "ABRAHAM BELIEVED IN (trusted, relied on) GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIS ACCOUNT AS RIGHTEOUSNESS (right living, right standing with God)." [Gen 15:6] |
Bible Question: Can one dismiss a person’s exegesis of a given passage by simply saying, "That’s just your interpretation"? |
Bible Answer: Kalos As you know we can and often do this, I guess a better question is it the right? I don’t think it is and I believe is the reason we have thousands and thousands of denominations. Instead of hunting for common ground we walk away saying, “that how you read it.” Moses established the law of witnesses Numbers 35:30; Deut. 17:6; Deut. 19:5. In this he says clearly that for someone to be found guilty it must be on the testimony of 2 or 3 witnesses. I have found this also true for doctrine. God always provides at least two and in most every case I’m aware of 3 verses or witnesses to any doctrine He wants to establish. In this I think we waste a lot of time on non essentials, or scripture views that are stated only once. However if the view is provided for 2 or 3 times then I do not think we can rightly dismiss an opposing viewpoint by saying, “that is how you read it.” We must reason together and using correct exegesis come to a common answer. That said, what do we do when our points of view seem as different as day and night? That’s where it gets interesting and human nature gets involved. Most times we dig in prepare to make our defense, however what needs to be done is to humble ourselves and say teach me your point of view and I will teach you mine. Understanding scripture does not conflict so therefore we both must be wrong. But alas that is easier said then done! The end result is usually to end a dead lock we say to each other that is how you read it and walk away, seeking others that agree with us. Until we are made perfect I think no two of us will ever totally agree on anything. EdB |