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NASB | 1 Thessalonians 5:21 But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Thessalonians 5:21 But test all things carefully [so you can recognize what is good]. Hold firmly to that which is good. |
Bible Question: Hello, I'm new. I have searched for "Reincarnation" and read many of the answers. What about genetic memory? How can I explain certain memories and feelings, of a certain place, for example, that none of us has been to, but that my father and grandfather admit they are drawn to and seem to recall... and then I do the same thing. And none of us told the others until later? As a Christian, all three of us, we don't believe in that. But lately I have been wondering about this. Too many unexplained things and recurring dreams have happened. |
Bible Answer: Hi Riverbirch, Welcome to the forum! There was a phrase in your question that set off alarm bells in me, and should set them off in you too. It was: "As a Christian, all three of us, we don't believe in that. But..." So I would ask you, what do you believe as a Christian, and more importantly, why? What we want to do, whenever we come upon things in life that mystify us, is to test them against God's Word, the Bible. What you seem to be describing, if I understand you correctly, is that it appears you inexplicably share certain common memories with your father and grandfather. These apparently common memories manifest themselves in dreams, feelings, and such. I would need to know a lot more about you and your family, and the details from each of you regarding this to even begin to address what may be happening. And this, being specifically a Bible Study Forum, is not the proper place to have such an in-depth discussion of that type. Our specific purpose here is the study and discussion of the Bible. But what I can tell you is this. Judge everything by the Bible. Know what the Bible says, and by that knowledge, know what you believe. Adhere to the teaching of the Bible, and you will know how to test these things. If they pass the test, then they help draw you closer to God. If they do not, they are not of God, and you should ignore them. Reincarnation is a simple one. Heb 9:27 "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment," We know that after we die comes the judgment. There is only one life, and one death, and so anything that would point us towards reincarnation must be false, or at the very least, misunderstood. You also mentioned genetic memory. Scientifically, it's counter-intuitive. Your DNA is fixed at your birth, and memories gained in your life cannot be "back-written" to your DNA. But that aside, we know that real science will always agree with the Bible, so what does the Bible say? To my knowledge, it does not say anything at all on the concept of "genetic" or "racial" memory, archtypes, or anything of the like. Therefore, I would conclude that this is not a part of the Christian life. Generally speaking, the whole idea of a "collective unconscience" seeks to explain spirituality with a psuedo-science, and in so doing deny God. 2Peter 1 2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, "God has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us" And that knowledge we have of Him is in the Bible. So feelings, thoughts, dreams, etc., of "shared" or unexpainable memories do not have a foundation in the Bible, and tend to go against what the Bible does teach. I would pray regarding all of this, and ask God to ground you in His truth, that you would not be swayed. And spend quality and quantity time in the Bible. The best way to dispell darkness is to turn on the light. It may serve you well to seek the counsel and prayer of mature believers in your home church or fellowship. Again, welcome to the forum! God bless you! Love in Christ, Mark |
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Questions and/or Subjects for 1 Thess 5:21 | Author | ||
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cariad | ||
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Vernon | ||
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smurfrenee | ||
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Riverbirch | ||
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mark d seyler | ||
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AbuYohan | ||
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ardmore |