Read the Bible Through -- Can we? Finally?
- Thread starter Beez
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In order to read through the bible (which is God's Word), and then to read through it again, and again, and again, in order to attain greater understanding with each read; one must first believe that God is a rewarder of them that deligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
Hebrews 11:6 [FONT="]But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.[/FONT]
Hebrews 11:6 [FONT="]But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.[/FONT]
I have nothing against readint the OT. The problem is, that the NT has higher priority, its a full revelation, while the OT is in shadows.
So, when I will know the NT perfectly, I can return to reading 2400 pages of Israel history, their faults, wars, figures... but I am afraid, that I will never know the NT perfectly
I can say to myself - hmmm long time not reading about Samson ... ok, but what if I do not understand everything in Romans? What has a priority?
So, when I will know the NT perfectly, I can return to reading 2400 pages of Israel history, their faults, wars, figures... but I am afraid, that I will never know the NT perfectly
I can say to myself - hmmm long time not reading about Samson ... ok, but what if I do not understand everything in Romans? What has a priority?
Again, the OT is very necessary to understand the NT.
Say, for example, you are reading about Samson and his faults, but in the end, he came through with the help of God. Then, reading in Romans:
”For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23.
But wait, better go back and to read it in context:
”Therefore, what advantage does the Jew have, or what is the value of circumcision? Actuality, there are many advantages. First of all, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God.” Romans 3:1-2
So, what are these oracles? Who knows, if you only read the NT? I believed the judges were considered to be “oracles” since they spoke for God? Paul is specifically dealing with the OT and the law, and yet, you do not want to read it. So, you (not singling you out, Trofimus, “you” generically!) are missing vital information in how to interpret Romans 3! (And not just Samson, but all the OT!)
Paul continues with what sinners we were under the law:
”just as it is written, “There is no one righteous, not even one, there is no one who understands,m there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have become worthless; there is no one who shows kindness, not even one.” Romans 3:10-12
So, this definitely applies to the Philistines, who put out Samson’s eyes. But certainly, it does apply to Samson, who gave up the secret of his strength for the love of a Philistines woman!
So let us look at what Samson did, and how God helped him:
”Then Samson called to the Lord and said, “O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once, O God, that I may be avenged on the Philistines for my two eyes.” 29 And Samson grasped the two middle pillars on which the house rested, and he leaned his weight against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other. 30 And Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines.” Then he bowed with all his strength, and the house fell upon the lords and upon all the people who were in it. So the dead whom he killed at his death were more than those whom he had killed during his life. 31 Then his brothers and all his family came down and took him and brought him up and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the tomb of Manoah his father. He had judged Israel twenty years.” Judges 16:28-31[FONT="]
So, in the end, God did allow him divine retribution. Remember, too - this was a judge of Israel, in a time, when “everyone did what was right in their own eyes.” Judges is a perfect illustration of Romans 3:10-12 and 3:23.
So, what is the NT take away?
”[/FONT]But they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:24.[FONT="]
And the rest of Romans!
I was taught in seminary not to illustrate the Bible with the Bible. But, I decided I didn’t like that restriction and I do it all the time! God put the OT there not just to be a shadow, but a tangible reminder of what Paul is saying in Romans. Or for that matter, the whole story of sin, of how God’s people just failed, and failed and failed. And how badly they needed a Saviour.
Maybe that is just me? I always gain so much insight into the condition of humanity, when I read the OT. Judges in particular is very profound. It makes me appreciate the passages in the NT, where Jesus is the “way, the truth and the life.” The solution to our sin sickness. Like the sin sickness Samson, a called judge of Israel had. Or the sin sickness all of us had, before Christ called us to be his own! [/FONT]