Question about Scriptural Interpretation

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
there is only 1 interpretation which is correct.
God is not the author of confusion.

This is already confusing. Jesus himself denies your assertion

For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.
And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.
Matt 11:13-14

All words are summaries of ideas, events, intentions.
And summaries are useful but approximations or views of what is needed, appropriate.
"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father .... "
"Be holy, because I am holy"
"For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life."


What is possible, what is meant, what is appropriate, what is in ones heart?
All 4 things change how we view these scriptures and their meaning.
And over time that changes.
Unless one is blind to our own experience and frailty, one knows nothing.

Paul talks about peoples consciences and not upsetting the weaker brother because they
will condemn themselves.

So the word is literally a living thing, working and refining the believer as they walk with
Jesus. A dead thing, has no ability to do this, and the one interpretation such a dead thing.
If there are multiple interpretation of the bible. That is confusing. In fact, I can make the bible say anything I want, and HOW DARE you or anyone else tell me I am wrong

Well tell that to God when you see him face to face. He will not be very happy in those who twisted his word and got mad when people told them they were wrong. And sai there are multiple interpretations.
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest

You got ot backwards.

The bigger pile is what you add in, thus making it a different gospel

The gospel is what Paul preached, He wants us to know NOTHING but Christ and him crucified, and risen again

Thats the gospel 101.

When will you recieve that gospel and stop trying to add to that gospel?
 

Adstar

Senior Member
Jul 24, 2016
7,425
3,474
113
"But inevitably we all sin because we are weak and faulty human beings.."

I will ask some simple questions around this statement, not being judgemental, but exploring its
origins and its prophetic meaning. I say things like this in the past, not now.

We all have sinned. Yes.
Do we know the future, and is Jesus doing a work in us that is changing us? Yes.
Can we see as God sees or know our failings and our true victories? No.
Do we bind ourselves in unbelief by declaring that which God has cleansed and made Holy
unclean when we ourselves know He has cleansed us? Yes.

So we know when we meet Him we will be like Him.
So let us walk in faith, and believe He will complete His work in us and speak this belief.
We walk as He desires, unless we stumble, for which He has provided a remedy in confession
and repentance.

So I believe we catch ourselves in unbelief that harms us and our lives, and grieves the Holy Spirit.
Only God knows our walk and our future, so let us walk in faith and with Him.
So let us proclaim His victory in our lives, and stop the enemy whispering judgement and failure
before it occurs, as if we are bound to sin and not righteousness, which is our calling, Amen.
He will complete His work in us on the day of the Resurrection... The transformation into perfect sinless beings will happen then.. On this side of eternity we are still living in corrupt bodies with imperfect personalities..

Walking in faith is believing God and having confidence that He will perform as He has promised to those who believe and embrace His will..

So acknowledging that humans are sinners and will be sinners until they die or are raptured is not a lack in faith. It is an aknowledgement of the truth of God and showing Faith that we will be transformed when that day arrives..

Failure only happens if we reject the atonement of God or we come to disbelieve in the Word of God and die that way..
 

FollowHisSteps

Well-known member
Feb 15, 2019
3,674
1,201
113
How vast is Gods word?
Infinite and eternal.
Someone described the bible as the first hypertext document in the world.
The interconnections are bigger than our minds.

One small passage like Cain and Able have within them the vastness of
sin, rebellion, alienation, sacrifice, listening, murder, judgement, our heart attitude etc.

The Lord laid these things down for a reason. They are to dwell in us, and become a part
of who we are. Jesus rebuked satan from Gods word, not His own authority.

It is our hearts and our relationship with God that gives us the insight we need.
 

FollowHisSteps

Well-known member
Feb 15, 2019
3,674
1,201
113
He will complete His work in us on the day of the Resurrection... The transformation into perfect sinless beings will happen then.. On this side of eternity we are still living in corrupt bodies with imperfect personalities..

Walking in faith is believing God and having confidence that He will perform as He has promised to those who believe and embrace His will..

So acknowledging that humans are sinners and will be sinners until they die or are raptured is not a lack in faith. It is an aknowledgement of the truth of God and showing Faith that we will be transformed when that day arrives..

Failure only happens if we reject the atonement of God or we come to disbelieve in the Word of God and die that way..
I understand this proposition about our frailties.
But what God has called Holy, who are we to judge.

Paul said, "Aim for perfection"
He did not claim to have reached it, but he neither said it was impossible.
In effect the apostles walking with Jesus were saying they walked a pure Holy life.
 

FollowHisSteps

Well-known member
Feb 15, 2019
3,674
1,201
113
You got ot backwards.
The bigger pile is what you add in, thus making it a different gospel
The gospel is what Paul preached, He wants us to know NOTHING but Christ and him crucified, and risen again
Thats the gospel 101.

When will you recieve that gospel and stop trying to add to that gospel?
Thank you for confirming the difference in perspectives.
For you the view is condemnatory where as mine is inclusive.

And the fruit of the different approaches for me speaks to its truth, because God
never changes.

"Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."
Rom 13:10

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household,
built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.
In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.
Eph 2:19-21

We are founded on the prophets from the old testament upon which the new testament comes.
We are the fulfilment of Gods work in Christ and obedient to the law of the Spirit.

I can live with my position and with your choice that you freely make.
 

Adstar

Senior Member
Jul 24, 2016
7,425
3,474
113
I understand this proposition about our frailties.
But what God has called Holy, who are we to judge.

Paul said, "Aim for perfection"
He did not claim to have reached it, but he neither said it was impossible.
In effect the apostles walking with Jesus were saying they walked a pure Holy life.
The Word Holy means separate or set-apart.. Holy does not necessarily mean without sin.. God separated the Jews from the other people of the world when he selected Abraham and His descendants to be is special people separated from other people on the earth.. But the Jews where just as faulty when it came to their human condition as the Greeks or the Persians. What made them separate / Holy was Gods will to use them for His purpose..

We Christians are now Holy,, Separated from those in the world who are rejecting the Gospel.. It does not mean we are perfect sinless beings, I means we are being gifted the salvation of the LORD Jesus Christ and having His righteousness imputed upon us and having our transgressions forgiven..
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
Thank you for confirming the difference in perspectives.
For you the view is condemnatory where as mine is inclusive.
The word of God says there is ONE gospel. Not an inclusive gospel which included a whole bunch of people wiht different beliefs (gospels)

You want to be new age, por think everyone is going to heaven and what they believe does not matter, thats on you.

And the fruit of the different approaches for me speaks to its truth, because God
never changes.

"Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."
Rom 13:10

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household,
built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.
In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.
Eph 2:19-21

We are founded on the prophets from the old testament upon which the new testament comes.
We are the fulfilment of Gods work in Christ and obedient to the law of the Spirit.

I can live with my position and with your choice that you freely make.
The bible still says anyone who teaches a different gospel is dead and under the anathema curse.

It does not matter what you and I THINK the gospel is. What matters is what the ONE TRUE GOSPEL is.

Get it wrong, and you will suffer eternal consequences. Get it right. And you will reap eternal reward. This is the ONY doctrine which has this basis of truth.
 

CS1

Well-known member
May 23, 2012
12,300
4,042
113
I believe there are many interpretations of scripture

But the fact is, there is only 1 interpretation which is correct.

God is not the author of confusion.

We are held accountable to test all spirit. To study to shew ourselves approved, RIGHTLY DIVIDING the word of truth.

If our interpretation or theology is wrong. All we can do is pray it does not affect us much or take us out of being affective for God. If our gospel is wrong. We are doomed (headed to hell and do not even know it) and a wrong doctrinal stance on certain positions or doctrines can lead to devistation and fights and extreme hatred if we are too proud to admit or to at least confess we have to be open that we are wrong.
I do not believe there are many interpretations of scripture. There is only one. There, however, many applications.
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
I do not believe there are many interpretations of scripture. There is only one. There, however, many applications.
Now this I can agree with.

Scripture touches each of us different ways. The way it speaks to one another may see something applical which is different

But the biblical truth or principle or as some call it “doctrine” remains,
 

FollowHisSteps

Well-known member
Feb 15, 2019
3,674
1,201
113
The word of God says there is ONE gospel. Not an inclusive gospel which included a whole bunch of people wiht different beliefs (gospels)
You want to be new age, por think everyone is going to heaven and what they believe does not matter, thats on you.
The bible still says anyone who teaches a different gospel is dead and under the anathema curse.

It does not matter what you and I THINK the gospel is. What matters is what the ONE TRUE GOSPEL is.
Get it wrong, and you will suffer eternal consequences. Get it right. And you will reap eternal reward. This is the ONY doctrine which has this basis of truth.
Let us not get too far from the subject of interpretation of scripture.
We need to be inclusive of Gods word.

We start from repentance and faith in Christ, indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
His word lives in us, through us and guides us.

Your post here is projecting things in which are your own construction not mine.
My theological perspective is from the Nazarene Church and all it stands for.
http://www.nazarene.org/articles-faith

You as an individual know this, but wish to project something else, which is disappointing.
And I hold a singular position on the gospel as defined theologically, which you have failed
to declare where you differ from, but clearly you do.
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
Let us not get too far from the subject of interpretation of scripture.
We need to be inclusive of Gods word.

We start from repentance and faith in Christ, indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
His word lives in us, through us and guides us.

Your post here is projecting things in which are your own construction not mine.
My theological perspective is from the Nazarene Church and all it stands for.
http://www.nazarene.org/articles-faith

You as an individual know this, but wish to project something else, which is disappointing.
And I hold a singular position on the gospel as defined theologically, which you have failed
to declare where you differ from, but clearly you do.
I know people and have been to nazarine churches, and the ones I know do not promote what you promote.
 

FollowHisSteps

Well-known member
Feb 15, 2019
3,674
1,201
113
I do not believe there are many interpretations of scripture. There is only one. There, however, many applications.
Where does an interpretation end and application begin?
Is revelations a historical book or is it allegory?
Are the parables literal or metaphors of relationship?

If you do not hold to a 6,000 year old earth are you a heretic?
Is Noahs flood total over the whole world or partial?

Should we chop off our hands to stop us from reaching for chocolate?

Why do people want absolute definitions over things which have a varying perspective?

Now you fall into a trap if you say, yes this is said because ..... and my interpretation is
absolute and correct, and disagree with that and you are wrong, doomed to hell.

So have many denominational wars started and continue today over this very reality.
 

FollowHisSteps

Well-known member
Feb 15, 2019
3,674
1,201
113
I know people and have been to nazarine churches, and the ones I know do not promote what you promote.
But here is the problem my friend. You are not responding to the words I am
writing but to your projection of what you think I promote or mean.
That is judgementalism and the cause of many wrong attitudes, condemnation and sins.
 
L

Locoponydirtman

Guest
Which is best, or which is correct?

Does one study a particular text to determine what is overall Biblical doctrine?
OR
Does one use overall Biblical doctrine to determine the meaning of a particular text?
Neither. Each particular text should be held in the balances with all text, and doctrine formed as a result. If you take my meaning. So many people form their personal doctrine out of a few proof texts. Some people will argue unto a fight over it too. I have met some people who have taken one proof text so far out of context that I wish I had a pair of scissors when I talk to them so I could cut that scripture from their Bible, thus forcing them to read the rest of it.
 

FollowHisSteps

Well-known member
Feb 15, 2019
3,674
1,201
113
Scripture should teach us one thing. Respond to the issue being discussed and not
the individual and what you think they may or may not believe, because this is irrelevant.

An enemy can become a friend and a friend an enemy, but only time will tell as the
story of our walk with the Lord unfolds. And which is true, the things we thought were
true or actually what took place and those choices people made?

There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work today in the vineyard.'
"'I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.
"Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, 'I will, sir,' but he did not go.
"Which of the two did what his father wanted?The first," they answered.
Matt 21:28-31
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
But here is the problem my friend. You are not responding to the words I am
writing but to your projection of what you think I promote or mean.
That is judgementalism and the cause of many wrong attitudes, condemnation and sins.
You should know. You have done it since youhave been here.

And no I am not projecting, I have proven my words.. even tried to get you to prove me wrong by answering questions, And you refused.

So self check would be the appropriate word here my friend.
 

CS1

Well-known member
May 23, 2012
12,300
4,042
113
Where does an interpretation end and application begin?
Is revelations a historical book or is it allegory?
Are the parables literal or metaphors of relationship?

If you do not hold to a 6,000 year old earth are you a heretic?
Is Noahs flood total over the whole world or partial?

Should we chop off our hands to stop us from reaching for chocolate?

Why do people want absolute definitions over things which have a varying perspective?

Now you fall into a trap if you say, yes this is said because ..... and my interpretation is
absolute and correct, and disagree with that and you are wrong, doomed to hell.

So have many denominational wars started and continue today over this very reality.
that is a very good question and yes there are allegory, metaphors, and parables. there is also in the Word of God genealogies,
historical narratives, songs, poems, and Eyewitness accounts. Documented event and prophecy.

how do we know what is what?

1 One must be born again
2. follow the leading of the Holy Spirit
3. study
4. seek authorial intent
5. how do I apply it today.

I like to teach my students the acronym S.O.A.P.

scripture
Observation
Application
Pray

these tools will help. In the end, I can be wrong God will not be wrong. I trust the Lord to help you. You will not find many here who will ever admit they could be wrong or are wrong or were ever corrected over the time they were saved unto today. Run from them.
 

FollowHisSteps

Well-known member
Feb 15, 2019
3,674
1,201
113
You should know. You have done it since youhave been here.
And no I am not projecting, I have proven my words.. even tried to get you to prove me wrong by answering questions, And you refused.
So self check would be the appropriate word here my friend.
You are projecting. You do not have a right to answers to questions or even responses.
I have a right answer as I am led. It is odd because your tenor implies this is wrong somehow.
Even something one should feel bad about :love: I find this all most odd, if not childish.