Apparent Contradictions

[WalkerAllan]

APPARENT CONTRADICTIONS​

Much truth is presented to the human mind as what, at first sight, appear to be contradictory concepts. The consequence of this is that, in many cases, the application of that truth becomes a choice as to where we position ourselves between two extremes. We human beings prefer absolutes and have a tendency, particularly when debating such issues, to take up the more extreme positions.

An understanding of the Word of God is not for the casual passer-by but for those who will come aside and seek the mind of God as revealed in what is written therein. It is by resolving in our mind these apparent conflicts that we mature in our understanding of God and of his Word.

It is by this means that the Lord defines the territory, sets the boundaries and then guides us to the position that he has prepared for us.

As an example, there has often been contention between those who consider themselves to be "practical" Christians and those who are considered to be "spiritual." This is, to some extent, a conflict between what may be said to be objective and subjective Christian experience.

The first say that "to be too heavenly minded is to be no earthly good" and that we should promote a more “social” Gospel. The second say that our primary goal is our relationship with God and that, in order to maintain that relationship, we should avoid unnecessary contact with the world. Both concepts have, at times, been taken to extremes in ways that have benefited no-one.

In fact, when seen in their proper context, both are right and both are clearly taught in Scripture.

Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it. (Proverbs 4:23, NIV)

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. (James 2:26, NIV)

Without a fruitful and properly aligned inward relationship with God all our works will be nothing more than "beating the air," that is, powerless, ineffectual and ultimately unprofitable (1 Corinthians 13:1‑3). On the other hand, a relationship with God that does not profoundly influence our behaviour and produce appropriate “deeds" is a pretence (James 2:14‑26).

It is only through the work of the Holy Spirit within our inner being that these two opposing truths can be brought into proper balance. No amount of scriptural analysis can bring this about. I would venture to say that the Lord has ordained it this way so that at the end of the day everything depends upon our relationship with him rather than upon an intellectual approach to the understanding of Scripture. The balance will thus be different for each individual according to our personalities and the gifts and callings that God has placed upon our lives and in the very act of seeking this balance we grow in the grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We have seen this principal at work in the seemingly contradictory advice we are given about the role that we ourselves play in working out the practicalities of our lives as part of the New Creation in Christ.

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. (Philippians 2:12–13, NIV)

We are told here that “it is God who works in you,” while in the same breath we are told “continue to work out your salvation.” Then what does God do and what is our role? Where is the dividing line?

And so we could go on.

So what do we do? Do we assume that we are to take hold of what we possess in Christ, define the direction we are to take and make it all work out for us as we have planned? Or do we do nothing until God provides us with the inspiration and opportunities and only then rely on his power to achieve what is now set before us? Both of these concepts appear to be taught in Scripture and can be seen at work in the lives of men and women of God in the Bible. So we must conclude that, when taken in their proper context, both are right. How do we then know where to position ourselves between these two seemingly contradictory principles?

It seems to me that, for a very good reason, Scripture does not give us clear-cut answers to these profound questions. This is because the answer is different for each one of us. It is, I believe, only through the work of the Holy Spirit within our inner being that these two opposing positions can be brought into proper balance. No amount of scriptural analysis can bring this about. As before, everything depends upon our relationship with him rather than upon an intellectual approach to the understanding of Scripture. And again, this balance will be different for each individual according to our personalities and the gifts and callings that God has placed upon our lives and in the very act of seeking this balance we grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

So, I believe it is important to be understood that what the human mind may see as conflicts and contradictions in the Bible exist to take us beyond our intellect into the realm of the Holy Spirit where these issues are resolved in ways which are in accord with the eternal purpose of God in each individual. Until we are freed from the limitations of and dependence upon the human intellect, we will never come to know the Lord as he has ordained that we should know him.

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. (Ephesians 1:17, NIV)

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[Dino246]

Both, and.

Many apparent contradictions in fact aren't, but rather are two sides of the same coin.

 

[tourist]

Both, and.

Many apparent contradictions in fact aren't, but rather are two sides of the same coin.

That is an apt analogy.

 

[CS1]

APPARENT CONTRADICTIONS​

Much truth is presented to the human mind as what, at first sight, appear to be contradictory concepts. The consequence of this is that, in many cases, the application of that truth becomes a choice as to where we position ourselves between two extremes. We human beings prefer absolutes and have a tendency, particularly when debating such issues, to take up the more extreme positions.

An understanding of the Word of God is not for the casual passer-by but for those who will come aside and seek the mind of God as revealed in what is written therein. It is by resolving in our mind these apparent conflicts that we mature in our understanding of God and of his Word.

It is by this means that the Lord defines the territory, sets the boundaries and then guides us to the position that he has prepared for us.

As an example, there has often been contention between those who consider themselves to be "practical" Christians and those who are considered to be "spiritual." This is, to some extent, a conflict between what may be said to be objective and subjective Christian experience.

The first say that "to be too heavenly minded is to be no earthly good" and that we should promote a more “social” Gospel. The second say that our primary goal is our relationship with God and that, in order to maintain that relationship, we should avoid unnecessary contact with the world. Both concepts have, at times, been taken to extremes in ways that have benefited no-one.

In fact, when seen in their proper context, both are right and both are clearly taught in Scripture.

Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it. (Proverbs 4:23, NIV)

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. (James 2:26, NIV)

Without a fruitful and properly aligned inward relationship with God all our works will be nothing more than "beating the air," that is, powerless, ineffectual and ultimately unprofitable (1 Corinthians 13:1‑3). On the other hand, a relationship with God that does not profoundly influence our behaviour and produce appropriate “deeds" is a pretence (James 2:14‑26).

It is only through the work of the Holy Spirit within our inner being that these two opposing truths can be brought into proper balance. No amount of scriptural analysis can bring this about. I would venture to say that the Lord has ordained it this way so that at the end of the day everything depends upon our relationship with him rather than upon an intellectual approach to the understanding of Scripture. The balance will thus be different for each individual according to our personalities and the gifts and callings that God has placed upon our lives and in the very act of seeking this balance we grow in the grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We have seen this principal at work in the seemingly contradictory advice we are given about the role that we ourselves play in working out the practicalities of our lives as part of the New Creation in Christ.

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. (Philippians 2:12–13, NIV)

We are told here that “it is God who works in you,” while in the same breath we are told “continue to work out your salvation.” Then what does God do and what is our role? Where is the dividing line?

And so we could go on.

So what do we do? Do we assume that we are to take hold of what we possess in Christ, define the direction we are to take and make it all work out for us as we have planned? Or do we do nothing until God provides us with the inspiration and opportunities and only then rely on his power to achieve what is now set before us? Both of these concepts appear to be taught in Scripture and can be seen at work in the lives of men and women of God in the Bible. So we must conclude that, when taken in their proper context, both are right. How do we then know where to position ourselves between these two seemingly contradictory principles?

It seems to me that, for a very good reason, Scripture does not give us clear-cut answers to these profound questions. This is because the answer is different for each one of us. It is, I believe, only through the work of the Holy Spirit within our inner being that these two opposing positions can be brought into proper balance. No amount of scriptural analysis can bring this about. As before, everything depends upon our relationship with him rather than upon an intellectual approach to the understanding of Scripture. And again, this balance will be different for each individual according to our personalities and the gifts and callings that God has placed upon our lives and in the very act of seeking this balance we grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

So, I believe it is important to be understood that what the human mind may see as conflicts and contradictions in the Bible exist to take us beyond our intellect into the realm of the Holy Spirit where these issues are resolved in ways which are in accord with the eternal purpose of God in each individual. Until we are freed from the limitations of and dependence upon the human intellect, we will never come to know the Lord as he has ordained that we should know him.

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. (Ephesians 1:17, NIV)

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I would like to know the reference used.

 

[tourist]

An apparent contradiction in scripture is due to an improper understanding of how two apparent contradictions, though when properly understood, actually harmonize into an even deeper understanding of the whole. I believe that these apparent contradictions actually add to the credibility of the bible. It is like how, two witnesses give their testimony that is identical in all pertinent aspects. Such testimony would be considered suspect.

 

[CS1]

An apparent contradiction in scripture is due to an improper understanding of how two apparent contradictions, though when properly understood, actually harmonize into an even deeper understanding of the whole. I believe that these apparent contradictions actually add to the credibility of the bible. It is like how, two witnesses give their testimony that is identical in all pertinent aspects. Such testimony would be considered suspect.

very good response. I am from the school of a perceived contradiction of the word of god is sole with that person(s) understanding. God has placed HIS word above HIS Name. God doesn't make mistakes, man does.

 

[Guojing]

APPARENT CONTRADICTIONS​

Much truth is presented to the human mind as what, at first sight, appear to be contradictory concepts. The consequence of this is that, in many cases, the application of that truth becomes a choice as to where we position ourselves between two extremes. We human beings prefer absolutes and have a tendency, particularly when debating such issues, to take up the more extreme positions.

An understanding of the Word of God is not for the casual passer-by but for those who will come aside and seek the mind of God as revealed in what is written therein. It is by resolving in our mind these apparent conflicts that we mature in our understanding of God and of his Word.

It is by this means that the Lord defines the territory, sets the boundaries and then guides us to the position that he has prepared for us.

As an example, there has often been contention between those who consider themselves to be "practical" Christians and those who are considered to be "spiritual." This is, to some extent, a conflict between what may be said to be objective and subjective Christian experience.

The first say that "to be too heavenly minded is to be no earthly good" and that we should promote a more “social” Gospel. The second say that our primary goal is our relationship with God and that, in order to maintain that relationship, we should avoid unnecessary contact with the world. Both concepts have, at times, been taken to extremes in ways that have benefited no-one.

In fact, when seen in their proper context, both are right and both are clearly taught in Scripture.

Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it. (Proverbs 4:23, NIV)

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. (James 2:26, NIV)

Without a fruitful and properly aligned inward relationship with God all our works will be nothing more than "beating the air," that is, powerless, ineffectual and ultimately unprofitable (1 Corinthians 13:1‑3). On the other hand, a relationship with God that does not profoundly influence our behaviour and produce appropriate “deeds" is a pretence (James 2:14‑26).

It is only through the work of the Holy Spirit within our inner being that these two opposing truths can be brought into proper balance. No amount of scriptural analysis can bring this about. I would venture to say that the Lord has ordained it this way so that at the end of the day everything depends upon our relationship with him rather than upon an intellectual approach to the understanding of Scripture. The balance will thus be different for each individual according to our personalities and the gifts and callings that God has placed upon our lives and in the very act of seeking this balance we grow in the grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We have seen this principal at work in the seemingly contradictory advice we are given about the role that we ourselves play in working out the practicalities of our lives as part of the New Creation in Christ.

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. (Philippians 2:12–13, NIV)

We are told here that “it is God who works in you,” while in the same breath we are told “continue to work out your salvation.” Then what does God do and what is our role? Where is the dividing line?

And so we could go on.

So what do we do? Do we assume that we are to take hold of what we possess in Christ, define the direction we are to take and make it all work out for us as we have planned? Or do we do nothing until God provides us with the inspiration and opportunities and only then rely on his power to achieve what is now set before us? Both of these concepts appear to be taught in Scripture and can be seen at work in the lives of men and women of God in the Bible. So we must conclude that, when taken in their proper context, both are right. How do we then know where to position ourselves between these two seemingly contradictory principles?

It seems to me that, for a very good reason, Scripture does not give us clear-cut answers to these profound questions. This is because the answer is different for each one of us. It is, I believe, only through the work of the Holy Spirit within our inner being that these two opposing positions can be brought into proper balance. No amount of scriptural analysis can bring this about. As before, everything depends upon our relationship with him rather than upon an intellectual approach to the understanding of Scripture. And again, this balance will be different for each individual according to our personalities and the gifts and callings that God has placed upon our lives and in the very act of seeking this balance we grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

So, I believe it is important to be understood that what the human mind may see as conflicts and contradictions in the Bible exist to take us beyond our intellect into the realm of the Holy Spirit where these issues are resolved in ways which are in accord with the eternal purpose of God in each individual. Until we are freed from the limitations of and dependence upon the human intellect, we will never come to know the Lord as he has ordained that we should know him.

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. (Ephesians 1:17, NIV)

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That is why Paul instructs is to rightly divide the word of truth.

There are different truths contained in scriptures for different people at different points in time.

For example, eating of meat was forbidden before the flood, but after the flood it was allowed

 

[Scribe]

​

We have seen this principal at work in the seemingly contradictory advice we are given about the role that we ourselves play in working out the practicalities of our lives as part of the New Creation in Christ.

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. (Philippians 2:12–13, NIV)

We are told here that “it is God who works in you,” while in the same breath we are told “continue to work out your salvation.” Then what does God do and what is our role? Where is the dividing line?

I find that the answer usually can be found in properly applying all of the rules of hermeneutics, (art and science of interpretation (of scripture in particular.))
In the example you have presented with Phil 2:12-13 for example the solution is found in the rule of immediate context (what was Paul talking about before he made this statement?) as well as the rule of theological context by the same author. (where else did Paul write something similar that can add more information)
1) Immediate Context: In this example he is simply letting them know that they do not have to rely on him to always be there to explain everything.
That is all he meant.
"not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, "
It is important that we not make anything out of "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling" as though it were a stand alone statement BECUASE IT IS NOT.

It must include "not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence" in order to maintain the meaning that Paul intended.

And if you consider it as a whole statement you will easily grasp the intended meaning. The emphasis is that they can figure out how to live out this Christian life with the Holy Spirit and the word of God which has been delivered to them and they do not need to have Paul always available for them to go to. Paul is not going to be their Holy Spirit.

It does violence to his intended meaning to break up the statement and analyze the meaning of "workout your salvation"

That was just a way of saying "live out this Christian life and deal with the things that you will face from day to day even if I have not specifically talked about them yet or even if I am not there to teach you about it when you have to deal with it."
"Having total dependence on the Holy Sprit and the Word of God to see you through, keeping a humble surrender to Christ to hate sin and not allow compromise to enter in. "fear and trembling" This will ensure that you will not fall into deception or delusion and you will know what I would say about it if I were here to teach you about because we are both hearing from the same Holy Spirit and both getting illumination from the Word of God and are understanding correctly because the "fear and trembling" condition of your hearts will keep your eye single and you will be full of light."

Something along those lines is how I interpret the gist of his statement if I do not divide up his statement but keep in as a complete statement.

Theological Context: Where Paul has said something similar to another church can be found in Acts 20

25And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
32And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

He is meeting with the church of Ephesus and he is telling them that they will not see him anymore. He has been teaching them for three years. Now he tells them that he his leaving them in the hands of God and the word of his grace and this is sufficient to build them up and give them an inheritance among them which are sanctified.

Their close dependence on God (fear and trembling) and their devotion to the word of his grace will see them through any situation and issue they face as a church, and they will be able to figure out what to do, even if they NEVER SEE PAUL AGAIN.

I believe we have the same "idea" being communicated to these Ephesian Christians as he was communicating to the Philippians but because he says it with different words to the Ephesians it sheds light on what he meant when he said "not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling" In both examples he is simply saying that "you all are going to be able to do this without ME having to be here" and it is my opinion that the "work out your salvation" has been over interpreted and unnecessarily stumbled over due to a violation of rules of heremeneutics.

 

[WalkerAllan]

To: Dino246, tourist, CS1, Guojing and Scribe:
I was referring to Scriptures that could be seen as contradicatory to simple, uneducated minds such as mine (the ignorant and unlearned). I am talking about those who have not heard of words such as exegesis or hermeneutics. Such as we have the unfortunate need to rely upon the Holy Spirit for an understanding of his Word and the unveiling of God’s purpose in our lives.

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. (John 16:13, NIV)

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. (Romans 8:14, NIV)


I quote from Millard J Erickson’s book “Christian Theology” (p1245):
“There are certain dangers associated with the study of theology. There are certain theological diseases to which one is exposed and which one may contract as a result of this endeavour. Helmet Thielicke has described several of them quite vividly in his Little Exercise for Young Theologians. ‘One of the most common and most serious is the sin of pride. When we have acquired a considerable sophistication in matters of theology, there is a danger that we will regard that knowledge as a badge of virtue, something that sets us apart as superior to others. We may use that knowledge, and particularly the jargon we have acquired, to intimidate others who are less informed. We may take advantage of our superior skills, becoming intellectual bullies.’

“Or our knowledge of theology may lead us to a type of theological gamesmanship, in which the arguing of one theory against another becomes our whole purpose in life. But this is to convert what should be the most serious of matters into a sport.”


But further than this:
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. (1 Corinthians 1:27‑29, NIV)

God has always done this and he still is.

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[CS1]

To: Dino246, tourist, CS1, Guojing and Scribe:
I was referring to Scriptures that could be seen as contradicatory to simple, uneducated minds such as mine (the ignorant and unlearned). I am talking about those who have not heard of words such as exegesis or hermeneutics. Such as we have the unfortunate need to rely upon the Holy Spirit for an understanding of his Word and the unveiling of God’s purpose in our lives.

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. (John 16:13, NIV)

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. (Romans 8:14, NIV)


I quote from Millard J Erickson’s book “Christian Theology” (p1245):
“There are certain dangers associated with the study of theology. There are certain theological diseases to which one is exposed and which one may contract as a result of this endeavour. Helmet Thielicke has described several of them quite vividly in his Little Exercise for Young Theologians. ‘One of the most common and most serious is the sin of pride. When we have acquired a considerable sophistication in matters of theology, there is a danger that we will regard that knowledge as a badge of virtue, something that sets us apart as superior to others. We may use that knowledge, and particularly the jargon we have acquired, to intimidate others who are less informed. We may take advantage of our superior skills, becoming intellectual bullies.’

“Or our knowledge of theology may lead us to a type of theological gamesmanship, in which the arguing of one theory against another becomes our whole purpose in life. But this is to convert what should be the most serious of matters into a sport.”


But further than this:
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. (1 Corinthians 1:27‑29, NIV)

God has always done this and he still is.

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Oh yes sir, I am in agreement in part, we all grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus, studying the word of God to achieve illumination comes by the Holy Spirit, relationship with the Lord, and maturity. I see the term "contradictory" in context to the word of God is non-existent. I say that because as you have rightly addressed, the mind-set of the foundational truths of the Word of God must be fully understood. I believe that we who are willing to study will receive enough for appropriate worship, and Godly living.

I too think the church has really fail short in the area of proper discipleship.

 

[Nehemiah6]

It is important that we not make anything out of "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling" as though it were a stand alone statement BECUASE IT IS NOT. It must include "not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence" in order to maintain the meaning that Paul intended.

Sorry, but that interpretation simply does not allow for the fact that (1) the Holy Spirit gave Paul the words to write, and (2) God already knew that Paul's life on earth would be shortly terminated. But since Scripture is written for all time and for all churches, "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling" is indeed a stand alone statement, which corresponds to many similar statements.

 

[Nehemiah6]

We are told here that “it is God who works in you,” while in the same breath we are told “continue to work out your salvation.” Then what does God do and what is our role? Where is the dividing line?

There is nothing contradictory in this. Since the Holy Spirit indwells every child of God, He works within that person, and within his or her situation, in guiding, directing, and even intervening. But every individual must put that to work in their daily lives and affairs.

 

[Scribe]

Sorry, but that interpretation simply does not allow for the fact that (1) the Holy Spirit gave Paul the words to write, and (2) God already knew that Paul's life on earth would be shortly terminated. But since Scripture is written for all time and for all churches, "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling" is indeed a stand alone statement, which corresponds to many similar statements.

I think we still agree as to the interpretation of Paul's meaning. Fortunately you understand him even if you treat it as a stand alone statement because you are taking in the whole body of scripture in your interpretation. You are actually an example of how we can rely on the word of his Grace and his Spirit to see us through. Anyone who thinks it sounds contradictory did not grasp Paul's intended meaning and including the whole statement in the immediate context would have made it less likely that they misunderstood.

My drawn out explanation below is not to be contended for:

"That was just a way of saying "live out this Christian life and deal with the things that you will face from day to day even if I have not specifically talked about them yet or even if I am not there to teach you about it when you have to deal with it."
"Having total dependence on the Holy Sprit and the Word of God to see you through, keeping a humble surrender to Christ to hate sin and not allow compromise to enter in. "fear and trembling" This will ensure that you will not fall into deception or delusion and you will know what I would say about it if I were here to teach you about because we are both hearing from the same Holy Spirit and both getting illumination from the Word of God and are understanding correctly because the "fear and trembling" condition of your hearts will keep your eye single and you will be full of light." "

But one thing I failed to emphasize in my previous post is just as he was addressing an entire local fellowship as a unit in Ephesus I think he is addressing the church at Philippi in his statement to "not only in my presence but also in my absence work out your salvation with fear and trembling" That they as a church can work out God's will and doctrinal understanding in whatever comes their way even if Paul did not teach on it particularly in a letter. So if we apply it to our own self, it is partly true but we should apply his meaning as he spoke it, to the entire fellowship as a church "not only in my presence but also in my absence work out your salvation with fear and trembling" which has a slightly different context. There will be false teachings arise, and many other questions that they as a church will have to contend with that Paul did not specifically address but they will be able to work out all things that pertain to their salvation (living the Christian life). I don't interpret him as saying "work out your REGENERATION, and those things that will qualify you to be saved. His is simply referencing all things that pertain to their Christian life for the future, as "salvation" Like saying "The Salvation Life"

 

[ForestGreenCook]

APPARENT CONTRADICTIONS​

Much truth is presented to the human mind as what, at first sight, appear to be contradictory concepts. The consequence of this is that, in many cases, the application of that truth becomes a choice as to where we position ourselves between two extremes. We human beings prefer absolutes and have a tendency, particularly when debating such issues, to take up the more extreme positions.

An understanding of the Word of God is not for the casual passer-by but for those who will come aside and seek the mind of God as revealed in what is written therein. It is by resolving in our mind these apparent conflicts that we mature in our understanding of God and of his Word.

It is by this means that the Lord defines the territory, sets the boundaries and then guides us to the position that he has prepared for us.

As an example, there has often been contention between those who consider themselves to be "practical" Christians and those who are considered to be "spiritual." This is, to some extent, a conflict between what may be said to be objective and subjective Christian experience.

The first say that "to be too heavenly minded is to be no earthly good" and that we should promote a more “social” Gospel. The second say that our primary goal is our relationship with God and that, in order to maintain that relationship, we should avoid unnecessary contact with the world. Both concepts have, at times, been taken to extremes in ways that have benefited no-one.

In fact, when seen in their proper context, both are right and both are clearly taught in Scripture.

Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it. (Proverbs 4:23, NIV)

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. (James 2:26, NIV)

Without a fruitful and properly aligned inward relationship with God all our works will be nothing more than "beating the air," that is, powerless, ineffectual and ultimately unprofitable (1 Corinthians 13:1‑3). On the other hand, a relationship with God that does not profoundly influence our behaviour and produce appropriate “deeds" is a pretence (James 2:14‑26).

It is only through the work of the Holy Spirit within our inner being that these two opposing truths can be brought into proper balance. No amount of scriptural analysis can bring this about. I would venture to say that the Lord has ordained it this way so that at the end of the day everything depends upon our relationship with him rather than upon an intellectual approach to the understanding of Scripture. The balance will thus be different for each individual according to our personalities and the gifts and callings that God has placed upon our lives and in the very act of seeking this balance we grow in the grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We have seen this principal at work in the seemingly contradictory advice we are given about the role that we ourselves play in working out the practicalities of our lives as part of the New Creation in Christ.

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. (Philippians 2:12–13, NIV)

We are told here that “it is God who works in you,” while in the same breath we are told “continue to work out your salvation.” Then what does God do and what is our role? Where is the dividing line?

And so we could go on.

So what do we do? Do we assume that we are to take hold of what we possess in Christ, define the direction we are to take and make it all work out for us as we have planned? Or do we do nothing until God provides us with the inspiration and opportunities and only then rely on his power to achieve what is now set before us? Both of these concepts appear to be taught in Scripture and can be seen at work in the lives of men and women of God in the Bible. So we must conclude that, when taken in their proper context, both are right. How do we then know where to position ourselves between these two seemingly contradictory principles?

It seems to me that, for a very good reason, Scripture does not give us clear-cut answers to these profound questions. This is because the answer is different for each one of us. It is, I believe, only through the work of the Holy Spirit within our inner being that these two opposing positions can be brought into proper balance. No amount of scriptural analysis can bring this about. As before, everything depends upon our relationship with him rather than upon an intellectual approach to the understanding of Scripture. And again, this balance will be different for each individual according to our personalities and the gifts and callings that God has placed upon our lives and in the very act of seeking this balance we grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

So, I believe it is important to be understood that what the human mind may see as conflicts and contradictions in the Bible exist to take us beyond our intellect into the realm of the Holy Spirit where these issues are resolved in ways which are in accord with the eternal purpose of God in each individual. Until we are freed from the limitations of and dependence upon the human intellect, we will never come to know the Lord as he has ordained that we should know him.

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. (Ephesians 1:17, NIV)

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I respect your sincerity in your reasoning of the scriptures, and the mystery within them. I think that you are absolutely correct in the fact that the unfolding of the mystery will only come about by the revelation of the Holy Ghost, but not until you deny your own intellect. Jesus said "deny yourself," and take up your cross and follow me".

The scriptures do "seem" to contradict themselves by our intellect, but, in truth, the scriptures all harmonise.

Salvation, in the Greek, means "a deliverance" there is an eternal deliverance, and there are deliverances that the regenerate person receives as he sojourns here on earth.

There is a deliverance, here on earth, when the regenerate person follows God's commandments (work out your own deliverance, which is salvation by works) and is able to enjoy a good and peaceful life as he sojourns here on earth.

 

[Blik]

Any time we find a contradiction, it is very important to our knowledge of the Lord to reconcile that contradiction. If we see a contradiction we know we do not understand something, for God can be trusted with accuracy, we can't. One contradiction, for example is whether the law of Moses is cancelled or not.

I once printed out every reference scripture makes to the law, knowing that every scripture is truth. It took months of study to find the truth in each one. To find the answer I needed to check the original words used and their meaning and also a check of what the words meant to men who lived in the time the words of the Lord were written.

 

[JaumeJ]

My practice has always been when I encounter anything in th eWord that seems contradictory to what I have always been led to believe, in faith I keep it to myself until it is revealed (clarified) by the Holy Spirit.

I realize some things will need wait until the Kingdom comes and all mysteries will be revealed. It is easy to practice, and I shall continue in the same. God bless you.

 

[WalkerAllan]

Theologians have, over the centuries, brought the search for an understanding of God down to an intellectual exercise using “the wisdom of the world,” that is techniques introduced by early Greek philosophers and developed further in academia. It is this that God has “made foolish” (1 Corinthians 1:20).

The reason for doing this was to gain the favour of the intellectuals of the day and to achieve some status within the academic community and thus the wider world.

While acknowledging the major role that theology has played at various times in history in preserving the basic understanding of Scripture, it has had a devastating impact upon the day‑to‑day experience of the average Christian. Its intended consequence was to exclude the uninitiated from the inner circle. In other words, it separated an elite that can know God from the rest of us who cannot, at least not without their help and then only to a limited degree.

This is, of course, in complete contradiction to New Testament teaching which so clearly tells us that under the terms of the New Covenant:
No longer will they teach their neighbour,
or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’
because they will all know me,
from the least of them to the greatest. (Hebrews 8:11, NIV)

This is why Jesus instructed us to approach God with the simplicity of a little child (Luke 14:5).
At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. (Matthew 11:25, NIV)

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[Scribe]

Theologians have, over the centuries, brought the search for an understanding of God down to an intellectual exercise using “the wisdom of the world,” that is techniques introduced by early Greek philosophers and developed further in academia. It is this that God has “made foolish” (1 Corinthians 1:20).

The reason for doing this was to gain the favour of the intellectuals of the day and to achieve some status within the academic community and thus the wider world.

While acknowledging the major role that theology has played at various times in history in preserving the basic understanding of Scripture, it has had a devastating impact upon the day‑to‑day experience of the average Christian. Its intended consequence was to exclude the uninitiated from the inner circle. In other words, it separated an elite that can know God from the rest of us who cannot, at least not without their help and then only to a limited degree.

This is, of course, in complete contradiction to New Testament teaching which so clearly tells us that under the terms of the New Covenant:
No longer will they teach their neighbour,
or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’
because they will all know me,
from the least of them to the greatest. (Hebrews 8:11, NIV)

This is why Jesus instructed us to approach God with the simplicity of a little child (Luke 14:5).
At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. (Matthew 11:25, NIV)

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Frankly that sounds like a made up theory by someone who has never read a systematic theology book, attended a bible college or even read a New Testament or Old Testament Survey book and is guessing about what goes on in a bible college.

 

[WalkerAllan]

Frankly that sounds like a made up theory by someone who has never read a systematic theology book, attended a bible college or even read a New Testament or Old Testament Survey book and is guessing about what goes on in a bible college.

Yes. That is pretty much the answer I was expecting.

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[Scribe]

Yes. That is pretty much the answer I was expecting.

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There are liberal theological universities that don't believe that the scriptures are inspired. I don't know why they enjoy such a career. I imagine it must be some kind of unholy motive or pride or arrogance but that should not be used to describe the motives of all those Bible Believing theologians who's motivation is to KNOW GOD BETTER and to make him known.

Most theologians in a Bible Believing theological university have no desire to impress others or exclude them from any academic elitist club. They are saved believers and love the Word and love to study it and to educate others who love the Word.

We all know to stay away from those liberal theologians and not waste time with their books.