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If that’s the case, then we have all been heretics, as we have all been wrong on something. I’m probably wrong on some things, but would they be heretical? No, I don’t believe so, otherwise I wouldn’t believe them. Many interpretations of scripture fall into the category of non-essential doctrines, which do not affect one's salvation. Differences in understanding can exist on certain topics. As believers grow in their faith and study of the Word, they may come to different conclusions about certain verses. This process of learning and growing in understanding is a normal part of the Christian journey (2 Peter 3:18). The focus should be on the core tenets of the faith—such as the divinity of Christ, His resurrection, and the necessity of grace for salvation—rather than on secondary issues that can lead to division. We are called to approach scripture with humility and grace, recognizing that none of us has perfect understanding. Engaging in respectful dialogue and being open to learning from one another can foster unity in the body of Christ.
We should be willing to accept that we may not have all the answers and that our understanding may need to be corrected or deepened (Acts 18:24-26).
Prov. 15:32 teaches He who disdains instruction despises his own soul,
But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding.
Proverbs 12:1 teaches that "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid." Being open to learning from Scripture can lead to spiritual growth.
When we read the Bible, we should seek to understand its meaning and how it applies to our lives. This means asking God for wisdom (James 1:5) and being willing to reflect on how His Word challenges us.
Approaching Scripture with humility also means being open to learning from others in the faith community. Engaging in discussions, Bible studies, and listening to different perspectives can enrich our understanding and help us grow.
Some things to ask yourself when hearing or listening to a view:
1) Will it cause one to call Jesus Lord but not do the things He say (Lk. 6:46)?
2) Is it bringing upon themselves [or others] swift destruction? (2 Peter 2:1).
3) Is that belief or teaching damnable heresy? (More along the same thoughts of question 2)
4) Is it going to cause one to deny the Lord that bought them (2 Peter 2:1)?
5) Will it cause one to have iniquities that separate them from God (Is. 59:2)?
6) Will it cause one to commit sin or live in sin? (Gal. 5:19-21, etc etc)
As long as the belief is not sinful, against Christ’s doctrine, thinking beyond what is written, denying the essentials, damnable heresy, advocating or promoting sin, vain worship, causing people to deny the Lord, contradicts the nature of God, changing the way of salvation, altering God’s word, causing one to remain outside of Christ, rejects the truth about something salvific, or errs from the truth, etc etc...then we can believe it.
While my understanding on certain things is far from perfect, what I do know is founded on the word of truth. Thankfully, salvation is not based on perfect knowledge or else no one would be saved. Rather than being judged on our knowledge in our studies, we are judged on our faithfulness and growth of a Christian.
A good rule of thumb is that interpretations that cause theological heresy in belief or sins in practice are to be avoided. Beneath that, it is more open to judgment.
Since sin is what causes us to have iniquities and iniquities causes us to be separated from God (Is. 59:2), a doctrine that would cause one to be separated from Him if persisted in, would be one that would either condone sin, cause one to live in sin, or believe something sinful.
An amazing thing might happen when you make it your goal to listen well and to understand what someone’s saying: You might find out you’re wrong. Instead of getting angry when this occurs, view it as a blessing and a chance to deepen your humility and grow in understanding.
Instead of automatically assuming something about what someone believes (unless you’ve studied to know it’s what they believe) and crawl down their necks, it would be better if asked “What do you exactly mean?”, “Could you tell me more about that?”
We should be willing to accept that we may not have all the answers and that our understanding may need to be corrected or deepened (Acts 18:24-26).
Prov. 15:32 teaches He who disdains instruction despises his own soul,
But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding.
Proverbs 12:1 teaches that "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid." Being open to learning from Scripture can lead to spiritual growth.
When we read the Bible, we should seek to understand its meaning and how it applies to our lives. This means asking God for wisdom (James 1:5) and being willing to reflect on how His Word challenges us.
Approaching Scripture with humility also means being open to learning from others in the faith community. Engaging in discussions, Bible studies, and listening to different perspectives can enrich our understanding and help us grow.
Some things to ask yourself when hearing or listening to a view:
1) Will it cause one to call Jesus Lord but not do the things He say (Lk. 6:46)?
2) Is it bringing upon themselves [or others] swift destruction? (2 Peter 2:1).
3) Is that belief or teaching damnable heresy? (More along the same thoughts of question 2)
4) Is it going to cause one to deny the Lord that bought them (2 Peter 2:1)?
5) Will it cause one to have iniquities that separate them from God (Is. 59:2)?
6) Will it cause one to commit sin or live in sin? (Gal. 5:19-21, etc etc)
As long as the belief is not sinful, against Christ’s doctrine, thinking beyond what is written, denying the essentials, damnable heresy, advocating or promoting sin, vain worship, causing people to deny the Lord, contradicts the nature of God, changing the way of salvation, altering God’s word, causing one to remain outside of Christ, rejects the truth about something salvific, or errs from the truth, etc etc...then we can believe it.
While my understanding on certain things is far from perfect, what I do know is founded on the word of truth. Thankfully, salvation is not based on perfect knowledge or else no one would be saved. Rather than being judged on our knowledge in our studies, we are judged on our faithfulness and growth of a Christian.
A good rule of thumb is that interpretations that cause theological heresy in belief or sins in practice are to be avoided. Beneath that, it is more open to judgment.
Since sin is what causes us to have iniquities and iniquities causes us to be separated from God (Is. 59:2), a doctrine that would cause one to be separated from Him if persisted in, would be one that would either condone sin, cause one to live in sin, or believe something sinful.
An amazing thing might happen when you make it your goal to listen well and to understand what someone’s saying: You might find out you’re wrong. Instead of getting angry when this occurs, view it as a blessing and a chance to deepen your humility and grow in understanding.
Instead of automatically assuming something about what someone believes (unless you’ve studied to know it’s what they believe) and crawl down their necks, it would be better if asked “What do you exactly mean?”, “Could you tell me more about that?”
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