Understanding and interpretation

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judd

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How do we know that we have the right understanding of certain parts of the bible or all parts of the bible? We all read, understand and interpret differently.

I think the product of our understanding as humans is assumption and not fact.

If any one is to interpret what I just said above or the entire topic ( underlined statement ), He or she might have different understanding and interpretation compare to what I mean by that statement.

I posted this topic to let people know that we could be wrong in our own understanding and interpretation of the words in bible or of other people.



Let me also ask, How do we know that something is wrong or right, after all, we are all humans.?
 

aspen

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How do we know that we have the right understanding of certain parts of the bible or all parts of the bible? We all read, understand and interpret differently.

I think the product of our understanding as humans is assumption and not fact.

If any one is to interpret what I just said above or the entire topic ( underlined statement ), He or she might have different understanding and interpretation compare to what I mean by that statement.

I posted this topic to let people know that we could be wrong in our own understanding and interpretation of the words in bible or of other people.



Let me also ask, How do we know that something is wrong or right, after all, we are all humans.?


This is an awesome thread!


I cannot believe it has not been responded to!


As humans, we cannot produce Truth, we can only form an opinion about it. Shared beliefs about the Bible are often called doctrine; shared opinions about doctrine are often called dogma. Some people confuse their opinions about God's Word (Truth) with God's actual Word. We as Christians are often quite proud of our ability to form opinions that other people treat as Truth, but it really has nothing to do with God's justification/sanctification of our hearts. All we are called to do as Christians is turn our hearts over to Christ and practice the changes He is making in us by finding ways to love and serve God and our neighbors. As a Catholic Christian, I tend to believe that 2000+ years of shared opinion on God's Truth and examples of Christians successfully practicing their sanctification by imitating Christian charity through the practice of the sacraments and dogma is extremely helpful for me to successfully practice my own sanctification in Christ.


Hope that helps.

 

veteran

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How do we know that we have the right understanding of certain parts of the bible or all parts of the bible? We all read, understand and interpret differently.

I think the product of our understanding as humans is assumption and not fact.

If any one is to interpret what I just said above or the entire topic ( underlined statement ), He or she might have different understanding and interpretation compare to what I mean by that statement.

I posted this topic to let people know that we could be wrong in our own understanding and interpretation of the words in bible or of other people.

Let me also ask, How do we know that something is wrong or right, after all, we are all humans.?


We all make mistakes in our grasp of things at times, even the best scholars do. But how do we know when we make a mistake? Only by continued study and prayer when it comes to understanding God's Word.

God uses a lot of metaphors, expressions, and analogies in His Word, lot of them from agricultural terms. The purpose of that was to make His Word easier for all to understand, not more difficult. He put things in terms that made it easier. But how do we know when something is an expression or metaphor or analogy? Continued study. There's even a dictionary of the Old English available for how the words in the KJV Bible was used in its days.

I find that most have problems with determining when something in God's Word is meant metaphorically vs. literally. Then there are those that cast off altogether trying to understand how metaphors and symbols and parable point to literal Truths, and instead turn much of what's written in God's Word into a mystic work of spiritualism.

Then there's the problem of some that preach whom God did not call. Those are forced to get understanding from some other man or a set of system doctrines from man. Those keep going around in circles never coming to the Truth in God's Word.

Only God can give us to really understand the deeper things in all of His Word. But as for The Gospel of Jesus Christ, that He made easy for everyone to understand and make a choice to believe or not believe.
 

Joshua David

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We all make mistakes in our grasp of things at times, even the best scholars do. But how do we know when we make a mistake? Only by continued study and prayer when it comes to understanding God's Word.

God uses a lot of metaphors, expressions, and analogies in His Word, lot of them from agricultural terms. The purpose of that was to make His Word easier for all to understand, not more difficult. He put things in terms that made it easier. But how do we know when something is an expression or metaphor or analogy? Continued study. There's even a dictionary of the Old English available for how the words in the KJV Bible was used in its days.

I find that most have problems with determining when something in God's Word is meant metaphorically vs. literally. Then there are those that cast off altogether trying to understand how metaphors and symbols and parable point to literal Truths, and instead turn much of what's written in God's Word into a mystic work of spiritualism.

Then there's the problem of some that preach whom God did not call. Those are forced to get understanding from some other man or a set of system doctrines from man. Those keep going around in circles never coming to the Truth in God's Word.

Only God can give us to really understand the deeper things in all of His Word. But as for The Gospel of Jesus Christ, that He made easy for everyone to understand and make a choice to believe or not believe.




This is a very good topic and one that I think very few Christians grasp. They are so sure of their own interpretation, that they fail to realize that their interpretation is just that, an interpretation. I can't begin to tell you how many times I have seen Christian brothers and Sisters verbally tear each other down on just the basis of disagreeing over what a certain scripture meant. Both sides were fully convinced that they were right, both sides believed that the Holy Spirit led them to the 'truth'. And since what they believed that their belief was the 'truth' and not their own private interpretation, then anyone who disagreed with them, was wrong and was teaching heresy.


What everyone fails to grasp is that we all have limited understanding. We all have limited, mortal, carnal and as of yet unglorified minds. Does this mean that there is no truth to be learned in the bible? Of course not. The bible is stuffed with so much truth it is like an overflowing cup. It is not the bible that holds us back. I believe it is our own selfish, prideful desire to be 'right', that holds us back. When we become so sure of our own understanding that we never question what we have been told, and never consider that someone who disagrees with us, might have a part of the truth that we haven't considered yet, then we stop our own selves from learning what the Holy Spirit would have us learn.


I get so tired of reading posts that say..."This is not my own interpretation, this is the Word of the Lord. So if you disagree with me, then you disagree with God. Besides all you have to do is open yourself up to the Holy Spirit and ask it to teach you and you will see that I am right." When you try to talk to this person, they refuse to question what they believe. You ask them questions, and they refuse to answer, or if they do answer all they do is quote scripture without explaining what their take on those scriptures mean.


But the worst ones are the ones that assign themselves to be Judge and Jury of God's Holy Word. They will defend their 'truth' with a passion. And condemn anyone who dares speak against them. Obviously, if someone speaks against them then they can't be serving God. They must be serving another Jesus, and therefore, they can't be saved. Only they have the right to declare what is right and true. Only they and the ones who think just like them are the true sons of God.


I think when they stand before God, they will have some explaining to do.


Joshua David


 

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It has been my observation that most of the participants in these forums are studied, well read and thoughtful.
I think we take our mental and spiritual attitude toward studied debate for granted.
Not all do as we do.

During a recent book club meeting I shared some of the intellectual thrashing that goes on here.
A friend stated that most folks do not study as we do.
Most do not care to do so and leave the interpretation and conclusions to others.
They then sift through all the pre-digested dialogue and buy that which sounds best to them.

It is mental, spiritual and moral laziness.

I find many of the discussions here useful both for expressing my own conclusions as well as the pointers for further study suggested by others.
We may not all be in agreement from point to point, but it is still fascinating to witness the dialogue that rages here.
Critical educated debate doesn't happen much these days.

Once upon a time it was common, or so I'm told.
 

Joshua David

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It has been my observation that most of the participants in these forums are studied, well read and thoughtful.
I think we take our mental and spiritual attitude toward studied debate for granted.
Not all do as we do.

During a recent book club meeting I shared some of the intellectual thrashing that goes on here.
A friend stated that most folks do not study as we do.
Most do not care to do so and leave the interpretation and conclusions to others.
They then sift through all the pre-digested dialogue and buy that which sounds best to them.

It is mental, spiritual and moral laziness.

I find many of the discussions here useful both for expressing my own conclusions as well as the pointers for further study suggested by others.
We may not all be in agreement from point to point, but it is still fascinating to witness the dialogue that rages here.
Critical educated debate doesn't happen much these days.

Once upon a time it was common, or so I'm told.

RJP,

Please don't misunderstand me, I love debating God's word. And some of the debates that I have entered into with my friends have been very spirited and passionate. That is the entire reason that I come on the websites. I love talking to other Christians about the word of God, especially if we don't see something exactly the same way. But that is not what I was talking about. I do not have a problem with someone passionately defending what they believe to be true, as I would defend what I believe to be true passionately. But you can defend your view with passion and still be respectful of the other person's view at the same time, even if you totally disagree with the other person's position.

This common courtesy is what is missing most of the time. There is a point when people allow their passion to turn into pride. Instead of approaching the debate with a sense of humbleness, they approach it from a sense of hubris. They belittle, condemn, judge, and some even question the other person's walk and love of God. They never even try to view the issue from the other person's point of view, because they will never even entertain the slight possibility that they might be wrong. And so they set themselves up to be God's arbiter of truth. Only they and people who believe exactly like them are the ones who have to the right to declare what is right in God's word.

Joshua David



 

Thankful 1

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How do we know that we have the right understanding of certain parts of the bible or all parts of the bible? We all read, understand and interpret differently.

I think the product of our understanding as humans is assumption and not fact.

If any one is to interpret what I just said above or the entire topic ( underlined statement ), He or she might have different understanding and interpretation compare to what I mean by that statement.

I posted this topic to let people know that we could be wrong in our own understanding and interpretation of the words in bible or of other people.



Let me also ask, How do we know that something is wrong or right, after all, we are all humans.?
Judd, I know that what I say about the written Word of God is true, for me, is because Jesus personally has taught me it’s meaning.



I do not necessarily believe how the Word of God has been interpreted for me is the same, as every one else understands. People are in different palaces in their walk with God, so may be given a different understanding.



I do believe if a person will allow Jesus/Holy Spirit to teach and guide him or her they will come to the same understanding in time.
 

Thankful 1

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How do you know that it wasn't Satan teaching you? You don't.



(John 10:1-5)"I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice."



We are to judge by the fruits produced. The fruits that have been produced by the indwelling of God in me have been God. So then only God could produce Good fruit.



Satan would never lead one to a sinless life. Satan would not lead one to live the Whole Word of God.



Satan would and could not heal my daughter who was born blind, and healed in Jesus’ name.



Satan would never say the Bible was his written Word. Jesus told me the bible was his written Word.
 

Duckybill

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(John 10:1-5)"I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice."

True indeed!
We are to judge by the fruits produced. The fruits that have been produced by the indwelling of God in me have been God. So then only God could produce Good fruit.

Have you not read where Satan imitates good?

2 Corinthians 11:14-15 (NKJV)
[sup]14[/sup]For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. [sup]15 [/sup]Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.
Satan would never lead one to a sinless life.

Probably not, but he certainly would seduce someone into thinking he is sinless.
Satan would not lead one to live the Whole Word of God.

You live "the Whole Word of God"?
Satan would and could not heal my daughter who was born blind, and healed in Jesus’ name.

Satan can indeed work miracles to deceive.

Satan would never say the Bible was his written Word. Jesus told me the bible was his written Word.

Satan doesn't lie???

Revelation 12:9 (NKJV)
[sup]9 [/sup]So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world;
 

Thankful 1

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True indeed!

Have you not read where Satan imitates good?

2 Corinthians 11:14-15 (NKJV)
[sup]14[/sup]For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. [sup]15 [/sup]Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

Probably not, but he certainly would seduce someone into thinking he is sinless.

You live "the Whole Word of God"?

Satan can indeed work miracles to deceive.

Satan doesn't lie???

[/font]Revelation 12:9 (NKJV)
[sup]9 [/sup]So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world;

You give Satan more power than God. I asked Jesus to be with me, and he is. Now do you really believe that Jesus would let Satan take someone who has given his life to him, away from him?



Jesus is my Lord and God, and only him do I follow. Satan can’t even come near me; he has to flee away from the Name of our Lord and God, Jesus!



Let me tell you something about sin, the Holy Spirit has shown me that one can not even think negative about someone, and has taught me to not let a negative thought about a person be entertained by me.



Any wrong doing is a sin.
 

Duckybill

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(John 10:1-5)"I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice." We are to judge by the fruits produced. The fruits that have been produced by the indwelling of God in me have been God. So then only God could produce Good fruit. Satan would never lead one to a sinless life. Satan would not lead one to live the Whole Word of God. Satan would and could not heal my daughter who was born blind, and healed in Jesus’ name.

Satan would never say the Bible was his written Word. Jesus told me the bible was his written Word.

You obviously cannot refute what I said. Satan can indeed work miracles to deceive. And he does.

Revelation 16:14 (KJV)
[sup]14 [/sup]For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.



Matthew 24:24 (NKJV)
[sup]24 [/sup]For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.



Any wrong doing is a sin.
I think we get it. You are saying that you NEVER do anything wrong. Yeah right.

 

Thankful 1

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You obviously cannot refute what I said. Satan can indeed work miracles to deceive. And he does.

Revelation 16:14 (KJV)
[sup]14 [/sup]For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.



Matthew 24:24 (NKJV)
[sup]24 [/sup]For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.




I think we get it. You are saying that you NEVER do anything wrong. Yeah right.


How do you know that Satan can heal the blind?



(John 9:30-33) “The man answered, “Now that is remarkable! You don’t know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does his will. Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.”</SPAN>
 

Thankful 1

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From Jesus' own lips:

Matthew 24:24 (NKJV)
[sup]24 [/sup]For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.



You know you forgot the last part of that verse. That often happens when people are trying to make others believe some thing that is not true.



(Matthew 24:24) “ For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”



You notice Jesus said if possible?



(Matthew 7:16-20) “ Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”



If one still commits then he or she is of Satan.



(1 John 3:8) “He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work”
 

Duckybill

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You know you forgot the last part of that verse. That often happens when people are trying to make others believe some thing that is not true.

I didn't forget it. I included it : )
You notice Jesus said if possible?

How do you know you're elect? Because you're sinless? Because you think you are? Those who are deceived think they are too.
(Matthew 7:16-20) “ Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”

That's simply saying that we know that those who do evil are evil, not that they cannot do good also.
If one still commits then he or she is of Satan.
(1 John 3:8) “He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work”

You got off the subject. You wrote: "How do you know that Satan can heal the blind?"

Revelation 16:14 (KJV)
[sup]14 [/sup]For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

Satan is a very religious fellow.

Revelation 12:9 (NKJV)
[sup]9 [/sup]So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world;
 

Thankful 1

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I didn't forget it. I included it : )

How do you know you're elect? Because you're sinless? Because you think you are? Those who are deceived think they are too.

That's simply saying that we know that those who do evil are evil, not that they cannot do good also.

You got off the subject. You wrote: "How do you know that Satan can heal the blind?"

Revelation 16:14 (KJV)
[sup]14 [/sup]For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

Satan is a very religious fellow.

Revelation 12:9 (NKJV)
[sup]9 [/sup]So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world;


No I did not get away from the subject. You see if you sin then you are of Satan. If you sin then why would anyone ever believe you are of God? Of course a slave of Satan would call a man of God evil.



(1 John 3:8) “He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work”



Jesus told us to judge by the fruits, and sin is sure rotten fruit.



(Matthew 7:16-20) “ Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”
 

Duckybill

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I have clearly shown that Satan does miracles/good to deceive. He is VERY religious. So you still don't know who has been telling you that He is Jesus. There is a way to know, but you don't know it.

2 Corinthians 11:14-15 (NKJV)
[sup]14 [/sup]For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. [sup]15 [/sup]Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

 

Thankful 1

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I have clearly shown that Satan does miracles/good to deceive. He is VERY religious. So you still don't know who has been telling you that He is Jesus. There is a way to know, but you don't know it.

2 Corinthians 11:14-15 (NKJV)
[sup]14 [/sup]For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. [sup]15 [/sup]Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.


You should realize that what you tried to prove is not what this thread is about. What you did was to make people aware that those who sin are not of God, and in no way could understand or interpret scripture correctly.





(1 John 3:8) “He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work”