Ronald David Bruno
Well-Known Member
Ruth Graham once said, "I own about twenty different English versions of the Bible ... and they all say the same thing!" Generally and fundamentally speaking, she's right concerning the way, the truth and the life.
Just pick out one verse, go to Biblegateway.com, and then access all versions of the Bible. You can see about fifty. Then read what they all say - pretty much the same with slight variations. Of course one word can throw things off a bit. I did a study on the words relative to the doctrine of Eternal Hell: Hell, Hades, Abyss, eternal, everlasting, destruction, punishment, perish, fire, etc. It was necessary to examine each word because I believe this traditional doctrine is questionable. And I have settled it in my mind. I could be wrong, but it won't affect my salvation if I am. NEXT.
There is confusion over certain doctrines and it is our due diligence to seek out the truth through prayer and study. We exhaust our minds and abilities at times and need to go to scholarly commentaries. God made us with different levels of intelligence and so some of us will only grasp the basics. Mentality retarded kids can be saved by simple and fundamental truths through paraphrased Bible stories. And so that is enough for them. Praise God!
The Bible does say we don't need a teacher, because we have the Holy Spirit. True, but if you've only been a Christian for a few years I think it is wise to listen to sermons and teachings of the scholars who have been taught by the Holy Spirit for decades and see what they have to say. I often go to John MacArthur or RC Sproul. Sometimes I don't agree but a different perspective helps.
It is true that we should not proof text a whole doctrine based on one text. No, we have to examine the context. The whole Bible is in harmony, so scripture supports scripture and we should be able to find many supportive scriptures before we are convinced of the truth of that doctrine . Confirmation cannot be settled by one text or one word.
I got saved by reading not a very literal word for word translation Bible, but a paraphrased version called "The Book". Later, once I found a good church, I used more literal versions: KJV, NKJV, ASV, NASB, RV, NIV, etc. So when there is question in my mind about a doctrine or particular scripture, I will just examine all the other versions.. I even like YLT.
They have all been translated by highly educated scholars, who were also spirit filled and led to accomplish God's purpose!
I do not have a PhD in Christian theology, Hermeneutics, Hebrew or Koine Greek languages, so I must rely on these versions. I look up words but don't really exegete scriptures. THE WORK HAS ALREADY BEEN DONE FOR ME.
I understand that some people pretend to have this ability, expertise and proceed to try to impress others when they are just puffed up amateurs. "Ummm ... yes ... but the Greek meaning of that word states that ... bla, bla ... and so bla, bla, bla ..." Yeah, thank you, but I will examine the various versions I have written by scholars who actually have sorted out the words already and best translation - so I don't need your amatuer bla, bla, blas.
It helps to examine words and maybe get a richer meaning. But I think the point Ruth was making was that the Spirit will eventually guide you to all truth. We won't understand it all, but will understand enough for His purpose for each of us.
Just pick out one verse, go to Biblegateway.com, and then access all versions of the Bible. You can see about fifty. Then read what they all say - pretty much the same with slight variations. Of course one word can throw things off a bit. I did a study on the words relative to the doctrine of Eternal Hell: Hell, Hades, Abyss, eternal, everlasting, destruction, punishment, perish, fire, etc. It was necessary to examine each word because I believe this traditional doctrine is questionable. And I have settled it in my mind. I could be wrong, but it won't affect my salvation if I am. NEXT.
There is confusion over certain doctrines and it is our due diligence to seek out the truth through prayer and study. We exhaust our minds and abilities at times and need to go to scholarly commentaries. God made us with different levels of intelligence and so some of us will only grasp the basics. Mentality retarded kids can be saved by simple and fundamental truths through paraphrased Bible stories. And so that is enough for them. Praise God!
The Bible does say we don't need a teacher, because we have the Holy Spirit. True, but if you've only been a Christian for a few years I think it is wise to listen to sermons and teachings of the scholars who have been taught by the Holy Spirit for decades and see what they have to say. I often go to John MacArthur or RC Sproul. Sometimes I don't agree but a different perspective helps.
It is true that we should not proof text a whole doctrine based on one text. No, we have to examine the context. The whole Bible is in harmony, so scripture supports scripture and we should be able to find many supportive scriptures before we are convinced of the truth of that doctrine . Confirmation cannot be settled by one text or one word.
I got saved by reading not a very literal word for word translation Bible, but a paraphrased version called "The Book". Later, once I found a good church, I used more literal versions: KJV, NKJV, ASV, NASB, RV, NIV, etc. So when there is question in my mind about a doctrine or particular scripture, I will just examine all the other versions.. I even like YLT.
They have all been translated by highly educated scholars, who were also spirit filled and led to accomplish God's purpose!
I do not have a PhD in Christian theology, Hermeneutics, Hebrew or Koine Greek languages, so I must rely on these versions. I look up words but don't really exegete scriptures. THE WORK HAS ALREADY BEEN DONE FOR ME.
I understand that some people pretend to have this ability, expertise and proceed to try to impress others when they are just puffed up amateurs. "Ummm ... yes ... but the Greek meaning of that word states that ... bla, bla ... and so bla, bla, bla ..." Yeah, thank you, but I will examine the various versions I have written by scholars who actually have sorted out the words already and best translation - so I don't need your amatuer bla, bla, blas.
It helps to examine words and maybe get a richer meaning. But I think the point Ruth was making was that the Spirit will eventually guide you to all truth. We won't understand it all, but will understand enough for His purpose for each of us.
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