Well, I think it's interesting that God leads different people different ways (if He does lead people)! And interesting that studying the Bible does the same thing. But that's understandable, given that it is "not that clear".
What I am trying to say is giving a solid "yes" is not going to work.
For one, God instructs Daniel to shut up the words and seal the book until the time of the end. Daniel 12:4
That let's me know that God doesn't want some things clear until the appointed time. It is not an emphatic "yes" that is will always be unclear. Only unclear until the time to be revealed.
Secondly, the Bible says that if the gospel is hid, it is hid to those that are lost because they have chosen not to believe. II Cor 4:3-4. It was their choice and that makes it unclear to them.
What I am trying to say is giving a solid "yes" is not going to work.
For one, God instructs Daniel to shut up the words and seal the book until the time of the end. Daniel 12:4
That let's me know that God doesn't want some things clear until the appointed time. It is not an emphatic "yes" that is will always be unclear. Only unclear until the time to be revealed.
Secondly, the Bible says that if the gospel is hid, it is hid to those that are lost because they have chosen not to believe. II Cor 4:3-4. It was their choice and that makes it unclear to them.
OK, but does the Holy Spirit lead people (those who want Him to) into all truth? There's a scripture that says He does. Is the meaning of that scripture clear?
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
OK, but does the Holy Spirit lead people (those who want Him to) into all truth? There's a scripture that says He does. Is the meaning of that scripture clear?
If you understand Daniel 12:4 then "yes" it is very clear.
Leading and guiding into all truth would be evident as we progress. I don't believe that if someone is satisfied to drink milk and not eat strong meat, they can profess to being lead. They are stagnant and that is not God's fault. It is their choice. Therefore, I believe, some things will never be "clear" to them. Again, that is not a fault on God's part.
I also believe that we are all on a journey. We all have our tales to tell. Taking myself and looking back, I can see that the road that I have trod and the things I have come up against have caused me to grow, understand and become wiser in areas. It seems these events were hand picked to lead me to where I am today and where I am going in the future.
That is why I rest, emphatically on, Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
We know that comparing ourselves with others is not wise. So, I try not to do that. I have to stay on the road that is chosen for me, getting to the destination - here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
I have a sister, for instance, that is on a spiritual journey. She gets very upset that some of us sisters have varying views on religion. I try to let her vent and get her to focus on not looking at where I am or any of our other sisters. She needs to focus on where she is and knowing that her heart is sincere, God will be true to His Word. I cannot say anything else, because I need God to do this work in her so that at the end of day, she will be settled in her own heart.
That is all we can do. We are spending just way too much time trying to figure everything out. We need to just walk every day, communicate with God and let others do the same. I may not agree, but I'm not going to get worked up over it. Although, I have at times gotten worked up over it. LOL! I'm trying to do better in that area. So, I'm preaching to myself.
Now, I need to go make my husband some Enchiladas and Spanish Rice for dinner. He has to work through the weekend and I have to keep him happy. LOL! Have a good one!
Last edited by Pressing-On; 02-06-2010 at 04:29 PM.
Answering the original question, "Is the Bible clear", well, let's put it this way...If I ask any 35 Christians, "How do you get saved and how can you be sure you're going to heaven?", I'm going to get 35 different answers, I'm gonna take a wild shot at this one and say, "NO!!!" This isn't 35 different people from 35 different churches, not 35 people from 35 different denominations, for crying out loud, this would be 35 different people from the same church!!
To those, however, who have a preset agenda, who have already formulated an opinion and simply find scriptures to match their predetermined agenda, the bible is VERY clear.
Answering the original question, "Is the Bible clear", well, let's put it this way...If I ask any 35 Christians, "How do you get saved and how can you be sure you're going to heaven?", I'm going to get 35 different answers, I'm gonna take a wild shot at this one and say, "NO!!!" This isn't 35 different people from 35 different churches, not 35 people from 35 different denominations, for crying out loud, this would be 35 different people from the same church!!
. . .
Guess salvation isn't one of those important things!
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
You have to take the WHOLE package to get clear understanding. I have to look at your scripture reference in John 14:14 and align that with the whole counsel of God.
That means I also have to look at 1 John 5:14 "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:"
You have to take the WHOLE package to get clear understanding. I have to look at your scripture reference in John 14:14 and align that with the whole counsel of God.
That means I also have to look at 1 John 5:14 "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:"
So, someone had to correct what Jesus said? OK.
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
Maybe it is like one of those stereogram pictures... if you focus on one spot long enough (and lose your natural perspective), you can see a sailboat or some dolphins jumping.
Oh, and to answer the question for myself, I believe that if 50 people who knew nothing about the bible were each locked into a room by themselves for a period of time (3 months maybe?), and were not allowed to interact with other people in any other way (especially the other 49 involved in the experiment - as well as no outside influences, writings, blogs, etc.), and were told to come to a conclusion on how to not go to hell (that seems to be the ultimate goal - but I know people will argue that I am missing the point - and that it is to get closer to God)...
There would emerge 50 different variations on how to avoid said fate, and many of them would be contradictory with the other 49.
Last edited by Brad Murphy; 02-07-2010 at 06:50 AM.
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