Scripture Interpretations

What is your view on scripture interpretations. Are the Scriptures negotiable? And if not, why are there so many disagreements amongst Christians?


Damian

Bible verses can and do have multiple meanings. People have different levels of intelligence, education, spiritual maturity, and culture. God has assigned different tasks for members in the body of Christ, some are evangalists, having a special talent for reaching the lost. Others are prophets, with a talent for understanding prophesy. We are specialists and are specially equipped for our area of ministry, but may have a poor grasp of other aspects of God's plan. In addition, there are weeds among the wheat, whose purpose is to mislead and confuse.

This is the way it is, always has been and shall continue until the Lord comes back. Debate is good, it leads to study and hopefully further understanding and spiritual maturity. Don't make the mistake of confusing debate with dissension. One builds up, the other tears down.

Amen to Willis' posting. Also, I don't find scripture negotiable in the sense that, no lies are in the Bible.
I think another problem exists when one has been raised in a particular denomination & taught something which isn't necessarily scripturally sound. It is difficult for someone to admit that they were taught wrong, no matter what scripture says. In this case the religion is their final authority, instead of the Bible.
The Bible is not the final authority for all Christians. This causes disagreements.
Also, there may be 2 verses on a certain matter which seem to contradict each other. So one person picks the verse which meets his needs, & ignores the other verse. Without realizing it, they are claiming that verse which they find unacceptable, is a lie, but they won't admit it.
When 2 verses conflict, we are to consider both as true & draw our conclusion from that standpoint. But on the other hand, there are some subjects which end in a circular fashion, & can never be proven by opposing verses of either side. So there are some things which we won't know till we get to heaven.

I'm still trying to understand the term 'negotiable' in Day's question. Perhaps Debbie's post clarified my thinking or perhaps I've wandered off the topic completely but perhaps Day is wondering about Christians who seem to pick and choose which verses apply to their lives, which they will follow and which they will ignore.

I need to clarify on this too.

I consider a prophet an inspired speaker or writer who reveals how a scripture or group of scriptures help us to understand any mystery that we might have about Jesus Christ.

for example read 2 Pe 1:20-21

Why are there so many disagreements if there is no private interpretation of scripture?

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Hosea 13

4 "Yet I am the LORD your God ever since the land of Egypt, and you shall know no God but ME; for there is no savior besides Me....

14 "...I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. O Death, I will be your plagues! O Grave, I will be your destruction! Pity is hidden from My eyes.

Scripture interprets Scripture. IMHO, we can always find the answer by reading all Scripture given on a particular topic <><

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Maranatha

Day, a prophet, according to the Bible, is a person who recieves knowledge or correction directly from God for the edification of an individual or the church. It is a gift of the Holy SPirit. (1Cor). See Jer.
You described a teacher, which is also a gift.

Day, 2Peter is talking about false teachers. Preachers/teachers who ADDED to the work of the cross by Christ.
The gnostics said that in addition, in order to be saved, we must do something else also.
Peter told them that the OT was true prophecy, in that when the Messiah comes, our salvation would rest in His work alone.
This book is very applicable today with all the "signs & wonders" we see on Tv. 2Peter 1:16 describes these ideas as"cunningly devised fables". We need to beware today as well, for "even the elect" will be decieved.
I hear many of these fables on tv today, & nothing about Jesus in the half hour program, or maybe once at the end. The ministry of Jesus Christ is being diminished to give way to "spiritual awakening", "to get blessings", "to be free of the past", etc, when all we need is Christ, as the Bible says.

[quote]Originally posted by Debbie
Day, 2Peter is talking about false teachers. [quote]

So can we say that we ourselves are the greatest false teachers/prophets. Because so many of us -- me above all -- teach other things besides Christ Jesus. Especially when we want to prove a point that is particular to our specific way of looking at God or to defend our Building or something.

The Bible gives other ways to know a false teacher/prophet also. Jesus has to be their foundation of their ministry. "testing the spirits" includes what comes out of their mouth. 2 Cor. 10.
Fruits of their work, etc. I was pseaking of preachers who I have seen on tbn for 6 months every week & never mention Jesus once. And another who says "Jesus saves" at the end. If tou went to church & your preacher never mentioned Jesus in 6 months wouldnt you be concerned?
See 2Cor.11 about false apostles turning themselves into the Apostles of Christ.