To be fair, there are often plausible interpretations of Scripture that simply disagree with other plausible interpretations of Scripture. It's not as if the "other side" is necessarily being disingenuous or desperately adhering to a preexisting doctrinal position that has no merit. Most people are quite sincere in their beliefs -and that makes it all the more frustrating for everyone involved. I know that doesn't resolve the issue but maybe sheds a little light. Equally educated and erudite theologians and biblical scholars can disagree with each other 180 degrees all day long-with both having reasonable arguments.
I agree, and did not state, the persons are deliberately manipulating, reinterpreting, abusing, and mis-using the Scriptures to support their own opinions, assumptions, and beliefs; however, I would not deny that this happens. I think others really believe what they are saying is true; and so, deceiving themselves.
Regarding the interpretation of Scriptures, yes, people can have what appears to be "plausible" interpretations. However, I don't believe God is senile, do you? If a "plausible explanation" supports a doctrine that is opposite another doctrine, well then, no matter how "plausible" it must be held suspect until "
the context" [
local and broader context] and "
grammar" are together verified and studied. And this is not difficult to do if one is objective.
I believe the NT Scriptures were authored by God to
make plain to understand the Gospel revelation so as to give
complete understanding what was, in past times, a mystery.
Romans 16:25-26 (NIV) 25 Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the
mystery hidden for long ages past, 26 but
now revealed and
made known through the
prophetic writings by the
command of the eternal God, so that all the
Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith
Ephesians 3:4-6 (NIV) 4
In reading this, then, you will be able
to understand my insight into the
mystery of Christ, 5 which was
not made known to people in other generations as it
has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s {{{holy apostles and prophets}}}. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 1:25-27 (NIV) 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to
present to you [in what he is now writing to them about in this Epistle] the word of God in its fullness— 26
the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is
now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Colossians 2:1-4 (NIV) 2 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the
full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may
know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3
in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I tell you this so that
no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.
Ephesians 3:8-11 (NIV) 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and
to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which
for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God [
which is the Gospel Revelation that God commanded to be put into writing: Romans 16:25-27] should be
made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 Peter 1:10-16 (NIV) 10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, 11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have
now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you
by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.
2 Corinthians 1:13 (NIV) 13 For we do not
write you anything
you cannot read or understand.
