Who Decides the Right Interpretation of the Bible?

[All Becomes New]

A question that gets brought up a lot in the Catholic vs Protestant debates about what the "correct" interpretation is being the question, "Who decides which interpretation is correct?"

This might sound like a very puzzling conundrum for the Protestant whom the Catholics often accuse of the "Only me and my Bible" argument.

The answer is rudimentary, yet hidden in plain sight. What Catholics assume is that a man must have the correct interpretation of the Bible. This is an unverifiable claim, given all the plethora of interpretations of things (such as the millennial kingdom).

I propose that the answer has been staring us in the face all along. Something a child could get right, but the most sophisticated theologians get wrong. The answer is God. God has a perfect interpretation of the Bible. No one else does because God is transcendent above human understanding. As we see God saying of Himself,

Isaiah 55:8-9
"“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
and your ways are not my ways.”
This is the LORD’s declaration.
“For as heaven is higher than earth,
so my ways are higher than your ways,
and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Why should we assume that any human interpretation is 100% correct? Further, we assume that the Bible is meant solely for humans to understand. We assume the purpose of the Written Word is to communicate to humanity about God. But what if this assumption is incorrect? What if God did not write the Bible only for humans to interpret, but instead as a work for God to do in His sovereignty? This would make sense if we go with the idea that the universe itself was not created for man, but for God. "The heavens declare the glory of God." It is not the universe that was made for man. In the same way, the eternal Word of God is not primarily or solely meant for man to understand God. It may be that it is just another work of God for us to marvel at.

Matthew 5:18
"For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or one stroke of a letter will pass away from the law until all things are accomplished."

 

[Spiritual Jew]

A question that gets brought up a lot in the Catholic vs Protestant debates about what the "correct" interpretation is being the question, "Who decides which interpretation is correct?"

This might sound like a very puzzling conundrum for the Protestant whom the Catholics often accuse of the "Only me and my Bible" argument.

The answer is rudimentary, yet hidden in plain sight. What Catholics assume is that a man must have the correct interpretation of the Bible. This is an unverifiable claim, given all the plethora of interpretations of things (such as the millennial kingdom).

I propose that the answer has been staring us in the face all along. Something a child could get right, but the most sophisticated theologians get wrong. The answer is God. God has a perfect interpretation of the Bible. No one else does because God is transcendent above human understanding. As we see God saying of Himself,

Isaiah 55:8-9
"“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
and your ways are not my ways.”
This is the LORD’s declaration.
“For as heaven is higher than earth,
so my ways are higher than your ways,
and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Why should we assume that any human interpretation is 100% correct? Further, we assume that the Bible is meant solely for humans to understand. We assume the purpose of the Written Word is to communicate to humanity about God. But what if this assumption is incorrect? What if God did not write the Bible only for humans to interpret, but instead as a work for God to do in His sovereignty? This would make sense if we go with the idea that the universe itself was not created for man, but for God. "The heavens declare the glory of God." It is not the universe that was made for man. In the same way, the eternal Word of God is not primarily or solely meant for man to understand God. It may be that it is just another work of God for us to marvel at.

Matthew 5:18
"For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or one stroke of a letter will pass away from the law until all things are accomplished."

You seem to be suggesting that we are not meant to understand the Bible? Or, at least, certain parts of it? If so, I completely disagree with that. God intends for us to understand all of it or else it wouldn't be written. If He wanted to write something just for Himself, He could have done that and not bothered sharing it with us. What is written is meant to be understood, but some of it is meant to be revealed to us by way of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:9-16) rather than being spelled out to us. And, we can ask God for wisdom about the things we don't understand and scripture itself says that He will then give it to us if we don't doubt (James 1:5-7).

 

[Richard T]

Matthew Poole: "But when we come to heaven, we shall be in such a state, as nothing shall or can be added to us; then our partial and imperfect knowledge shall be swallowed up in a knowledge perfect and complete."

Commentary on I Cor. 13:10. that, "Then I will know fully" is in heaven.

1 Corinthians 13:12 (NASB)
12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.

No one knows the bible perfectly. Sure we can know the milk of the word, and parts of other scriptures. The word is living and active though. It is best and only understood by a personal relationship with God and the teacher the Holy Spirit. No man would have time to study every detail or even experience God's revelation for every part.

So what fixes this mess? Trust in God! God will light our individual path though and illuminate what we need as we walk with him daily. He uses churches and others to help us as well, but it still boils down to us and God. We are judged individually. Our daily bread is the word of God. Stop eating and we become a sorry Christian.

 

[linux.poet]

God does.

The best human interpretations follow hermeneutics to make sure that all of the Bible is interpreted consistently with itself.

 

[Richard T]

God does.

The best human interpretations follow hermeneutics to make sure that all of the Bible is interpreted consistently with itself.

I agree with using hermanuetics, but their rules are not exactly in the bible. So rhema does matter, and rhema can be individual. The problem is that some make claims of hearing from God (angels are even worse) yet they are drastically wrong and it is even possible what they got was demonic.
So this applies.
Hebrews 5:14 (NASB)
14 But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.

Practice is not obtained from anyone that gets all their doctrine from a particular teacher or church. I think some offer a great foundation, but ultimately you need to look at the areas where God directs to you as needed. many things too are shelved, meaning that one might not know completely but you move on and if God brings it up later, you can reassess. It seems certain that no one church has all the truth. Humans have too many biases, there still is too much flesh in some areas too. Thank God, He wills to keep a Christian on His path. The sheep will hear his voice.

 

[Maria Billingsley]

A question that gets brought up a lot in the Catholic vs Protestant debates about what the "correct" interpretation is being the question, "Who decides which interpretation is correct?"

This might sound like a very puzzling conundrum for the Protestant whom the Catholics often accuse of the "Only me and my Bible" argument.

The answer is rudimentary, yet hidden in plain sight. What Catholics assume is that a man must have the correct interpretation of the Bible. This is an unverifiable claim, given all the plethora of interpretations of things (such as the millennial kingdom).

I propose that the answer has been staring us in the face all along. Something a child could get right, but the most sophisticated theologians get wrong. The answer is God. God has a perfect interpretation of the Bible. No one else does because God is transcendent above human understanding. As we see God saying of Himself,

Isaiah 55:8-9
"“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
and your ways are not my ways.”
This is the LORD’s declaration.
“For as heaven is higher than earth,
so my ways are higher than your ways,
and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Why should we assume that any human interpretation is 100% correct? Further, we assume that the Bible is meant solely for humans to understand. We assume the purpose of the Written Word is to communicate to humanity about God. But what if this assumption is incorrect? What if God did not write the Bible only for humans to interpret, but instead as a work for God to do in His sovereignty? This would make sense if we go with the idea that the universe itself was not created for man, but for God. "The heavens declare the glory of God." It is not the universe that was made for man. In the same way, the eternal Word of God is not primarily or solely meant for man to understand God. It may be that it is just another work of God for us to marvel at.

Matthew 5:18
"For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or one stroke of a letter will pass away from the law until all things are accomplished."

Scripture was written by humans for humans through His Holy Spirit. If proper hermenuetics is used to discern what is descriptive and what is prescriptive in Scripture, there would be less confusion and misrepresentation.
His Holy Spirit is given to each believer to guide them in all truth, that includes what is written as history, prophesy, correction and direction. Too many " Theologians " lack His Spirit exasperating the problem of weak or erroneous interpretation.
Blessings

 

[NewLifeInChristJesus]

God has a perfect interpretation of the Bible.

Though I agree with the sentiment of the post, I would offer one edit. God has perfect understanding of everything, including the truths He inspired to be written in Scripture. Accordingly, He does not need to interpret Scripture. I'm not being critical as I'm sure you agree with this.

 

[NewLifeInChristJesus]

God does.

The best human interpretations follow hermeneutics to make sure that all of the Bible is interpreted consistently with itself.

Good hermeneutics is good, but is not worth much without the Spirit of God enlightening one's understanding.

 

[NewLifeInChristJesus]

The problem is that some make claims of hearing from God (angels are even worse) yet they are drastically wrong and it is even possible what they got was demonic.

Warning bells go off whenever I see statements like this. It is easy to distinguish God from the devil. They are diametrically opposed. It is also easy to distinguish the desires of the flesh from the desires of the Spirit. They too are diametrically opposed. If this were not so, then there would be no reason for verses like Galatians 5:16-18. The practical result is that walking in the Spirit makes it is easy to spot false doctrine even in the rare occasion that it comes from someone who claims he got his false doctrine from God. What is much more common is people trying to dissuade others from listening to God for fear that they may be hearing from demons instead. You may not be doing that, but what you wrote reminds me of the words used by people who do.

 

[All Becomes New]

Though I agree with the sentiment of the post, I would offer one edit. God has perfect understanding of everything, including the truths He inspired to be written in Scripture. Accordingly, He does not need to interpret Scripture. I'm not being critical as I'm sure you agree with this.

You are correct. When I say that God has the perfect "interpretation" of the Bible, what I mean is that God alone knows what the correct answer is to all questions theologians ask about the Bible. You are correct that God does not need to "learn" what the Bible means. He already knows. In the end, this is a bit of a semantic difference in the way I presented the argument because I agree that God does not need to learn from scripture as He is the one who wrote it.

 

[NewLifeInChristJesus]

You are correct. When I say that God has the perfect "interpretation" of the Bible, what I mean is that God alone knows what the correct answer is to all questions theologians ask about the Bible. You are correct that God does not need to "learn" what the Bible means. He already knows. In the end, this is a bit of a semantic difference in the way I presented the argument because I agree that God does not need to learn from scripture as He is the one who wrote it.

I knew from the other things you wrote that it was just a matter of semantics. Thanks.

 

[St_Worm2]

Why should we assume that any human interpretation is 100% correct?

Hello All Becomes New, the expectation the Bible gives us is that we can, as believers, accept and understand God's word from His spiritual POV (which is something that we could not do prior to becoming believers .. e.g. 1 Corinthians 2:12-16). The Bible also commands us to be diligent in studying His word so that we can, in fact, rightly divide it (interpret what it says accurately, if not perfectly) under the Spirit's guidance .. e.g. 2 Timothy 2:15.

Further, we assume that the Bible is meant solely for humans to understand. We assume the purpose of the Written Word is to communicate to humanity about God. But what if this assumption is incorrect? What if God did not write the Bible only for humans to interpret, but instead as a work for God to do in His sovereignty? This would make sense if we go with the idea that the universe itself was not created for man, but for God. "The heavens declare the glory of God." It is not the universe that was made for man. In the same way, the eternal Word of God is not primarily or solely meant for man to understand God. It may be that it is just another work of God for us to marvel at.

Matthew 5:18
"For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or one stroke of a letter will pass away from the law until all things are accomplished."

It seems to me that the Bible was written by us and for us (superintended under the watchful eye/inspiration of the Holy Spirit) as @Maria Billingsley has already mentioned. As such, it seems to me that it was meant for us alone, and principally for believers (and believers yet to be). It was written so that we could know Him and the truth about Him (and the "truth" in general), as well what He thinks of us, wants from us, and intends for us. It is both His story and the story of the redemption that He alone has made possible for us.

If it was intended as a plan or a blueprint of sorts, that too would have been meant for us alone to study/follow/understand, as neither God nor the angels would have any use for something like that.

As far as the Bible being something for us to "marvel at", while I agree (in a certain sense), I don't believe that that is its principal purpose, or that either His word or the Universe are, in the end, things that are meant to be marveled at and enjoyed by us as much as they are meant to lead us to the One who is (which I'm sure you agree with).

As answer #1 in the Shorter Catechism tells us, "Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever" (the latter half of that answer being something that will be true for believers alone, of course).

God bless you!!

--David
p.s. - question, if God created the Universe for His glory alone (apart from us), why does He end up destroying it at the end of the age .. e.g. Matthew 5:18a?

 

[All Becomes New]

Hello All Becomes New, the expectation the Bible gives us is that we can, as believers, accept and understand God's word from His spiritual POV (which is something that we could not do prior to becoming believers .. e.g. 1 Corinthians 2:12-16). The Bible also commands us to be diligent in studying His word so that we can, in fact, rightly divide it (interpret what it says accurately, if not perfectly) under the Spirit's guidance .. e.g. 2 Timothy 2:15.

We can and we should study the Word. That is one of the purposes for which it was written. However, you have not really delt with what I have said very well. If all Christians can rightly divide the Word of Truth, then why are there so many different interpretations? This is the linchpin of my argument which you have ignored.

It seems to me that the Bible was written by us and for us (superintended under the watchful eye/inspiration of the Holy Spirit) as @Maria Billingsley has already mentioned. As such, it seems to me that it was meant for us alone, and principally for believers (and believers yet to be). It was written so that we could know Him and the truth about Him (and the "truth" in general), as well what He thinks of us, wants from us, and intends for us. It is both His story and the story of the redemption that He alone has made possible for us.

Here is my question to you since you are a Calvinist. If the Bible is written to believers, then why are there warnings of apostasy in the Bible?

If it was intended as a plan or a blueprint of sorts, that too would have been meant for us alone to study/follow/understand, as neither God nor the angels would have any use for something like that.

Isn't that a pragmatic outlook on why the Bible was written? God is not a pragmatist.

As far as the Bible being something for us to "marvel at", while I agree (in a certain sense), I don't believe that that is its principal purpose, or that either His word or the Universe are, in the end, things that are meant to be marveled at and enjoyed by us as much as they are meant to lead us to the One who is (which I'm sure you agree with).

Of course, one of the purposes of the Bible is to instruct us about our relationship with God and how to follow His ways. However, there are many, many passages that are debated ad nauseam back and forth, with humanity not getting any closer to unity. Why do you suppose this is?

As answer #1 in the Shorter Catechism tells us, "Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever" (the latter half of that answer being something that will be true for believers alone, of course).

I do not adhere to the shorter Catechism because I disagree that "God ordains whatsoever comes to pass."

p.s. - question, if God created the Universe for His glory alone (apart from us), why does He end up destroying it at the end of the age .. e.g. Matthew 5:18a?

He does not destroy it. He remakes it. "Behold, I am making all things new."

 

[Guojing]

If all Christians can rightly divide the Word of Truth, then why are there so many different interpretations? This is the linchpin of my argument which you have ignored.

All of us are taught a certain interpretation of scripture, whether was it in church, on Youtube, or reading books.

So naturally interpretation will vary.

As long as one remains humble, recognizing that his or her own particular interpretation is only one of the possible ones, it will be fine.

 

[All Becomes New]

All of us are taught a certain interpretation of scripture, whether was it in church, on Youtube, or reading books.

So naturally interpretation will vary.

As long as one remains humble, recognizing that his or her own particular interpretation is only one of the possible ones, it will be fine.

That does not "decide" what interpretation is "correct."

 

[St_Worm2]

We can and we should study the Word. That is one of the purposes for which it was written. However, you have not really delt with what I have said very well. If all Christians can rightly divide the Word of Truth, then why are there so many different interpretations? This is the linchpin of my argument which you have ignored.

Hello again All Becomes New, just because Christians are given the ability by God to understand, accept and believe (rightly divide) the Bible (from His POV) doesn't necessarily mean that we will choose to do so, does it?

As a for instance, certain churches (as well, individuals) have developed various presuppositional beliefs over the years about things that, while not derived from the Bible, seem right (seem like truth) to them anyway, so they take their non-Biblical presuppositions to the Scriptures looking for some sort of Biblical support to prove that they are correct (and sadly, some are often able to find a word or a half-phrase here plus an out-of-context verse or passage there, and voilà, they begin to believe that their non-Biblical presupposition is actually the truth (from God)

This is but one way that some Christians, who have been given the ability by God to rightly divide His word, end up failing to do so.

Here is my question to you since you are a Calvinist. If the Bible is written to believers, then why are there warnings of apostasy in the Bible?

It seems to me that this thread has little, if anything to do with systematic theologies or soteriology, but as a Biblicist, I will answer your question in this way: If an unbeliever (a "natural man") cannot understand, accept and/or believe that the spiritual, God-breathed things that are written in the Bible are anything more than foolishness, how can we possibly conclude that the majority of the Bible is written either to them or for them?

The word of the Cross/the Gospel itself was written for/to them, but only with God's direct intervention in their lives .. e.g. Ezekiel 36:26-27, and our sharing the Gospel with them .. e.g. Romans 10:17, otherwise (and as the Bible makes clear for us), even the basics of the Gospel message (IOW, Christianity 101) will continue to seem like nothing more than foolishness to them too, yes?

1 Corinthians 1​

18 The word of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. ​

​

1 Corinthians 2​

12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, ​

13 which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. ​

14 But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. ​

15 But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. ​

16 For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ. ​

Isn't that a pragmatic outlook on why the Bible was written? God is not a pragmatist.

I'm afraid that I'm not fully understanding your reply here. I did say, "if" it was written in the way/for the purpose that you believe that it might have been..." So, please elaborate a bit more about this (if you'd care to do so and have the time to explain things further).

Of course, one of the purposes of the Bible is to instruct us about our relationship with God and how to follow His ways. However, there are many, many passages that are debated ad nauseam back and forth, with humanity not getting any closer to unity. Why do you suppose this is?

It seems to me that there is a plethora of reasons for this, some of which have already been discussed above. Other reasons may include things like this, that God doesn't want us to know all or even most of truth about certain things, at least not at this time/on this side of the grave, anyway (perhaps because He knows that we could not understand it from our perspective at this time, and/or that knowing it, w/o being able to understand it correctly, could be harmful to us.....).

As He says early on in the Scriptures,

Deuteronomy 29​

29 The ~secret things~ belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law. ​

So, He leaves us (at least for now) with Biblical "mysteries" to ponder (like the Trinity, for instance). The good news about this is, while we may not know all that we WANT to know, God makes sure that we know all that we NEED to know (to find Him, to know Him, and to be saved by Him/receive eternal life from Him), yes?

I do not adhere to the shorter Catechism because I disagree that "God ordains whatsoever comes to pass."

I'm interested to know what you believe that particular statement means, God ordaining whatsoever comes to pass, that is (?), because a proper understanding of what was meant (in this case by the Westminster divines) is crucial to our discussion (of course).

He does not destroy it. He remakes it. "Behold, I am making all things new."

That may be, but what then are we to do with passages like the one below?

2 Peter 3​

7 By His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. ​

​

10 The day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. ​

11 Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, ​

12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! ​

13 But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.​

Thanks!

God bless you!!

--David
p.s. - since we do not know each other very well yet (and since clear communication is oft times difficult in this type of medium, especially for two people/strangers like us), perhaps it would help you to know that I do not stand opposed to any of the new ideas that you posited for us in the OP (at least, not yet anyway ). Rather, I replied like I did/asked the questions that I did, not as an antagonist of some sort, but for the sake of a greater understanding on my part

Iron sharpens iron, even when one piece is as dull as I sometimes am

 

[All Becomes New]

Hello again All Becomes New, just because Christians are given the ability by God to understand, accept and believe (rightly divide) the Bible (from His POV) doesn't necessarily mean that we will choose to do so, does it?

I am not entirely sure God gives us the ability to understand, or at least the question would be, "To what degree do we understand?" Many things are mysteries, as you point out later, and these mysteries can go unanswered without any lack of effort on our part. The Bible and theology are included in this.

As a for instance, certain churches (as well, individuals) have developed various presuppositional beliefs over the years about things that, while not derived from the Bible, seem right (seem like truth) to them anyway, so they take their non-Biblical presuppositions to the Scriptures looking for some sort of Biblical support to prove that they are correct (and sadly, some are often able to find a word or a half-phrase here, or an out-of-context verse or passage there, and voilà, they begin to believe that their non-Biblical presupposition really is truth (from God)

Of course. We all have philosophical presuppositions, not just some of us.

It seems to me that this thread has little, if anything to do with systematic theologies or soteriology, but as a Biblicist, I will answer your question in this way: If an unbeliever (a "natural man") cannot understand, accept and/or believe that the spiritual, God-breathed things that are written in the Bible are anything more than foolishness, how can we possibly conclude that the majority of the Bible is written either to them or for them?

That's not the question I was asking. I was asking why there are warnings against apostasy in the Bible if the Bible was written to the regenerate and not unbelievers. To put it another way, it is probaly not common at all for a person to get regenerated based on the first verse of the Bible they ever read. So, that unbeliever must continue to read until they are regenerated (if they do get regenerated). In the same way, the role that reading the Bible has on people is to convict them of sin (which I can only assume you would agree with). For it is written,

John 16:7-11
"Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment: About sin, because they do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; and about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged."

As such, the Holy Spirit is intricately involved in these processes in part by the written Word of God. However, I would agree with your point that the Bible, through the Holy Spirit, sounds like rubbish to the natural man. And in that, we find our answer BECAUSE, none of us have been glorified and purged from sin yet.

How is it, then, that the Bible warns only unbelievers not to fall away if a regenerate person can never fall away?

I'm afraid that I don't understand your reply here. I did say "IF" it was written in the way/for the purpose that you believe that it might have been..." Please elaborate a bit more about this (if you'd like to do so).

I am getting at the conclusion of what you said, not the conditional "If." Basically, your conclusion is pragmatic in nature.

It seems to me that there is a plethora of reasons for this, some of which have already been discussed above. Other reasons may include things like this, that God doesn't want us to know all or even most of truth about certain things, at least not at this time/on this side of the grave, anyway. As He says early on in the Scriptures,

Deuteronomy 29 29 The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law.
So, He leaves us (at least for now) with Biblical "mysteries" to ponder (like the Trinity, for instance). The good news about this is, while we may not know all that we WANT to know, God makes sure that we know all that we NEED to know (to find Him, know Him, and be saved by Him), yes?

This is more or less the point of the OP. There are certainly many mysteries in the Bible that have NOT been revealed. As such, what is the purpose of those texts for which no one knows the answer on this side of heaven? My answer is for the glory of God. In much the same way, we are called to preach the good news to every kind of soil. Whether the soil bears fruit or not is of no consequence. Why? Because we are simply faithful witnesses to what God has revealed to us. As such, we are ambassadors of the Kingdom of God for the glory of the Kingdom of God. Our "success" in evangelism is very much secondary to the purpose of our evangelism. I see the written Word of God the same way. So, the Word of God is eternal, and eternal things do not care about temporal things. And we are temporal creatures. Therefore, the eternal Word of God may not be primarily for temporal, fallen creatures.

1 Peter 1:24-25
"All flesh is like grass,
and all its glory like a flower of the grass.
The grass withers, and the flower falls,
but the word of the Lord endures forever."

I'm interested to know what you believe that statement means, God ordaining whatsoever comes to pass, that is (?), because understanding what was meant (in this case by the Westminster divines) is crucial.

I tend to take things like this at face value. I don't over complicate it. I think it simply means God "sees to it" that whatever happens, is because of God's eternal decree. My view is that God does not micromanage every molecule in the universe, but most things run on autopilot, and there are other forces at work that influence things (such as Satan and God) on specific occasions.

What then, are we to do with passages like the one below?

2 Peter 37 By His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. 10 The day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. 11 Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! 13 But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.

Okay, I am willing to say I stand corrected.

The question is, "WHY does God destroy it if the universe is for the glory of God alone?"

My answer will probably not satisfy you, but this is how I see it.

God is not static. God made reality, and reality is not static and we know God in part by what we see in reality.

Romans 1:20
"For his invisible attributes, that is, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what he has made. As a result, people are without excuse."

The dynamic nature of reality itself tells us that God, too, is not static, but is dynamic. Not in the sense that his characteristics change (because God says of Himself that he never changes), but that what God does when, and as such, who God is, is not static. This is why heaven will not be boring even after 10 billion years. If the nature of God is not static but dynamic instead, then what we experience in the NHNE will also be dynamic. This is also a key motif in scripture in how humans behave and God's relation to our choices and what God chooses to do.

So why does God destroy the universe and make it anew? Because it is part of His nature as a dynamic being to to create new things.

 

[Confused-by-christianity]

the bible was written so Christian’s can cut/paste bits together to win arguments.

You can lose all sense of proportion - highlight a few sentences, cut/paste them to someone, over or under explain the sentence?
or treat it like the meaning is self evident and refuse to explain it at all?
The bible is a tool to express a feeling of righteousness ;-). So if you have an itch for (feeling) righteous, and it needs scratching - the bible can provide that.

Also, You can use the bible to create a rules system that you build a church on. The rules ought to highlight some sins but not others. That way you can build a hierarchy of those who are more “righteous” at the top and those who are less “righteous” at the bottom. ;-)

Maybe that’s why we have the bible??

 

[Confused-by-christianity]

@All Becomes New
I have model of reality. That’s what I start with. I’m certain it’s got errors in it but it works for now.

I think that god has put a part of himself in all people.

You can be guided by that part but
1) it’s hard to hear it correctly, and, assuming you are hearing correctly,
2) it’s hard to align your will.

1) Hearing it correctly

There seems to be obstacles to overcome - some could be ...​

a) Spiritual immaturity​

b) Character growth (we all have to start somewhere - we are a work in Progress)​

c) Animal - We are a little bit animal as well - animal programming to overcome​

d) Fear - Evolution uses fear effectively to keep us alive - sometimes we create fear religions??​

2) Aligning your will

I cant seem to give over to god permanently, so i do it for about 30 seconds at a time in prayer haha​

Some solutions i use to try overcoming obstacles ... ...
1) in prayer - I open my heart to the will of god (if I can't do it permanently, I do it temporarily)
2) read the bible in cooperation with that bit of god that is within me - or at least be open to what god might want to say through it
3) increase foundational knowledge - by this I mean, learn what scholars think, what different denominations think, read hermaneutics books. I'm not saying believe them - just understand them.

?????

Not sure if that helps ???

Who decides what’s the correct interpretation of the bible?

You do,
Strategy Advice -
Decide with god in prayer with an open heart that values truth and goodness.
Be aware of the shortcomings (animalism, fear, intellectual limitations etc).
Understand that you can get it wrong - be ready to change when you realise you were in error

 

[seeking.IAM]

"Who decides which interpretation is correct?"

I reckon that would be God. I am betting we are all in for a surprise someday. Just a hunch.