Do Jesus words trump the apostles or anyone else's, that might be in conflict or contradictory...?

inquiring mind said:

All of us tend to easily find discrepancies in the Bible because of our limited understanding. Different statements are not necessarily contradictions if we understand the whole picture in regard to the message. And, how many times have varying testimonies of all types been explained when further evidence is eventually presented. As such, an apostle’s statement need not be contradictory either. But, to answer your question, yes, Jesus holds the Lamb’s Book of Life, the keys to Heaven and Hell, and was given all power and authority in Heaven and on earth.

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Hidden In Him said:

Hey Neogaia! How's life?

About your question regarding 1st John, I'd look to John himself in context to answer the apparent "contradictions." And in the case I believe you are referring to (1 John 2:1, compared with 1 John 3:1-10), the answer is that John was using the analogy of adopted children of God (1 John 3:10). As such, John is never talking about sinless perfection in the letter, but about sons who enter into obedience, respect the Father's commands, and do everything in their power to fulfill His wishes. The sinners in this context are those who refuse to honor the Father's Lordship over their lives, and so give themselves over to sinful behavior in rebellion against His wishes.

But as for Jesus' words trumping those of the apostles, you can best believe they do brother. This might get into the issue of infallibility again, and I've been accused of being a "false prophet" once too many times already this week. But yes, His words and His teachings bear more authority, and always will.

God bless you, Bro!

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inquiring mind said:

Like James stressed that even though salvation is by faith alone, good works will follow… John stresses that being saved leads to obedience, but I think he is saying in 1:9 that if we confess our sins God is just and will forgive.

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pescador said:

There are no polar opposite view in 1 John. The first section is written to unbelievers, the second to believers.

1) Why is this brought up over and over?
2) Why can't people understand what is written in context instead of lifting verses out of context?

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Hidden In Him said:

No, they should not give up. They should trust that He still loves them, and wants them to return, just as the Parable of the Prodigal Son suggests. They should just return to Him, and repent in His arms of love.

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pescador said:

1 John 1:3 says "What we have seen and heard we announce to you too, so that you may have fellowship with us (and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ). This is obviously referring to those who are not Christians. John and his group already have fellowship with God and Jesus Christ. He's inviting others to join them.

1 John 1:5a says "Now this is the gospel message we have heard from him and announce to you". His audience have never heard the gospel message.

1 John 2 starts "(My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin.) But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous One, and he himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for our sins but also for the whole world." Notice that he is now addressing "my little children", a different group than the first group of unbelievers who have never heard the gospel. "The old commandment is the word that you have already heard."

Then he writes, ""The one who says he is in the light but still hates his fellow Christian is still in the darkness. The one who loves his fellow Christian resides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But the one who hates his fellow Christian is in the darkness, walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes."

This is followed by "I am writing to you, little children, that your sins have been forgiven because of his name." This is in direct contrast to 1 John 1:9 that many people quote saying we (Christians) must ask for forgiveness for our sins.

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Hidden In Him said:

You think the father in the Prodigal parable would have preferred he stay away? No. And our heavenly Father would not prefer it either. He wants us to come home. Then He can counsel us about the sinful desires we are battling against, and keep instructing us in His love until we eventually finally realize our mistakes, and our foolishness.

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