Accepting the Bible as Absolute Truth

Hello WS371, I believe that is the ONLY way, to accept the WHOLE Bible as God's WORD to us.... Who are we to pick and choose what is INSPIRED and what is not? Sure, there are many passages in the Bible that need to be put along another passage in the Bible, in order to get the correct understanding...

"He tells us everything over and over—one line at a time, one line at a time, a little here, and a little there!” Isaiah 28:10.

I believe it takes LESS FAITH to believe what the Bible says, as an example - "The evening and the morning were the first day..." Genesis 1:5....that that 24 hour period was the 1st Day...that it was not some unspecified, many years that made up the 1st Day.

It seems like the Bible contradicts itself at times, and people will quote these “contradicting” Bible verses to mean what they want it to mean. When we read the Bible, we interpret it based on our beliefs and experiences. It’s important to study the Bible to find out what God means. There have been verses that I’ve ignored because they didn’t fit in with what I thought God was like. (If God is love, why would he have the firstborn sons of the Egyptians killed in Exodus?) I’m also going through a time of radical acceptance, and there’s so much to the Bible I’ve been missing! I’m completely lost! But that’s good!

WS371 said:

Hello! I am not sure if I would definitely describe myself as a new Christian, but new in the sense that I have only recently begun to take my faith more seriously.

My question is if other people have experienced difficulties accepting some parts of the Bible as truth?

In the past, if I came across something in the Bible that I didn't agree with or understand, I dismissed it. I used the Bible to justify existing preconceptions instead of allowing the Word to change me.

As I am delving deeper into the Bible and my faith, I am trying not to close myself off to any part of God's Word. I am going through a process of radical acceptance and trusting God's word and that He has our best interest at heart always. My ego still gets in the way but it becomes easier as I practice acceptance and keeping my heart and mind open.

Just wondering if anyone has had similar struggles at points in life, and what that looked like for you?

Thanks!

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The same here!
Except that my denial was shown to me VERY CLEARLY by God's spirit.
Problems that I had when understanding what the Bible said, was cleared up by prayer and research!

I understand what you're saying WS371 Through the years building line by line, found there's precious information continously.

Learned that "... man doth not live by bread only, by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live." (Deu 8:3). Contractions are on our end.

The Bible is some of God's wisdom afterall.

Read the Bible a LOT; and don't jump to conclusions too early. Take your time. It gets to be fun after a while, and intense. I love it when one place brings to mind other places that I have lately read —places that are not shown in parallel reference Bibles.

If you recognize the Bible as absolute spiritual truth and not as a scientific textbook, you will experience far less cognitive dissonance. The Bible communicates God's message to mankind in terms of spiritual truth. The "science" and "history" are there, for the most part, to communicate spiritual truth in terms the ancient Jews could understand. (Obviously, I'm talking mostly about the OT. The NT is largely historical.) Accepting the Bible as absolute spiritual truth doesn't require a literal, wooden understanding of every word. That isn't how the human authors understood it or intended for it to be understand. It's challenging enough just to let it communicate its spiritual truths without filtering them through the 21st century lens of an increasing depraved culture.

It can be a big step forward to begin to see the bible as absolute truth. One has to be willing to plumb the difficulties of translation errors and keep a mind open to possibilities. The esword free software can provide useful tools to really get into bible study.

You will run across statements like "we shall judge the angels". I have found no additional information and have to leave that tidbit of information on a mental shelf as I do not think I am going to find enough biblical references to help me understand it more.

1Co 6:3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

Questions that arise are;

Who is "we"?
Good or bad angels?
When will the judging take place?
Where will the judging take place?

To me this is representative of a number of things that I would like to know more about, but have to be resigned to knowing only what we have.

I have found the Amplified bible to be useful in expanding on word definitions. I have found the Wuest translation helpful in verb tense information that does not easily come over to English. However, both come from a source text (critical) that I see as inferior to the majority text. However, I do not see it as cataclysmically inferior.

Then there is the problem of contradictions.

Pro 26:4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
Pro 26:5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

Contradictions can usually be understood for example in Proverbs the response to a fool is different depending on the objective. Avoid answering to protect yourself and do answer to help the fool.

A bigger "contradiction" Is the idea that we are saved by works or by faith. Some try to merge this as a faith demonstrated by works. I have found a more clear differentiation can be made by seeing a difference between what was said to Israel (who was keeping the law to be righteous) and to Gentile believers. This can be seen in the difference between two gospels (Gal 2:7)

This is also useful to see a distinction between those who will be in the kingdom and us today such that the ability to move mountains is more suited to those whose nature has been changed (Jer 31:31-34) so that they can be trusted to move mountains.

I wish to encourage you on your path of study. It will be rewarding and fulfilling and help you to draw nearer our Savior.

WS371 said:

Hello! I am not sure if I would definitely describe myself as a new Christian, but new in the sense that I have only recently begun to take my faith more seriously.

My question is if other people have experienced difficulties accepting some parts of the Bible as truth?

In the past, if I came across something in the Bible that I didn't agree with or understand, I dismissed it. I used the Bible to justify existing preconceptions instead of allowing the Word to change me.

As I am delving deeper into the Bible and my faith, I am trying not to close myself off to any part of God's Word. I am going through a process of radical acceptance and trusting God's word and that He has our best interest at heart always. My ego still gets in the way but it becomes easier as I practice acceptance and keeping my heart and mind open.

Just wondering if anyone has had similar struggles at points in life, and what that looked like for you?

Thanks!

Click to expand...

Welcome! Sometimes we try to fit doctrines of men into scripture. This is when doubt sets in. I struggled with the 6 day creation story then I decided there is no reason to fit it into 6 literal days other than that is how I was taught. I now see it as an old earther. Common sense plays a big part when interpreting scripture.
Blessings

WS371 said:

Hello! I am not sure if I would definitely describe myself as a new Christian, but new in the sense that I have only recently begun to take my faith more seriously.

My question is if other people have experienced difficulties accepting some parts of the Bible as truth?

In the past, if I came across something in the Bible that I didn't agree with or understand, I dismissed it. I used the Bible to justify existing preconceptions instead of allowing the Word to change me.

As I am delving deeper into the Bible and my faith, I am trying not to close myself off to any part of God's Word. I am going through a process of radical acceptance and trusting God's word and that He has our best interest at heart always. My ego still gets in the way but it becomes easier as I practice acceptance and keeping my heart and mind open.

Just wondering if anyone has had similar struggles at points in life, and what that looked like for you?

Thanks!

Click to expand...

WS371 said:

As I am delving deeper into the Bible and my faith, I am trying not to close myself off to any part of God's Word. I am going through a process of radical acceptance and trusting God's word and that He has our best interest at heart always. My ego still gets in the way but it becomes easier as I practice acceptance and keeping my heart and mind open.

Click to expand...

This is a good approach ... we should always be open to new light revealed through His Word .... people are in different places in their walk with the Lord ... He meets each where they are at.

Reason with the scriptures ....

May the Lord lead you as you study deeper. Amen.

WS371 said:

Hello! I am not sure if I would definitely describe myself as a new Christian, but new in the sense that I have only recently begun to take my faith more seriously.

My question is if other people have experienced difficulties accepting some parts of the Bible as truth?

Click to expand...

When I did, it was holding me back. I didn't want to be held back anymore.

WS371 said:

Hello! I am not sure if I would definitely describe myself as a new Christian, but new in the sense that I have only recently begun to take my faith more seriously.

My question is if other people have experienced difficulties accepting some parts of the Bible as truth?

In the past, if I came across something in the Bible that I didn't agree with or understand, I dismissed it. I used the Bible to justify existing preconceptions instead of allowing the Word to change me.

As I am delving deeper into the Bible and my faith, I am trying not to close myself off to any part of God's Word. I am going through a process of radical acceptance and trusting God's word and that He has our best interest at heart always. My ego still gets in the way but it becomes easier as I practice acceptance and keeping my heart and mind open.

Just wondering if anyone has had similar struggles at points in life, and what that looked like for you?

Thanks!

Click to expand...

Definitely. In fact, having such doubts and working through them to the truth is vital to a stable, mature faith in God. The realm of Christian apologetics is very helpful to this process. Here are some web links to Christian apologists I recommend:

www.crossexamined.org
www.str.org
www.reasonablefaith.org
www.coldcasechristianity.com

As a believer for nearly fifty years now, I would advise you not to rely upon mere apologetic knowledge to secure you in your faith. God is a Person, not a concept, or truth-proposition, and as such He invites us to communion with Himself, not just to the collection of facts about Himself.

In His word, God says we can know Him personally, directly, through the presence and work of His Spirit within us. I'm not talking about the woo-woo, rolling-on-the-floor stuff, that is just Christianized paganism, but the normal, daily experience the Bible describes:

The Holy Spirit:

- convicts of sin (John 16:8).
- illuminates God's truth to His children (John 14:26; John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:10-16).
- strengthens believers in times of temptations and testing (Ephesians 3:16; Philippians 2:13; Philippians 4:13).
- comforts Christians (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).
- produces the "Fruit of the Spirit" in a Christian's life (Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:9).
- disciplines the wayward child of God (Hebrews 12:5-11).

WS371 said:

Hello! I am not sure if I would definitely describe myself as a new Christian, but new in the sense that I have only recently begun to take my faith more seriously.

My question is if other people have experienced difficulties accepting some parts of the Bible as truth?

In the past, if I came across something in the Bible that I didn't agree with or understand, I dismissed it. I used the Bible to justify existing preconceptions instead of allowing the Word to change me.

As I am delving deeper into the Bible and my faith, I am trying not to close myself off to any part of God's Word. I am going through a process of radical acceptance and trusting God's word and that He has our best interest at heart always. My ego still gets in the way but it becomes easier as I practice acceptance and keeping my heart and mind open.

Just wondering if anyone has had similar struggles at points in life, and what that looked like for you?

Thanks!

Click to expand...

Beloved one, I do have struggle earlier as I began to learn the Bible. Yes, ego did get in the way ! Then I considered intellectual edification, and I was wrong. The presence of God brought me hunger and thirst for His words but when I read the Bible for my intellectual edification, the presence of God moved further from me. For that, I was surprised and confused. I didn’t know my ego or self importance or self righteousness or self love got in the way of my relationship with God. I struggled many years because I was hungry and thirsty for the Lord’s presence but His presence kept getting further away because I pursued intellectual edification. I suppose to be edify by His righteousness or His love.

Beloved one, forsake any ego, that is,self righteousness and self love but embrace the Lord’s righteousness and His love.

To God the Father be thanksgiving through Christ. Amen.

WS371 said:

Hello! I am not sure if I would definitely describe myself as a new Christian, but new in the sense that I have only recently begun to take my faith more seriously.

My question is if other people have experienced difficulties accepting some parts of the Bible as truth?

In the past, if I came across something in the Bible that I didn't agree with or understand, I dismissed it. I used the Bible to justify existing preconceptions instead of allowing the Word to change me.

As I am delving deeper into the Bible and my faith, I am trying not to close myself off to any part of God's Word. I am going through a process of radical acceptance and trusting God's word and that He has our best interest at heart always. My ego still gets in the way but it becomes easier as I practice acceptance and keeping my heart and mind open.

Just wondering if anyone has had similar struggles at points in life, and what that looked like for you?

Thanks!

Click to expand...

As a new seeker after God, one needs to first read such as John3; John 14; and hear God speaking to one about His "...beloved Son": the Lord Jesus. As He says: "no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me". All Christains need to learn to walk and talk with the Lord Jesus daily; and make Him their Savior for eternal life. -1watchman

SANTOSO said:

Beloved one, I do have struggle earlier as I began to learn the Bible. Yes, ego did get in the way ! Then I considered intellectual edification, and I was wrong. The presence of God brought me hunger and thirst for His words but when I read the Bible for my intellectual edification, the presence of God moved further from me. For that, I was surprised and confused. I didn’t know my ego or self importance or self righteousness or self love got in the way of my relationship with God. I struggled many years because I was hungry and thirsty for the Lord’s presence but His presence kept getting further away because I pursued intellectual edification. I suppose to be edify by His righteousness or His love.

Beloved one, forsake any ego, that is,self righteousness and self love but embrace the Lord’s righteousness and His love.

To God the Father be thanksgiving through Christ. Amen.

Click to expand...

I am not a new Christian per se, but one who is looking to have a deeper and more matured understanding of scripture.

I also really struggle with unquestioned acceptance of literal interpretation, but I am working on acceptance of the spiritual truths rather than measurable ones.

Thank you for this thoughtful response and the links.

cleophilia3 said:

I am not a new Christian per se, but one who is looking to have a deeper and more matured understanding of scripture.

I also really struggle with unquestioned acceptance of literal interpretation, but I am working on acceptance of the spiritual truths rather than measurable ones.

Thank you for this thoughtful response and the links.

Click to expand...

Beloved one, you are saying that you are looking to have a deeper and more matured understanding of scripture.

Let me share you the parable of the lost coin, that you may find spiritual truth.

Parable of the Lost coin
This is what we have heard:

8 "Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? 9 And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.' 10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents."-Luke 15:8-10

We have heard the joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repent is compared to the value the Lord set that the woman finding the lost coin.

We can discern that the Lord compares the lost coin found as a sinner who repents.

But this lost coin was not lost in the open country like the sheep ? But in the house. Since the lost coin was lost in the house of a woman, we can consider the woman was the one who mishandled the coin, and thus lost the coin.

So, we can consider that the lost coin was a sinner who was lost inside a congregation.

Since we heard :
So he told them this parable: -Luke 15:3

We can consider that the parable of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son is considered to be one parable and related as the Lord places value of joy over those who repents in this three illustrations in one parable.

Then we can consider that the woman is the head of a congregation who mishandled sinner and thus he/she was lost in the congregation.

Unless the head of the congregation is enlightened with the word of God, she is not to able to sweep the house; Though she seeks it diligently, she is unable to find the lost coin.

The importance that the woman or the head of the congregation needs to be enlightened with the word of Christ.

And when the woman has found the lost sinner, the woman calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.'

In this manner, the head of the congregation should also rejoice with her friends and neighbors, saying,‘Rejoice with me, for the sinner who repents.”

Why our Lord consider a sinner like lost coin, an inanimate object ? It is because the sinner did not know that he or she has done wrong for what he/she had been doing. Just like Paul before he repented.

So the Lord have told us that there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner like Paul who have repented.
Selah

As believers, we can have The Holy Spirit to guide us to all truth (John 16:13). So we can asks Him for His guidance.

Then we can expect "For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:" Isa 28:11

For years without notice, I've read "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: ..." Pro 17:22

Then while reading "God's Prescription Book," written by a neurosugeon, Dr Avery Jackson, there was a chapter on a merry heart/laughter. Among other benefits, a merry heart improves our immune system.

We get some of God's wisdom, His Word.