Can scripture be correctly interpreted?

[chris4243]

Are there several contradictory yet correct interpretations of scripture, or only one? If only one, does the Holy Spirit/Spirit of Truth teach people the correct interpretation of scripture? Does the Spirit at least teach believers about important things such as how to be saved? Do people in different denominations have the Holy Spirit? It was obvious to the Apostles, but how can one tell whether another Christian has the Holy Spirit?


The Spirit teaching believers?

John 16:13
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.

John 14:26
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

1 Corinthians 2:14
The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.

Colossians 1:9
We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,



It is obvious when someone has the Spirit?

Acts 8:15-19
15 When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money 19 and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 10:45
The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles.

Acts 15:7-8
7 After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. 8 God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us.

1 John 4:13
This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit.

 

[GrayAngel]

Are you asking these questions, or are you answering them for people who might be seekers? I'm not sure what your intent is.

If you're asking what we think, I'd say that yes, scripture can be correctly interpreted. The Bible is simple enough for children to understand, yet it's deep enough that we will never have a 100% complete understanding of it.

One of the keys to understanding scripture is to read it in context. Many people will tell you what to believe, but when you look into the context of their snippets of scripture, you'll see they're wrong.

There are difficult passages, however, and these require some effort to grasp, which many people are unwilling to do.

I believe that the Holy Spirit does grant us understanding, but we have to be careful, because people often confuse their gut feeling with the Holy Spirit. And yes, the Holy Spirit does dwell in many denominations, but He doesn't live with certain groups which call themselves Christian but play for another team, such as Mormons or Westboro Baptists.

 

[Pure760]

The holy spirit erases all doubt, that is how you know.

 

[Faulty]

You have a few different catagories of scriptures going on there:

John 16:13 and 1 Corinthians 2:14 deal with the Spirit that allows believers to understand the things of God, which the unregenerate cannot understand by nature, John 16:13 deals with the disciples who did not yet have the Spirit, and 1 Corinthians instructing believers after the Spirit had come.

John 14:26 fits in with John 17:20. In one place, Jesus is telling the disciples they will remember all that He had said because the Spirit will remind them. In the other place, Jesus is praying the night before He is killed that He is praying not only for His disciples, but also for those who would believe through their words, the pages of our scriptures.

Colossians 1:9 deals drectly with what I believe at least part of your question is. There is only one correct intrepretation of the scriptures. If you continue Paul's thought into verse 10, it reads lilke this:

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
Col 1:9-10
​

As Paul explains, the knowledge of God and His will is something to be learned in a progressive manner. It's not something dumped in the head of someone when they are born again.

Paul tells Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:15 to be a worker, unashamed and approved by God, because he 'rightly' handles the word of God, implying there are ways that is not 'right' in handling God's word. So, in this we find many believers at different levels of revelation concerning their understanding of God's word, and they find others at or near their level, and they get together and declare they have all the truth and form a group/church/denomination, then others come who have a different level of revelation and say, no we have the truth and forms their own group down the street. But the truth would be they are both right in degrees, but have stopped growing in their knowledge in the things of God, because they are comfortable with what they have.

Then you have warning after warning in the scriptures concerning many heresies which will enter into the Church. One can see plainly that all these warnings in the NT are given to believers about deceptions within the church itself, and not outside the church, they must be aware of, and many end up following them because they don't allow the Spirit to teach them the truth, because they are comfortble with what they have, and have no desire to study the scriptures for themselves.

Then the issue arises where outsiders come along and see all this mess, without keeping in mind that believers still have sinful, stubborn, and fallen flesh themselves, and wonder how there can be so many differences if there is only one truth. But the truth is there, found in the scriptures and the person of Jesus.

Jesus once told a parable concerning the visible church.

“With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”
Mark 4:30-32
​

This is a look at the church and what it will look like. Jesus tells us the seed is the word of God, and the birds of the air are the devils and his angels. First the seed is planted and grows into an extremely large plant or tree. This is a mutation because being a mustard seed, this type of growth is abnormal. As a result, the devils come within church itself (the birds to the branches), and they find rest and shelter. So the state of the church, it's apathy, and attacks from within, are something we are told would happen and should be aware of, which is what even the unbelievers see from the visible church, because God's word is true.

 

[barry@lake]

I believe that Jesus selected His Twelve Apostles to be as "teachers with authority " until He , Jesus , the real Teacher with Authority returns , and they , the Apostles, received the infusion of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost ,thus becoming the "nucleus" of Christ's new formed Church, these teachers with authority [ the apostles ] were then commanded to go out into the world and teach everything that Jesus taught them , baptizing in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matt. 28: 18-20; Luke 10: 16.
These teachers along with their successors were and are the only teachers with authority to teach the only 'One " correct interpretation.
is it possible to misunderstand the Bible ? Of course, even the Bible speaks of this -" In these epistles there are certain things difficult to understand , which the unlearned and the unstable distort, just as they do the reast of the Scriptures also, to their own destruction " [ 2nd Peter 3: 16 ]
Many people misunderstand how to interpret the one and only interpretation as it was intended, this misunderstanding comes from the actual misunderstanding of the various literary forms which appear in Holy nScripture : myth, legend , debate, fiction, Gospel , parable, allegory, letter, and apocalypse literature [ Books of Daniel and Revelation ,most misunderstood ]

 

[zaksmummy]

The thing with the Apostles is that they were very well verses in the Old Testament scriptures - able to recite them ver batum, and they had spent time with Jesus who had showed them the correct interpretation of those scriptures, therefore when they went into a particular situation, the Holy Spirit would be able to work with their knowledge and understanding.

 

[razeontherock]

Yes, and the precious Holy Spirit also wishes to be able to "work with us" in that same way!
So the question becomes, are we "workable?" Or are we hardened and dried out?

What do you do with a lump of clay that is too hard to mold, and brittle?

"That he might sanctify and cleanse it [the Church] with the washing of water by the word, (Ephesians 5:27) That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish."

 

[zaksmummy]

What do you do with a lump of clay that is too hard to mold, and brittle?

Pour a lot water on it and put it through a mangle - kind of like being a Christian really

 

[chris4243]

The holy spirit erases all doubt, that is how you know.

That's certainly a fun answer. If so, the Holy Spirit has told me that evolution is true. The Holy Spirit had to drag me in that direction for several years, for it was something I had not wanted to accept, but now I ran out of any wiggle room, and no longer have any doubt. Yet I'm sure others will say the Holy Spirit told them the opposite.

 

[elman]

The holy spirit erases all doubt, that is how you know.

If you have certainity, you don't need faith. I don't think any of us are ever that certain.

 

[chris4243]

Are you asking these questions, or are you answering them for people who might be seekers? I'm not sure what your intent is.

I'm asking the questions, I don't presume to know the answers.

If you're asking what we think, I'd say that yes, scripture can be correctly interpreted. The Bible is simple enough for children to understand, yet it's deep enough that we will never have a 100% complete understanding of it.

But are the important doctrinal issues among the things "simple enough for children to understand"? For example, what does the Bible say is required to be saved, without adding unnecessary baggage?

One of the keys to understanding scripture is to read it in context. Many people will tell you what to believe, but when you look into the context of their snippets of scripture, you'll see they're wrong.

There are difficult passages, however, and these require some effort to grasp, which many people are unwilling to do.

I try to read it in context, not just of the rest of the passage but also the historical context. Even so, there's plenty I cannot conclude for certain that is being said by scripture rather than being read into (by myself or others).

I believe that the Holy Spirit does grant us understanding, but we have to be careful, because people often confuse their gut feeling with the Holy Spirit. And yes, the Holy Spirit does dwell in many denominations, but He doesn't live with certain groups which call themselves Christian but play for another team, such as Mormons or Westboro Baptists.

I'm sure that the Mormons and Westboro Baptists will more likely say that you are deaf to the Holy Spirit than that they are. How can we tell which denominations play for another team or don't have the Holy Spirit?

 

[razeontherock]

But are the important doctrinal issues among the things "simple enough for children to understand"? For example, what does the Bible say is required to be saved, without adding unnecessary baggage?

This is the single most controversial point! It's really quite simple: ALL Judgment is given to the Son. Before going "to the Father," "entering into Life," etc etc however you want to put it, all go through Christ.

Please stop and consider the perfection and beauty of this plan! He has earned His rightful place as our Judge, by completing the law, and being the only One ever to do so. He is also our defense attorney, (so to speak) and has proven Himself Faithful in that capacity. Look how much is vested in One man! And we know that ultimately, in G-d's will, we are to be like Him. Even though by our own efforts in this life, that will never happen.

I try to read it in context, not just of the rest of the passage but also the historical context. Even so, there's plenty I cannot conclude for certain that is being said by scripture rather than being read into (by myself or others).

This is a fruit of the Spirit called humility. It will serve you well! It is the single best way to "open doors" wrt getting closer to G-d, in my experience. Also, when you see the Bible mention Myrrh, this is what it refers to.

 

[Brenda Morgan]

The thing with the Apostles is that they were very well verses in the Old Testament scriptures - able to recite them ver batum, .

How do you know this?
Did the Holy Spirit tell you?
Or do you just make stuff up?

 

[barry@lake]

Why are there no answers to that question ???

 

[GrayAngel]

But are the important doctrinal issues among the things "simple enough for children to understand"? For example, what does the Bible say is required to be saved, without adding unnecessary baggage?

Depends on where you want to draw the line between important and secondary, really.

I would consider the important Christian positions to be the following:

1. God created everything, unlike the gods of the Pagans, of which there is a god for nearly everything (water, earth, sky, fertility, etc.).

2. Mankind is sinful and unworthy of God.

3. God is just, and He will not let sin go unpunished. At the same time, God is a god of love and mercy.

4. Jesus was born as the Son of God, who is one with the Father.

5. Jesus took the punishment of our sins, so that anyone who has faith in Him will be saved.

6. Jesus rose from the dead (which is argued to be THE most important element of the Gospel), and believers will be raised also.

7. Jesus will return, as predicted in Revelations.

Children can have a respectable degree of understanding in these points, though when explored in depth, some of these become more complicated and are up for debate.

Also, I would argue that anyone who does not believe these points is not Christian. This is not to belittle those who have different beliefs, but when you mess around with the central issues of what makes Christianity unique, you can't rightly put your religion under the same category.

I try to read it in context, not just of the rest of the passage but also the historical context. Even so, there's plenty I cannot conclude for certain that is being said by scripture rather than being read into (by myself or others).

I believe this is true of most, if not all of us. The search for truth is never ending, but as long as you understand the key issues, that's what matters.

Secondary issues are good to learn for the application of Scripture to our lives, and for the defense of our faith to unbelievers (by the way, we're all commanded to have a defense), BUT they are not a necessity.

I'm sure that the Mormons and Westboro Baptists will more likely say that you are deaf to the Holy Spirit than that they are. How can we tell which denominations play for another team or don't have the Holy Spirit?

I couldn't care less what Mormons say, much less the devil-incarnate Westboro Baptist church. Neither one is a denomination of Christianity, but they are separate entities of their own.

One easy way to tell if a group is Christian or not is to ask them if they think Christians outside of their circle are saved. If they answer "no", or if they have some vague response to evade the question, they're playing for a different team.

How do you know this?
Did the Holy Spirit tell you?
Or do you just make stuff up?

In the first century, Jewish sons were instructed in two ways. First, they were instructed in the skills required to succeed their father's work. Second, they were instructed in scripture.

Back then, they took scripture memorization very seriously, and they would literally try to memorize word for word everything in the first five books of what is now the Old Testament (called the Torah). If they could manage to do this, they might become disciples to a teacher, which was considered a gold-standard position.

Now, Jesus took on a fairly odd assortment of men to become His disciples, including even a tax collector. While it's likely they were well versed in the scripture that was available to them, Jesus' standards were different from the typical teacher.

 

[Brenda Morgan]

Depends on where you want to draw the line between important and secondary, really.

I would consider the important Christian positions to be the following:

1. God created everything, unlike the gods of the Pagans, of which there is a god for nearly everything (water, earth, sky, fertility, etc.).

2. Mankind is sinful and unworthy of God.

3. God is just, and He will not let sin go unpunished. At the same time, God is a god of love and mercy.

4. Jesus was born as the Son of God, who is one with the Father.

5. Jesus took the punishment of our sins, so that anyone who has faith in Him will be saved.

6. Jesus rose from the dead (which is argued to be THE most important element of the Gospel), and believers will be raised also.

7. Jesus will return, as predicted in Revelations.

Children can have a respectable degree of understanding in these points, though when explored in depth, some of these become more complicated and are up for debate.

Also, I would argue that anyone who does not believe these points is not Christian. This is not to belittle those who have different beliefs, but when you mess around with the central issues of what makes Christianity unique, you can't rightly put your religion under the same category.



I believe this is true of most, if not all of us. The search for truth is never ending, but as long as you understand the key issues, that's what matters.

Secondary issues are good to learn for the application of Scripture to our lives, and for the defense of our faith to unbelievers (by the way, we're all commanded to have a defense), BUT they are not a necessity.



I couldn't care less what Mormons say, much less the devil-incarnate Westboro Baptist church. Neither one is a denomination of Christianity, but they are separate entities of their own.

One easy way to tell if a group is Christian or not is to ask them if they think Christians outside of their circle are saved. If they answer "no", or if they have some vague response to evade the question, they're playing for a different team.



In the first century, Jewish sons were instructed in two ways. First, they were instructed in the skills required to succeed their father's work. Second, they were instructed in scripture.

Back then, they took scripture memorization very seriously, and they would literally try to memorize word for word everything in the first five books of what is now the Old Testament (called the Torah). If they could manage to do this, they might become disciples to a teacher, which was considered a gold-standard position.

Now, Jesus took on a fairly odd assortment of men to become His disciples, including even a tax collector. While it's likely they were well versed in the scripture that was available to them, Jesus' standards were different from the typical teacher.

Acts 4:13 NASB
13 Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.

Acts 4:13 KJV
13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

 

[GrayAngel]

Acts 4:13 NASB
13 Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.

Acts 4:13 KJV
13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

Keeping in mind the social context where that verse was mentioned, people they considered uneducated and untrained may still have been more in familiar with scripture than our laymen. These days, most Bibles are used for nothing but collecting dust. These verses tell me the disciples were not formally trained.

 

[Brenda Morgan]

Originally Posted by Brenda Morgan

Acts 4:13 NASB
13 Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.

Acts 4:13 KJV
13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
​

Keeping in mind the social context where that verse was mentioned, people they considered uneducated and untrained may still have been more in familiar with scripture than our laymen. These days, most Bibles are used for nothing but collecting dust. These verses tell me the disciples were not formally trained.

I showed you a Scripture....now it is your turn to show me a Scripture so I won't think that you just make this stuff up.