How do we know what "truth" really is?

[mommy2mybabies]

I find myself struggling with this topic quite frequently. It is said that when one truly loves God, the Spirit will guide said person with wisdom and understanding. Or at least that's what I've always been taught. However, I have witnessed many different types of people who have sought God literally their whole lives (and seemingly love God with their all) and come to completely different stances on how the Bible should be interpreted. How are we supposed to know the difference between "truth" and "error" when so many God-loving people seem to have such different views? Sometimes I honestly feel like it's a lottery. This is during my doubtful periods of course. Please feel free to be open and honest on this topic

 

[SavedFromChrist91]

I find myself struggling with this topic quite frequently. It is said that when one truly loves God, the Spirit will guide said person with wisdom and understanding. Or at least that's what I've always been taught. However, I have witnessed many different types of people who have sought God literally their whole lives (and seemingly love God with their all) and come to completely different stances on how the Bible should be interpreted. How are we supposed to know the difference between "truth" and "error" when so many God-loving people seem to have such different views? Sometimes I honestly feel like it's a lottery. This is during my doubtful periods of course. Please feel free to be open and honest on this topic

For me I have one option, and that's take the bible literally and realize God would not lie to you, If you're faced with problems, you look for the bible for answers, I find the people who interpret some parts differently are seriously trying to find ways to continue a specific way of life

ex: drinking, masturbating, tattoo's... Those are some controversial, I just stick to what Jesus did, and from my knowledge he did none of these things (He drank wine, not sure if there was alcohol) but yeah that's my opinion.

 

[fratbrat]

I find myself struggling with this topic quite frequently. It is said that when one truly loves God, the Spirit will guide said person with wisdom and understanding. Or at least that's what I've always been taught. However, I have witnessed many different types of people who have sought God literally their whole lives (and seemingly love God with their all) and come to completely different stances on how the Bible should be interpreted. How are we supposed to know the difference between "truth" and "error" when so many God-loving people seem to have such different views? Sometimes I honestly feel like it's a lottery. This is during my doubtful periods of course. Please feel free to be open and honest on this topic

i personally believe there is a million ways to convey the "truth". Truth isnt something you can accurately speak, it has to be experienced.. the problem is that when you try to explain it, words arent good enough.

 

[Eyesee]

I find myself struggling with this topic quite frequently. It is said that when one truly loves God, the Spirit will guide said person with wisdom and understanding. Or at least that's what I've always been taught. However, I have witnessed many different types of people who have sought God literally their whole lives (and seemingly love God with their all) and come to completely different stances on how the Bible should be interpreted. How are we supposed to know the difference between "truth" and "error" when so many God-loving people seem to have such different views? Sometimes I honestly feel like it's a lottery. This is during my doubtful periods of course. Please feel free to be open and honest on this topic

The best advice I can give you is this (I am keeping this brief on purpose):

1. When you read scripture, take it literally unless it is clearly metaphorical -- and YES you can tell when something is metaphorical because it makes no sense if you take it literally. Additionally, never EVER make a doctrine out of ONE passage, instead look for every reference you can find on the subject so that you get the ENTIRE counsel of scripture on that topic. My pastor used to put it this way: "When you interpret scripture and the first sense makes sense, don't look for any other sense, lest you come up with nonsense."

If you want some examples of this, PM me.

2. Press into Jesus with everything you have and you will be able to discern truth from error; I don't know how else to explain it, but when error is presented it just won't "ring right" if you know what I mean. It may sound great, but something inside you will have caution or pause.

3. Ask your Lord for discernment and He will give it to you.

There is a ton of error out there, but you can and will avoid it if you stay near to Jesus and you keep the main things (that is the main principles) of scripture the plain things. God is extremely clear on the nature of sin, what sin is and how we are saved. Once you get that down, you'd be amazed at how clear the rest of scripture is and I cannot stress enough how KNOWING Jesus intimately (i.e. knowing His character) makes it all the more clearer.

I hope this helps you.

 

[BFine]

It will lead you into a life that is honoring God--
and you will bear good fruit for the Lord.

I have friends who claim they are seeking to honor
God but their "fruit" doesn't show that.

As a matter of fact, I will retract the good example I use to mention in posts
about my friend in NC who remarried her ex and had been proclaiming
how wonderful he and their marriage is doing etc... like a month before Christmas she broke down and confessed to me she'd been dishonest with me for several years.

I wasn't surprised because "something" inside me didn't buy what she
was proclaiming outwardly and posting on her Facebook page for years.
She came clean on Facebook and posted about their marriage and about they
were legally separating this month.

 

[The Fire Rises]

I know EXACTLY what you mean. I've had these same struggles.

So far, I've found that generally, most fellow christians agree with me on the vast majority of topics I've discussed with various people (including on these forums).
But that's not always the case. It is rather disturbing, to think that fellow christians believe such different things at times.

But then, just look at all the other religions across the globe.

Do you have any examples of exactly what some of your friends believe differently?

 

[mommy2mybabies]

I know EXACTLY what you mean. I've had these same struggles.

So far, I've found that generally, most fellow christians agree with me on the vast majority of topics I've discussed with various people (including on these forums).
But that's not always the case. It is rather disturbing, to think that fellow christians believe such different things at times.

But then, just look at all the other religions across the globe.

Do you have any examples of exactly what some of your friends believe differently?

Well, I've seen people with disagreements on homosexuality, divorce, musical instruments (Seems silly I know), holidays, how salvation is obtained, etc. You name it. I guess my only concern is that I really want to please the Lord, but I don't exactly know how to do that if I continually get different opinions from different fellow brothers and sisters in Christ ya know? I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one who struggles with this!

 

[Vimi]

I believe that truth has to be revealed. It's too complex for our human minds to wrap around the idea of a standard or way of thinking/believing. Once truth is revealed to you it will change from something you know to something you believe. It becomes more concrete and clear when it is revealed to you on a personal level.

 

[Knee V]

The route that I took to answer that question for myself was to look at what those who lived closest to Christ and the Apostles believed about things and how they interpreted the words of Christ and the Apostles.

 

[Leonfrost]

Well, I've seen people with disagreements on homosexuality, divorce, musical instruments (Seems silly I know), holidays, how salvation is obtained, etc. You name it. I guess my only concern is that I really want to please the Lord, but I don't exactly know how to do that if I continually get different opinions from different fellow brothers and sisters in Christ ya know? I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one who struggles with this!

Go by love. If you're like me, you can take the scholarly approach and verify things that don't add up by checking the original languages; usually things that don't seem to make sense are either metaphorical (in the case of the Old Testament) or poorly translated (in the case of the New Testament). The biggest thing, though, is to NOT get your teachings from people. Don't listen to your pastor, don't listen to posters here, just listen to your conscience, God, and the proper, unpolluted Bible. Love is chief.

 

[iambren]

There is revelation and there is illumination. Revelation came in the appearance and work of Jesus and the Holy Scriptures that were God-breathed and we can trust what they say.

There is NOW NO NEW REVELATION outside of these sources. Otherwise we would be reduced to subjectivism, everyone believing what they wanted producing varied doctrines. Important to remember there is ONE correct interpetation of scriptural meaning. God does not intend to have scriptural truth to work one way for you and differently for me. The way I see it, the Bible is pretty plain in showing God's hand of salvation toward man, His power over nature, His benevolence unto His own. Some people nag about periferal issues but each ultimately agree that it's not a deal breaker as far as who is heaven-bound.

Illumination is a work of the Spirit where He shows the DEPTH of the truth of scripture, or it's application but NOT it's meaning.

 

[amandatea]

I find myself struggling with this topic quite frequently. It is said that when one truly loves God, the Spirit will guide said person with wisdom and understanding. Or at least that's what I've always been taught. However, I have witnessed many different types of people who have sought God literally their whole lives (and seemingly love God with their all) and come to completely different stances on how the Bible should be interpreted. How are we supposed to know the difference between "truth" and "error" when so many God-loving people seem to have such different views? Sometimes I honestly feel like it's a lottery. This is during my doubtful periods of course. Please feel free to be open and honest on this topic

You ask God himself to reveal the absolute truth to you - He will provide it, if you sincerely want it. That's why I'm here today.

 

[tbogunro]

I find myself struggling with this topic quite frequently. It is said that when one truly loves God, the Spirit will guide said person with wisdom and understanding. Or at least that's what I've always been taught. However, I have witnessed many different types of people who have sought God literally their whole lives (and seemingly love God with their all) and come to completely different stances on how the Bible should be interpreted. How are we supposed to know the difference between "truth" and "error" when so many God-loving people seem to have such different views? Sometimes I honestly feel like it's a lottery. This is during my doubtful periods of course. Please feel free to be open and honest on this topic

Iol that's funny because a week ago I asked the Holy Spirit the same thing. He simply showed me how the Bible is filled with a lot of revelation and just because their view's are different doesn't mean they're wrong and if you have concerns then just ask Him . Also what He said is that a lot of people read the Bible without asking Him to teach them. So people begin reading with knowledge received from others, who probably didn't get there info from the Holy Spirit, which can lead to misinterpretation. The Holy Spirit won't force Himself but He's always willing to help, if we just ask . All wisdom about God's word can ONLY be taught by the Holy Spirit. So when you read first ask Him to teach you, then grab some papers and pencils. Trust me He'll give you revelations and any questions you have just write it down, ask Him for the answers, and He'll put ideas in your mind that will lead you to search for it. It's like a treasure hunt and some people go searching without the guidance of the Holy Spirit . It's awesome how He works too because like I said earlier a few days ago He led me to study understanding more scriptures and how speaking in tongues is ESSENTIAL. Also at the time told me to copy this verse in amplified and now here you are asking this question lol. Thank Him!


1 Corinthians 2:13-14 AMP

And we are setting these truths forth in words not taught by
human wisdom but taught by the [Holy] Spirit, combining and
interpreting spiritual truths with spiritual language [to those who possess the Holy
Spirit]. But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the
gifts and teachings and revelations of
the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is
incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming
better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated.

 

[Pal Handy]

I find myself struggling with this topic quite frequently. It is said that when one truly loves God, the Spirit will guide said person with wisdom and understanding. Or at least that's what I've always been taught. However, I have witnessed many different types of people who have sought God literally their whole lives (and seemingly love God with their all) and come to completely different stances on how the Bible should be interpreted. How are we supposed to know the difference between "truth" and "error" when so many God-loving people seem to have such different views? Sometimes I honestly feel like it's a lottery. This is during my doubtful periods of course. Please feel free to be open and honest on this topic

You are making up a hypothetical about people who
you say "sought" God their whole lives and God has failed them.

You state that these people seemingly "love" God and He has failed them.

Let me tell you the truth, between God and any person, God
is truth, He never fails and He is the rewarder of those that diligently seek Him.

So which is right?.....
The situations of other peoples lives that you think you know is above
reproach or God and His word to us and His promises?

I choose God because I know that He has revealed truth to me when I sought
Him with an honest and open heart.

I also know that if I am unwilling to receive God's truth,
I will end up convincing myself that my truth is God's truth even though I am deceiving myself.

Lets look at society today.

God tells us his truth which is the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman,
the sanctity of sex reserved within marriage alone and the sanctity of all human life including the unborn.

Has God changed His mind on His truth or has society changed their
truth and convinced themselves that God agrees with their truth.

So what happens when people approach God asking Him if He really is ok
with abortion, same sex marriage and fornication and adultery after His word says no.
Will God answer those who ask Him such questions when they have already
entertained a lie in their hearts and have not believed His word in His book, the Bible?

These people who you say have sought God all their lives and love Him
have not sought Him with their whole hearts and have not loved Him and
forsaken themselves and their ways and put Him above everyone and everything in their lives.

God is true and truth and so when He declares that if we seek Him
we will find Him, God will ensure that those who honestly place Him
above all other truths, love and desires, they will find Him, God promises that
they will find Him, God ensures it.

God knows the heart and is not deceived by our words and half hearted actions
but He knows us better than we know ourselves and He will
reveal Himself and His truth to those who diligently seek Him.

GOD IS THE JUDGE OF WHO QUALIFIES AS THOSE WHO DILIGENTLY SEEK HIM,
NOT US AND OUR FALSE ASSESSMENTS OF OUR OWN HEARTS.

HOPE THIS HELPS...


God---1
Supposed situations of people----0

 

[PaxThroughX]

For me I have one option, and that's take the bible literally and realize God would not lie to you, If you're faced with problems, you look for the bible for answers, I find the people who interpret some parts differently are seriously trying to find ways to continue a specific way of life

ex: drinking, masturbating, tattoo's... Those are some controversial, I just stick to what Jesus did, and from my knowledge he did none of these things (He drank wine, not sure if there was alcohol) but yeah that's my opinion.

If you going to take EVERY single part of the bible as literally what it says then go to a top of a mountain and sacrifice a animal to the Lord. Do not shave your beard. You must not eat any unclean animals. If your eye causes you to sin than literally cut it out. Are you seriously going to view the bible as literal or are you actually going to examine what is written? Honestly their is no where in the bible that says tattoos are a sin. However, there are verses saying we should respect the temple (body.) This is why spirituality is necessary.

 

[PaxThroughX]

I find myself struggling with this topic quite frequently. It is said that when one truly loves God, the Spirit will guide said person with wisdom and understanding. Or at least that's what I've always been taught. However, I have witnessed many different types of people who have sought God literally their whole lives (and seemingly love God with their all) and come to completely different stances on how the Bible should be interpreted. How are we supposed to know the difference between "truth" and "error" when so many God-loving people seem to have such different views? Sometimes I honestly feel like it's a lottery. This is during my doubtful periods of course. Please feel free to be open and honest on this topic

John 14:6- Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

 

[Pal Handy]

If you going to take EVERY single part of the bible as literally what it says then go to a top of a mountain and sacrifice a animal to the Lord. Do not shave your beard. You must not eat any unclean animals. If your eye causes you to sin than literally cut it out. Are you seriously going to view the bible as literal or are you actually going to examine what is written? Honestly their is no where in the bible that says tattoos are a sin. However, there are verses saying we should respect the temple (body.) This is why spirituality is necessary.

You have to take the Bible, all of the Bible in context with
the complete work of the Bible from beginning to end.

If you read the parts you example but fail to read the words of Christ and
the explanation of the whole work of God in Romans, you cannot blame
God's word because you failed to read and understand it in its entirety.

We are to prayerfully approach the Bible as a Holy book from God
as we ask Him to open up His book to us so that we may understand
His intent, His heart, His personality, plans, purposes, dispensations, times,
seasons and destiny for those who receive Christ.

Those who read the Bible like it is just another book will find themselves
making the kind of mistakes that you have pointed out in saying that we
cannot believe that every word of God is literal within the context
of who it was written to and the purpose for which God intended.

 

[Albion]

There is revelation and there is illumination. Revelation came in the appearance and work of Jesus and the Holy Scriptures that were God-breathed and we can trust what they say.

There is NOW NO NEW REVELATION outside of these sources. Otherwise we would be reduced to subjectivism, everyone believing what they wanted producing varied doctrines. Important to remember there is ONE correct interpetation of scriptural meaning. God does not intend to have scriptural truth to work one way for you and differently for me. The way I see it, the Bible is pretty plain in showing God's hand of salvation toward man, His power over nature, His benevolence unto His own. Some people nag about periferal issues but each ultimately agree that it's not a deal breaker as far as who is heaven-bound.

Illumination is a work of the Spirit where He shows the DEPTH of the truth of scripture, or it's application but NOT it's meaning.

That's a great answer. The HS guides the Church, and he illuminates the individual. IOW, he may enlighten the individual to a clearer understanding and application of revelation (Scripture), but never, ever, does he take any of us off onto our own, personal religion.

Unfortunately, many people seem to think that he does that, and they wind up thinking that they have their own revelation and don't need the Bible OR the Church.

 

[TheyCallMeDave]

I find myself struggling with this topic quite frequently. It is said that when one truly loves God, the Spirit will guide said person with wisdom and understanding. Or at least that's what I've always been taught. However, I have witnessed many different types of people who have sought God literally their whole lives (and seemingly love God with their all) and come to completely different stances on how the Bible should be interpreted. How are we supposed to know the difference between "truth" and "error" when so many God-loving people seem to have such different views? Sometimes I honestly feel like it's a lottery. This is during my doubtful periods of course. Please feel free to be open and honest on this topic

One of the biggest reasons why Christians may have differing views especially when it comes to Lifestyle Choices, issues of Morality, and Truth....is because instead of patterning their life after Gods very Person/Nature/and Character to discover/determine what is right from wrong....they will adopt a quasi/hybrid-Christianity which incorporates the strong philosophical messages of our Culture in conjunction to oftentimes suppressing their Moral Conscience to accomodate what they want when they want it ... and wrongfully assume THAT is the 'Truth' for themselves (aka: Fulfillment of self centered motives instead of being Spirit led).

We see this occuring daily within Christian Circles today, with no other prior Generation even coming close . The advent of Post Modernism serves as a catalyst for this with countless Christians falling for its allure.

Jesus, as God, clearly stated in John 14:6 that HE was the way, HE was the TRUTH, and HE was the way to eternal life which is Heaven ; ergo, its the very Person, Character, and Nature of our infinite Creator which allows those (who want to genuinely have and act on) the real Truth of any matter or issue. And its actually something we will ALL be held accountable toward when our earthly lives are reviewed by God himself. Regards.

 

[PaxThroughX]

You have to take the Bible, all of the Bible in context with
the complete work of the Bible from beginning to end.

If you read the parts you example but fail to read the words of Christ and
the explanation of the whole work of God in Romans, you cannot blame
God's word because you failed to read and understand it in its entirety.

We are to prayerfully approach the Bible as a Holy book from God
as we ask Him to open up His book to us so that we may understand
His intent, His heart, His personality, plans, purposes, dispensations, times,
seasons and destiny for those who receive Christ.

The bible is not a book to be taken as literal (fully). Like I said before and will say once more: "this is why spirituality is necessary." Why I said you must not shave your beard (for an example) was to prove that if your going to take not tattooing the body as literal, than not saving your beard also applies. Read all the context before making such a claim.

Those who read the Bible like it is just another book will find themselves making the kind of mistakes that you have pointed out in saying that we
cannot believe that every word of God is literal within the context
of who it was written to and the purpose for which God intended

I don't see how that is true? Prove to me of what your saying actually makes sense. The laws of the old testament must still apply then.