Interpretation

[Going Merry]

You talk about faith and then you talk about a "bible" ( still don't know to which one you refer ) . Well , Abraham had faith and was praised for it by the Lord - he didn't need one jot or tittle of the Scriptures . Why ? Faith comes by hearing Him - not reading/knowing the Law .

Abraham also believed in the word of the Lord

The bible is the word of God too, and he speaks to all of us.

It may not be audible like to Abraham, yet he still has spoken to all of humanity.

I am sure Abraham had writings of their own; or traditions and what not.

 

[Lux Aeterna]

Everything you perceive has to be interpreted, whether it be the Bible or sights of the world around you or the things you hear or smell... so I use these simple rules:

(1) Read honestly and make a good faith effort to understand.

(2) When in doubt, look at the plain meaning of the verse. Don't add anything to it, including your modern biases and perspectives.

(3) Expand your knowledge by looking at that verse in the context of other verses.

(4) If two verses seem to conflict, carefully examine both verses to make sure that you have the meaning correct. The Bible is not self-contradictory so any apparent contradictions lie in an improper understanding in the eyes of the reader.

I think that these four rules make for the most accurate interpretation of the Bible.

I also believe that if someone is honestly reading the Bible and tries their best to understand, but still gets it wrong, God would not punish them for that. My belief is that what's in someone's heart is what counts.

 

[Nanopants]

Good points so far.

It's my belief that the Bible is not intended to be an easy-to-read guidebook. In fact, it reads you.

For the word of God [is] living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. -Heb 4:12

To give an example...

For He says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion." -Rom 9:15

Now if we stop there, we can interpret this to mean that this reflects the nature of God. But is that really the case, and why is that important?

It is not the case since Jesus said "I am the way the truth and the life" and demonstrated His nature by laying down His life for sinners, and it is important because this reflects something deeper.

He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" -Mat 16:15

What's going on here?

If you're looking for guidance, start with the cornerstone and keep Him where He belongs in your heart. read the Gospel and follow Christ.

 

[New_Wineskin]

Abraham also believed in the word of the Lord

That is all you *can* believe . Faith comes by hearing the word of Christ .

The bible is the word of God too, and he speaks to all of us.

That is not true . It makes no sense . The word "the" makse it not true . If *this* is "the" something - there is no other "the" something . Now , I knwo that people call their "bible" "the word of God" . Can't help that . But , doing that and then saying that the term used in the Scriptures means their "bible" , that throws all interpretation into confusion . In your Op , you want to get rid of biases in interpretation . This is a big one . Stop using the term "word of God" for the Scriptures because , when you read the Scriptures , there is a temptation to think that the term is referring *to* the Scriptures .

Also , there is no reference to a "bible" in the Scriptures - calling it "the word of God" or anything else .

I am sure Abraham had writings of their own; or traditions and what not.

If you are sure , you can tell us what they are and a link to where we may all read them . Either way , that is not a part of my post or the post that you wrote before .

 

[CalmRon]

yes even bible has been translated with doctrines and perspectives in mind. unfortunately this leads people astray if the perspective is put strongly into the translation. translating something shouldnt do that.

interpreting a interpretation seems ridiculous though, imo

Very insightful. Thank you. Unfortunately now a days when you. Read a translation you read someones opinion as informed or as uninformed as it may be. I have heard that the NASB is a decent translation for what its worth. Keep it in prayer. God bless

 

[InSpiritInTruth]

Who knows the interpretation of a matter, and who reveals the deep things hidden in the dark?

If a person wanted to know the most deep inner thoughts of an certain Author who wrote a certain book, would they ask someone else who also read the same book, or would they be better served by asking the very Author who put His own Words and thoughts in the book?

And why would one seek the Living amoung those who are dead?

James 1:5
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

But let that man ask in faith.

 

[Rhamiel]

God gave us the Church to lead and guied us
we are to interpret the scripture in a way that does not go agianst the teachings of the Church
now eachverse of the Bible has near endless meaning to it
so we also must not be tied down to much to a "this only means this" mindset

 

[Albion]

God gave us the Church to lead and guied us
we are to interpret the scripture in a way that does not go agianst the teachings of the Church

The only problem then is to understanding what the real meaning of "church" is.

now eachverse of the Bible has near endless meaning to it

Oh, I don't know about that.

How many can you give us for, say, John 3:16?

 

[God's Word]

God gave us the Church to lead and guied us

God gave us THE HOLY SPIRIT to lead and guide us:

Romans 8:14

"For as many as are LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD, they are the sons of God."

John 16:13

"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth is come, HE WILL GUIDE YOU INTO ALL TRUTH..."