Pilate, "What is truth?" Heard often, "It's just a matter of interpretation"

[A.ModerateOne]

"'It's just a matter of interpretation.' That is a lie by which Satan leads many souls to eternal destruction. This lie asserts that the problem is really with the Bible. The Bible can be understood in many different ways, the devil whispers, so no one ought to insist that his understanding is the only right one. Above all, Satan argues, people should not separate from one another because they understand the Bible differently. They ought to work together patiently and lovingly so that maybe somewhere down the road they can work out a compromise, a common understanding of what the Bible says that all religions can accept. 'It's just a matter of interpretation.' This lie of the devil implies that there are many different ways to go about interpreting the Bible. But that just isn't true!" David P. Kuske, Biblical Interpretation, the Only Right Way. Northwestern Publishing House of the Wisconsin Synod Lutherans

"Some theological seminaries offer no courses at all in hermeneutics; and yet their students in private, ...seize eagerly upon any work that comes to hand that helps them to thread the labyrinths of biblical study. This is not because they regard the Bible as an intended puzzle; for evidently its writers expected their productions to be as clear as others of their time. But, as might be anticipated, students find great difficulty in understanding such a variety of writings belonging to a distant age, and emerging from a language and a civilization almost wholly diverse from our own. Experience has proved that this study elicits deeper and more constant interest in students than any other branch that the seminary offers.
Although the author has sought assiduously throughout the work to present only the most scientific and reasonable interpretations, he does not regard it important that teachers should agree with the exegesis of every passage. He himself does not agree minutely with some of the textbooks that he uses in teaching." From the Preface, Principles of Interpretation" by Clinton Lockhart, 1915 Edition. Dr. Lockhart was of the Disciples of Christ and at one time President of Texas Christian University.
https://icotb.org/resources/PrinciplesofInterpretation.pdf

Pilate asks, "What is truth?" First a definition and then a few verses of what the Bible says about it.

Merriam-Webster
"truth 1 a (1): the body of real things, events, and facts : ACTUALITY
(2): the state of being the case : FACT"

"Jesus therefore said to those Jews which had believed him, If ye abide in my word, then are ye truly my disciples; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32 ERV)

"Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth." (John 17:17 ERV)

"Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and stood not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father thereof." (John 8:44 ERV)

"These things have I written unto you concerning them that would lead you astray. And as for you, the anointing which ye received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any one teach you; but as his anointing teacheth you concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, ye abide in him." (1John 2:26-27 ERV)

Studying and using sound hermeneutics not only helps protect us from those who would lead us astray, it is a powerful aid in avoiding our own subjectivity and tendency to slip into eisegesis! If the truth is to set us free, WE MUST KNOW AND UNDERSTAND IT TO THE BEST OF OUR GOD-GIVEN ABILITY.

 

[Rene Loup]

The Bible is layered truth. That is what makes it the greatest piece of literature in existence. An English Language Arts class helps us better understand the Bible because it teaches analytical, critical, and creative thinking skills.[4][5]

Martin Luther knew this and raised literacy rates by taking advantage of the printing press, and promoting public education. This was all for the sake of allowing others to read, study, and KNOW Scripture without overreliance on Catholic priests.[1][2][3]

Which is the better option, promoting Biblical discussion and debate, or creating echo chambers? (1 Corinthians 14:33, 1 John 4:1-6, 1 Peter 3:15-17, 2 Timothy 3:12-17)

If echo chambers are preferred, how do we know that one and only interpretation is the correct one? (2 Peter 2, Matthew 7:13-29, 1 Timothy 6:1-10, 2 Timothy 3)

If your interpretation is the only correct one, is that seeking truth, or is that pride? (James 3, Proverbs 16:18, 16:25, 21:2, 26:12, 2 Timothy 4:1-5)

1. Martin Luther | Biography, Reformation, Accomplishments, Quotes, & Facts
2. 7 Ways the Printing Press Changed the World
3. Martin Luther Was an Advocate for Education Reform
4. English Language Arts
5. English Language Arts | Manitoba Education

 

[Marilyn C]

"'It's just a matter of interpretation.'

Studying and using sound hermeneutics not only helps protect us from those who would lead us astray, it is a powerful aid in avoiding our own subjectivity and tendency to slip into eisegesis! If the truth is to set us free, WE MUST KNOW AND UNDERSTAND IT TO THE BEST OF OUR GOD-GIVEN ABILITY.

Hi A,

The basis of all Truth, I believe is Christ. `Jesus said to him, "I am the Way, the Truth, the Life."` (John 14: 6)

Truth is not truth because of age but because of accuracy; truth us always and altogether correct, consistent and crystal clear. We should give great attention to the character of Christ and the command of Christ because He is the Truth and truth had no defects or deformities that need to be eliminated. Truth has no retractions to make and no apologies to offer.

The character of truth, as the truth is in Jesus, (Eph. 4: 21)

The Apostle John in the Gospel and Epistles written by him makes reference to truth 48 times, and through him the Spirit of God has given to us a comprehensive presentation of the characteristics by which truth may be identified.



regards, Marilyn.

 

[Marilyn C]

As regards `interpretation,` many people read God`s word as `all about themselves.` They may not realise this but it has a huge impact on their understanding of the Bible.

God`s word is about Christ, His character and His purposes. All of it has truths for us to learn from, however it is not written all about us.

There are 3 groups of people that God has dealings with in His word - the Body of Christ, Israel and the Nations. When someone appreciates that then God`s word becomes much clearer.

For example if someone is studying eschatology, (end times) and thinks all the scriptures apply to themselves, then they will end up in a muddle. If however they see which scriptures apply to - the Body of Christ, to Israel and to the nations, then God`s word becomes clearer.

regards, Marilyn.

 

[kayne]

"'It's just a matter of interpretation.' That is a lie by which Satan leads many souls to eternal destruction. This lie asserts that the problem is really with the Bible. The Bible can be understood in many different ways, the devil whispers, so no one ought to insist that his understanding is the only right one. Above all, Satan argues, people should not separate from one another because they understand the Bible differently. They ought to work together patiently and lovingly so that maybe somewhere down the road they can work out a compromise, a common understanding of what the Bible says that all religions can accept. 'It's just a matter of interpretation.' This lie of the devil implies that there are many different ways to go about interpreting the Bible. But that just isn't true!" David P. Kuske, Biblical Interpretation, the Only Right Way. Northwestern Publishing House of the Wisconsin Synod Lutherans

"Some theological seminaries offer no courses at all in hermeneutics; and yet their students in private, ...seize eagerly upon any work that comes to hand that helps them to thread the labyrinths of biblical study. This is not because they regard the Bible as an intended puzzle; for evidently its writers expected their productions to be as clear as others of their time. But, as might be anticipated, students find great difficulty in understanding such a variety of writings belonging to a distant age, and emerging from a language and a civilization almost wholly diverse from our own. Experience has proved that this study elicits deeper and more constant interest in students than any other branch that the seminary offers.
Although the author has sought assiduously throughout the work to present only the most scientific and reasonable interpretations, he does not regard it important that teachers should agree with the exegesis of every passage. He himself does not agree minutely with some of the textbooks that he uses in teaching." From the Preface, Principles of Interpretation" by Clinton Lockhart, 1915 Edition. Dr. Lockhart was of the Disciples of Christ and at one time President of Texas Christian University.
https://icotb.org/resources/PrinciplesofInterpretation.pdf

Pilate asks, "What is truth?" First a definition and then a few verses of what the Bible says about it.

Merriam-Webster
"truth 1 a (1): the body of real things, events, and facts : ACTUALITY
(2): the state of being the case : FACT"

"Jesus therefore said to those Jews which had believed him, If ye abide in my word, then are ye truly my disciples; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32 ERV)

"Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth." (John 17:17 ERV)

"Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and stood not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father thereof." (John 8:44 ERV)

"These things have I written unto you concerning them that would lead you astray. And as for you, the anointing which ye received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any one teach you; but as his anointing teacheth you concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, ye abide in him." (1John 2:26-27 ERV)

Studying and using sound hermeneutics not only helps protect us from those who would lead us astray, it is a powerful aid in avoiding our own subjectivity and tendency to slip into eisegesis! If the truth is to set us free, WE MUST KNOW AND UNDERSTAND IT TO THE BEST OF OUR GOD-GIVEN ABILITY.

 

[kayne]

"'It's just a matter of interpretation.' That is a lie by which Satan leads many souls to eternal destruction. This lie asserts that the problem is really with the Bible. The Bible can be understood in many different ways, the devil whispers, so no one ought to insist that his understanding is the only right one. Above all, Satan argues, people should not separate from one another because they understand the Bible differently. They ought to work together patiently and lovingly so that maybe somewhere down the road they can work out a compromise, a common understanding of what the Bible says that all religions can accept. 'It's just a matter of interpretation.' This lie of the devil implies that there are many different ways to go about interpreting the Bible. But that just isn't true!" David P. Kuske, Biblical Interpretation, the Only Right Way. Northwestern Publishing House of the Wisconsin Synod Lutherans

"Some theological seminaries offer no courses at all in hermeneutics; and yet their students in private, ...seize eagerly upon any work that comes to hand that helps them to thread the labyrinths of biblical study. This is not because they regard the Bible as an intended puzzle; for evidently its writers expected their productions to be as clear as others of their time. But, as might be anticipated, students find great difficulty in understanding such a variety of writings belonging to a distant age, and emerging from a language and a civilization almost wholly diverse from our own. Experience has proved that this study elicits deeper and more constant interest in students than any other branch that the seminary offers.
Although the author has sought assiduously throughout the work to present only the most scientific and reasonable interpretations, he does not regard it important that teachers should agree with the exegesis of every passage. He himself does not agree minutely with some of the textbooks that he uses in teaching." From the Preface, Principles of Interpretation" by Clinton Lockhart, 1915 Edition. Dr. Lockhart was of the Disciples of Christ and at one time President of Texas Christian University.
https://icotb.org/resources/PrinciplesofInterpretation.pdf

Pilate asks, "What is truth?" First a definition and then a few verses of what the Bible says about it.

Merriam-Webster
"truth 1 a (1): the body of real things, events, and facts : ACTUALITY
(2): the state of being the case : FACT"

"Jesus therefore said to those Jews which had believed him, If ye abide in my word, then are ye truly my disciples; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32 ERV)

"Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth." (John 17:17 ERV)

"Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and stood not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father thereof." (John 8:44 ERV)

"These things have I written unto you concerning them that would lead you astray. And as for you, the anointing which ye received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any one teach you; but as his anointing teacheth you concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, ye abide in him." (1John 2:26-27 ERV)

Studying and using sound hermeneutics not only helps protect us from those who would lead us astray, it is a powerful aid in avoiding our own subjectivity and tendency to slip into eisegesis! If the truth is to set us free, WE MUST KNOW AND UNDERSTAND IT TO THE BEST OF OUR GOD-GIVEN ABILITY.

"The Spirit is the truth"