The Bible - Man's Instruction Manual

[Aussie Pete]

No offense, but I believe you say this because you do not know how to adequately explain the verses I put forth to you. Friend: You have to read the whole counsel of God's Word and not just those verses you prefer to see from your own slanted point of view or from one part of the Bible. One has to either ignore the verses I put forth, or they have to change or twist them (because they do not like what they say). We have to be able to harmonize all of God's Word.

Yes, we are saved by God's grace through faith without the deeds of the Law (Ephesians 2:8-9) (Romans 4:3-5) (Titus 3:5). That is one aspect of salvation. That is how we are initially and foundationally saved. But after we are saved by God's grace and or the gospel (i.e. Justification), we also need to (a) “Believe the truth,” and (b) enter the “Sanctification Process by the Spirit” as a part of salvation. How so? This is what the Bible says.

The gospel calls us to salvation by the Sanctification of the Spirit and a belief of the truth. First, pay special close attention to the words in red below. Second, then look at the dark blue words. Third, then read the dark blue words and the red and light blue words altogether as one sentence.

13 “...God hath from the beginning
chosen you to salvation through
sanctification of the Spirit and
belief of the truth:
14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel,
to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
(2 Thessalonians 2:13-14).​

So the gospel calls us to salvation through the sanctification of the Spirit and a belief of the truth. That is what this passage says. Yes, the gospel also saves. But salvation does not end with the gospel. We stand upon the gospel of our salvation, but there are other aspects of salvation. They are...

#1. Sanctification of the Spirit
(Which is the Spirit working in us to live a holy life).
#2. Belief of the truth
(Belief in God's Word by faith - Learning doctrine, and the truths of Scripture).​

Well, that is if you believe this above passage.

In fact, even the context supports the conclusion that the “sanctification of the Spirit” is in reference to living holy. Verse 12 says,

“That they all might be damned who
believed not the truth,
but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”
(2 Thessalonians 2:12).​

So.... those who
“believed not the truth” in verse 12 is an opposite contrast of
“belief of the truth” in verse 13.

And “pleasure in unrighteousness” in verse 12 is an opposite contrast of
“sanctification of the Spirit” in verse 13.

Verse 16 talks about having a good hope through grace.
And verse 17 talks about being established in every good word and work.

Verse 16 establishes the gospel in verse 14.
Verse 17 establishes a belief of the truth (which leads to speaking a good word from Scripture), and good work (sanctification of the Spirit) in verse 13.

Thus, verses 16-17 establishes the truth in 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14.

No offence, but you seem unable to comprehend what I've already said on the matter. I see no point in continuing the discussion.

 

[Aussie Pete]

Yes, I agree. The Bible is an instruction manual.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 and many other verses makes this fact obvious.
In fact, the point that God gives us commands within the Bible proves that it is an instruction manual.

Reading an instruction manual won't give you the ability to drive a car, to swim or even ride a bike. Treating the Bible as a manual does not give you the ability to live the Christian life either. You are both missing the real point of the Bible.

 

[Bro.T]

I was wondering why you brought up these passages about women keeping silent in the churches. Was there a particular reason for you doing so? Do you think a particular poster who has been posting recently is a woman? If so, this is not the case. Shockingly, this poster is a male who has a female avatar (Which is something in my view I find to be unbiblical).

Let's be respectful.

 

[Bro.T]

But 1 John 2:29 talks about being born again as a past event, and not a future one.

For it is written:

“If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.” (1 John 2:29).

Also, the very verse you quote (1 Peter 1:23) talks about being born again (past tense) by the incorruptible seed i.e. the receiving of God's communicated Word, which is Scripture) (Note: It would be acting upon His Word in such a way whereby one considers God's Word to be holy and divine, and by receiving the gospel message). So being born again is not a future event, but a past one for believers.

None of the scriptures you quoted lines of with John 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Notice verse 3, except a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. We have just learned something here. If you are not born again you can not see the kingdom of God. As we go further you will understand this. Remember there is a time for everything.

Nicodemus asked a very good question. Take a look at the next set of verses.

John 3:4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

In verse 5, born of the water in this case is the Word of God. Notice the Lord mentions the kingdom of God again, but He adds a little more information. He says "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. When he mentions spirit He means exactly that. Watch how the Lord gives something physical to describe exactly what He means.

John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Notice He made a difference between flesh and spirit.

John 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

Notice He compared the wind to a spirit. Can you see the wind? No! We have seen things being blown around by the wind, but we have never seen the wind. If you are born of the spirit you are like the wind. This is when you are truly born again, when you are born of the spirit.

Two different conversation, this is physical. At the last trump Man will be born again into the God family. Which I post in earlier pages.

 

[Isilwen]

Treating the Bible as a manual does not give you the ability to live the Christian life either.

It very clearly does. It gives instructions for how to live a Christian life.

You are both missing the real point of the Bible.

Care to enlighten me where I have missed the real point as determined by you?

 

[Bro.T]

No, you have put your own interpretation on it as you are disagreeing with me whether you realize it or not. That is why I will agree to disagree. I am not disagreeing with the Bible, just your interpretation of it.

That's confusing to me, because I post the old and new Testament saying the same thing, and added another scripture to connect with it. There was nothing to interpret. The Book says what it says.

 

[Isilwen]

The Book says what it says.

Yep, both books speak for themselves and only themselves. The authors of all the books of the Bible didn't know that their writings would be compiled into one book that we call the Bible. So, when it says take away or add from or to, it means that book on its own.

Not sure how much clearer I can make it.

 

[Aussie Pete]

It very clearly does. It gives instructions for how to live a Christian life.



Care to enlighten me where I have missed the real point as determined by you?

I can't do that because I don't interpret the Bible to suit myself. At the risk of repeating myself, this is a key principle when studying God's word, way too often over looked:
John 5
39“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; 40and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life.

Since the Scriptures mentioned were the Law, let's see what else the Bible has to say about itself:
Galatians 3:24
"Therefore the Law has become our guardian to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith."

 

[Isilwen]

I can't do that because I don't interpret the Bible to suit myself. At the risk of repeating myself, this is a key principle when studying God's word, way too often over looked:
John 5
39“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; 40and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life.

Since the Scriptures mentioned were the Law, let's see what else the Bible has to say about itself:
Galatians 3:24
"Therefore the Law has become our guardian to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith."

Okay, well I will agree to disagree with your interpretation of said scriptures as there are other scriptures which refute your interpretation.

 

[Bro.T]

Yep, both books speak for themselves and only themselves. The authors of all the books of the Bible didn't know that their writings would be compiled into one book that we call the Bible. So, when it says take away or add from or to, it means that book on its own.

Not sure how much clearer I can make it.

Let's get some understanding concerning the author of the Bible, all the books written there in. Let's start this in Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. It was Jesus in the days of Moses. Moses wrote wrote the first five books of the Bible. Let's take a look in Exodus 19:20 And the LORD came down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and the LORD called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up. So we see Moses and the Lord here.

Let's take a look and see who Moses was dealing with in those days in 1 Corinthians 10:1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. Moses wrote this but it was dictated by Jesus in. Let's re read it in Deuteronomy 12:32 What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

Let's take a look at something in 2 Peter 1: 19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. This was not the case with Moses, God spake to moses as a man speak to a friend face to face.

Now Jesus walk with the apostles and St. John who wrote Revelation, but let's take a look at how this happen later in the days of John in Revelation 1: 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: For time sake will do some skipping, but read all this on your own. Now look who gave this to St. John, an angel, now look and see who gave it to the angel, and so forth, so forth.

Let's skip down to verse 19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; 20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. In a earlier post I mention that the Bible was dictated by one powerful being and that's Jesus. Revelation 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

So Jesus is the author and the word of God, of the Bible. Let's get one quick example of Jesus being the word of God in John 1: 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. Let's get a name on the word of God in Revelation 19: 10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. 11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

 

[Bro.T]

Work out your own Salvation: "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling". (Philippians 2:12)

Study to show thyself approved: "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

In conclusion, the Word of God contained in the Bible is the only truth that can get man salvation. This is our instruction manual. Please read it so that you can become a vessel of Honor in the house of the Lord. "The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:10, & 13-14)

 

[Isilwen]

Let's get some understanding concerning the author of the Bible, all the books written there in. Let's start this in Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. It was Jesus in the days of Moses. Moses wrote wrote the first five books of the Bible. Let's take a look in Exodus 19:20 And the LORD came down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and the LORD called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up. So we see Moses and the Lord here.

Let's take a look and see who Moses was dealing with in those days in 1 Corinthians 10:1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. Moses wrote this but it was dictated by Jesus in. Let's re read it in Deuteronomy 12:32 What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

Let's take a look at something in 2 Peter 1: 19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. This was not the case with Moses, God spake to moses as a man speak to a friend face to face.

Now Jesus walk with the apostles and St. John who wrote Revelation, but let's take a look at how this happen later in the days of John in Revelation 1: 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: For time sake will do some skipping, but read all this on your own. Now look who gave this to St. John, an angel, now look and see who gave it to the angel, and so forth, so forth.

Let's skip down to verse 19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; 20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. In a earlier post I mention that the Bible was dictated by one powerful being and that's Jesus. Revelation 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

So Jesus is the author and the word of God, of the Bible. Let's get one quick example of Jesus being the word of God in John 1: 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. Let's get a name on the word of God in Revelation 19: 10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. 11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

As I said, we will just agree to disagree with each other's interpretations.

 

[Bro.T]

I can't do that because I don't interpret the Bible to suit myself. At the risk of repeating myself, this is a key principle when studying God's word, way too often over looked:
John 5
39“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; 40and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life.

Since the Scriptures mentioned were the Law, let's see what else the Bible has to say about itself:
Galatians 3:24
"Therefore the Law has become our guardian to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith."

That law Paul is talking about is the animal sacrificial law, not the royal law (Ten Commandments). But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. (Galatians 3:23-24).

And this schoolmaster taught you that when you sinned in ignorance blood had to be shed (an animal sacrificed). But Christ being the ultimate sacrifice shed his precious blood once and for all, and by doing this putting an end to the animal sacrificial law.

 

[Aussie Pete]

That law Paul is talking about is the animal sacrificial law, not the royal law (Ten Commandments). But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. (Galatians 3:23-24).

And this schoolmaster taught you that when you sinned in ignorance blood had to be shed (an animal sacrificed). But Christ being the ultimate sacrifice shed his precious blood once and for all, and by doing this putting an end to the animal sacrificial law.

Wrong. Circumcision is not an animal sacrifice. Just one example that shoots your theory down.

 

[Bro.T]

Wrong. Circumcision is not an animal sacrifice. Just one example that shoots your theory down.

It's not about shooting a theory down, this is about salvation and understanding the word of God in fellowship. Have the right spirit within you so you can recieve.

Since the Scriptures mentioned were the Law, let's see what else the Bible has to say about itself:
Galatians 3:24
"Therefore the Law has become our guardian to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith."

I don't think I said anything about the Circumcision, I responded to this law, paul talks about in Galatians 3rd chapter, that you quoted. Let's take a look at the (Gal. 3:1, 13, 16-17, 19, 24) (v.1) O FOOLISH Ga-la’-tians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? (v.13) Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, CURSED IS EVERYONE THAT HANGETH ON A TREE: What law is this talking about? Let the bible speak for itself.

(v.16) Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, and to seeds, as of many; but as of One, AND TO THY SEED, which is Christ. (v.17) And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.

Now pay attention, the law that is being spoken of here came four hundred and thirty years after this covenant. But God’s holy commandments have been around forever even before man was created. Remember that Satan was kicked out of heaven because iniquity (sin) was found in him. And what is sin? The transgression of the law (commandments).

(v.19) Wherefore then serveth the law? A question is being asked here. Then why should we serve this law? It was added because of transgression, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; the law that we are talking about here was added because of sin. But we now know that sin is the transgression of the law. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. Now we have just read the biblical definition of sin, the transgression (breaking) of the law (commandments.) It doesn’t matter what you or I think sin is, it’s what God says sin is that counts. (1John 3:4)

How do you add a law if sin is the transgression of the law? Because there are two sets of laws, you have God’s holy commandments which abided forever, and you had the animal sacrificial law which was added because of sin, but it was only good until the seed should come to whom the promise was made, and that seed was Jesus.

(v.24) Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. This animal sacrificial law was only a schoolmaster.

And this schoolmaster taught you that when you sinned in ignorance blood had to be shed (an animal sacrificed). But Christ being the ultimate sacrifice shed his precious blood once and for all, and by doing this putting an end to the animal sacrificial law.

 

[Bro.T]

The bible says, we must not only be a hearer of the word, but a doer of the word also (James 1:21-22). DON'T FOOL YOURSELF! If we really have faith in Jesus our actions will prove it. If Jesus is our Lord then we will obey him. Even a child will obey a parent, by getting good grades in school, for the reward of a new bicycle. The child cannot earn money for the bicycle, but instead must act upon their faith to receive the free gift. We must do the same to receive eternal life. "FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD"(James 2:20).

 

[Bro.T]

Let's take a look at what Solomon says in Ecclesiastes 12: 13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

 

[Bro.T]

He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. (Revelation 22: 11-15)

Throughout the bible we find that in order to receive eternal salvation we must keep God's commandments to the end. If we make a mistake we must not give up, but I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14). The last chapter in the whole bible reminds us of this one last time. "Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus" (Revelation 14:12).

 

[Bro.T]

In the scriptures it's written in Proverbs 4: 1 Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, And attend to know understanding. 2 For I give you good doctrine, Forsake ye not my law. 3 For I was my father's son, Tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. 4 He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: Keep my commandments, and live. 5 Get wisdom, get understanding: Forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. 6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: Love her, and she shall keep thee.
7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: And with all thy getting get understanding.

 

[Bible Highlighter]

Yes, I agree. The Bible is an instruction manual.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 and many other verses makes this fact obvious.
In fact, the point that God gives us commands within the Bible proves that it is an instruction manual.

Reading an instruction manual won't give you the ability to drive a car, to swim or even ride a bike. Treating the Bible as a manual does not give you the ability to live the Christian life either. You are both missing the real point of the Bible.

Nobody is denying that we walk with God and we have an experience with Him. But if experience is one’s sole foundation, and authority then one is in grave error. A person cannot make experience alone the foundation of their faith. That is where biblical cults are formed or those who say they seen a European white looking version of Jesus in some vision and lived to tell about Him (which is unbiblical for several reasons), or those who are into the new age version of Christianity, or Christian Science or Christian liberalism. For without God’s Word being one’s final Word of authority, we can see how others (having no authority) fell for the trap of Jim Jones whereby he made his followers to take a suicide pill. Drink the kool aide as it were. Then there are those who roll around convulsing on the ground screaming, and make animal noises. Again, this is not of God. We know this because of the Bible.

That is why we need an instruction manual so people do not do stupid stuff like that. Again, the Bible itself says that it is an instruction manual. The Bible says…

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (2 Timothy 3:16).​

All Scripture is profitable for instruction.
That is what this verse says.

The Bible is Scripture, right?
If so… then the Bible is for INSTRUCTION.
The Scriptures are also referred to as a book.

“Seek ye out of the book of the Lord, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them.” (Isaiah 34:16).

Luke 4:20-21
“And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.”

A manual can be like a book. It’s a writing.
So yes. The Bible is an instruction manual if you were to plainly believe your Bible in what it says. To deny this is to deny Scripture.