The Inerrent Word of God

[ebia]

why does it have to be like some sort of game or test where there are prizes at the end?

I suspect you are right - that there is a strong correlation between one's view of the purpose of the bible and one's view of the focus of Christianity.

If you are a Christian to try and make it into heaven/avoid hell, then I can see why you would want to be confident that you had the right formula to do that, and possibly a bit scared that you don't.

If you are a Christian to try and build God's kingdom in there here and now, then you can just trust him to help you to do that, and you don't need the same sort of certainty in doctrine.

 

[Cleany]

I suspect you are right - that there is a strong correlation between one's view of the purpose of the bible and one's view of the focus of Christianity.

If you are a Christian to try and make it into heaven/avoid hell, then I can see why you would want to be confident that you had the right formula to do that, and possibly a bit scared that you don't.

If you are a Christian to try and build God's kingdom in there here and now, then you can just trust him to help you to do that, and you don't need the same sort of certainty in doctrine.

yeah that sounds right

 

[invisible trousers]

I know it's not a great agument on my behalf. It's not supposed to be. He's supposed to argue in your mind for me. I can't convince you anyway. I can only present my ideas. He can convince you, if He wants to, if He's allowed to. I don't have any links, although I know someone will come up with them. Just wait it out, they'll be here.

well, that's all correct assuming the bible actually is inerrant. i'll take your word about God convincing you; maybe he has a little more work to do with me.

 

[Lee Fey]

I'm not so sure I really think of it as a game, or a test. But God is a Judge. And no Judge can be expected to be a fair Judge unless the laws by which He judges is, if not known by the defense, at least available to the defense.

I see it as it's got to be a balance. I mean, to say that I shouldn't be looking at eternity, in my mind in the least, is ridiculous. I'll be spending infinitely more time on that side of death than I will on this one. So, I think it should play a role in how I behave and think. I am not over when I die. I go on, and on, and on. And so, I think it's important to do things that have an impact on my eternity. The Bible says I can, like storing up treasures in heaven. Interesting, the way in which I store up treasures in heaven is by expanding God's kingdom down here, now. So, I will say that the here and now is very important. It's where the stage is set for eternity. The more people come to Christ, the larger the family we'll be left with on the other side.

 

[ebia]

I'm not so sure I really think of it as a game, or a test. But God is a Judge. And no Judge can be expected to be a fair Judge unless the laws by which He judges is, if not known by the defense, at least available to the defense.

It is: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your mind, and with all your strength, and love your neighbour as yourself."

 

[Lee Fey]

Right. But He also says that if we love Him, then we should keep His commands. Those are the most important, and He does say that all the law was accurately summed up in those two commands. But that does not mean there weren't other laws. Just that all the other laws were summed up in those two. So, to say that that's it is ridiculous. He wouldn't say "Love Me," and then say, "Okay, now that you love Me, do as I tell you, which is to love Me." It just doesn't make much sense.

 

[ebia]

Right. But He also says that if we love Him, then we should keep His commands. Those are the most important, and He does say that all the law was accurately summed up in those two commands. But that does not mean there weren't other laws. Just that all the other laws were summed up in those two. So, to say that that's it is ridiculous. He wouldn't say "Love Me," and then say, "Okay, now that you love Me, do as I tell you, which is to love Me." It just doesn't make much sense.

The rest is detail to help us learn what loving him and loving our neighbour is. Not rules to be kept, but examples, case studies and worked examples to help us understand what the (great) commandments and the golden rule mean for us.

 

[Cleany]

I'm not so sure I really think of it as a game, or a test. But God is a Judge. And no Judge can be expected to be a fair Judge unless the laws by which He judges is, if not known by the defense, at least available to the defense.

god doesnt need laws to judge - laws are for people not god.

god doesnt have to give us "standards" to measure or judge us by - he knows us and he knows our hearts. there is no need for it to be "fair" (whatever it is) because god knows us completely.

 

[humbledbyhim]

It is: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your mind, and with all your strength, and love your neighbour as yourself."

I'll play sinner who knows nothing about God, and we'lll see where this goes.

How does one love God?

 

[Lee Fey]

It's a good shot, but they won't see it. They can't, not as they are. And we can't see what they do, not as we are. I've always doubted the power of discussion and debate. Arguing often makes you all the more stubborn and all the more rooted in your own beliefs. Even for them.

 

[ebia]

I'll play sinner who knows nothing about God, and we'lll see where this goes.

How does one love God?

Honour him. Honour Christ in those around you, and especially in those in need. Listen to his calling for you.

 

[humbledbyhim]

Honour him. Honour Christ in those around you, and especially in those in need. Listen to his calling for you.

Listen for his calling? As a (hypothetical unsaved person) I don't hear jack. Also, how do I know that Christ is the one that I should be honoring? What proof is there of this? And where did you get your info from?

 

[humbledbyhim]

It's a good shot, but they won't see it. They can't, not as they are. And we can't see what they do, not as we are. I've always doubted the power of discussion and debate. Arguing often makes you all the more stubborn and all the more rooted in your own beliefs. Even for them.

You are right. Therefore, I withdraw my questioning ebia. However, lets hope that we both realize the truth b4 it's too late. Let God arise and His enemies be scattered.

 

[BarbB]

Honour him. Honour Christ in those around you, and especially in those in need. Listen to his calling for you.

So are we saved by what we do?

 

[ebia]

So are we saved by what we do?

I wasn't answering the question "how are we saved?", but "how do we love God?".

 

[ebia]

Listen for his calling? As a (hypothetical unsaved person) I don't hear jack. Also, how do I know that Christ is the one that I should be honoring? What proof is there of this? And where did you get your info from?

Therefore, I withdraw my questioning ebia.

Ok... ::shrug::