Why don't we have the same opinions? (Jesus, follower, Holy Spirit)

[sandy whitelinger]

Originally Posted by Arrow

The thing that I am trying to say though is that how can two people who are seeking God get two different answers from the Bible. For instance, how is it that some people think that baptism is required for salvation while others think that baptism is not required.

I think there are multiple reasons. One is they follow the teachings of their church. Another is they have an incomplete understanding of all of scripture.

[Scott C.]

Originally Posted by Arrow

Why is it that different people can the read the same Bible but come up with different interpretations in one area, but the same interpretation in others? If the Holy Spirit is the revealer of truth then why do two or more people come up with multiple interpretations in some areas while absolutely agreeing in other areas?

I'll answer this question from my LDS perspective. Imagine we were alive just after the resurrection of Christ, had never met Christ, but we were in the midst of the 12 Apostles and others who were eye witnesses of the resurrection. We would have their epistles and these men would be in our midst to explain more about what they meant. We would not be totally reliant on what was written, but would have the authors around to help us understand and to keep us from misinterpreting. The Holy Spirit would enlighten them in writing their epistles, in explaining and answering questions to the readers, and would also enlighten those who read and listened.

Ephesians 4: 11-12 says:

"And he agave some, bapostles; and some, cprophets; ... Till we all come in the aunity of the faith, and of the bknowledge of the Son of God, ...That we henceforth be no more achildren, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of bdoctrine,..."

As LDS, we believe in the necessity of living Apostles who have the same witness as the original 12 and who have the same authority and Spirit to interpret scripture. To me, it's as if today I were living in the days immediately following the resurrection of Chirst, with the living witnesses present to receive continuing revelation from God, to guide the church and to keep us doctrinally on track. So, while the Holy Spirit does reveal truth to the individual, Jesus also set up His church to have leaders who are filled with the Spirit and who can help maintain the unity of faith. I believe this gift of living witnesses or Apostles and Prophets was restored to the Church in our day to solve the very problem you speak of.