The scriptures are hard to understand

[74x12]

The scriptures are hard to understand. If God doesn't reveal the truth; then you won't understand.

 

[Woberts]

The scriptures are hard to understand.

Well, it looks like we can agree on something.

 

[sealchan]

The Biblical scriptures were written long ago by a different people living in a different world. It is very helpful to have several kinds of background knowledge to help one to understand and appreciate the truth in the Bible and separate it from the untruth.

For me I have used the following areas of study:

• theology (introductory)
• literary analysis
• comparative mythology
• archeology
• history

I also have had a personal encounter with God in the form of dreams, inspirations and other experiences. These provide the context for me to read and understand the Bible.

 

[Woberts]

the truth in the Bible and separate it from the untruth.

That's the problem; What is "true" in the bible changes from person to person.

 

[74x12]

Well, it looks like we can agree on something.

God is beyond us so anything He says should be considered in that light. Rather than assuming we know what He means we should look deeper.

The Biblical scriptures were written long ago by a different people living in a different world. It is very helpful to have several kinds of background knowledge to help one to understand and appreciate the truth in the Bible and separate it from the untruth.

For me I have used the following areas of study:

• theology (introductory)
• literary analysis
• comparative mythology
• archeology
• history

I also have had a personal encounter with God in the form of dreams, inspirations and other experiences. These provide the context for me to read and understand the Bible.

You're doing good then because Jesus said ask and you'll receive, seek and you will find. Knock and it will be opened to you. This is the key to understanding the scriptures. Asking God in prayer; then actively seeking for the truth. I agree with all your areas of research as being important.

That's the problem; What is "true" in the bible changes from person to person.

That's why the just will walk by faith and not by sight. Whoever seeks the truth; they do so through faith. Otherwise they will not understand.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

The scriptures are hard to understand. If God doesn't reveal the truth; then you won't understand.

Does god reveal the word* or does the word* reveal god?

Which do you need first in order to know the last?

How can you know either without the background first?

Kinda like saying, if you dont have passion for algebra you'll never get it...without taking into consideration, one needs to know basic arithematic first, then, the special significance of valuables would have more deep meaning than just Xs and Ys.

Just sayin'

 

[Nakosis]

The scriptures are hard to understand. If God doesn't reveal the truth; then you won't understand.

Jesus didn't teach from a book, his apostles didn't teach from a book. Instead people were selected to disseminate God's message personally. Instead folks gather accounts of Jesus' ministries, and letters from Paul to various churches. I'd assume the Bible was not intended to be the authority for God.

 

[Kenny]

The scriptures are hard to understand. If God doesn't reveal the truth; then you won't understand.

What part do you find it hard to understand?

 

[David T]

Well, it looks like we can agree on something.

And absolutely do not trust any theologian they are not trustworthy. Btw my degree theology!

Theology is Like having an interior decorator degree trying to understand quantum mechanics. Esoteric texts , especially thousands of years old is not easy.

 

[David T]

The scriptures are hard to understand. If God doesn't reveal the truth; then you won't understand.

Yes. But If you understand it good luck explaining it. And if it ain't grounded in nature it ain't true end of story.

 

[74x12]

Jesus didn't teach from a book, his apostles didn't teach from a book. Instead people were selected to disseminate God's message personally. Instead folks gather accounts of Jesus' ministries, and letters from Paul to various churches. I'd assume the Bible was not intended to be the authority for God.

They heard the scriptures read every Sabbath in the synagogues. That was the main point of synagogues at the time. It was common to memorize large portions. But I see your point. The Word of God was through speech not just writing and still is.

What is written kills us but the Spirit makes us live.

Does god reveal the word* or does the word* reveal god?

Which do you need first in order to know the last?

How can you know either without the background first?

Kinda like saying, if you dont have passion for algebra you'll never get it...without taking into consideration, one needs to know basic arithematic first, then, the special significance of valuables would have more deep meaning than just Xs and Ys.

Just sayin'

Good point. I like it. I suppose I'm talking about the deeper things of the scriptures rather than the basic message. For example the concept of a God existing is easy to understand. (Although it's not always easy for people to believe, it's easy to understand.)

What part do you find it hard to understand?

All of it. What I mean is ... What topic do you understand perfectly in the scriptures?

 

[74x12]

Yes. But If you understand it good luck explaining it. And if it ain't grounded in nature it ain't true end of story.

Define nature. Is it only plants and animals or ... can it be spiritual? There is a nature of earth and a nature of heaven.

 

[Subduction Zone]

That's the problem; What is "true" in the bible changes from person to person.

and one would think that if he really wanted to save us from him that he would not play nice and seek.

 

[74x12]

and one would think that if he really wanted to save us from him that he would not play nice and seek.

The truth is hard to find because so many counterfeits exist.

 

[InChrist]

The scriptures are hard to understand. If God doesn't reveal the truth; then you won't understand.

I read the scriptures for years and thought they were confusing and hard to understand. That all changed when I acknowledge I needed a Savior Jesus Christ...I guess I was able to understand that straightforward message in the scriptures, though it took me a long time to believe it. Then it was as if my eyes and understanding were opened to the words.

 

[InChrist]

and one would think that if he really wanted to save us from him that he would not play nice and seek.

The basic message of the scriptures is very simple and clear, we just don't want to agree with it. Until one accepts the plain, simple truth God isn't going to give deeper insight.

 

[Subduction Zone]

The truth is hard to find because so many counterfeits exist.

The problem is that they may all be counterfeit.

 

[Subduction Zone]

The basic message of the scriptures is very simple and clear, we just don't want to agree with it. Until one accepts the plain, simple truth God isn't going to give deeper insight.

Really? I don't think so. And it is irrational to accept a concept that is not supported. You are making the worst sort of circular argument here.

 

[InChrist]

Really? I don't think so. And it is irrational to accept a concept that is not supported. You are making the worst sort of circular argument here.

I don't know how irrational it really is for any honest person to admit they sin and hurt others and continue to do so in one way or another. The Bible simply states that everyone sins and needs a Savior. It might be hard to admit, we don't like the idea, but I don't think it irrational at all...more like reality.

 

[InChrist]

The problem is that they may all be counterfeit.

If there are counterfeits then it means there must be an authentic.