Though my attempts at explanation seemed to
satisfy some, I suspect that a number were left confused. And, of course, more questions were
raised. Now I usually don’t mind leaving
people with a few unanswered questions, but I feel their questions demand
answers. So please let me explain.
·
“All
Scripture is,” as Paul says, “God-breathed …” (2 Timothy 3:16). I was not attempting to deny this truth. The doctrine of the inspiration and authority
of the Scripture is foundational to all we believe.
·
The
Bible, as an inspired book, records truthfully, even when it records untrue
statements. For instance, the third
chapter of Genesis records the Serpent’s claims to the woman, “You will not
certainly die, because God knows that in the day you eat from it (the
forbidden tree) your eyes will be opened
and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:4, 5). Though recorded accurately, this is a bald-faced
lie!
·
The
Bible also truthfully by inspiration records uninspired dialogs and conversations. The greater part of the book of Job is filled
with philosophical arguments and meanderings of five fallen men as they argue
and contradict one another. Though there
is much truth spoken, it takes discernment to sort it out. It is not till we reach the final chapters
that we are given, “Thus saith the LORD.”
·
Even
the clear commands and promises given are often given to particular people at
particular periods of history and should not be taken as having universal
application. (See: THE PROMISE.)
·
Many
of the prophecies – promises and threats recorded are in some ways conditional,
and at times the conditions are not recorded, though they may be inferred. For instance, Jonah’s proclamation, “Forty
days hence Nineveh will be overthrown!” (Jonah 3:4), did not come to pass,
apparently because the people of Nineveh repented. (This really ticked Jonah off – 4:1ff.)
·
The
Bible is not one book. It is a library
consisting of sixty-six volumes of various genres: history/biography, poetry, prophecy, philosophy,
didactic/instructional. And many of
these genres overlap. The truths
presented in these genres differ. The
book of Proverbs, for instance, presents general truths which are not
necessarily true in every instance. The “train
up a child” proverb (22:6) has caused much grief for parents for whom it has
not come true, even when it seems that conditions have been met.
·
There
are places even in authorative instructional materials where the author gives
his opinion, which while inspired is not necessarily authorative. Paul in 1 Corinthians 7 distinguishes three
different sources for his instructions.
(1) The Lord’s (Jesus’) authoritative command, “…
I give instruction – not I but the Lord” (verse 10).
(2) His own authoritative command, “Now to the
rest I say, not the Lord …” (verse 12).
(3) Opinion or advice, “… I don’t have a
commandment from the Lord, but I give advice …” (verse 25); “Now I say this as
a concession, not as a commandment” (verse 6).
Usually when it is
mere opinion, the author makes that clear.
All of the above is not given to cause
confusion or cast doubt on the inspiration, truthfulness or authority of
Scripture. It is given to clarify by showing
us that we must interpret Scripture correctly.
I believe that there are two dangers to be
avoided. (I’ve seen both of these
extremes used many times on college term papers.)
·
We
must be careful not to use the Bible as a book of verses, to be pulled out of
context in order to make a point.
·
We
must also be careful of the opposite extreme, of regarding a passage as of
dubious authority because of its context.
(“Oh that passage wasn’t meant for me!”)
2 comments:
I totally understand what you’re saying about some things being truthful recordings of inaccurate statements made by fallen men.
There are also poetry & hyperbole & metaphors that are not literally true. (Afterall, Solomon's bride did not really have a mouth full of sheep!!)
Then there are the parables - we don't know if the stories are true or if they were existing urban legends or what. But we know that Jesus was relaying a truthful message thru the illustration.
And I think all of the above are clear in the context.
This also goes along with your earlier post about not every promise being for every reader or even every Christian.
As you both have said, the Bible is composed of stories, documentaries, poetry, and essays. One must read with an understanding of those genres. It is not meant to be pulled apart into phrases that prove a particular point or justify a particular action. An excellent book on the subject is "How To Read The Bible For All Its Worth" by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart.
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