How come the prime teachings of Christianity aren't emphasized nor clearly stated in the bible?

Question

One reading the bible on his/her own could not come with the conclusion that accepting that Jesus died on the cross for our sin is our path to salvation. Nor did God make his previous messengers inform their people to await the arrival of his son that will die on the cross for their sin (a huge sin which seems unheard/neglected by previous messegers).

Why so secretive?

Answer 1

St Paul is the one who came up with most of the prime Christian teachings and he got these from conversations with a vision of Christ, and based on prophecy from Isiah. But you are right it is hard to find these and understand this is the key message without knowing what the overall message is. It isn't stated clearly in the four gospels. In fact the concept was developed fully a thousand years later by the theologians St Thomas Aquinas and Anselm of Canterbury. This doctrine is not held by the Eastern Orthodox church - who believe that salvation is only possible by the grace of God and repentance of sin, prayer and particpating in the sacrements. To follow the Western view that you described, means you need to know what exactly what to look out for in the bible and how to interpret it. That is why churches recommend that Bible readings are guided by church elders.

Isiah 52:8 Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy. When the LORD returns to Zion, they will see it with their own eyes.

Isiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 - "For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised."

1 Peter 2:24 - "And He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed."

Romans 5:9-11
Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him!
For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!
Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Answer 2

You need to read the Bible again. There is no doubt that the things you talk about are all in there. However, because many chapters of the Bible are historical in nature, and put together in such a seemingly confusing fashion (it doesn't read like a novel exactly) it IS easy to lose the message, which is why many people striving to find the true meaning of Christianity take Bible study classes and Alpha courses (Alpha is an excellent way to get to know the basics of Christianity, if you ever get the chance to take a course go for it). I guess what I am trying to say is that due to the time and language differences, some of what might have been clear thousands of years ago now is difficult for us to translate. Along with the fact that more than one author contributed to the Bible, we are left with our own interpretation of what is said and how we feel it relates to us. Taking a modern day course that interprets the Biblical teachings is very enlightening, and also reminds us that learning God's lessons is a lifelong comittment not taught in a day.

Answer 3

That's strange, people throughout all of history have come to that conclusion all on their own... even without reading the New Testament, or before Jesus ever lived. All it requires is a little deeper searching and some understanding of messianic prophesy. For O.T. prophesies regarding Jesus's death on the cross for our sin check out:
Isaiah 53, Psalm 22, Genesis 3:15 (The beginning of Messianic expectation in Adam and Eve's time. God also set up the requirement of blood atonement for sin by clothing them with animal skins when their nakedness suddenly bothered them.)
Deuteronomy 18:15,18- Moses says wait for the "prophet like me." Zechariah 12:10- He is pierced.
www.bprc.org/topics/fulfill.html for lots more.
And for the matter of this huge sin? Jesus provided the required atonement for one sin- the sin of Adam that separated him and his descendants from a perfect marriage with God.
If you haven't noticed that sin is a problem addressed everywhere in the Bible, I would have to ask if you to read it again...
Why so secretive? Remember that Jesus' parables were not understood by those who were hard-hearted or seeking personal gain. The Bible is a great thing to study intellectually but it is also a spiritual book and must be read with an open heart and a desire for truth if it is to be experiential understood. Ask God for help understanding it, and He'll come through.

Answer 4

I agree that questions a million-4 have been responded. You asked a question utilising the bible as your source of reasoning. Scriptures have been shared on each and every subject rely and shown that the principals held by ability of the LDS are biblical. Now with regard on your further question approximately Joseph Smith's teachings. became the unique question with regard to the biblical teaches or Joseph Smith's teachings. the two way, i did no longer examine any of the different posters comments that suggested they "did no longer" have self belief what Joseph Smith taught. What they're announcing is which you do no longer comprehend what he taught. you have come to the tip that they way in which you comprehend it rather is authentic. Others are purely announcing that the "way" you comprehend it rather is incorrect. in case you prefer an consumer-friendly understand-how of the LDS doctrines take a inspect the Savior's existence. He existed without Heavenly Father in the previous he got here to this mortality. The bible is amazingly sparkling in this. Jesus walked as a guy and lived as a guy. He died, resurrected and decrease back to stay with our Heavenly Father back. the objective for our Savior became so as that shall we return to stay with our Heavenly Father back. Paul and others taught that we are co-heirs with Christ using Atonement. we are in a position to inherit that which the father has and actually be co-heirs. that's rather that straightforward. i understand you do no longer pertain to anybody denomination and arranged faith does not consider you. if so...what's your factor? Why are you attempting to apply the bible as a reference factor against the LDS faith? in case you do not have self belief in any singular faith you count on your very own interpretation of the scriptures. possibly you are able to examine 2 puppy. a million: 20.

Answer 5

The main thread thu out the Bible is the coming, life, death, Resurrection and Revelation of Jesus. Why it seems clouded to you is because you have not by Faith accepted Jesus yet. Much of the Bible is not revealed to those who do not believe. I tried several times reading Scripture before I was saved. But, it was not clear to me at all. I had to be shown and have a open heart to receive the Word.

Answer 6

Before Christ they talked directly to God - God could save whoever He wanted or destroy whomever He wanted. They did not have Christ then true - but God was the merciful one and their provider, defender, strength - all the things that Jesus is to us now. As for coming to the conclusion that Jesus is the pathway to salvation - I don't know what you are reading but it does say that Jesus is our salvation. One verse for instance, and this is just one "Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through the Son." Pretty clear to me - the only way for salvation or Eternal Life - through Jesus Christ - no other way. Lots of other info in the Bible confirms this. Very, very clear.

Answer 7

Its not secrecy, its the need to collect tithes. This wisdom believed by Christianity should make every follower a wonderer because thats what Jesus was, however, wisdom is almost impossible to charge for, so tithing is required, as are rules that make enjoyment a sin. Seek ye not the religous, but the thankful for your own happiness and God will smile upon you, as you, he.

Answer 8

It is extremely plain in the Bible if my 4 yr old Grand Daughter can read and explain it to others you must not have read the Bible with an open mind and heart so quit making blanket statements as you have shown no facts to support your claim Gorbalizer

Answer 9

The prime teachings of Christianity are taught in the first chapters of the Bible: blood redemption.
God replaced Adam and Eve's fig leaves (self-righteousness) with animal skins. Of there first two sons, one offered lamb's blood and was accepted, the other did not and was rejected.

Answer 10

I think the problem is that we all look for complicated knowledge and wisdom from the Bible. Christ clearly stated the prefects of Christian living. Love the Lord God first and foremost and love your neighbor as you would love yourself. These 2 simple commandments really do encompass God's nature and His desire on how we should conduct ourselves in relationship to this world.

If you love someone, you talk to them. You learn about that individual. If you love someone, you try to be considerate of their needs and feelings. If you love someone, you show concern. If you love someone, you try to help even if it's at a cost to you.

Simple.