How are we supposed to interpret the Bible?

Question

In the question below, it's clear that people cannot agree because the Bible is too vague. Don't tell me you need the Holy Spirit or else there wouldn't be so many denominations.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Au37Fh6YcBK6aGChwOpevPbsy6IX?qid=20061028181902AAN52GF

Answer 1

First of all, the scriptures in the Bible weren't written initially for our ears. There are so many parables that only the people who lived in the time understand. We can't understand it at the level that it was written, and that's why there are disagreements and denominations. People have difference of viewpoints on understanding. People can only learn and understand from their perspective. After all, it's not mathematics where there are proofs, etc.

There is no one way or rule to interpret the Bible. Taking context into consideration is extremely helpful. If you want to truly know the Bible to get a good interpretation, you'd better learn Greek and Hebrew to read the originals, pal.

Answer 2

For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: Isaiah 28:10

Comparing scripture with scripture, doctrine with doctrine, digging into the deep things of God. Those who cavil at the scriptures will find only foolishness. God says that you will find Him when you seek for Him with all your heart. Don't make a religion based on one text. The whole picture must be in place before a doctrine can be declared sound. Taking verses out of context is one of the biggest causes of confusion. Once a small error is believed, than many other errors follow that are based on the original error. Once an error is espoused by enough people, it is very difficult to dislodge from people's doctrinal basis. It becomes tradition.

Of course, the Holy Spirit is needed to understand the Bible because it is the Spirit that inspired the Bible writers.

If light that is shown from the Bible is rejected, the Spirit can not show additional light until the present light is accepted. When light is rejected, error takes its place. The error must be removed before more truth may be added. Many people who claim great light are actually false teachers because they have rejected some of the most basic truths of the Bible. Thus, they are left in their confusion. Their pride will not let them admit they are in error and they lead the people astray, the blind leading the blind.

Atheist see the foolishness of the arguments of these blind leaders, and wonder why the leaders do not see how illogical they are being. The answer is pride. For example. Why would a just and loving God burn people forever in hell? The answer is He wouldn't. However, the blind guides will try to explain away this contradiction even quoting scripture to support their error, when all along, they had just misinterpreted the scripture. The Bible does not contradict itself. If there is an apparent contradiction, the reason is the reader has not given the passage the right interpretation. The Bible must be in unity or it is useless as a guide and standard for living.

The lack of unity over doctrinal issues harms the spreading of the gospel. If Christians who read the Bible regularly can't agree on meanings of scripture, what hope is there for athiests? That is why Christ prayed for unity. However, unity can not come at the cost of doctrinal truth. Compromising the truth will only lead to greater errors.

Answer 3

If you are serious about studying the bible I can give you some advice that has helped me.

In the type of bible study I do/ in depth and inductive, I start with:

Prayer - James 1:6 -7 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

Observation - what does it say.

Start with a book or chapter of the bible that you want to study.
Keep it in context.

Ask who, what, why where when and how.

Who was the author.

Who is the recipient.

Look for key words or phrases. (those that are repeated)

Make lists of what you learn about the key words.

Keep it in context.

Use scripture to interpret scripture.

Do word studies. ( in the original languages)

Cross reference.

By observing the text you are able to come up with accurate interpretation.

If you are serious about wanting to know more Precept Ministries bible studies are offered all over the US and many other countries.
Check out their web site at:
Precept.org

Answer 4

Gospel According to Saint Luke
Chapter 8

5 The sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.

6 And other some fell upon a rock: and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. 7 And other some fell among thorns, and the thorns growing up with it, choked it. 8 And other some fell upon good ground; and being sprung up, yielded fruit a hundredfold. Saying these things, he cried out: He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. 9 And his disciples asked him what this parable might be. 10 To whom he said: To you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to the rest in parables, that seeing they may not see, and hearing may not understand.


11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 And they by the way side are they that hear; then the devil cometh, and taketh the word out of their heart, lest believing they should be saved. 13 Now they upon the rock, are they who when they hear, receive the word with joy: and these have no roots; for they believe for a while, and in time of temptation, they fall away. 14 And that which fell among thorns, are they who have heard, and going their way, are choked with the cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and yield no fruit. 15 But that on the good ground, are they who in a good and perfect heart, hearing the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit in patience.

Source(s):

Douay-Rheims Bible

Answer 5

It also helps to be in a good Bible study group.
don't worry too much about denominations, that has more to do with personal preferences. Just find a reasonably main stream group that you fit in with. Ask some Christian friends that you respect for some suggestions for groups to join for study and some groups for fun activities.

Answer 6

2 Peter 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

Answer 7

THINK ABOUT IT:


Which is the oldest bible in existence? Is that the version you follow, or do you prefer a more recently doctored version?

ANSWER:

Hi, Definetly NOT. May be some sort of CORRUPT translation in the form of different language.
This is due to the handy work of Satan/Jinn/Devil and also human nature to follow their own desires rather than following the simple message of all the prophets that is to believe in ONLY ONE GOD in order to achieve the PURPOSE OF LIFE.

Regarding the revelations from ONLY ONE GOD, GOD chosen angel Gabriel through prophets (from first prophet Adam to last prophet Mohammad (PBU them all) including Jesus (PBUH) to deliver the simple message to believe in ONLY ONE GOD in order to achieve the purpose of life. But every time the message got corrupted until GOD sent the final prophet Mohammad (PBUH) to make the religion PURE from CORRUPTION. Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) always tell his companions/scholars to write it down as soon as the revelation from GOD comes via angel Gibriel. On top of that many people don't know HOLY QURAN is the only BOOK that has been memorised from begining till end that was the case during the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) life and after that. Now there are millions of muslim even the four years old memorised the whole QURAN unlike any other book. That's how the Quran is preserved in ORIGINAL form via written record as well as by memorisation.
There are only two scared books to follow, first is the HOLY QURAN and the other is the SAYINGS OF PROPHET (PBUH).
Regarding the HOLY QURAN:
Man or science and technology in their own limitations can’t answer this things/believes/struggle. Only thing left for the mankind is to find out from the ONLY ONE CREATOR that created everything that exists.
The thing is people don’t know what to follow. They follow something that haven’t said by prophets including Jesus (peace be upon him PBUH) himself. The solution to this is to do a research and find out the AUTHENCITY of the source or the books. It is not at all difficult in today’s world.
In Short: The ONLY PURE ORIGINAL WORD OF GOD is left on the phase of the planet is the HOLY QURAN that came with the prophet 1400 years ago without any SINGLE LETTER corrupted, that Guides, Faith with Proof, shows way of life, tells in details the mission of prophets including Jesus (peace be upon him PBUH), gives answers to all questions, solutions and tells much in details of what will be going to happen (past, present and future) and the purpose of existence, etc. The WORD OF GOD came with the SAME MESSAGE through prophets (from first prophet Adam to last prophet Mohammad (PBU them all) including Jesus (PBUH) and only person to interpret is the prophet of GOD at that time. Unlike HOLY QURAN all the other Books are corrupted and are not in the PURE ORIGINAL WORD OF GOD that’s is due to the handy work of Satan/Jinn/Devil and also human nature to follow their own desires rather than following the simple message of all the prophets that is to believe in ONLY ONE GOD in order to achieve the PURPOSE OF LIFE. In Muslim world there are many books available today in different languages of the ORIGINAL INTERPRETATION of the HOLY QURAN by the prophet of GOD about 1400 years ago that is the only interpretation that has to be follow to be the true follower of the prophet as commanded by GOD and the ONLY WAY to SUCCESS that is both in this WORLD and ETERNAL PARADISE. Regards,

How many of you believe that Mary is the mother of God?

ANSWER

NOT the true believers. True believers including all the 1.6 Billions Muslim present on the phase of the planet and all the creatures of the ONLY ONE GOD. Mary (peace be upon her PBUH) is the mother of prophet Jesus (peace be upon him).

This is the how GOD describes HIMSELF in HOLY QURAN chapter 112.

[112:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

[112:1] Proclaim, "He is the One and only GOD.

[112:2] "The Absolute GOD.

[112:3] "Never did He beget. Nor was He begotten.

[112:4] "None equals Him."

NO ONE can challenge this. Except ISLAM, all other religions on the phase of this planet including their so called human gods cannot fit in this category.


NO INTERCESSION except in accordance with GOD will (HOLY QURAN chapter 2)

[2:254] O you who believe, you shall give to charity from the provisions GOD have given to you, before a day comes where there is no trade, no nepotism, and NO INTERCESSION. The disbelievers are the unjust.

[2:255] GOD: there is no other god besides Him, the Living, the Eternal. Never a moment of unawareness or slumber overtakes Him. To Him belongs everything in the heavens and everything on earth. Who could INTERCEDE with Him, except in accordance with His will? He knows their past, and their future. No one attains any knowledge, except as He wills. His dominion encompasses the heavens and the earth, and ruling them never burdens Him. He is the Most High, the Great.


Infact THE HOLY QURAN is ORIGINAL WORD OF GOD in PURE FORM and the FINAL TESTAMENT for mankind from ONLY ONE GOD who have created everything that exists.

Answer 8

You have a mind don't you?

Answer 9

throw it in tha trash.