Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.
It is worth noting that, though the statutes are plural, the way is singular.
The Word of God is a large book. It is of such magnitude that even if various people employ the same rules of interpretation, we often find we come to differing conclusions. That is, I believe, because we each approach the Word of God with our personal backgrounds and notions. It is a battle first to be aware that our personal experience can influence us, then to be honest enough to admit that we have been influenced, and finally to try to remove those influences from our understanding of the Word. There is only one interpretation of the Scripture. That must be the one intended by the Holy Ghost.
At the same time, there can be multiple applications of the Scriptures based on our backgrounds and unique needs. The Bible is living in the sense that it speaks to the heart of our needs in real-time.
But the practice of faith is only one. It is not open to discussion, debate, and compromise.
It cannot be that,
- Mormonism is ok
- Islam is ok
- Hinduism is ok
- Jehovah’s Witness is ok
- Our faith (plug in any denomination you wish) is ok
- Etc
There is only one way.
We can’t ignore that God’s Word has consequences. To know the Word of God means to keep the Word of God. We learn what the Bible says so that we may obey what it says.
I realize the imperfection of human understanding, but I believe the Bible answers that in Romans chapter fourteen. The whole chapter is given to differences of doctrinal understanding. We are not to engage in “doubtful disputations.” That means there will be those with whom we separate and have no fellowship. But it’s not that we judge them or condemn them. They, as will we, will stand before God for themselves. The answer is, Romans 14:5 (KJV)
…. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
We must not compromise our convictions to get along. We study the Word of God, we come to an understanding of the Scriptures we are fully persuaded of, and we stand upon it.
We then give every man the same right.
To my readers:
Thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.
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