Not surprisingly, if this discussion were to continue for weeks and weeks, we would still not reach resolution and that isnt profitable for either side. I did not expect to nor set out to "win over" anyone on this forum. By posting here, I knew from the start it would be a bit like someone trying to sell Ohio State t-shirts in Ann Arbor, MI - not likely to attract any takers. However, the discussions were interesting and while I strongly disagree with Calvinist theology, I appreciate those taking the time to engage in conversation. It caused me to look more closely at scripture and stretched me in answering challenges from multiple people.
To sum up my parting thoughts, I wholeheartedly believe every word of the KJV because I believe every word is pure (
Proverbs 30:5-6 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.) and preserved (
Matt 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.). Based on our discussions, I believe you would all say you believe the Bible as well. Our diversion comes in our take on what the Bible says.
Throughout this entire thread, I have tried to convey the principle to consider your doctrine and what it portrays God to be - does that portrayal of God align completely with ALL scriptural descriptions of God, ALL his attributes? Does one or two attributes overpower the others in your doctrine making it out of balance (
Proverbs 11:1 A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.)? If within your doctrine, God can't be 100% merciful, 100% just, 100% holy, 100% love, etc. then that is a red flag that something in the doctrine is off and somewhere, somehow scripture had been misinterpeted or misapplied.
Bible study isn't easy. We can't simply read scripture and understand every nuance of doctrine and application.
2 Timothy 2:15 says ,
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Things to note here -
We must study to show ourselves approved unto God. This implies that if we dont study, we wont be approved unto God.
It also calls those who study workmen - Study is hard work.
Those that work dont need to be ashamed - again implying that those that don't do the work will be ashamed.
Rightly dividing the word of truth - Perhaps the most important part. The command to rightly divide means wrongly dividing is possible. There are rules to Bible study that help protect from false doctrine. Be aware of context, the audience, the dispensational time period. If the time period in the passage isn't the church age, you'd better be careful not to wrongly apply something to our lives today - especially in the case of salvation. Because every word is pure, use the Bible to define itself. God is consistent in his use of langauge and concepts. Trace specific words and phrases throughout the word to shed light on passages of study, comparing scripture with scripture. (
1Cor 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. Joh_6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.)
I dont mean to lecture on methods of Bible study as if the topic is unknown to you and I am an expert. My intent here is to show that it isnt that I just disagree with Calvinism or don't believe the Bible as some have charged in this thread. I've been taught by trusted men who have done the work of
2Tim 2:15 and I've done my own work to confirm that teaching for myself. It is from that basis that I stand by my prior statements.
