The Importance of Knowing the Scriptures - Hermeneutics

Reading the Bible is important, but often we interpret what we read in the wrong way. When this happens we can not make an accurate defense of the Scriptures. Likewise, we can take verses out of context, or use them the way we see fit, imposing our own beliefs upon the scriptures, and not looking for the meaning of that passage. That is what the devil wants. If he can help it, no one will know the true meaning of the scripture. To prevent this, we go into hermeneutics: "the art of finding the meaning of an author's words and phrases." (Webster Dictionary)
One of the components of the above practice is going back to the original language(s) that the Bible was written in. Once we go back to that language (Hebrew or Aramaic for Old Testament, Greek for New Testament) we can find out how each word could be translated.

Example: John 21:15
"When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?'
"Yes, Lord," he said, 'you know that I love you.'
Jesus said, 'Feed my lambs.'"
The love that Jesus talked about and the love that Simon Peter talked about came from different Greek words, they were not talking about the same love!

Example #2: Ezekiel 26:6 KJV vs. NIV
"Also her daughter villages which are in the fields shall be slain by the sword. Then they shall know that I am the LORD.’" (KJV)

"And her settlements on the mainland will be ravaged by the sword. Then they will know that I am the LORD." (NIV)

Do you see the importance?

Application:
Next time you read a controversial passage, or an interesting or perhaps thought provoking verse, go to a Bible commentary such as Calvin's Commentary and they should give you the background for that verse along with some explanation. Or better yet, get a Greek New Testament, and a Hebrew/Aramaic Old Testament, and learn some new languages! But whatever you do, don't be selfish in your Bible readings, give God all the glory.
The Adherent

Why Campaign?

All of creation is theocentric, therefore when we go campaigning for a political candidate, we must remember that we are not replacing the theocentric order with our own, we are acknowledging the order that already exists. I am a Calvinist, and I believe in honoring God in every area of life, and I see politics as just one more arena for us to bear witness to the Lordship of Jesus Christ (Daniel 4:34). Christian political engagements are to be our declaration that Jesus is Lord!. For Christians to ignore this is to ignore the God's rule over that area. When that happens, and the political realm is devoid of Christians, atheists rush to fill that void with something else (Psalms 33:12). We must ground our political and cultural activity in an understanding of the ultimate sovereignty of God Almighty. We are called to be in the world, but not of the world. So as the elections come up, get involved and show your support.

Have a good day!
The Adherent

Quick note

Hello readers!
Just letting you know that I have another blog at:
theadherent.blogspot.com
although this is just a duplicate of the blog you are looking at right now.
Thanks!
The Adherent

Do Not Sin

Situation ethics is the belief that sometimes man can sin. The “situation ethics people” will say that because of the norm, or the present situation, it is “demanded” that you sin. They will try to come up with a time when you are “forced” to sin. Once the sin is justified by being the only thing to do, it is suddenly transformed to being “good”. Other times they will say that the Bible contradicts itself, then you can just choose the portion of scripture you would rather follow! But so called “Christian” situation ethics is defeated by 1 Corinthians 10:13:
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (KJV) and also in Romans 6:1-2:
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" (KJV)
Another problem with those who hold fast to situation ethics is that they do not take the sovereignty of God, or the power of the Holy Spirit into account. It sees God as stupid, Because He was stupid in not foreseeing that His laws would contradict.
And if you were forced to sin, you did not really sin, therefore you do not even have to confess your sins! So you will never need the saving blood of Jesus. So you see, situation ethics is another way of covering up your sins. May you never do the same. Have a good day!
The Adherent