Do Christians Understand the Bible? (2 Questions)

Believers often tell non-believers that it's impossible for a non-believer to understand the Bible. However, believers seem to be quite confused when it comes to understanding, interpreting, and explaining their holy book. They offer conflicting explanations of what it means -- over the course of a conversation, an individual believer will often put forward conflicting explanations of a particular passage or portion of the Bible. If believers are the ones who have the Spirit leading them into all truth, what's going on? I ask two questions.

A link to the website I mention in the video:

http://www.carm.org/open/Gen22_12.htm

Category:

Education

Tags:

• exegesis
• Bible
• God
• Jesus
• atheist
• Christian
• Abraham
• Isaac
• question
• confusion
• Spirit
• Genesis
• scripture
• omniscient

[MrCfedor]

God was telling the truth that he now knew that Abraham feared him. It is difficult for a finite man to understand an infinite God.  But if God is infinite, he had forever to think through every possible decision Abraham might make during his 175 year life. Therefore, whether Abraham decided to obey or disobey God's command to sacrifice his son, God knew what the outcome would be. I believe God gave up his ability to know which decision Abraham would make when he granted him a free will.

[ProfMTH]

@MrCfedor "I believe God gave up his ability to know which decision Abraham would make when he granted him a free will."

And on what is this belief based, other than a desire to make passages such as this comport with the article of faith that the Christian god is omniscient?

[ProfMTH]

@Kenjuu "I was wrong to say that God's knowledge was completed experientially. I'll take another look at it and get back to you. It is a good, but difficult question."

Indeed. Thanks. I look forward to seeing what you come up with after you've taken some time to look at and think about it some more.

[Thebibleconsultant]

Please be advised the the Most High gives his Holy Spirit to those that obey him (Acts 5:32). The key here is obey as his instructions are clearly outlined within the bible. As we begin our conversation we may also at times discuss obedience and righteousness on the part of believers (including myself) to ensure that you're receiving answers from one who is inspired by Yah's Holy Spirit. I appreciate your insight and determination of ensuring that no conflicts exist within the Bible. Peace!

[Thebibleconsultant]

I'm sure you have additional questions and confusion over bible verses that have been taken out of context. With giudance from the Most High I will be more than happy to help. Please be patience with my responses as I ensure they are truthful and consistent with the scriptures. I hope you gain additional understanding in the name of Yahshua!

[Thebibleconsultant]

Also be advised we have free will. You have free will to deviate from the commands of the Most High and I have free will to follow his instructions. Yah was well aware of our choices long ago. I hope you gain some understanding in the name of Yahshua!

[Thebibleconsultant]

Please be advised that Genesis 22:11-12 makes it clear that the angel of the Most High is instructing Abraham for an acknowledgement of his faith. We cannot take verse 12 out of its context concerning the original Hebrew. Without causing further confusion the proper greek word to use after an indepth investigation is (846-autos - HIM - which identifies the proper person pronoun as outlined within this particular verse). Find in the Appendix to the main Concordance. HIM replacing ME brings light.

[TruthAtlas]

@atheistram He did not give all of us wisdom to choose what's good over sin. Left on our own we will only always choose sin. If He doesn't interfere, then we'd have no hope.

[atheistram]

@TruthAtlas We have free will, do we not? God gave us that (according to your beliefs). So why must God interfere in our lives.

[Kenjuu]

@ProfMTH Well, I'm not trying to say that God's knowledge was incomplete. We know from Scripture that God is omniscient, which means that he knows all things at all times. So I was wrong to say that God's knowledge was completed experientially. I'll take another look at it and get back to you. It is a good, but difficult question.