Originally Posted by jcrichton
…just as in the case of the Pharisees and Sadducees, both group were very studious of the Sacred Writings and Sacred Traditions, respectedly… yet, Jesus called them both hypocrites because they new the letter of the Law but circumvented it to suit their own purposes… He made a distinction about their corruption of the Word and His Teachings (I am from above and you refuse to listen to me; yet, you accept and celebrate the teachings of man–paraphrased).
Excellant point. The fact that the two groups were so well versed on scripture, as it then existed, did not prevent their mistakes.
Two Questions please
- Why were these most learned men unable to correctly interpret scripture? Certainly God would have liked them to.
***Hi, James!
…normally, not; but prophecy determined that they would reject Jesus, so they had to be at odds with His Teachings… Paul renders what was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit:
7 What then? What Israel was seeking it did not attain, but the elect attained it; the rest were hardened, 8 as it is written: “God gave them a spirit of deep sleep, eyes that should not see and ears that should not hear, down to this very day.” 9 And David says: “Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them; 10 let their eyes grow dim so that they may not see, and keep their backs bent forever.” 11 Hence I ask, did they stumble so as to fall? Of course not! But through their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make them jealous. 12 Now if their transgression is enrichment for the world, and if their diminished number is enrichment for the Gentiles, how much more their full number. 13 Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I glory in my ministry 14 in order to make my race jealous and thus save some of them. 15 For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? 16 If the firstfruits are holy, so is the whole batch of dough; and if the root is holy, so are the branches. 17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, were grafted in their place and have come to share in the rich root of the olive tree, 18 do not boast against the branches. If you do boast, consider that you do not support the root; the root supports you. 19 Indeed you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 That is so. They were broken off because of unbelief, but you are there because of faith. So do not become haughty, but stand in awe. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, (perhaps) he will not spare you either. 22 See, then, the kindness and severity of God: severity toward those who fell, but God’s kindness to you, provided you remain in his kindness; otherwise you too will be cut off. 23 And they also, if they do not remain in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. 24 For if you were cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated one, how much more will they who belong to it by nature be grafted back into their own olive tree. 25 I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers, so that you will not become wise (in) your own estimation: a hardening has come upon Israel in part, until the full number of the Gentiles comes in, 26 and thus all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The deliverer will come out of Zion, he will turn away godlessness from Jacob; 27 and this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” 28 In respect to the gospel, they are enemies on your account; but in respect to election, they are beloved because of the patriarchs. 29 For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable. 30 Just as you once disobeyed God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, 31 so they have now disobeyed in order that, by virtue of the mercy shown to you, they too may (now) receive mercy. 32 For God delivered all to disobedience, that he might have mercy upon all. (Romans 11:7-32)
…both the Scriptures and the correct source must converge for true Doctrine to exist!
- Of the 2 items in red above, which should be taken as the more necessary, Scripture or “the correct source”?
Notice that Paul speaks with authority about something not previously found in Scriptures… the Holy Spirit, the other Paraclete whom Jesus promised would come, is working in the Church making the necessary revelations as the Doctrine of Faith is developed. The Source is the Holy Spirit, who Inspired the Sacred Writings, so the Source supercedes the Written Word–this does not equate to “special personal revelation!” (2 St. Peter 1:20-21; 1 Timmothy 3:15)
Maran atha!
Angel
