I want you to know that what you stated is consistent with the Catholic view. Also, had you considered that what you define as “Christian” may actually, in fact, have things subtracted by man?
I simply rely on the KJV Bible. I am well aware that there were other writings, that were not accepted for inclusion in this bible. I am also aware of the problems associated with interpretation of original writings (language barriers, intent, personal preferences, etc.). We have to always face the problem, that the apostles did not record all that they saw and heard. They also would have selectively chosen how they were going to communicate to their audiences, and what specific message that they were trying to get across to their audiences. They were human beings, just like us. We do not know how much of God’s Word, has been lost, but I feel that the Word that we do have, was inspired by the Holy Spirit. I have nothing else to rely on.
Can you tell me where you found this about the word of God? I agree that we should seek wisdom from God. My point in bringing Samuel is that the “dead” are not “asleep”
I tried to find the verse that I read quite a while ago, by skimming through the NT (I spent about 3 hours doing this), but was not successful. I will keep searching for this verse, and when I find it, I will give you the location. I cannot remember the exact wording, so I could not use the internet ‘KJV Bible search’ software. In regards to Samuel, I believe Samuel, himself, stated that he was sleeping, and asked Saul why he was bothering him. Correct me if I am wrong.
I agree that we have only the knowledge of those revealed by God, but not all of these are recorded in Scripture. God is not bound by the Holy Writings.
God is definitely bound by the Holy Writings. He has made promises that He must keep, otherwise all would be a lie. He is not, however, responsible for any misinterpretations or changes that are man-made, without His approval. Remember, everything written within the scriptures has been witnessed (other than errors).
I agree about the differences and the vanity and false prophesy. However, I assert that God’s word is immutable, and humans cannot change it. What changes is our perceptions. Humans, as scripture states, “twist” the word, and want it to fit what they prefer. This twisting, however, does not change the Word itself, only the mind of the person.
Of course God’s Word is truth forever. It is the standard by which all humanity will be judged. It is not God that is changing His Word, we are. It is the responsibility of every person, to ensure that their own understanding of God’s Word, is in fact correct, before teaching His Word to others. I have personally witnessed ministers of God’s Word making errors, simply because they themselves misunderstood the scriptures. I have corrected several of them. They were too lazy, to seek wisdom from God, before speaking.
I agree. I would also say that those writings need to be understood by that same Spirit by whom they were written, and witnessed to by Christ.
Yes!
No one can read the heart but God, and those to whom God has given this gift. We can, however judge them by their fruits.
We can only witness what we can see and hear. The danger always lurks in our midst, that we are witnessing the actions of a wolf in sheep’s clothing. On occasion, it may take time, before this ‘wolf’ is revealed unto us. Satan is very powerful and deceitful. We are warned, that on occasion, even the elect, can fall prey to his deceit.
For some reason, you are assuming these are “additions”. In fact incense and other such things were used in the temple worship long before Christ. The Christians did not take them out.
I was referring to the scriptures. Even the Bible allows for the blessing of artifacts/utensils/incense being used in a church. What I was trying to get across, was that these items are not necessary for salvation.
This applies to worshipping images, not the creation of images for artistic purposes, or to adorn places of worship.
I would somewhat agree, but however, time and again, we see people actually kissing statues, praying to a ‘saint’ while looking at a man-made picture (supposed replica) of this saint, or bowing down to a statue of Mary, and praying to it, as if the statue is in fact a true replica of her. We all understand that the statues and pictures were not meant to be used for such purposes, but in fact, they are. We all witness this through televised coverage of these incidents. We also witness the self-chastising that is carried out in many foreign countries. All who have carried out the above acts, declare that they are devout Roman Catholics, and yet no one from the papal office corrects their actions.
Well, perhaps you need to re-read the instructions for building the Ark of the covenant, and the Temple?
