Protestants: how do you know that your interpretation of the Bible is the right one?

[djrakowski]

Thank you Father.

Stop it… I’m gonna start thinkin’ I’m something I’m not… and I could never handle the demands of the priesthood - which is why Our Lord called me to the vocation of married life

I truly appreciate Christian1’s respect for the father though. It is beautiful to see that respect. Thank you Christian1.

I should’ve said the same thing… I agree wholeheartedly. Even though he disagrees with our belief system, and even though I’m not really a priest, it was nice to see him offering respect. Most Protestants I know would never call a priest “father.”

 

[elvisman]

Protestants: how do you know that your interpretation of the Bible is the right one?

Exodus 4:12 Go, then! It is I who will assist you in speaking and will teach you what you are to say."

God is the one who teaches, it is His word and if we rely on Him we will be able to discern. God tells moses this after moses was making excuses as to why he was not suited for the mission God had called him for. when we go by our own interpretations we stand in err, look what paul wrote to the corinthians in the first letter chapter 4:

6 I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written, 2 so that none of you will be inflated with pride in favor of one person over against another. 7 Who confers distinction upon you? What do you possess that you have not received? But if you have received it, why are you boasting as if you did not receive it?

First of all, God is speaking directly to Moses who is unsure of himself because he has a speech impediment. He was giving him instructions. This is not something you build an entire doctrine upon.
This is a WEAK argument for Sola Scriptura.

Read the Scriptures in CONTEXT, my confused friend:
2 Thess. 3:6
"Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is living in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us"

2 Tim. 2:2
"What you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also".

1 Cor. 11:2
"I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I have delivered them to you".

2 Tim. 12:14
***On this account I am suffering these things; but I am not ashamed, for I know him in whom I have believed and am confident that he is able to guard what has been entrusted to me until that day. ***
Take as your norm the sound words that you heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
Guard this rich trust with the help of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us.

Paul calls the CHURCH "the pillar and foundation of truth" (1 Tim. 3:15) - not simply what is written down, as you assert.

PS - Are you ever going to address my response to your post stating that St. Paul was sure of his salvation (post #741)?

 

[Always_For_Him]

PS - Are you ever going to address my response to your post stating that St. Paul was sure of his salvation (post #741)?

It seems that he thinks that He was chosen by God, just like Moses was. It would be nice to be given that kind of power. So, I hope he answers because he must have all kinds of answers to things that Jesus didn’t inform the apostles of.

 

[MrS]

Stop it… I’m gonna start thinkin’ I’m something I’m not… and I could never handle the demands of the priesthood - which is why Our Lord called me to the vocation of married life

I should’ve said the same thing… I agree wholeheartedly. Even though he disagrees with our belief system, and even though I’m not really a priest, it was nice to see him offering respect. Most Protestants I know would never call a priest “father.”

Hey dad… I believe that they would say, call no man… not just a priest. As the FATHER of 7 sons , two of whom are staunch Baptists, I accept that they call me dad, or pops, but not father. Does not make our relationship any less.

But it was nice to see the respect for you old age.

 

[Matariel]

What did Christians do before there was a “New Testament” to be interpreted? They relied solely on the interpretations of believers who carried the Gospel and teachings of Christ by word of mouth.

Yeah, they relied on the teachings of the bishops, especially the bishop of Rome. Just like Catholics do today…

You’ve got to interpret something for yourself along the way, I mean how are you even sure you’re interpreting correctly what the interpreters interpret? You see how ridiculous this can get?

No, because living interpreters can clarify and reprove misinterpretations. If you say “I interpret the Bible for myself” who will clarify and correct you when/if you interpret it wrong? And apparently there are alot of wrong people out there, for Protestantism is forever embroiled in schism and division, which, by the way, was condemned in the Epistles of St. Paul. He also stated there is “one Faith, one Lord, one Baptism”, not many faiths.

 

[christian1]

to the one I thought was father:

You see, I was told that the Churches doctrines were pure from the very beginning and have never changed. The churches mentioned in Revelation, were they not THE CHURCHES that belonged to Christ? Meaning the first churches???

 

[OneTrueCathApos]

that is not so you all try to come from different angles as for dogma it is you all who have the dogmas, my friend i stick to scripture. there have been some on here who without coming straight forward and saying it deny the very words spoken by Christ.
you all want to live by the law that is your choice. i choose to live by faith in what Christ did on the cross and you all believe in the cross but you add on cause it His is not suffucient for you. i could address all that was pointed out in scripture but you would still hold on to your dogma religious acts as to what Christ is against.

Oh please, why don’t you read about the Early Church Fathers? They were around long before the bible was even compiled my friend. Remember the church came before the bible, before the New Testament.

 

[djrakowski]

to the one I thought was father:

You see, I was told that the Churches doctrines were pure from the very beginning and have never changed. The churches mentioned in Revelation, were they not THE CHURCHES that belonged to Christ? Meaning the first churches???

Yes, that’s true… the church’s doctrines have not changed since the beginning, but I’m not sure what that has to do with the churches of Revelation. They were mostly following the Lord, but each had certain problems to overcome (except the church of Smyrna, which received no admonitions).

Oh, and where did you get the idea that the 7 churches were the first churches? I’ve never heard that one before.

So of course they were churches that belonged to the Lord… but those churches were subject to the Bishop of Rome. So individual, local churches died out, but the Church that governed them did not - and teaches the same doctrines it has from the very beginning (though in many cases, in a more developed form).

So, I’m still missing your point, my friend.

 

[OneTrueCathApos]

It seems that he thinks that He was chosen by God, just like Moses was. It would be nice to be given that kind of power. So, I hope he answers because he must have all kinds of answers to things that Jesus didn’t inform the apostles of.

In defense of elvisman, he certainly knows the exact truths of his Catholic faith which you misinterpret for being above everyone else, he truly defends his faith and I respect him for that. You feel he thinks he’s Moses because that is the kind of responses people get when they can’t handle the truth.

 

[christian1]

to the one I thought was faher

you said: Yes, that’s true… the church’s doctrines have not changed since the beginning, but I’m not sure what that has to do with the churches of Revelation.

They were mostly following the Lord, but each had certain problems to overcome (except the church of Smyrna, which received no admonitions).

***Each as in…teaching the wrong stuff or what? From the understanding that I’ve gathered from your interpretations, the term church by definition is ‘the authority’ over the body of Christ, correct me if I’m wrong. If I’m not, then Christ was admonishing the authorities. Are you telling me that there can be error in certain aspects of the catholic religion if indeed your religion stems from the origninal churches? ***

you said; Oh, and where did you get the idea that the 7 churches were the first churches? I’ve never heard that one before.

When I say the first churches, I mean those recently around after Christ.

you said: So of course they were churches that belonged to the Lord… but those churches were subject to the Bishop of Rome. So individual, local churches died out, but the Church that governed them did not - and teaches the same doctrines it has from the very beginning (though in many cases, in a more developed form).

So local churches were running rampant with this sort of sin? Local churches belonging to the Bishop of Rome???

Is this sort of thing happening today?

you said: So, I’m still missing your point, my friend.

That’s because I’m still sorting this out.

 

[Always_For_Him]

In defense of elvisman, he certainly knows the exact truths of his Catholic faith which you misinterpret for being above everyone else, he truly defends his faith and I respect him for that. You feel he thinks he’s Moses because that is the kind of responses people get when they can’t handle the truth.

HEY WHOA THERE OTCA!!!

I goofed up I guess. I was responding to elvisman about Jerry Marino. When I wrote it, I didn’t see that it could be misunderstood who I was referring to. In a post to Jerry Marino, you will see that I asked him if he was a prophet or chosen by God like Moses was. I wasn’t referring to elvisman as thinking he was Moses. Sorry if I confused you.

 

[Matariel]

**
***Each as in…teaching the wrong stuff or what? From the understanding that I’ve gathered from your interpretations, the term church by definition is ‘the authority’ over the body of Christ, correct me if I’m wrong. If I’m not, then Christ was admonishing the authorities. Are you telling me that there can be error in certain aspects of the catholic religion if indeed your religion stems from the origninal churches? *****

You are confusing local churches (called dioceses today) with the Church. The local churches do not have the charism of individual infalliblity. Ony when united in a council, or when speaking magisterially in union with the bishop of Rome, do they have infallible authority.

Do not confuse local churches (dioceses) with the Church, although they are a member or part of the whole. Like I said, individually they do not make infallible doctrine. The Church as a whole (in the Ecumenical Councils) or in an individual (the bishop of Rome) does have that infallible authority when speaking on matters of faith and morals.

So local churches were running rampant with this sort of sin? Local churches belonging to the Bishop of Rome???

 

[Always_For_Him]

Matariel,

How should issues like the Biship being too lenient on those who are teaching error or contrary to what the Church teaches be handled? I see Christian1’s problem. It seems that he was part of a parish that was teaching contary to Church teachings. Those errant teachings can and do then get believed by the people who hear them.

I know that doesn’t mean the Church (as a whole) has lost it’s infallibility on teaching faith and morals. That is a mighty big pendulum swing. But, it is obviously enough of a problem for Christian1. I have asked him to state those errors so we could discuss them, but he seems intent now to disprove the Catholic Church instead of discussing specifics.

 

[josie_L]

Phillippians 2:12 So then, my beloved, obedient as you have always been, not only when I am present but all the more now when I am absent, work out your salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For God is the one who, for his good purpose, works in you both to desire and to work.

No one disputes that God has saved us, however, that initial moment wherein we accept God’s Word, we are to live by it in obedience, if we fail to be obedient (sin constantly without repentance) we can lose our gift of salvation.

Jesus said in Matthew 9:13 ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners."

Who was Jesus talking to at that moment, was it not the pharisees, who were grumbling that Jesus was eating with sinners, and was he not admonishing them to be merciful and less judgemental. And furthermore, the sacrifice to which Jesus is refering to is animal sacrifice not personal sacrifice.

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice; I know them,** and they follow me.** 28 give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, 13 and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. 30 The Father and I are one."

Just as we listen to God’s voice we obey it. As long as we do this God will see to it we never perish. Otherwise you end up like the fig tree bearing no fruit.

yet with the voice of Truth you do not listen cause you are depending on what you can do just to say later on or even now, ‘hey look at me, i lead a perfect life, i am without sin, i do the sacrifices required by the church, i help out my neighbor, God is please with me cause i am working out my salvation’; bolongna!

No, we do it because we love God, because his gift of salvation, humbles us and therefore we strive to obey his will. If your salvation requires nothing more than shouting an occasional “Alleluia and Amen” every now and then, you’ll accomplish nothing good.

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him.

Of, course we know we need faith, in order to please God, and yet
“And now these three remain : faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

God bless you all

 

[Matariel]

Matariel,

How should issues like the Bishop being too lenient on those who are teaching error or contrary to what the Church teaches be handled? I see Christian1’s problem. It seems that he was part of a parish that was teaching contary to Church teachings. Those errant teachings can and do then get believed by the people who hear them.

Parishioners informing the bishop, or even Rome itself, in order to enact discipline and reform where needed. Of course, one must first approach the offending person and see if they just misunderstood or if they are knowledgeably/ actively teaching against what the Church teaches.

I know that doesn’t mean the Church (as a whole) has lost it’s infallibility on teaching faith and morals. That is a mighty big pendulum swing. But, it is obviously enough of a problem for Christian1.

Well, perhaps they should review what the Church teaches about its own teaching authority (Magisterium).

 

[Jerry_Marino]

you guys are hilarious! you argue with God not me my dear friends.

John 6:39 And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it (on) the last day. 40 For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him (on) the last day."

now, if you don’t belong to the Lord then, yeah, you have reason to be afraid.

wow, now i am being called a prophet, please people, i don’t attack you all but yet the stones are whirled my way. i am giving you the word of God. man’s interpretation can be found in err but God’s Word is infallible!

John 16:13 But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming.

that is found in the word of God, so you could try to interpret all you want, why not just believe on the promise of God?

 

[Matariel]

you guys are hilarious! you argue with God not me my dear friends.

Funny. Since when are you and God equateable?

wow, now i am being called a prophet, please people, i don’t attack you all but yet the stones are whirled my way. i am giving you the word of God. man’s interpretation can be found in err but God’s Word is infallible!

Okay… even though the Church compiled the Bible, and you trust that decision, but not other Church decisions (which seems illogical) but okay…

that is found in the word of God, so you could try to interpret all you want, why not just believe on the promise of God?

I don’t see the issue here?

 

[josie_L]

you guys are hilarious! you argue with God not me my dear friends.

John 6:39 And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it (on) the last day. 40 For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him (on) the last day."

now, if you don’t belong to the Lord then, yeah, you have reason to be afraid.

wow, now i am being called a prophet, please people, i don’t attack you all but yet the stones are whirled my way. i am giving you the word of God. man’s interpretation can be found in err but God’s Word is infallible!

John 16:13 But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming.

that is found in the word of God, so you could try to interpret all you want, why not just believe on the promise of God?

Jerry I am not afraid, I love and trust the Lord and know He will give me the power to persevere in my journey.

 

[elvisman]

you guys are hilarious! you argue with God not me my dear friends.

John 6:39 And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it (on) the last day. 40 For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him (on) the last day."

now, if you don’t belong to the Lord then, yeah, you have reason to be afraid.

wow, now i am being called a prophet, please people, i don’t attack you all but yet the stones are whirled my way. i am giving you the word of God. man’s interpretation can be found in err but God’s Word is infallible!

John 16:13 But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming.

that is found in the word of God, so you could try to interpret all you want, why not just believe on the promise of God?

So - should I take that as a , "No?"
**You’re **not going to address my response to your post stating that St. Paul was sure of his salvation (post #741)?

 

[elvisman]

now, if you don’t belong to the Lord then, yeah, you have reason to be afraid.

wow, now i am being called a prophet, please people, i don’t attack you all but yet the stones are whirled my way. i am giving you the word of God. man’s interpretation can be found in err but God’s Word is infallible!

John 16:13 But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming.

that is found in the word of God, so you could try to interpret all you want, why not just believe on the promise of God?

**Are you saying that John 16:13 is directed at every Christian individually or the Church as a whole? **
If you think it’s directed at every individual, then why are there tens of thousands of Protestant sects - each claiming to have “the truth”. And if you say “the church” - to which denomination are you referring?

Did the Holy Spirit make a mistake and give every one of them a different interpretation or can we chalk that up the the pridefulness and stubborness of man?

I’d say the latter was true . . .