Author	Thread: Does the Church have to interpret the Bible?
Admin	Does the Church have to interpret the Bible? Posted : 10 Feb, 2011 06:06 PM Does the Church have to interpret the bible? In this era of redemptive history, God has chosen to preserve his truth within the universal Church that he established with his blood; and hence he calls the Church �the pillar and ground of the truth� (1 Timothy 3:15), and exhorts believers to obey the Church's elders who labor in the word and doctrine (1 Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 13:17); however, the bible also indicates that it is necessary and honorable for individual believers to be studying the scriptures daily, to see if the things taught by the Church leaders, no matter how prominent they might be, are according to the bible (Acts 17:11). Furthermore, although we acknowledge that the truth is preserved in the holy and universal Church, we must realize that it takes biblical discernment even to recognize what the true Church is; for the bible speaks of many false prophets and false doctrines arising up in the midst of the Church, and even indicates that entire churches may become apostate (1 Tim. 4:1-4; 2 Tim. 3:13-17; 2 Pet. 2:1-3; Rev. 2:5; 13:11); so that, to recognize what constitutes the Church in which the truth of the bible has been preserved, one must understand what the bible teaches, and realize that no �church� which denies the gospel proclaimed in the bible is a true church at all. Thus, the apostle Paul exalts the gospel which he had proclaimed of justification by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone, far above any other authority, whether earthly or heavenly, saying that if any apostle or teacher or angel from heaven, or even himself should proclaim a different gospel, he would be eternally accursed (Gal. 1:6-10); and to this list, we may add any falsely-named �church�. Thus, recognizing that God has superintended the preservation and formulation of the doctrinal truths of the bible through the history of the Church, no individual believer ought to be so presumptuous as to go lightly against the clear doctrinal statements of the early ecumenical councils on such doctrines as the Trinitarian conception of God and the acceptance of the several books of the canon; but neither will any believer find it a legitimate excuse that they are submitting to the authority of the �church� when they accept any of the blasphemous and unbiblical teaching that has sprung up in many corrupt false churches, according to prophecy. For any so-called �church� that has corrupted the gospel is a false church, and ought not be obeyed even for a moment. Monergism Copyright � 2008 Post Reply
View Profile History	Does the Church have to interpret the Bible? Posted : 10 Feb, 2011 08:21 PM I think your article is saying it is most important for the individual to interpret the Bible in order to determine the legitimacy of their Church. Post Reply
View Profile History	Does the Church have to interpret the Bible? Posted : 10 Feb, 2011 08:51 PM It is our responsibility to interpret Scripture, while being careful not to become our own pope. Here is a good sentence to remember: "Church history should not rule our interpretation of scripture, but it should GUIDE our interpretation of scripture". Modern American Christians know next to nothing about what Christians have believed for two thousand years, and many of them think it is not important to know what they believed. Their attitude is something like: "Hey, I have the Holy Spirit, and I have the Bible, and that is all I need". They have made themselves their own pope, and rely on their private religious hunches, when the Bible tells them they NEED the body of Christ. In Christ, James Post Reply
flyby View Profile History	Does the Church have to interpret the Bible? Posted : 10 Feb, 2011 08:54 PM I appreciate the pastor where I visit (FIB), he does no interpretation during Sunday service just strait preaching out of the Bible just as its written and begs for correction if found. Bible study is the place for interpretation and hypothesist. Post Reply
View Profile History	Does the Church have to interpret the Bible? Posted : 10 Feb, 2011 09:16 PM James, You have expressed your dissatisfaction with modern Christians not relying on Church tradition as much as you think they should. A couple things should be noted: Just because something is history or tradition doesn't make it correct. I know you agree with this, cause if you didn't, you would be Catholic. Also it must be remembered, before the printing press only the church had Bibles of 'A' Bible. It wasn't until 500 years ago that Bibles were put in the hands of the average man, and what happened?.........the protestant reformation.... imagine that! Still Bibles were scarce until.a couple hundred years ago. Now we have different translations and unbelieveable reference materials available. Yes, we all need fellowship and accountability, but the Church is no longer the only building in town with a Bible, nor is the Priest or Pastor necessarily the most educated person in the Scriptures. Post Reply
View Profile History	Does the Church have to interpret the Bible? Posted : 10 Feb, 2011 11:21 PM I have a hunch that Modern American Christians may know more than james thinks they do. :goofball: Post Reply
View Profile History	Does the Church have to interpret the Bible? Posted : 11 Feb, 2011 09:17 AM The parable of the sower spoken and heard today is just as true as it was the day it was God breathed. Post Reply
View Profile History	Does the Church have to interpret the Bible? Posted : 11 Feb, 2011 09:17 AM The parable of the sower spoken and heard today is just as true as it was the day it was God breathed. Post Reply
View Profile History	Does the Church have to interpret the Bible? Posted : 11 Feb, 2011 04:43 PM studing early American history in school does involve reports on the church. I am in college,so yes I do believe we know church history. Post Reply
View Profile History	Does the Church have to interpret the Bible? Posted : 11 Feb, 2011 07:46 PM Twosparrows, I agree with most of what you say here on this thread. Chevyrocks, Here is one BIG, IMPORTANT, example for you about Modern American Christians not knowing much about the Bible. Stand outside the average Christian church on Sunday Morning. As church lets out, ask the people one by one, the following Question: "How many of the Ten commandments can you name, in order." The average will be three or four. This is the very law of God! This is the clearest expression of God's will for our lives! And if you are thinking: "Hey, James, Were are under GRACE, not law!" Congratulations, you are a typical modern American Christian. In Christ, James Post Reply
View Profile History	Does the Church have to interpret the Bible? Posted : 11 Feb, 2011 08:27 PM I don't know what church you're standing outside of, james, but I can't think of one of my brothers or sisters in Christ who can't tell you what ALL the ten commandments are. Post Reply

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