Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Can There Be More Than One Interpretation of Scripture?

One of the most often stated phrases in discussion about doctrine is "that's your interpretation."  But is that true?  Did God write a book knowing that it could be interpreted more than one way or are the multiple interpretations due to something different?

This will be a multiple number of article posting, with each being short so that the reader can take time to ponder and study each thought.

First, let's consider the most obvious answer to this line of thinking.  In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul is stating that multiple voices can cause confusion when it comes to preaching the Word of God.  Prophecy here is not future telling but forth telling, i.e. preaching.  He then clearly states in verse 33 "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.".

There was often debate and discussion in the early churches about doctrine, such as circumcision being necessary for salvation (Acts 11).  Yet, when this happened, there was a clear meeting of the apostles and the doctrine was clarified.  If someone rejected the clear doctrine, they were pointed out and isolated from teaching in Jesus name. (1 Timothy 1:19-20)

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