There is only one source of truth, and that is God. The most perfect expression of that truth is the true man. Which is what Jesus is.
The Bible is a textbook. It is divinely inspired, but it is a text book teaching the truth, pointing towards God and Christ.
There are many scriptures in the world, many inspired by God to elevate and lift up those who engage with those scriptures. Ultimately, the purpose of scripture is to lead people to Christ.
The bible is not perfect; it is God-inspired, but there are many questions it does not answer. In my view, the primary purpose of the New Testament is to guide people to prepare for the Second Coming. Once the Second Coming arrives, we will most certainly receive an upgrade that elevates our understanding of 'truth', in the same way that Jesus taught things that elevated the Israelites' understanding of truth.
God gave them the OT word - the Law - to prepare them to receive the Messiah. He came, and shared newer, more profound and core elements of truth. Sadly, as a whole, they could not receive it and those that could not put 'new wine' into new wine skins ended up rejecting Jesus.
I think we will agree on many core points, but perhaps our view of the Bible is slightly different. Over-attachment to an external expression of truth - scripture - is what lead the Jews to fail to recognize Jesus, who as the actual embodiment of Truth, stood right on front of them. We would be wise to learn the lesson!
I appreciate the feedback; and I think that perhaps my comments came off as legalism, that was not my intention. I agree we share many core points. Yes the OT was set up to prove that mankind could never live up to the law; therefore God sent his son as a savior in Jesus Christ. It is only through Jesus Christ that we are saved. No works save us, but it is His grace alone.
Your example of over attachment would be the Pharisees and Sadducees; I think we can link many religious sects today to the same error over overemphasizing scripture and losing the core meaning which is to put God first above all. There core focus was not on God, but of themselves, they used scripture to promote righteousness among themselves. We give up our lives for Him; just like Jesus gave up his life for us.
But you are spot on, the error many make is they develop righteousness and pride (I go to church more, I know more scripture, I serve here etc). We are all horrible retched sinners in need of a savior and that savior was Jesus Christ.
However as Romans points out that does not mean we can go on living as we please; this is what I was trying to emphasize. Those of us that know Him have that endless yearning to know more and build that relationship with Him. Getting into his Word, prayer are ways to do that.
But I do think there is a danger in stating as long as you know and acknowledge Jesus you are good (not stating that's what you are implying). The sanctification process corrects us and shapes us in the image of Him; part of that process I do believe means getting into His word and building that relationship. Hope that was clearer (and much more we could get into) but appreciate the polite discourse brother.
"Everyone has different truths"
Nope. They may have their perspective, but that is different.
There is only one truth.
Exactly this.
And right there is the deception: Equating perspective and perception with the truth itself.
FWIW, from a Christian or spiritual perspective, this is Lucifer's assertion. "My truth" is as important or real as yours, God."
But whether one believes in the Creator or doesn't, the premise that there is only one truth is foundational to goodness.
Amen, this is exactly why we are where we are. There is only one source of truth, the Bible. Well said Fren.
Much as I appreciate the feedback, I disagree.
There is only one source of truth, and that is God. The most perfect expression of that truth is the true man. Which is what Jesus is.
The Bible is a textbook. It is divinely inspired, but it is a text book teaching the truth, pointing towards God and Christ.
There are many scriptures in the world, many inspired by God to elevate and lift up those who engage with those scriptures. Ultimately, the purpose of scripture is to lead people to Christ.
The bible is not perfect; it is God-inspired, but there are many questions it does not answer. In my view, the primary purpose of the New Testament is to guide people to prepare for the Second Coming. Once the Second Coming arrives, we will most certainly receive an upgrade that elevates our understanding of 'truth', in the same way that Jesus taught things that elevated the Israelites' understanding of truth.
God gave them the OT word - the Law - to prepare them to receive the Messiah. He came, and shared newer, more profound and core elements of truth. Sadly, as a whole, they could not receive it and those that could not put 'new wine' into new wine skins ended up rejecting Jesus.
I think we will agree on many core points, but perhaps our view of the Bible is slightly different. Over-attachment to an external expression of truth - scripture - is what lead the Jews to fail to recognize Jesus, who as the actual embodiment of Truth, stood right on front of them. We would be wise to learn the lesson!
I appreciate the feedback; and I think that perhaps my comments came off as legalism, that was not my intention. I agree we share many core points. Yes the OT was set up to prove that mankind could never live up to the law; therefore God sent his son as a savior in Jesus Christ. It is only through Jesus Christ that we are saved. No works save us, but it is His grace alone.
Your example of over attachment would be the Pharisees and Sadducees; I think we can link many religious sects today to the same error over overemphasizing scripture and losing the core meaning which is to put God first above all. There core focus was not on God, but of themselves, they used scripture to promote righteousness among themselves. We give up our lives for Him; just like Jesus gave up his life for us.
But you are spot on, the error many make is they develop righteousness and pride (I go to church more, I know more scripture, I serve here etc). We are all horrible retched sinners in need of a savior and that savior was Jesus Christ. However as Romans points out that does not mean we can go on living as we please; this is what I was trying to emphasize. Those of us that know Him have that endless yearning to know more and build that relationship with Him. Getting into his Word, prayer are ways to do that.
But I do think there is a danger in stating as long as you know and acknowledge Jesus you are good (not stating that's what you are implying). The sanctification process corrects us and shapes us in the image of Him; part of that process I do believe means getting into His word and building that relationship. Hope that was clearer (and much more we could get into) but appreciate the polite discourse brother.