It's one of the oldest tricks in the book. Bible verses being taken out of context. Of course most don't even realize this is what they are doing. Sometimes when we read or memorize certain verses it can lead to tunnel vision, misunderstanding and confusion. Of course we'll often have different opinions on things from time to time but one of the reasons there are thousands of church denominations, doctrines and cults is due to a general misunderstanding of what the gospel is. And a leading cause of that is taking scripture out of context along with confusing the Old Covenant with the New and mixing them together into one.
As someone once told us: "The Bible can be one of the most dangerous books you'll ever read if you..." (Take a listen to the podcast for the conclusion to this suspenseful cliff hanger.)
The Bible Can Be Dangerous to Read If... (14 Min, 9.6 MB)
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This is so true. If you quote scriptures without understanding the history, context and audience then you are going to misuse scriptures. It brings me back to the scripture when Jesus says search the scriptures in them you think you have eternal life but they are which that testify of me!
ReplyDeleteJesus is the center of it all. If he is not the center but Man's performance is then you are quoting scriptures to suit your ego.
CONTEXT IS the key!
Love it, I am learning this it does take time so thank you
DeleteGreat points, Mike. The scriptures are not the way, the truth and the life. Jesus is! So as you say, Jesus said the scriptures testify of Him. His hope is that we will come to Him and have Life in Him, rather than in our performance and Bible reading.
ReplyDeleteSo when reading the scriptures, context truly is the key, as the context will always point us to Christ Himself!