Joel Hendon

Is There Value In “Sort Of” Believing The Holy Bible?


Posted: Sunday, January 08, 2012

by Joel Hendon
http://hebronics.org/index.html

That is a broad question. Seen from different points of view, there can indeed be some value in believing parts of the Holy Bible. But we need to fully understand from the get-go, that we need not think that one will reap the rewards offered in the book nor avoid the punishments presented there, for only believing some parts of it. There is no middle ground.

There is value in reading, learning and believing the scriptures. First, because it contains much accurate and interesting history, geography and wisdom. It’s description of former places and times are accurately presented. Many have been questioned and denied, yet, in every instance where proof has been discovered concerning any question, the bible has been correct. Even to the point of speaking of such things as “going up to Jerusalem” or “going down to Jerusalem”, etc. Depending upon the location of the origin of the journey, it has always been accurately described in these matters. And, even though present day practices may refer as “up” when we speak of anything north of the origin, or down when speaking of a spot south of the origin. That does not enter into the biblical explanations, but only the altitude variance is described.

So, it is valuable reading for all around knowledge, even if one refuses to accept it’s doctrines. But let us see why it is unacceptable that one does not believe it in it’s entirety.

Many profess to believe that there is a heaven and/or a hell, yet they will not accept that anyone, especially themselves, will be sent to the latter. So obviously, they refuse to believe certain portions of the bible. Following we will find and review some verses of scripture which show that one must accept and obey the tenets in this book.

First, let us read what the bible says about all scripture:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV)

Even though this King James Version is not perfectly explicit in terminology it is still easy to understand the intent of it. It also uses the old English archaic spelling of throughly, which in modern English is, of course, thoroughly. Some translations have it as shown here:

Every scripture [which is-JHH] inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness. That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work. (ASV)

Now pay attention to these verses, and consider the implications;

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6 KJV) This verse does not only mean that one must believe that God exists, but they must believe that he rewards those who diligently seek him…which means the earnest study of his precepts and to believe and obey them. Without his words, we would have no idea what he expects of us and therefore, could not “seek him diligently”. It is impossible for anyone to obey anyone else, especially God, if they do not know what he (or they) say. If, one can only believe a portion of his inspired words, how can they expect to be pleasing him?

Now, it is a truth that all of the entire bible is not for Christians to obey. That is what is meant by the admonition given to the young preacher, Timothy by the inspired apostle Paul as follows:

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV)

There are many things, especially in the Old Testament which were commanded to specific people and are recorded for our learning, not for our obeying. One of the most easily understood of these is that God told Noah to build an ark of gopher wood. That command was not intended for you or me, in fact it was meant for no one other than Noah. But, also, the entire Mosaical law was given only to the Jews (Israelites). No others, then or now. We have the teachings and instructions of Jesus Christ, given by him personally or through his inspired writers of the New Testament. But, that does not, in any sense, negate the fact that the writings of the Old Testament were true and their rules required to be obeyed by those to whom they were directed.

Many also believe that God is all love and that Jesus is all love and neither would ever send anyone into eternal punishment. But consider these verses;

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9 KJV)

Peter is here contending with some who were questioning whether or not the Savior would return as had been promised. But Peter explains that God tolerates much out of people and is patient with them, hoping they will repent and turn to him before it is too late. Read here verse 10, just following the above.

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. (2 Peter 3:10 KJV)

The following verse proves that not everyone will enter heaven, and specifies exactly whom those are who will. Note the phrase I have underlined to point out that fact.

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:21-23 KJV)

The words of God are truth and must be heeded. It is expected that those of us who desire to reach the eternal reward must rightly divide the word of truth.
Author Biography: Joel Hendon was born near Gadsden Alabama. He attended public schools in Cherokee County, Alabama and after serving a tour of duty in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, attended Jacksonville State University, majoring in Business Administration. He became a Christian in 1948, and although he followed secular work as a career and retired from Allied Signal Aerospace, he is an avid student of the Holy Bible and related works as well as biblical history. He has an extensive website of conservative religious and political articles.http://hebronics.org/index.html

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