Originally posted by Conrau K
Hello to you to,
I'm not sure what you mean by "the inspired word of God". My understanding is that the Holy Spirit is present in the scripture, but I do not believe this implies the literal truth of each word. I am Catholic (not sure if that's a problem or not) and identify with the Spiritual Order called the Carmelites. Over the past Centuries the Car ...[text shortened]... e discipline of study to really understand these and the New Testament.
Peace.
Hello Conrau K,
Thanks for the explanation about the carmelites.
Regarding the word of God, it claims to be inspired.
II Timothy 3:16 "All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."
Note: one has to be careful about translations, however.
In the Bible, you can find historical records, symbolic and apocaliptical passages, poetry, narrative, et cetera.
Scholars agree in this, and they agree that not everything is to be taken literally.
I totally agree with your statement:
"there is a particular science required to interpreting it - or otherwise we can falsely construe what the original authors were trying to communicate and mistake the meaning of their words."
However, I don't understand what you mean when you say that "baptism changed after the Church moved to Judaism".
First of all, The Church didn't move to Judaism; the Church was formed in New Testament times (by Christ); you don't read about the Church in the Old Testament, nor about baptism.
People converted from Judaism to Christianity, not the Church.
There were ritual washings, yes, but they had a different purpose and they are never translated as baptism; whenever a person or a priest was considered unclean, bathing was necessary. In opposition, one is to be baptized once (if baptized correctly and for the right purpose).
Baptism, the act of being immersed, represents the death, burial and ressurection into a new life, for the remission of sins through the blood of Jesus Christ.
I don't think ngeisler88 and I have been discussing about different things.
I say the action mentioned above is required for salvation, while ngeisler88 says it isn't; he sees it as just a complement (not essential).
Acts 2:38 says that one has to be baptized (immersed) for the remission of sins and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit; what do you mean by "baptism by the Holy Spirit"?
The Holy Spirit came down on the Apostles and to certain gentiles (Acts 10); is this what you mean?
Regarding simplicity, the passage I mentioned in the previous post demonstrates it.
The apostles and disciples often didn't understand what Jesus was saying? Yes, sure.
But, after the day of Pentecost, the Apostles were guided into all truth, and that truth is what they and the writers of the New Testament gave witness of.
John 16:13 - "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come."
The basic message of the Gospel is simple. Listen, believe (have faith), repent, be baptized, confess Jesus, live faithfully until the end.
That one has to read and study continously? No doubts about it.
II Peter 3:18 "But grow in grace, and [in] the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him [be] glory both now and for ever. Amen."
Regards