Questions Seeking Answers

[unsafe]

THOSE CHAPTERS, unsafe, are the clearest passages that point to God's sovereignty in salvation.

JOHN 6 stresses that those who come to Christ are those whom the Father gives to Him, and that salvation begins with God's initiative.

ROMANS 9 stresses God's freedom and mercy in His saving purposes, showing that salvation's not ultimately grounded in human will or effort.

EPHESIANS 1 talks about believers being chosen in Christ according to God's purpose and will before the world's foundation

Thanks for clarifying your point with these scriptures -----

 

[unsafe]

Honestly, Gord, those subjects weren't my major's primary focus.

My seminary training was oriented toward the practical work of bringing the gospel into diverse city contexts.

Which helps explain why I later served as a pastor in Seoul for six years.

That said, I'm familiar with the arguments. I think every serious seminary student should at least engage them.

Where I differ from you is in what I think the data means

This what you say here is Hitting the nail on the head there Jaebius

Where I differ from you is in what I think the data means ----great reply

 

[unsafe]

Do you not carry a label yourself, unsafe? It seems to me that multiple times you've requested being called a "believer" rather than a "Christian." C'mon, unsaf

You are right ---I do carry the lable of not just a Believer but of a TRUE BELIEVER ----

 

[Luce NDs]

Have you ever read any of this material in a Semitic or omnibus perspective that is inclusive of all that we don't understand because we will not hear of it ... understanding that is! These old scripts are recording in a number of dead languages ... these we have lost touch with due to unfamiliarity!

Imagine unknown tongues ... quite a projection eh!

 

[Jaebius]

so what is Source Criticism ---lets sees ---Read all for yourselves ----just posting some of the Article -----

What is source criticism?

Definition and Purpose

Source criticism is a field of biblical studies that seeks to identify and analyze the written sources behind the final form of the biblical text.

Source Criticism and Theological Implications

Some worry that source criticism weakens confidence in Scripture’s authority.

However, from a position that views God as sovereign and the Scriptures as inerrant, any sources utilized by the biblical writers are part of God’s plan to reveal Himself.

The prophet Daniel consulted existing records (Daniel 9:2), and Luke mentions researching “accounts handed down” by eyewitnesses (Luke 1:1-4).

These references illustrate that biblical authors themselves often acknowledged the use of external materials, yet the end result is still fully inspired truth.
Conclusion

Source criticism examines possible written or oral materials that contributed to the biblical text.
While some use it to challenge Scripture’s integrity, many have found that studying these lived realities-where authors had access to prior accounts-only adds depth to our understanding of how God guided human writers to create a coherent, authoritative message.

The Bible, standing as the inspired Word of the living God, has endured from ancient times to the present. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35).

Regardless of which sources may have been consulted along the way,
Scripture ultimately shines forth as the unchangeable revelation of the one true and eternal God.

Sources' existence, unsafe, showcases the remarkable way God worked through ordinary means to produce His extraordinary, infallible Word.

Grace and truth are never enemies.

We don't have to fear honest investigation if we believe the Author behind Scripture's the God who rules over all things.

Romans 11:36 reminds us, "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever! AMEN!"

The sources belong under that "all things!"

 

[Luce NDs]

The source is deep and holy, sacred if not somewhat wholly .. because if you understood the powers would have nothing over you ... they would have to follow being ignorant as well as everything else and thus large damned unknowns ... the curse ove being stripped of your primal knowledge? When freed you can watch it go as heh goes ... semi tite expression ... yet it circulate eth ... that's the whirred ...

 

[unsafe]

Notice, unsafe, the disciples' reaction, "Who then can be saved?" (Mat 19:25)! They grasped Jesus was describing an impossibility.

Jesus immediately explains, "With God all things are possible!" (Matt. 19:26)!

This aligns perfectly with TOTAL DEPRAVITY! Fallen people can't save themselves. Rich or poor. Educated or uneducated. Religious or irreligious! ALL ARE SPIRITUALLY HELPLESS APART FROM GOD'S SOVEREIGN GRACE

Well I would say that your take on this scripture from what is posted is a surface attempt and your not far off in my view as to what your saying ----but there is a Deeper meaning here -----which the Holy Spirit can give you ---and is called the rhema Word ----the meaning behind the words -----


Matthew 19:24 ----

New Living Translation
I’ll say it again—it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”

So think Spiritually there Jaebius -------with this Scripture -----and what it really is saying ----first the Holy Spirit says ----the word Camel is important here -----


So why is mentioning the Camel important Spiritually ---

Camels were very well known about and used in Jesus' day ----Jesus used Terms that people understood ----

Camels are very Loyal to their Masters -----they will bown down so their Master can get on them to ride or put heavey loads on them ---which is showing submission and they know their Master's voice ----


From Google

Camels are typically known for being calm, patient, and resilient

Patient and Steady: Camels are famous for their slow, plodding endurance in harsh conditions. They handle long journeys without complaining.


In Medieval Christianity: The camel's habit of kneeling to receive a load made it a symbol of humility, obedience, and Christ-like submission.


So you see Why Jesus meantions Camels here Spiritually describing what a Disciple need to be like ------

Now the EYE OF THE NEEDLE ------

The eye of a needle Represents the narrow path to enter into Kingdom of God ------and

Only through Jesus who is the Narrow path do you get into God;s Kindgom ----

Jesus is the Eye Of The Needle ----through which all people rich or poor must enter ----to be received in God's Kingdom -----

That is the Spiritual message of this passage ---Revelaed to me by and through the Holy Spirit -------this is the Rhema Word given ---the Spoken word -behind the Logos word ----

and the rich young ruler didn't like what Jesus had said cause his Human Corrupt Heart was in his Physical treasures not in Spiritual treasures -----and so he left ----




Adding this Jaebius ------every piece of Scripture has a Spiritual meaning behind the Printed Logos -----and only the Holy Spirit can give you that -----

 

[Luce NDs]

We are all saved by god and thus considerably retained within a hard grip of reality that we refuse to believe because of wisps ... dervishes on the ridge ...

These may settle dewed ... well done and cooked ... as was done in the temple as hard stared at for past activities ... tough conscience?

 

[Luce NDs]

I'm told many 'ave discarded conscience as a bad conception ... devoid of the "h" as replaced by "yod" the (') ... some say apostrophe aye' d!

Appropriated? Poly appreciated in content of what was inut ... at least from other angles!

 

[Jaebius]

What is Redaction Criticism----let us see -----Read all just posting some of the srticle

What are Redaction Criticism and Higher Criticism?

Definition

Redaction Criticism is a method that studies how authors or editors (“redactors”) employed existing source material to shape a final narrative or theological message. Researchers in this field look for indications that a Gospel writer or prophet may have reworked or rearranged earlier texts to emphasize certain themes.

For instance, scholars might analyze how Matthew purportedly used sources like Mark and a collection of sayings (hypothetically called “Q”) to craft a Gospel account highlighting Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Redaction critics seek to uncover the unique perspective each biblical writer or editor might have brought to the text.

Origins and Aims

Redaction Criticism emerged in the early to mid-twentieth century, building on ideas from Source Criticism (the quest to identify various written or oral sources behind the biblical text).

It introduced the realization that biblical writers might not have merely copied earlier sources verbatim but also shaped them for specific audiences or purposes-especially to highlight central theological messages.

Observations from Scriptural Consistency

While Redaction Criticism focuses on how authors edited or compiled material, many note that the thoroughly consistent message of Scripture emerges through these variations in style and emphasis. As it is written:

“Every Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

This consistency is not interpreted by many as evidence of a uniform editing process but as testament to a divinely orchestrated harmony among different human authors spanning diverse historical settings.

Archaeological discoveries-such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, containing some of the oldest known copies of portions of the Old Testament-have demonstrated that the text’s essential content and doctrines remained intact through centuries.

Relevance for Personal Study
For those exploring the Bible, understanding Redaction Criticism and Higher Criticism can be a double-edged sword:

• They can illuminate biblical texts by demonstrating the richness of the authors’ perspectives and historical contexts.

• They can lead to skepticism if used in a manner that dismisses Scripture’s validity based on speculative re-dating or unproven documentary hypotheses.
Yet many find that the deeper they investigate the text’s history-whether through textual criticism, manuscript evidence, or archaeological data-the more it confirms the reliability of the biblical account.


Conclusion

Critics sometimes question the supernatural elements and treat the Bible as any other ancient literature, yet a plethora of manuscript, historical, and archaeological data supports the trustworthiness of Scripture.

By weighing these academic tools alongside the affirmation that Scripture is “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16), one can engage these methods without abandoning confidence in the Creator, the integrity of the biblical text, or the profound message of salvation through the risen Christ.

The ongoing conversation about Redaction Criticism and Higher Criticism underscores the richness and depth of the Bible, inviting readers to carefully consider both scholarly perspectives and the wealth of historical and textual evidence that supports the unity and reliability of Scripture.

The Dead Sea Scrolls, unsafe, remind us that God's Word's been preserved with extraordinary faithfulness.

Let's study the text deeply. Learn about sources, history, languages, and literary structure! ASK HARD QUESTIONS!

Let Scripture sit in judgment over our theories.

As Isaiah 40:8 says, "Our God's Word stands forever!"

Study's every road eventually brings me back to the same conclusion

 

[Luce NDs]

Hard Questions?

If one believes in vast passions will one vote for insane activities that may have distinct consequence apparent ... conscience gone wrong?

Imagine that ... as a dark abstract of great mystery as gods search for a place to hide out ...

These difficult things you cannot diffuse when you 're rite in em ... an object of close observation under what's above?

Go figure that ...

 

[Luce NDs]

Do we want to know that virtuosity to the bones ... Os Sum ... I'd say it is unlikely maybe even improbable and not quantum ... thus the uncertainty nature of certain theories ...

If looked at ... it will dip ... like a water bird ... maybe a f rogue ... ogre going the other way like in "Y"? It is qui in another tradition and one that may unlock something mysterious ... like key clubs? Dance pavilions where partners change hands ... 10 I see waltz'n ... portions and parts of the primal things as pagan? Heathens sharing ... get a grip ...

Whirred doth stir some strange activities ... dark, abstract and thus poor no graphic context! I'm told such things are deep in the head of mortals as carrying over from the algae activities ... blooms? Vegetative states as unconscious process ... may bring some life to its knees ... as knelt ... Nelle 'd?

Do you have an unseen light in your life? Tucked under a wing ... but not kohl 'd ...

Wind where???

 

[Jaebius]

What is Historicial Criticism ----Let us see -----read all yourselves ---

Is historical criticism a reliable biblical interpretation method?

Is historical criticism a reliable biblical interpretation method?

Definition and Scope of Historical Criticism

Historical criticism-often called the “historical-critical method”-aims to evaluate biblical texts by examining their historical contexts, presumed sources, and various literary strata. Practitioners seek to uncover the situational context in which each book or passage was composed, looking at cultural norms, historical events, and ancient writing styles. Historical criticism generally employs linguistic analysis, archaeological findings, and comparative literature from the ancient Near East or the Greco-Roman world.

Proponents of historical criticism often attempt to discern what they label the “original” or “earliest” forms of the biblical texts. In doing so, they may rely on hypotheses about authorship, the editing process (redaction), and even the date of composition. Its focus has been on reconstructing the intention of the human author(s) and on situating the text in its time period.

Limitations and Concerns

1. Preconceived Naturalism: A common assumption within certain strands of historical criticism is that supernatural elements of the Bible (e.g., miracles, prophecy, resurrection) must be inventions or later additions.

This presupposition can predispose individuals to reject key doctrines before investigating the biblical text on its own terms.

Scripture presents miraculous acts as essential manifestations of divine power (Exodus 14:21-22; Matthew 28:5-6).

2. Denial of Unity and Inspiration:

Some historical-critical studies approach the text as a patchwork of sources that might contradict each other.

However, Scripture affirms its cohesiveness, with Jesus Himself underscoring the authority of the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings (Luke 24:44-45).

Critics may undervalue the overarching theological unity that the biblical authors-under divine inspiration-share.

Risk of Marginalizing the Holy Spirit’s Role:

Scriptural interpretation, according to the text itself, is guided by the Spirit of God. John 16:13 reads, “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth.”

Placing undue reliance on purely academic reconstructions without considering the Bible’s testimony of divine revelation can minimize the indispensable spiritual dimension of interpreting God’s Word.

Conclusion

Historical criticism, when used judiciously and anchored in the foundational belief that Scripture is both divinely inspired and historically accurate, can clarify cultural and linguistic details.
It serves best as a tool within a larger framework that honors God’s revelation and the unity of His Word.

Caution arises, however, when the method incorporates a skeptical stance toward the supernatural or attempts to deconstruct the text’s theological unity.

The core message of Scripture-salvation through the resurrected Christ-faces distortion if the method in question automatically dismisses miracles and prophecy as later fabrications.

Ultimately, an approach to biblical interpretation will be reliable if it honors both the historical realities surrounding the biblical text and the truth of God’s revealed Word, which stands consistent, authoritative, and living.

We've nothing to fear, unsafe, from honest investigation.

Ultimately, the Holy Spirit's the final Scripture interpreter in God's people's hearts. Only the Spirit can open blind eyes to see Christ's glory.

So my view's use historical criticism as a servant. Let Scripture's divine authorship, unity, and POWER remain the controlling framework.

When history's studied under Christ's lordship, unsafe, it becomes faith's ally. Soli Deo Gloria!

 

[unsafe]

We've nothing to fear, unsafe, from honest investigation.

And that is the Key ---Honest investigation with a Spiritual Mindset ----

 

[Jaebius]

Well I would say that your take on this scripture from what is posted is a surface attempt and your not far off in my view as to what your saying ----but there is a Deeper meaning here -----which the Holy Spirit can give you ---and is called the rhema Word ----the meaning behind the words -----


Matthew 19:24 ----

New Living Translation
I’ll say it again—it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”

So think Spiritually there Jaebius -------with this Scripture -----and what it really is saying ----first the Holy Spirit says ----the word Camel is important here -----


So why is mentioning the Camel important Spiritually ---

Camels were very well known about and used in Jesus' day ----Jesus used Terms that people understood ----

Camels are very Loyal to their Masters -----they will bown down so their Master can get on them to ride or put heavey loads on them ---which is showing submission and they know their Master's voice ----


From Google

Camels are typically known for being calm, patient, and resilient

Patient and Steady: Camels are famous for their slow, plodding endurance in harsh conditions. They handle long journeys without complaining.


In Medieval Christianity: The camel's habit of kneeling to receive a load made it a symbol of humility, obedience, and Christ-like submission.


So you see Why Jesus meantions Camels here Spiritually describing what a Disciple need to be like ------

Now the EYE OF THE NEEDLE ------

The eye of a needle Represents the narrow path to enter into Kingdom of God ------and

Only through Jesus who is the Narrow path do you get into God;s Kindgom ----

Jesus is the Eye Of The Needle ----through which all people rich or poor must enter ----to be received in God's Kingdom -----

That is the Spiritual message of this passage ---Revelaed to me by and through the Holy Spirit -------this is the Rhema Word given ---the Spoken word -behind the Logos word ----

and the rich young ruler didn't like what Jesus had said cause his Human Corrupt Heart was in his Physical treasures not in Spiritual treasures -----and so he left ----


View attachment 12816

Adding this Jaebius ------every piece of Scripture has a Spiritual meaning behind the Printed Logos -----and only the Holy Spirit can give you that -----

The safest approach, unsafe, is to let the text and context determine the meaning rather than assigning spiritual symbolism to every detail.

The deepest meaning's the plain meaning the text's already giving us. Salvation's possible with God alone!

SOLA SCRIPTURA MEANS SCRIPTURE INTERPRETS SCRIPTURE! THE SPIRIT NEVER CONTRADICTS OR GOES BEYOND WHAT GOD'S ALREADY REVEALED IN HIS WORD

 

[Jaebius]

And that is the Key ---Honest investigation with a Spiritual Mindset ----

Believe the key, unsafe, is having a heart that's being changed by God.

Scripture's the living Word through which God speaks to His people.

Let's investigate honestly. Ask hard questions! DIG DEEPLY INTO THE TEXT!

Let's do it prayerfully. With humility! RECOGNIZING THAT GRASPING ULTIMATELY COMES FROM THE SAVIOUR'S GRACIOUS REVELATION!

"Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law!" (Psa 119:18)

 

[Luce NDs]

Believe the key, unsafe, is having a heart that's being changed by God.

Scripture's the living Word through which God speaks to His people.

Let's investigate honestly. Ask hard questions! DIG DEEPLY INTO THE TEXT!

Let's do it prayerfully. With humility! RECOGNIZING THAT GRASPING ULTIMATELY COMES FROM THE SAVIOUR'S GRACIOUS REVELATION!

"Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law!" (Psa 119:18)

How can one dig deeply when most wish a superficial response that doesn't hurt of disturb the BS!

 

[Jaebius]

Taking a break for a day, folks
Image: Gemini

 

[Luce NDs]

Image inn At Ion ... and the IO'n disperses ... as 1 and its opposition depart as nothing ... the aura around the one standing forming a haze ... pure abstract! Shady ... thus relief in the rest ... as the powers exhaust themselves in conflict! All being normal in the fight ... for 1 to be up and "O" to lay down ... swirled ... as wind in the willows! ZZZZZZzzz!

 

[Luce NDs]

Imagine the very concept of Treason & Heresy ... one cannot grasp this thoroughly before reading deeply into the private letters of D Bonhoeffer and T More prior to their separation from physical reality.

Then Spong's text of Afterlife comes to mind in the order one has no idea of it until starting to contemplate the life of others and what you footprints on the earth have done for their future. It is like stepping outside the body of your personal worry, bother, concern, etc. (Han Nah).

Very abstract and mysterious to say the least ... because really what do you know of the which is distant from your core concerns? Cloud walkers, palls ...