Some other things to understand about the Bible if you do get into reading more of it.
- Much of the Bible, especially in the Old Testament, is “narrative”. That means that God recounts the stories of things people actually did. Very often, those are examples of what not to do and we are supposed to learn from that. No other faith system shows the imperfection of their heroes and how they are justified based on God’s love rather than them earning that love.
- The Bible claims to not be the thoughts of people, but God telling people what to write and so without error in what it teaches. It claims to be God leaving us His guidance on our purpose and principles on how to live. It is His story (history) to us. Think about it this way, if God really is God, would He desire to get the one thing He leaves behind for us, the Bible, to be accurate and would He be capable of doing so. If He truly is God, the answer to both would be yes. That said, we know that there are minor copying and translation errors, but they don’t change the story or principles being conveyed.
- The Bible was written long ago in languages of the times. As such, people have translated as they feel is best for their purpose. Some translators attempt to translate as literal as possible while still being readable. Others lean more towards communicating the thoughts and are less literal. So, understand if you want more accuracy or easier reading when picking a translation.
- There are some things that might seem like contradictions, but if you go back to understanding “narrative” (what people actually did), the differences are more easily surfaced. For example, King David asked his general to take a national census. The general came back months later with a count. But, in the official records (Chronicles), you see a different number. We see the same thing today in government reporting where there is an initial number published and the revised number later after careful data review. Another example came in counting people in crowds. Many in that culture only counted the men while others counted everyone present.
- Remember that God is allowing us to see what happens when “we do what is right in our own eyes.” As such, God allowed cultural norms that we don’t think are acceptable today so that we can learn from them. But what God did do was to teach how to have better attitudes and values while in those cultures. Clear from the narrative in recounting of events that God’s people often did not do as He guided them.
- If we approach the Bible as a textbook, we will likely miss the point of the His story. We need to approach it with a “What is the big picture story” understanding of what God is communicating and then look to see how the parts fit.
- Note that the Bible needs to address the perspectives and interests of a broad variety of people including scientists, historians, artists, … everyone. As such, some sections (e.g. genealogies, prophecies, etc.) will appeal to some and not to others. It is OK to skip some sections during your first reading as you are trying to grasp the big picture story. As we continue to read, the story will start to fit together.
- It is OK to disagree with what God says in the Bible. He gives us the freedom to do so. But, when you do so, you need to realize that you are rejecting Him because you are saying either He is wrong, and therefore not really God, or that He doesn’t really want the best for you. If you disagree with something you find or don’t understand it, take note of that and you can look into later. But, if you keep reading, it should make sense later as the story starts come together for you.
- So, again, the basic message is pictured in a parent/child relationship when the parent is a good parent. He offers a loving relationship to those that trust their Heavenly Father and will be based entirely on His love and Christ’s payment for ALL our wrong attitudes and actions (sins). And this time on earth is a time where we get to do things our way and see the mess it creates (like the 6-year-old) so we will trust His guidance.
- One final thought. Many people ask why God allows bad things to happen. God allows us to reject Him and we see the resulting mess if honestly look around us. That is supposed to drive us to listen to Him. He is very patient and gives us a lifetime to respond. He also gives us all of history to review to see what we do when given some freedom. But know this, He has said there is an end to all of this and He will bring those that reject Him into judgment. But our decision about our Father should never be about avoiding judgment, it should be about trusting someone that is wiser than us. All our imperfections were laid on Jesus as a gift offering to us. Those that accept can KNOW they will spend eternity with a loving and wise Father. Those that reject their loving Father will spend eternity in a place with Satan and people like Hitler, Stalin and others that rejected Him. God makes it clear that it is a place of torment, not partying. Where you go comes down to trusting the love of God for you. If you trust this loving and wise Father, you will be in a far better place where wholesome relationships reign. If you reject the love and wisdom, things will be hard for you. That just makes sense. It is necessary for Heaven to be Heaven.
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