The answer to this comes from within the Bible itself (see II Peter 1:20). This verse is quite straightforward, and cannot be misinterpreted. The Bible is not a work of literature, written by a human author. Literature written by people, can be subjected to individual interpretations and human judgement. People perceive such works very individually, and very differently from one another.
However, the author of the Bible is God, and the people who wrote down all the different parts of the Bible, did so under divine inspiration. In plain words: God was dictating, and they were writing down what He was giving to them to write. Therefore, as God's work, the Bible CANNOT IN ANY CASE BE SUBJECTED TO PRIVATE INTERPRETATION.
If a person is a Christian believer and wants to know more about God, the sole point of reliable reference for achieving this task, is the Bible. Nobody can call themselves a Christian believer, and at the same time doubt the fact that the Bible is the Word of God, or doubt the originality of the Bible. This would be a contradiction in terms, since everything that our Christian faith is based upon, comes from within this book. Yes, the Bible has been altered through the years, mainly because of mistranslations into different languages, but those alterations can be easily amended if we go back to the original ancient texts. Then we can find out what has really changed, and get a more accurate picture of the Word of God. Yes, the Bible is the Word of God, and no Christian believer should doubt this statement. It is as fundamental as our belief itself.
As the Word of the One True and Perfect God, it is perfect also. Every part of the Bible complements each other, and together they form the very foundation of our faith. Even if a verse may sound incomprehensible, there will ALWAYS be at least another verse within the Bible, that explains the first one. It is up to the believer to search for it. The answer to every question is in there.
The problem is that many believers today, approach the Bible with their own pre-formed ideas, and this is a fundamental mistake. THE BIBLE INTERPRETS ITSELF. A Christian that wants to be really blessed from the Word of God, must approach it leaving aside all personal ideas and opinions, particular beliefs, specific dogmas and pre-assumptions. This is the only way to be objective enough in order to accurately divide the Word of God.
One of the most important things that we must keep in mind when we approach the Bible, is word usage. All of the modern translations of the Bible are based on the original ancient Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic texts. The modern translations, (including the King James Version, and the Revised KJV), are good, but there are still many mistranslations when compared with the original texts. The fact that languages evolve through the years, means that any given biblical term may not mean today, what it meant at the time that the Bible was written, or translated. Languages evolve, and meanings of individual words change through the years. A single word within a verse, can change the meaning of the whole verse if not translated correctly. I have encountered many words in the Bible that mean a completely different thing today, compared with their meaning at the time of the translation, or with their meaning in the original texts. The only way to overcome this problem, is to study the original texts, and try to understand what a word meant at that time. The fact that I am Greek, has blessed me a lot, since I had the chance to work with the original ancient text of the New Testament, and compare it with modern translations.
As for the Old Testament, one can study the original texts with the help of grammar tools, and specialised dictionaries that will make the comprehension of the original text easier. Also a study on orientalisms can help a lot. There are many orientalisms within the Bible, and the better understanding of their meaning can shed more light into verses otherwise misinterpreted. It is well worth it to invest money on such tools, and time and effort into the study of the Bible. A better understanding will be earned. It is money and effort well spent.
There will be small studies available here, researching various topics from the Bible. Sometimes, I will be giving the original ancient Greek words that have been wrongly translated, in their original form, but written with English characters. I will also give the meaning of these words at the time that they written. This way, non Greek speakers can benefit from a better understanding of the correct translation, and avoid misunderstandings. All English references to the Bible, will be taken from the authorized King James Version of the Bible.
Thank you for your patience. There are small studies available below. Please also visit the homepage of Anastasios Kioulachoglou, a dear friend and brother in Christ. (See link section). It is a great biblical page, that will surely bless you. Anastasios believes in the sames principles regarding a correct biblical approach, and his studies cover many different biblical topics. Make sure that you pay him a visit !
A small study on how God can liberate us from fear and worry.
True freedom comes only from God !
Humility and meekness: The forgotten Christian virtues.
A small study on the Biblical context of fasting
Frequently asked questions about the Bible. A study by Anastasios Kioulachoglou.
God loves you. A study by Anastasios Kioulachoglou.
Links to other sites on the Web
Click here to visit a great Biblical page.
Cortright Fellowship Homepage.
Thanks for visiting. This page is still under construction. Feel free to e-mail me at the address below, with any opinions and suggestions, or simply for a chat. God bless.............................................................Tasos
© 1997 angel27@dircon.co.uk
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