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How do you approach passages that seem to contradict each other? Is it appropriate to fit every passage into an organized system? Explain your response.
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12 Replies
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I used to think passages contradicted, but I’ve learned to take passages in proper context through exegetical studies and I have discovered that there are NO contradiction in God’s word. The most important key that I have found is to keep my opinion, and myself, out of what the Bible says, and to ignore every teaching that I have ever received when approaching God’s Word in truth!
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If I come accross pasages that seem to contradict each other, first I look carefully at the context of the scripture. I make sure that I understand the wording of the passages through examining the original language. I will also ask my mentors, a pastor or Bible study leader for insight about the scriptures. If it still not clear, I will pray and fast about the passages. I know God word does not contradict itself and I am ok with not understanding everything in the Bible right now at this minute. God will reveal it to me or I will know when I see Him.
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As with all scripture, they should be read in context. Passages can be placed in an organized system, as we see with Sunday sermons, but it is important that when used they are lead to understanding them correctly, soundly, and comprehensively.
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The passage has to be taken as written. However, the understanding and depth comes from the Holy Spirit. Keep reading, keep being consistent, keep being vigilant. It will happen, it will come at some point in time.
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My approach to certain portions scriptures that seems to disaffirm one another is to compare scripture with scripture. Maybe an eyewitness to a particular portion of scripture observed something different from another person who observed that same event. Or it could be a matter of formality vs prove of salvation. For instance when Paul had Timothy circumcised in Acts 16:3 and he refuse to allow Titus to be circumcised in Galatians 2:3-5. There appears to be some conflict in scripture. However, if you dig a little deeper into the scriptures, one will see that there is no contradiction.
