Returning then to this matter of attitude regarding the scripture(s), compounded into what we call the Bible, their benefit(s) to us and precious nature, what do we do when we find in particular something written there, or at least in particular part that we call an epistle…something that says “this is not the Lord”, but a man’s expressed opinion?
But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.
“speak I, not the Lord”. (which a few lines before Paul speaks of matters by instruction as “from the Lord”, and not of himself.)
I am not, (again) looking to, or for, contradiction except as might be toward some particular stance or attitude that may neither serve us, nor the faith of the son of God, well.
To blithely say “I believe the Bible as it is, all of God’s word(s), without exception or need of interpretation (have you ever heard that?) and (in some sense)…even a particular sense…”see it as written in stone.” Unchangeable, unopen to query or question…even so that in many forms it is considered a sort of heresy to even consider…question. And if we likewise “own” that epistle as part and parcel of it, you may see something in need of understanding or resolution. Lest we be quite ignorant of “owning” all we say we own to such a full throated endorsement. No, I am not saying anything shows contradiction or is in need of resolution due to deficit…except perhaps our own attitude/relationship with, and to, the scripture(s).
You see the issue. It is plain. In the Bible is plainly spoken by a man in, and of, a particular place…”this ain’t God/the Lord…speaking…just me”. No, to me it’s not a big deal in the sense of it being a contradiction to anything but an attitude that appears facile, if not superstitious, in the handling of the scriptures. And though I do not agree with another opinion once shared, nevertheless it is plain by it that this matter of “what is” to be a true attitude about this thing we call the Bible was set quite a bit more to some doubt by one appraising, and is reported to have said of James letter, calling it “an epistle of straw”.
If I have anything to say here it is surely not in matter of doctrine till it be raised as such, and to such, but attitude and expression of faith. And no doubt…some have felt free to raise it to matter of doctrine, even dogma in many statements (so called) of faith by denominations, particular churches or gatherings, etc. And God knows how such a thing as might be called “having faith in the Bible” is so easily (and often, I am persuaded) equated to having faith in Christ, or that particular faith called (yes, even in the scriptures) “the faith of the Son of God”.
I am not so naive as to imagine this is of some subtlety, for if believing the scriptures (as inclusive of an entirety that is from Genesis to Revelation) one must confront the Christ of God, Jesus, and find no place as claim might be made that such is damaging to the faith. God forbid. Again, God forbid.
Yet there remains that very particular matter spoken by Jesus of those who had some assumptions (even presumptions) in regards to the scripture(s). It bears repeating, as none of Jesus’ words ever do not bear repeating:
Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
It should at least be plain it is possible (at very least) to have some mistaken notion about the scriptures, particularly in regard to that eternal life only Christ provides. No claim of “but I believe all the Bible” or any such, or even holding such out as a matter of faith (as being equated to the faith) can possibly avail. If the (or any fellowship) is predicated upon, even as by a restriction to an assent of anything “about the Bible” as in “before one is acceptable” he must have this prescribed attitude in regards to the scriptures, for this is “our” statement of faith…little do such understand the vanity of it. No oaths taken to it, nor upon it, nor by it, mean anything. But then again, no such, of even the Lord, mean anything.
(As in “I swear to God I am not a liar!”)
The church is all who are born of the spirit of God through Jesus Christ’s ministry of life to those whom He wills, and there is nothing except that spirit that both testifies to, and provides entrance. No matter how sublime anything other may seem or be esteemed as salubrious, may even seem of some necessity as assurance to any or other, to either add, or demand for qualification, and no less, to acquiesce to such either shows childish naivete to matters of the spirit, a deceitful spirit, or just simple ignorance. Only spirit is spirit, and only spirit is given…to recognize spirit. The unfortunate matter in all of this is that it is not unusually those who either call themselves, or are recognized as leaders, so often endorse and practice such measures.
There is a statement of faith, in truth the only one that is given to man of God that suffices to all matters spiritual and of spirit. It can neither be added to, nor detracted from. And every man entering is learning he is being tested for the reality of that first testimony made…not to the end that he be disqualified, but that it might be proved in his very sight (and to the Lord’s delight) that it come forth as purest and most valuable estate when holding to that very first of testimony.
No man can commend himself by any display of any discipline of his own making. Nor can he hold any other to it. God knows whether he is faithful to any discipline he has received to himself and rejoicing in the liberty there provided. Be assured, if it is not of God, he will only be ever seeking to shuck such off and on to others as burden first experienced in and of himself.
And not in smallest part this is why I have no issue at all with Paul’s inclusion in his letter of his own opinion, even stating it so. His hope only that, as if found as one faithful (do any believe he is/was?) others might, if able to glimpse what came not as by command but by recommendation to something he had found not only expedient, but a relief, they might know the joy he knew.
But then again, one might find how very often he was about that…being a helper of joy, seeking to take nothing to himself nor for himself, and not even lording over by position or calling even as, and as though, he might, or could.
It is, as some already know (as I do perhaps too well) quite a tempting place to occupy as one “laying down the law”. Surely that does not exclude such esteems by others as toward a one who “brings the word of God” to any or any congregation.
One writer was quite convinced of this estate:
And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.
That word of necessity is in all belonging.
But, something often happens quite unanticipated when the name of Jesus is either used or appended to anything. It is then up for heaven’s judgment as to all motive and intent(s) to either purify or judge unfit.
And fire will be experienced by all.
And now…this testimony is “up for judgment”.
Lord, be pleased to show mercy.
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