Why Literal?

Hi TL I just wanted to give a few thoughts on your reference to Romans 3:28 and James 2:24. Grab your Bible I'm really quite surprised that Martin Luther would have had difficulty with this as there is a clear direction in both passages. It is EXTREMELY important that when reading the Bible the individual know both the theme of the book itself and especially the context of the chapter in which a passage is being refered to.Here in Romans Ch.3 the Apostle Paul is in a direct dialogue with the Jews and has been proving throughout the chapter that the Jews are as guilty and condemned as the Gentiles and that both must be saved by the redemption in Christ. Paul was trying to help them understand that the Law could only condemn , not justify, and that justification by Faith in Christ was the only remedy for sin, not by boasting in their religion, works, or law keeping(v27). Therefore the gist of this chapter including v28 is " Grace through Faith, not Law, Justifies".In James Ch.2 we have both Faith and Works being refered to in the theme of Christian Living, Brotherly Love and the testing of our Faith. James is making it quite clear that there are those in life that "say" they have faith and that works are not neccessary in Christian living(v14). He asks,is there any "profit" in having Faith alone and not Works? Can Faith alone save ? It must be totally clear hear that James is NOT referring to "initial" justifying Faith here, but to the demonstration of Christian faith through acts of kindness towards people and obedience to God. Christianity demands of its followers good works to all mankind(Mt.5:16, Eph.2:10, 1Tim.6:18 etc.) As we have seen, one is not justified by Works(Rom. 3:25-31, 9:11, Gal.2:16, Tit3:5), but justified ones must do them to prove their Christian Consecration(Jam.2:14-18, 20-26). Therefore the Gist of this chapter including v24 is that Faith, with Works done in humility, shows that Faith, and more importantly their Love and Consecration to God and mankind.Hope This Helps Paul

Hi TL I just wanted to point out that there was no reconciliation needed between these two passages.My apologies if I've offended you Respectfully, Paul

Hi Dan Good Question. It's very evident that the Bible contains some "unique" books, chapters, and passages that are quite amazing and sometimes mind boggling. After 30 yrs. of research though I've come to belive it to be the literal, inspired, written word of God. Given to us as a revelation of the origin and destiny of all things, through many different authors in their own unique styles and languages, with the Divine inspiration guarenteeing unity of truth throughout its wholeness. God is truth and therefore his inspiration is true. Titus 1:2 tells us that God cannot lie, therefore if God cannot lie his inspiration cannot lie.One thing I've always tried to do is to "literalize" instead of "spiritualize". My Approach Is: Take the Bible Literally wherein it is at all possible; if symbolic, figurative or typical language is used, then search for the literal truth it intends to convey.As a literary composition it's unrivaled with 66 books, over 40 authors and over a period of 1800 years. It contains various literary forms-- history, biography, poetry, proverbial sayings, hymns, letters, laws, parables, riddles, allegories, prophecy and other forms of human expression all testifying to the same thing. That is to reveal the mind of God, the state of humanity, the way of salvation, the penalty for sin, and the happiness for believers. Because it's inspired 2Tim.3:16..and God cannot lie Titus 1:2Paul

Hi PaulK Fair Question,Please remember Paul that the Bible is NOT an "autobiography". It is a "biography", that has been uniquely authored with the full inspiration of(2Tim.3:16), the full assistance of, and at the direction of, "the subject".It is akin to PaulK wanting to tell his life story in a book and asks 40 of his closest and dearest friends to help him write it, as they were a big part of his life. PaulK accomplishes this by actually giving each friend a segment of the book to complete as it relates to their individual experiences together, and Paul also assists each friend until the segment is complete. This method gives the very best and accurate information pertaining to PaulK's life and his experiences with his friends as possible, and maximizes the credibility of the book.PaulK is never in the first person, however it is his book, about him and his expeiences, inspired by him, yet authored by others.One of the attributes of God is Humility. This is a great example of that. "Never one to Toot his own horn"Paul

Hi Paul, Crash, As the verse above says, every word, every verse, every chapter, every book, has been given by God. Therefore it's his Word.The Greek word for inspiration here is "theopneustos"-God breathed. It was that special influence of the Holy Spirit that gifted these people to write an infallible record of divine truth concerning all things, and at the same time being exactly what God wanted the record to be, word for word.So my answer is that the Bible "IS" the literal written word of God.Respectfully, Paul

Hi Karl,The Apostle Pauls goal here was not to say that it was inerrant, but that it was "inspired". However, others did say so. The Word of God is:1. Perfect (v7)
2. Sure (v7)
3. Right (v8)
4. Pure (v8)
5. Clean (v9)
6. Eternal (v9)
7. True (v9)
8. Altogether Righteous (v9)
9. To be desired more than riches (v10)
9. Sweeter than honey (v10)Inerrant indeed.James 1:22-25 also makes reference to the inerrancy and perfection of Gods WordRespectfully, Paul.

Hmm... I don't recall belittling you at all Paul. I'm surprised by this Respectfully, Paul.

Hi Crash,The Bible doesn't verify "itself". As I pointed out, it's a divinely inspired co-authored book with over 40 participants, and "they", through inspiration and personal experience, all verify the same thing. That being, the reality of a living God and his divine Creation, as well as the purposes and plans for the Ages.Paul