“Bob, if the Bible is really the word of God, how come so many different churches and theological systems interpret it differently?”
You have certainly brought up a genuine problem, but not a problem with the Bible. Instead, it is a fallacy of human nature. Christians tend to follow the teachings of their pastors, sometimes because of his charisma, sometimes because of his credentials. But if they were to stop and think for a moment, they’d realize that pastors with differing views have the same seminary degree and the same license/ordination honor. Great orators also teach contradictory views, so obviously one should look beneath strong personality and impressive resume’.
Often times in church history, an individual gets fascinated with one idea and then precedes to examine the rest of scripture through the lens of this same intriguing view. John Calvin, for instance, was fascinated with the sovereignty of God. Eventually He came to the conclusion that if God is in control of everything, man must not have a free will. This made people incapable of giving their lives to Jesus without God first changing human hearts. On the other hand, theologian, Jacob Arminius was very attuned to man’s free will. This led him to the belief that a Christian could lose his/her salvation, for Christians will always have free choice, even after they become children of God.
Then these passionate men find followers and groupies have been around since the beginning of time, going along with the pack blindly. As a general rule, human beings think, feel, and act in extremes. Often the popularity of one movement inspires an extreme reaction to the extreme, thus creating a newer movement. When theology is on opposite poles, the Bible (if read honestly and in context) is usually in the middle some place.
Arminians are correct when they teach that man has a free will. They are incorrect when they teach that we can lose our salvation, because when people give their lives to Jesus, they are giving God permission to become their father and raise them. Parents keep children in line even though children have free will.
“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phil 1:6
Calvinists are correct when they teach that humans, left to their own devices will never seek God and that apart from the influence of God’s Spirit, our hearts are incapable of responding.
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him,” John 6:44
But they are incorrect when they assume this grace is irresistible. Not only can the Holy Spirit be rejected, His rejection is given a name, The Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (Matt 12).
Charismatics are incorrect when they teach that God wants everybody to speak in tongues.
“Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues ? Do all interpret?” I Cor 12:30 This was Paul’s rhetorical question, the obvious answer being, no.
But Dispensationalists are incorrect when they teach that tongues are a discontinued gift and that God no longer calls people to speak in tongues.
“…do not forbid speaking in tongues.” 1 Cor 14:39
On the other hand, Dispensationalists are correct when they teach that God is still working with the Jews and that Israel, as a nation, will be delivered someday in fulfillment of Bible prophecy.
“Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved,” Romans 11:25-26
Covenant Theology or Replacement Theology is false when it asserts that all promises given to Israel are now void and belong to the church instead. However, they are partly right inasmuch as the promises to Israel are offered to Gentiles who give their lives to Jesus and in addition to physical Israel, the church does serve as a spiritual Israel.
“No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code.” Romans 2:29
Actually, together physical Israel and spiritual Israel make one Israel (Romans 11).
CONCLUSION: The more we read the Bible, the less dependent we are on the opinions of men. This ought not to cause disrespect for teachers, bur rather a greater respect for the balance and wisdom of the word of God. In any event, even if people retain varying views of the theologies above, our unity is in Christ’s forgiveness on the cross and His salvation. Other matters (although interesting) are of lesser importance.
“For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” 1 Cor 2:2
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