Years ago a small book surfaced in Holland. It contained a list of all the contradictions in the Bible. The author shared his skeptical and critical remarks with the readers. Can't blame him, since he is not a Believer. I am sure books like that have surfaced in the USA as well. My question is: how do Christians handle scriptures that seem to teach an opposite lesson?
From time to time I stumble upon such contradictions in the Bible. However, they do not give me a reason to be cynical or skeptical. On the contrary, they give me reason to dig deeper into the Word in search for explanations. Baptism is such a topic; for centuries people have debated and argued about this, which has resulted in church splits and family feuds. The Bible seems to add to the confusion by proclaiming one baptism, There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all (Ephesians 4:4-6) and several baptisms as mentioned in Hebrews 6:2, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
So, what's the deal here? One baptism or more? There is no doubt in my mind that the scholars and educated of our time have figured out an answer... However, I would like to share a fresh look regarding this subject on my blog, not from a theological or doctrinal point of view, but from a biblical point of view. I will do so in a series of short posts on:
- the baptism into the body of Christ
- the baptism in water
- the baptism in/with the Holy Spirit, and
- the baptism in/of suffering
Our pastor touched on this recently. I don't necessarily think those verses are contradictory but if I did find contradictions, I don't mind because I am first and foremost a Christ follower, and it is possible to follow him without a Bible (people did it for years). :-) Looking forward to your posts!
ReplyDeleteThat is exactly the point I will start with Jessica...
DeleteI agree about digging deeper into scripture and praying for God to help us see. However sometimes I have found with some things He brings clarity, and depth and sometimes just draws me closer to His person. I guess ultimately these things can draw believers into deeper fellowship and reliance on Him by grace and truth or the enemy can draw away from His Lordship. ?
ReplyDeleteIf digging brings more confusion, I stop it and wait for a better moment. I do not need to know everything, LOL!
DeleteI'm looking forward to these posts, Marja. A lot of seeming contradictions are actually easily explained by examining the words in the original language. (I can't speak them, but have some dandy study tools.)
ReplyDeleteThat is so true Susan, I do have access to the Hebrew and Greek concordance, but sometimes just reading different scriptures on the same subject is helpful too.
DeleteInteresting topic, Marja! I look forward to reading your upcoming posts. Have a wonderful weekend, my friend! God bless~
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Maria, have a good weekend, enjoy!
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