03/29/23 IT TAKES WISDOM TO UNDERSTAND GOD'S PLAN

03/29/23 IT TAKES WISDOM TO UNDERSTAND GOD'S PLAN

I deal with a lot of doctrine and theology. I have applied myself to knowing the terms and concepts of various issues. Sometimes it is necessary to use extra-Biblical terminology.

However, even with Biblical terminology it is not always possible to have a coherent conversation. There must be agreed upon definitions and of course there must be historic context as well. Unhappily, definitions and meanings change from place to place and from time to time. Therefore I try to be exact in my words. In seeking clarity and consistency I often avoid extra-Biblical terminology and even with Biblical terminology I exercise great care.

Because of this problem, it makes it difficult to tell people what you believe. Even if you say you believe the Bible it can be misunderstood, since there are entire cults and false religions, which claim to believe the Bible, such as LDS, SDA, JWs, RCC. Because terminology changes so quickly and so often some words which were used to make our position clear, now make our position more confused. Such terms as "fundamental," "born again," "evangelical," "Christian," "Bible believer," "Spirit filled," "sovereignty," are now used in ways that are opposed to their original use.

This is one reason I do not get into arguments concerning the teachings of men. Even when I know what an historic person said, and even if I have evidence to support my view of what that person meant, my responsibility is not to be an advocate for that person or that movement. My responsibility is to know God's word, to believe God's word and to proclaim God's word. 

The words of God through Solomon apply here.
Ecclesiastes 12:9-14
9 And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.
10 The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.
11 The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.
12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.