
Originally Posted by
David M
Richard and I might often disagree because of how we each understand certain passages in the Bible, but Richard is correct to point out apparent contradictions and errors in the Bible and the Quran and let each to his own give an explanation to resolve those contradictions and errors.
From what has been said so far, I have less to disagree with Richard about than culi26. This is where the arguments that exist between Bible believers and Quran believers are between me (or any other Christian) and culi26, with Richard as referee. Unfortunately, Richard is not a perfect impartial referee, otherwise Richard would present all possible interpretations and not just the interpretations he has come to accept, but since it is difficult for an impartial referee to know as much about the Bible and the Quran without being influenced by one or both, then Richard is as good as we can expect.
To stay on track with this thread, I will say that the Law, as it was given to Moses, was not corrupted. The Ten Commandments are in tact and have not been corrupted. Jesus said (Matt 5:17) Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. Jesus then gave the two great commandments summing up all of what the 10 commandments meant.
What the the Scribes and Pharisees had done with the original law (including health and hygiene laws and laws relating to sacrifices etc) given to Moses, was like taking the two great commandments (as if the 10 commandments were not known), and trying to determine what was meant by the two commandments. Would anyone have ever thought of the 10 commandments, given only two commandments in the first place? God did give further instruction concerning some of the basic laws in the ten commandments.
An example of how the law/God's instructions were interpreted, is the law relating to the Sabbath in which no work was to be done. It was meant as a day-off from doing the "work" that would be done during the other 6 days. It was meant as a day of rest which the body benefits from, and also it was (and still is) good that God's people should devote one day of the week to worshiping God (their maker) and thinking about spiritual matters (which are of more importance than earthly matters).
What the Scribes and the Pharisees were teaching the people in Jesus' day had become a burden on the people and they were teaching the people doctrines that were not of God, but of men. Jesus says;(Matt 15) (7) Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, (8) This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. (9) But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
We should note that the Law was to be changed, but not by the hands of men. As Paul wrote; the Law was only ever given as a Schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, who fulfilled the law. As Jesus said; (Matt 15:18) For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
and also,
(Matt 23:2) Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: (3) All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. (4) For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
Reading the whole of the Jewish law, as it is now, is of no importance to me, since the additions to the law are clearly the uninspired writings of men. To give one example of how technology has been used to overcome the definition of "work on the Sabbath", the touchless electronic switch has now meant that Jews can turn on and off electric lights or anything else that can be controlled by this type of switch. Before the touchless switch came along, Jews were not allowed to operate a switch on the Sabbath because the action was regarded as work.. This goes to show the lengths, to which the Jews have gone to in order to interpret the basic law. They have used technology as a way to get around the law (which themselves they have made burdensome).
Jesus as on all occasions, got to the heart of the matter which is to do a person's motives (their heart). So long as a person's heart is right with God, and a person's motives are good before God, then observing the law in the way the Jews are interpreting it, does not matter.
The Bible is full or warnings about being deceived and listening to lying words. We have been reminded of what Paul warned would happen in the post above this, and similar warnings were given to Israel and to us (if we learn the lessons contained in the Bible). For example; Isa 32:7 The instruments also of the churl are evil: he deviseth wicked devices to destroy the poor with lying words, even when the needy speaketh right. Therefore, when it comes to checking whether we are being told a bunch of lies, we should always check what is said with what the Bible says (E&OE). Those who are poor in spirit need to be very careful from what is read on this forum as many of the posts contain lying words when compared with what the Bible says.
I can be accused by others of lying words whenever I give my understanding of passages of the Bible. In the main, I will quote from the Bible and will find the answers in the Bible and let the Bible answer for itself. For this reason, I will only reason from the Bible, so we get to understand the Bible correctly. In so doing, I will be judged according to what the Apostle Peter has written; (1 Peter 3:16) Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
So, in conclusion, I will let the psalmist say what God's law meant to him (and I concur).
Psalm 19
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
David
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