Jeff Turner, TexasGospel.org

How do you respond when someone has a different view of scripture?

I’ve been involved in more spirited Biblical debates than any other topic, and most come down to the same thing. I believe it’s perfectly fine to say I’ve read a specific scripture and it leads me to believe such-and-such.  But I strongly disagree with those who begin a sentence by saying, “The Bible says…” and then complete the sentence with anything other a quote from scripture.  To be clear, it’s my position that once a sentence includes the phrase, “and what that means is,” it is no longer scripture, but someone’s understanding of the Word. Presenting one’s understanding as scripture itself is misleading.

It’s interesting that the Deuteronomy 12:32 says, “See that you do all I command you; do not add to it or take away from it.” And Revelation 22:18 says, “I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book.” I believe these scriptures implore us to be careful that we not misrepresent our interpretation as holding Biblical authority.

What are your thoughts?