The Bible is not completely literally true. Think about it. It began as an oral tradition where people taught stories about God and Jesus Christ. Eventually this oral tradition was written down. Many people contributed to both oral and written traditions. It was also written in a number of languages, so choices and decisions were made to use certain words when translating it into the language in which it was being written. So when you read the bible, it seems to me that you have to listen in your heart to the meaning of the text.
In the First Letter of John there is a remarkable statement about this very idea: “1 We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life — 2 this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us — 3 what we have seen and heard we also declare to you so that you also may have fellowship with us, and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete”
1 John 1:1-4.
When the people who contributed to the writing of this letter finished writing it on paper, they admitted that what they were doing was writing what they remember seeing or hearing from others, and more than anything else they were writing things that brought complete joy to them. They are writing so you may have a relationship with the Lord, Jesus Christ. So they had a purpose, to do with the text and with the reader what Jesus did with them:
to build a relationship with Jesus Christ.
So my prayer is that when you read the Bible you too will desire to build a relationship with Jesus Christ. Let Jesus do that. Read the text and see what brings you closer to Jesus.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner.
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