Thoughts on Understanding the Bible

"The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law." Deuteronomy 29:29 NASB

Often I hear people in the context of discussing GOD's sovereignty and man's will, claim that the way the two fit together and how they relate is a mystery. To this I say, "Rubbish!" Before I go further I must say that I am not here making the case for either a reformed or arminian perspective on GOD's sovereignty and mans will. I freely admit that I am reformed and believe that is the only biblical and consistent view of GOD's sovereignty and mans will. What I am saying is that those who say that we really can't know the truth on some subjects in Scripture is wrong, sinful, and holding a mean view of God communicating with us.
To support this claim I quote Deuteronomy 29:29(see above) and 1 Corinthians 2:10 NASB "For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God." We find the biblical text stating that the things God has revealed to us by His spirit in His word. If he has revealed these things to us then does it not follow that we can know what he has revealed? If not then what is the point of divine revelation? In other places in the Bible we find where GOD speaks of giving us(His people) a mind and heart to understand, ears to hear, and eyes to see.
To deny that we can understand EVERYTHING in the divine text is silly, pernicious, and dangerous. If we are not able to understand the things God has revealed to us on things like eschatology, mode of baptism, the relationship between GOD's sovereignty and mans will, then what makes us think that we can understand the Gospel? In saying that there are things revealed in Scripture that we just can't know people start down the slippery slope of what I would call scriptural agnosticism. I believe that by denying you can understand what is revealed in GOD's word you make a path for people to become emergent postmodernists or to go Roman Catholic. Neither of these directions is some place we want anyone to go, because of the heresies present in those places.
I am not damning people who say such things to hell, but I am trying to uphold GOD's glory and LOVINGLY rebuke those who say we can't understand everything in Scripture or slap the mystery label onto hard truths.
In Christ, Aaron

Theology Matters

Theology matters. I say that because so many people seem to think it is unimportant, when in fact it is extremely important. Too often professing Christians say, "Don't give me doctrine just give me Jesus." But the minute you say something about Jesus, what He did or what He commands us to do, you are speaking theology. Before I go on, let me explain what theology is, it is the knowledge of God. It is what we think/believe about God, who He is and what He has done.

• Theology is important because it is either true or false and thus either pleasing to God or displeasing(sinful) to God and sin merits God's wrath.
• Theology is important because it has practical implications. If I believe God is displeased with stealing then I will not steal. If I believe that salvation is found only in Jesus and not in Hinduism, Islam, etc. I am going to Christ for salvation and going to point people to Christ, not to Mohamed, Buddha, or Oprah. I could go on with the practical implications.

This has not been exhaustive by any means, but I think it gets at the issue(s) as to why theology is important. I hope it was understandable and glorifying to God. If you have any questions ask! =)

In Christ, Aaron