The Proper Context

One thing that I have noticed while debating with Atheists or skeptics is that they continually quote Scriptures without taking into the account of proper context. Somehow they believe that by taking the verse into the proper context is our way of side-stepping the issues. Now, if it were them defending what they believe, wouldn't they want us to have the complete story or perspective before jumping to conclusions?

The Merriam-Websters Dictionary says that context is "the parts of a discourse that surround a word or passage and can throw light on its meaning," and "the interrelated conditions in which something exists or occurs."It's not fair to them if we cannot get the point they are trying to make and it's not right to take something spoken by an Atheists and misconstrue his or her words. They would probably agree with that, if they have any honor or dignity, and I would hope that they would do the same with us.

Next time a non-believer tries to say that the bible is in error, ask him or her, "Where?" Show me what you mean and let’s get the whole picture." What are the circumstances involved? What are the surroundings? More than likely, if the proper context, environment and surroundings are viewed, they are more likely to see the errors of misunderstanding.

If a genuine problem exists in Scripture that you cannot figure out or understand, do not give a wrong or made up answer to pacify the Atheist. Seek wisdom in prayer and let God show you and lead you to the truth. Sometimes I have asked for wisdom on a particular subject and God has revealed it to me through someone else's "pearls."

So far in my studies of Scripture, I have only come across a few discrepancies that I could not answer. It's not because there not an answer, it's that I do not have the answer, yet. We have to ensure that the answer that we give is correct, and our own conscience will convict us if we simply create an answer without wisdom, knowledge or spiritual revelation from God.

I have heard or read that it's very rare, but some things mentioned in the Bible are mysteries and we will never know what they mean until we go to be with our Lord.

If you get stumped on answer like that, the words of Jesus come to mind in Luke 16:31in which Jesus quotes Abraham saying, "If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t listen even if someone rises from the dead." In other words, it doesn't matter what answer you give them or what miracles they see, some will still choose not to believe.