The Bible does not teach anything .

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throughfaith

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#1
Aug 4, 2020
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#1
We hear this all the time " The bible teaches , " , in Such and such the bible teaches the doctrine of such and such ..."
The fact is the bible doesn't ' teach ' ,but rather it SAYS .
So why do people say this phrase ? For me its a red flag and often its when someone is teaching a doctrine from outside the scriptures and trying to impose it onto the text. Most of the time its unintentionally and its just the way we been taught.

Thoughts ?
 
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Gideon300

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Mar 18, 2021
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#2
throughfaith said:
We hear this all the time " The bible teaches , " , in Such and such the bible teaches the doctrine of such and such ..."
The fact is the bible doesn't ' teach ' ,but rather it SAYS .
So why do people say this phrase ? For me its a red flag and often its when someone is teaching a doctrine from outside the scriptures and trying to impose it onto the text. Most of the time its unintentionally and its just the way we been taught.

Thoughts ?
Click to expand...
You could say the same about any information imparting organisation. Schools, universities, colleges - what are they doing? There are two sides to the teaching process, the provider and the recipient. So yes, the Bible teaches those who are willing to be taught. However, it is vastly different from worldly education. Spiritual things require the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. At the same time, God chooses to work through His people - prophets, apostles, teachers, pastors and elders, for example.

People say, "The Bible teaches" because it is necessary to have a basis for the doctrine being espoused. And often, it's not just an issue of what the Bible says. We need to know what it means. It's not always straightforward. Try delving into the depths of the doctrine of the Salvation of the Soul. I am indebted to Watchman Nee, a great apostle and teacher, for his insights. I'm indebted to Ivor P Marshall, who was an example of one who had experienced what Watchman Nee taught. And there are a number of others who have helped me in my 50 year journey.

Ref flags are fine, but use them to discern the truth being presented, not to judge semantics.
 
phil36

phil36

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Feb 12, 2009
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We get the view that the bible teaches us something mainly because of what scripture says about itself:

--All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16)

--For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope (Romans 15:4).

--For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).

--The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward (Psalm 19:7-11).
 
Dino246

Dino246

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The only problem with using the phrase, "The Bible teaches..." is that it's technically a fallacy of reification. Books don't teach anything; they are modes of communication through which their authors teach, or in this case, its Author teaches. That said, most people understand the validity behind the words.
 
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Ogom

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Aug 22, 2020
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#5
the reasons people say things are probably varied. only God knows their heart maybe and possibly themselves... if they are aware enough.... yet.

but it also sounds untruthful, yes? so, it could be pointed out and questioned if one feels one should or if it goes against what you feel the Spirit is telling you strongly about what something means. though some are on milk and know not of meat, some on herbs and milk and wonder if there is more, some on meat and soon to learn about strong meat, some on strong meat and yet those on milk being of elementary mindset may truthfully say, "the Bible says" and mean honestly and unquestioning -- because it is what they see, you see, when they read the words... it is all that they can see... at this present time.

with God's help and if they listen, ever, for the Spirit to speak through the words and verses of the Bible more and become like a child as well, if they are not already -- open-minded, humble, meek, wondering, able to learn new things, more things, level upon level, here a little, there a little -- growing in more wisdom, seeking more truth, questioning what they once thought and claimed to others -- as truth, drawing closer to God and Truth -- God is Light, and there is no Darkness in Him. and so, the further we are from Him in truth, actual truth(s) and in spirit and obedience to our consciences with help of the Spirit; the further we are, then the more darkness (of mind) we would dwell in and think in [1 Cor 13:12] - and the more difficult you may find to reach out to a person -- through your words to let them know that what they say seems to go against Spirit to you, or against whatever it is you believe at this present time from the whole of the Bible and the way you have come to look at it -- however it all happened for you. but because many teachings/views can, it seems be gleaned and fathomed from the reading of the Bible and throughout time by many different Christians in/from many different groups, they too might be quite like you in their methods of learning.... or not.

some questions to ask (to ourselves at least -- to gain better understanding of) -- are maybe.... how did they come to believe what they believe -- at present and what level are they currently at (milk, herbs, meat... )? will their beliefs (at present) hinder them and/or others from making more spiritual progress to other levels of of understanding, and do we know about the levels ourselves, and/or do we know how that all works? do we know what's best for them in their spiritual walk/education -- right now, and are they lost in somewhat slumbers of dogmas or doctrines which are preventing them very much from learning more/and becoming closer to God/His truth -- level upon level, here a little there a little? should you try to awaken them out of their current slumber and/or level, and how do you best do that and how would God/the Spirit want you to also and/or does God want us to.... or not?
 
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throughfaith

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#6
Aug 4, 2020
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#6
Gideon300 said:
You could say the same about any information imparting organisation. Schools, universities, colleges - what are they doing? There are two sides to the teaching process, the provider and the recipient. So yes, the Bible teaches those who are willing to be taught. However, it is vastly different from worldly education. Spiritual things require the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. At the same time, God chooses to work through His people - prophets, apostles, teachers, pastors and elders, for example.

People say, "The Bible teaches" because it is necessary to have a basis for the doctrine being espoused. And often, it's not just an issue of what the Bible says. We need to know what it means. It's not always straightforward. Try delving into the depths of the doctrine of the Salvation of the Soul. I am indebted to Watchman Nee, a great apostle and teacher, for his insights. I'm indebted to Ivor P Marshall, who was an example of one who had experienced what Watchman Nee taught. And there are a number of others who have helped me in my 50 year journey.

Ref flags are fine, but use them to discern the truth being presented, not to judge semantics.
Click to expand...
But my point is the bible doesn't teach it says .
 
CS1

CS1

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#7
May 23, 2012
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#7
throughfaith said:
We hear this all the time " The bible teaches , " , in Such and such the bible teaches the doctrine of such and such ..."
The fact is the bible doesn't ' teach ' ,but rather it SAYS .
So why do people say this phrase ? For me its a red flag and often its when someone is teaching a doctrine from outside the scriptures and trying to impose it onto the text. Most of the time its unintentionally and its just the way we been taught.

Thoughts ?
Click to expand...
Well,

I think that is a kind of Human reasoning and takes away from what we know as the inspired word of God. meaning The word of God teaches because the word of God is alive and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword.

In addition 2Tim 3:16-17 says :

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine(teaching) , for reproof, for correction, for [a]instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
 
randyk

randyk

Well-known member
#8
Jan 14, 2021
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Pacific NW USA
#8
throughfaith said:
We hear this all the time " The bible teaches , " , in Such and such the bible teaches the doctrine of such and such ..."
The fact is the bible doesn't ' teach ' ,but rather it SAYS .
So why do people say this phrase ? For me its a red flag and often its when someone is teaching a doctrine from outside the scriptures and trying to impose it onto the text. Most of the time its unintentionally and its just the way we been taught.

Thoughts ?
Click to expand...
In language, "personification" often is used as a literary tool. The vision of the tree "spoke" to me. In this case, we have the Bible "taught" me. In effect, reading the Bible was instructive. It's a language issue.
 
JaumeJ

JaumeJ

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#9
Jul 2, 2011
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#9
After the Holy Spirit enters a person, they are taught by the Word, tht is the Bible, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and other tools of learning, being taught.

As for anyone saying the Bible teaches him or her, this is perfectly acceptable in grammar and in meaning.

Do not put yourself as a grammarian or linguist above others. It will cause you to argue over words and working with all. Be big about it, and simply say you do not understand while giving credit to the speaker that he or she is well aware of what they are conveying.
 
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throughfaith

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Aug 4, 2020
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#10
CS1 said:
Well,

I think that is a kind of Human reasoning and takes away from what we know as the inspired word of God. meaning The word of God teaches because the word of God is alive and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword.

In addition 2Tim 3:16-17 says :

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine(teaching) , for reproof, for correction, for [a]instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Click to expand...
Could you give an example where the bible' teaches ' rather than simply saying how things are ?
 
CS1

CS1

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#11
May 23, 2012
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#11
throughfaith said:
Could you give an example where the bible' teaches ' rather than simply saying how things are ?
Click to expand...
when Jesus said :

Matthew 5:1

1 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.

He said:

That was Jesus teaching therefore it is correct to say The Bible teaches because we have Jesus who is teaching.

Jesus is supreme authority whenever he is speaking. I do not think I need There is any better example " where the bible' teaches"

Then The Lord Jesus Christ. The next sound you hear is the mic dropped. .
can get an Amen from somebody????
 
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throughfaith

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#12
Aug 4, 2020
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#12
CS1 said:
when Jesus said :

Matthew 5:1

1 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.

He said:

That was Jesus teaching therefore it is correct to say The Bible teaches because we have Jesus who is teaching.

Jesus is supreme authority whenever he is speaking. I do not think I need There is any better example " where the bible' teaches"

Then The Lord Jesus Christ. The next sound you hear is the mic dropped. .
can get an Amen from somebody????
Click to expand...
Nice try ,but you failed. Thats still the bible SAYING what Jesus TAUGHT ..I don't think you understand the post . As usual .
 
JaumeJ

JaumeJ

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#13
Jul 2, 2011
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#13
You jusst said the Bible is saying! Wow, do you see your great error also?
 
CS1

CS1

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May 23, 2012
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#14
throughfaith said:
Nice try ,but you failed. Thats still the bible SAYING what Jesus TAUGHT ..I don't think you understand the post . As usual .
Click to expand...
Your pride is very deep. Jesus is the word of God and all that he said is teaching we apply today. Of course, you know better than HE?
 
JaumeJ

JaumeJ

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Jul 2, 2011
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#15
In all fairness, I do understand what you mean. Could you lower yourself to understand when others do the same as you?
 
CS1

CS1

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#16
May 23, 2012
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#16
CS1 said:
when Jesus said :

Matthew 5:1

1 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.

He said:

That was Jesus teaching therefore it is correct to say The Bible teaches because we have Jesus who is teaching.

Jesus is supreme authority whenever he is speaking. I do not think I need There is any better example " where the bible' teaches"

Then The Lord Jesus Christ. The next sound you hear is the mic dropped. .
can get an Amen from somebody????
Click to expand...

"Could you give an example where the bible' teaches ' rather than simply saying how things are ?"

Please reread again. Matthew 5 is an example of where in the bible there is teaching LOL.

If you understood the term Authorial intent and application you would not have to ask such a ridiculous thing.
 
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throughfaith

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#17
Aug 4, 2020
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#17
CS1 said:
when Jesus said :

Matthew 5:1

1 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.

He said:

That was Jesus teaching therefore it is correct to say The Bible teaches because we have Jesus who is teaching.

Jesus is supreme authority whenever he is speaking. I do not think I need There is any better example " where the bible' teaches"

Then The Lord Jesus Christ. The next sound you hear is the mic dropped. .
can get an Amen from somebody????
Click to expand...
//That was Jesus teaching therefore it is correct to say The Bible teaches because we have Jesus who is teaching.// At best we can say " Jesus taught the diciples such and such " When you say " the bible teaches " this is completely different .
 
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throughfaith

Well-known member
#18
Aug 4, 2020
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#18
CS1 said:
"Could you give an example where the bible' teaches ' rather than simply saying how things are ?"

Please reread again. Matthew 5 is an example of where in the bible there is teaching LOL.

If you understood the term Authorial intent and application you would not have to ask such a ridiculous thing.
Click to expand...
The Op wasn't " The bible never has someone teaching in it " .
 
JaumeJ

JaumeJ

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#19
Jul 2, 2011
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#19
The OP title is a falsehood, a lie, a deception.
 
JaumeJ

JaumeJ

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#20
Jul 2, 2011
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#20
When anyone obtains anything from any tool, it is a lesson learned.

People learn from all books and ultimate Truth fro the Good Book.

Those who are not in spirit and dtruth will obtain only words from the Book, however they will never attain truth without the guidance fro above, from the Holy Spirit.

The Bible is certainly a source of learning so how can anyone in truth say it does nott teach. Someone is fooling
himself.
 
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