The more I study the Bible, the more I realize what I don't know. Honestly, I think there could be a myriad of scripture interpretations; none of which are wrong. Or are they?
What is real? What is man-made? Is the Bible truly the word of God? I continue to be reminded of the infallible tendencies of man. Did the midrash stories of the Tanakh (Old Testament for Christians out there) correctly describe Jehovah God? Did those stories come directly from history, or were they a way to explain things? Cultures need to have explanations, and the books of the Tanakh definitely set the scene for the savior Jesus Christ to come and save the world from the sin started in the Garden of Eden.
The Witnesses describe the laws in the Hebrew scriptures as tutorial. Bonnie said that the people in Moses's day needed laws; as they didn't even know how to prepare meat or use proper hygiene. And I can't help but agree. Upon reading Leviticus and Numbers, one is convinced the people of Israel are a people that need rules. The Witnesses also believe that once Christ came, the "Mosaic laws" were no longer applicable. In fact, the laws were a covenant with the Israel nation, not the rest of the world. Galatians 3:24-25 states:
So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.
Through the ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ we no longer need the laws. That doesn't mean as a follower of Christ we can ignore the principles of the laws (i.e. killing each other); however, I believe that Jesus covers the Ten Commandments when he says (John 13:34-35):
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
If we truly love one another - ALL others - we won't kill, steal, bare false witness or covet. We will honor our families, and God. Of course this all points to the Sabbath Day. Is the Sabbath Day a "rule" no longer needed to be followed?
In the February Watchtower, this exact question is debated. The article really brings up a great point: every day should be spent with the Lord. It makes me think of the term "Sunday Christians" or an even funnier term "Christmas and Easter Christians (i.e. C&E)." As a Christian, one cannot expect to go to church, repent and then leave their worship behind. The rest of the week is a rat-race; spent working, too busy for God. But Sunday...there He is again. There are so many people that live like this. But the Sabbath isn't necessary (for those that believe if they are sinning if they don't go to church); however, I believe worship is. Romans 14:5 states:
One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.
Upon further reading, I may have found a passage in Galatians that the Witnesses could use to abhor holidays and birthdays. From Galatians 4:9-11
But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.
Honestly though, I think another interpretation could be stated at this point. I believe that Paul was speaking to the Galatians regarding their holidays and seasons celebrating other gods. Of course this brings me back to the beginning of this post.
What is the "true" interpretation of the Bible? Who has the answers? And if all are sinners, aren't we putting our faith in a sinner determining the true meaning?
In the Garden of Eden, Satan told Eve "You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
Eve did not die immediately after eating the fruit, but she did die. Dying was the punishment for disobeying God. Who was the clever manipulator? Satan. The Witnesses believe Satan is still at work; influencing what we believe. Using his power to have incorrect information infiltrating our world. Just like the lies told regarding death, heaven, and how to live a "righteous" life.
Of course the Witnesses are still humans, and therefore are sinners. They interpret the Bible scriptures, albeit differently than other Christian faiths. However, I can't help but wonder if they are listening to lies their elders are telling them....?
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