A good rule of exegesis in this regard is to accept everything as literal unless it somehow contradicts something else. You are doing the opposite but failing to see the obvious contradictions that inevitably result.
For example, in Matthew 4:3 it should be abundantly clear that the devil was tempting Jesus to turn those stones into literal bread.
As far as you knowing that Judas was forgiven, if you know it because you figuratively interpret all of the passages that detail his obvious lost position, then I know the basis of your misunderstanding.
u need 2 learn how 2 interpret the Word because u lack wisdom in this area & r shutting out the Spirit
the Bible uses figures of speech but there is a consistent, logical approach -- not some capricious whimsy -- seek 2 learn what the Word Teaches vs. making it fit what u have devised
Can I suggest you take a look at your words again:
I know Judas is for given.
But the Only way to understand that is to look at the words in the verses concerning Judas in a figurative manner
You appear to be using this method of bible understanding in order to confirm your own beliefs, rather than basing your beliefs on what the bible says.
You begin with what you say you know, and then turn to the bible to find any way possible to confirm this.
It is true that a few people on this site disagree simply because they want to disagree. However, that is not true of most here.
Have you considered that your accusation that we do not accept your method of interpretation so readily is to say that we have been wrong for as long as we each have studied the Bible?
You accuse us of too quickly discounting your view, but have you considered that some here may have already examined your approach (it is not new) and found it wanting?
There are some people who take everything in the Bible literally, and by that I mean every object described in every parable, every allegory, etc., is to be taken literally, even if it so obviously figurative, such as Jesus' reference to Himself as the Bread of life (He is not a literal loaf of bread), or His teaching that we must eat His flesh and drink His blood (He was not commanding cannibalism).
On the otherhand, there are those who, like you, want to take everything figuratively, and by that I mean every object described is not actually that object but is actually something else, such as your attempt to say that Jesus was not being tempted to turn literal stones into literal loaves of bread in Matthew 4:3 (the stones and/or the bread were actually to be understood as something else).
I believe both extremes are faulty ways to approach Scripture.
Many books have been written, and many more will continue to be written, that teach people how to study the Bible, and so I am not going to go into detail about how I think you should study. I gave you one suggestion earlier and there is so much more that could be said.
I do want to suggest that your method is severely misleading and may prevent you from learning and applying much of God's will. Please take another look at what you are doing and re-evaluate your methodology. Pick up a few books (not just one) on biblical interpretation and see what they say about discerning between literal and figurative language.
By the way, I like your concordance on your site. I have no doubt that I will refer to it from time to time.
I recently debated a person on another site who was trying to use Mark 4:34 to say that Jesus spoke to the multitudes only in parables during His entire ministry, and that He spoke to His disciples plainly only when He was alone with them.
At least He didn't try to apply that verse to the whole Bible.
What you both are missing is that Jesus spoke to that crowd at that time in parables only. This is not a reference to His entire ministry nor especially is it a reference to the entirety of the written word.
How do you apply your "it's all figurative" methodology of interpretation to 1 Chronicles chapters 1-9?
Allowing the rule of common sense to play a part is very helpful. I believe that Christ brought this into light within the very passage that you quoted in Jn as far as His literal body and figurative aspect. ???????? Could Christ have been talking about the "stones" being raised up be in reference to the 12 stones placed on the west bank of the Jordan by Joshua in that He could, if desired, have all of Israel, the 12 tribes, be obedient to Him? Check out the location where Jesus is when He makes this statement. Nelly
Another consideration on the subject of Literal vs. Figurartive is the Lake Of Fire..
Nell states using common sense in these matters and I agree.. Fire coexisting in water for eternity does not make common sense.
Hey but that's just MY opinion ... Sorry Nitro but I like the shades too :-)
----------------- Since when did it become the sheep's responsibility to find the Shepherd*** Disclaimer***
My posts are my opinions. Never said I have all the answers.
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Scripture says of Jesus He was, "An Hungered," this would certainly create questions to the figurativeness of stones and bread. Obviously Jesus spoke in figurative form in saying, "God's word is my bread (substance and life)." Satan did just the opposite of Jesus and really did what he always does uses literal speaking to get our eyes off of spiritual things. If your hungry make bread out of this stone. Prove God's faithfulness by jumping off this cliff (he'll catch you), bow down your knee and worship me, I'll give you every physical thing that feels good.
This is the satanic approach, "do whatever feels good." This is the primary basis for satanism. Satan uses physical things to get you to sell out spiritually. Hence: porn (it's not adultery) is that what they say, yes it is. Over indulging in food, gossip, where do we stop on this one. It goes on; earthly pleasures our Satan's candy. Spiritual truths our God's food, meaning revelation from above is our Substance and our sweet's. That's my earthly interpretation of this section of scripture.
----------------- Andrew "Friend of God" The Spirit of Prophecy is the Testimony of Jesus Christ. Intimacy is Destiny. Selah...
Topic: Figurative Literal Debate
... Sorry Nitro but I like the shades too :-)
