The Word or a revelation(s) by the Holy Spirit, which takes precedence? Many can look at a particular verse, chapter, or book and come up with their own interpretation. And this is why we have so many denominations. The denominations were formed not out of God's desire but out of man's pride. We are told to be of one mind, one accord, one body. How can so many denominations justify we are of one body when their beliefs are so different.
When one major group believes in the "once saved always saved" and the other group believes in "conditional salvation" how can we say this is of one body? The majority of Christians believe in the Calvin approach of once saved always saved. I was told many times during my Christian walk that we are all "Christians" even though there may be some different teachings on salvation and other issues. The question is, Does it really matter?
I got saved at the age of 12 years old and I learned about Jesus through a baptist church. I was also raised Catholic until the age of 12 and for a long time I thought they were all the same. You can get saved at a Baptist church, you can get saved at a pentecostal church, you can have a real experience at the moment of repenting and accepting Christ but after that is another story. After that, it is up to the individual to spend the time and effort to really know God instead of just following what the institutions teaches. God will use these churches and religious institutions to preach Christ but HE wants us to dig deep and deeper for His Truth. Now, I am neither a baptist, catholic, nor pentecostal. I am a follower of Christ lead by the Spirit. I follow Truth for Truth is a Person. I go and do what He commands me to do.
We have many groups or individuals who have mastered the Word and can pin point a verse to support their argument. We have people arriving at different angles as they attempt to prove their argument. They say the bible interprets itself and with that, they interpret in most part based on their own understanding. I do agree, the bible can and does interpret itself when the Holy Spirit illuminates it.
When there is a disagreement, many will stick to their guns and become dogmatic with what they believe to be truth or right. Since we can have disagreements on interpretation, what shall we do? All sides of the argument will most likely have their scripture verses to back up their argument.
Then what and who is the final authority? Many say the Word or bible is the final authority. Yes, in respect, that is somewhat true. But what if different people have different interpretations? They all think they have the final authority based on the scriptures they have chosen and what they believe is to be true?
Many say, if it is not in the bible, then it is not scriptural or biblical and not of God. Many say it must be in the word and so on and so on. I even experienced a Baptist preacher in FB tell me that he does not believe in revelations. So if we have a disagreement, what do we do?
How about asking God? After all He is the FINAL AUTHORITY. He is after all the Word (Jesus). However, some people will not ask God. Why will they not ask God you ask? For one thing, they do not hear God. The second reason is that they are in denial and do not want to know the Truth. They are hoping it is what they perceive it to be. If they acknowledge what could be true is Truth, then what they have learned and been taught throughout the years must go out the window. It is really their pride and jealousy that blinds them.
So we must go ask God and God will give us the revelation and perhaps an answer. Assume, we have a servant of God who received revelation on some scripture and presents it to the individuals or group(s). What takes precedence? The Word as some see it based on their interpretation or the revelation as some may claim to have received it from God?
The Word and Revelations by the Holy Spirit are of equal value. They are both important and they are both required to interpret scripture along our journey. One needs revelation in order to understand the Spirit of the Word. When the Spirit of God is in you, then HE will teach you in ALL things. But understand, you must walk in holiness with Him so HE can clearly speak to you.
John 14:26 (Amplified Bible)
But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you.
One can read the Word and read it as a history book. Another can read it and perceive the treasures of Heaven and find God and who He is about. As one reads, you must seek the counsel of the Holy Spirit so that He may take you deeper into the Word so that you may understand below the surface.
Colossians 2:3 (Amplified Bible)
3In Him all the treasures of [divine] wisdom ([a]comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God) and [all the riches of spiritual] knowledge and enlightenment are stored up and lie hidden
Matthew 13:44 (Amplified Bible)
The kingdom of heaven is like [a]something precious buried in a field, which a man found and hid again; then in his joy he goes and sells all he has and buys that field.
You need the revelation so that what you learn is from Him. If you attempt to learn for your own understanding to show yourself or for the approval of men, then you are learning for yourself. You must put down all your thoughts, all your own understanding, all your pride, all of your "SELF", so the Holy Spirit can download Himself upon you.
So which takes precedence? Both are essential, you need the Word and you need the Holy Spirit's guidance. You need balance. You must have a foundation of the Word and you need the Spirit to illuminate His Truth.
If you look at the Word itself, what does the New Testament constitute? They are revelations received and inspired by God Himself written down on paper by the Apostles, were they not? Therefore, the Word is Revelation!!
Galatians 1:12 (Amplified Bible)
12For indeed I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but [it came to me] through a [direct] revelation [given] by Jesus Christ (the Messiah).
May the Glory belong to Him and Him alone.
Praise Him!
Steve Yong Kim
Dec 31, 2010
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