How can we say that the Bible contains the very words of God if there are places where we don’t know what those words *are*. [via Prof. Bart Ehrman]
Strangely, the Bible itself asked that question first:
“How can you say, ‘We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us’? Look, the false pen of the scribe certainly works falsehood.” (Jeremiah 8:8, NKJV)
The reason is that God allows free will, though still under His control. Therefore, the existence of variant manuscripts supports the truth of this verse. As such, we may consider different possibilities regarding those passages. However, the parts that remain consistent may be regarded as the preserved Word of God.
The meaning of the verse (its interpretation) is another matter altogether—namely, it could be allegorical, literal, both, or even something entirely new. All of these can be true as well. This pattern can be seen in the transition of Christian hermeneutics from the Old Testament to the New Testament through Christ Himself, particularly in the way He quoted Scripture.
Thus, when we think in this way, we are also “following Christ.” The difference is that we cannot determine with absolute certainty which possibilities are 100% true or not. Holding this tension, I believe, is the most honest position—and one that God rewards when one is right.
Thank you for reading.
Source Article:
The most beautiful story in history is not written with ink, but in blood—yes, the Blood of God.
Ephesians 1:7 (KJV):
“In whom [Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ] we have redemption through His Blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His Grace.”
Justin Martyr discusses Book of Joshua 5:13–15 in his work Dialogue with Trypho, where he argues that the figure who appears to Joshua is not merely an angel, but the pre-incarnate Christ.
“13 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, “Are You for us or for our adversaries?”14 So He said, “No, but as Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, “What does my Lord say to His servant?”15 Then the Commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, “Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy.” And Joshua did so.” (Joshua 5:13–15, NKJV)
The beautiful answer by Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (reworded): I am neither on your side nor on your enemies’ side, but on God’s side.
Blessed St. Justin of Rome writes:
“I shall give you another testimony, my friends, from the Scriptures, that God begot before all creatures a Beginning, [who was] a certain rational power [proceeding] from Himself, who is called by the Holy Spirit, now the Glory of the Lord, now the Son, again Wisdom, again an Angel, then God, and then Lord and Logos; and on another occasion He calls Himself Captain, when He appeared in human form to Joshua the son of Nave (Nun).”
Source: Justin Martyr (Justin of Rome). Dialogue with Trypho, chapter 61. Translated by Marcus Dods and George Reith. From Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 1. Edited by Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland Coxe. Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1885. Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight. https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/01285.htm.
Thank you!
