I don’t quote a lot of bible verses because the Bible can be used to defend almost any point of view. Sentences are taken out of context to prove one’s point of view. I may speak about couples forgiving, but the audience knew I had in mind couples concerned for each other’s well-being. Forgiving can cause more bitterness when wrongdoing denied; for others forgiveness controls bitterness. The point is to avoid bitterness to stop further victimization. Seek God’s guidance.
Does the Bible really declare some are in danger of going to a fiery pit such as Hell after death? If such a place exists why didn’t Paul who wrote the majority of the New Testament never once warn this dire fate? Why didn’t Noah who had to warn of tragic consequences for evil not warn people at least once of the danger of Hell? It turns out there is no Hebrew or Greek word that pictures what our word Hell suggests.
If God and the Bible teach that God proclaims women’s roles are based on gender than gifts, why did the Apostle Paul assume that women could prophesy just like men during worship (I Cor. 11:5). When the Bible says: “Women should remain silent in the churches” (I Cor. 14:34), maybe the writer would encourage men to be silent in certain situations for the sake of peace.
If the Bible teaches God is coming again to destroy the word in the future as some doomsayers suggest, why did Jesus tell his audience that supposed predictions about the world ending would happen in their lifetime: “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass way until all these things have happened” (Mt. 24:34)?” If Jesus is coming again down from the sky why did the disciples ask Jesus: “what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age” (Mt. 24:3)? Only non-visible, spiritual comings are missed.
If Jesus’ death was to appease God’s sense of justice rather than God’s desire to relate and influence, why did the Apostle John say: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him (3:17). Why does the Bible say: “God doesn’t delight the most in sacrifice or burnt offerings but a broken and contrite heart” (Ps. 51:16-17)?
If God only lets certain people get into Heaven, why does the Bible say: “For as in Adam all died, so in Christ all will be made alive” (I Cor. 15:22). That would only exclude those who have never died, but last chance I checked all have or will die. The Bible clearly teaches forgiveness is unlimited (i.e. Mt. 18:21-22), but is that not true of God?
So, how can we know what God is like?
The Bible can’t be God’s only form of communication because the majority born into this world didn’t have a Bible. Besides, there are no certainties in interpretations. Those who disagree what God is like would agree that God is perfect. If I have an innate sense of what a perfect lover, parent, or friend is like, why wouldn’t I have a sense of what a perfect God is like? A perfect God would only suggest we love how God loves us. Imitation is flattery. Our interpretations and views of God best then err on the side that portrays God as more relational and moral to the human mind. God may be like you thought all along.
What God May Really Be Like - Misbeliefs About God 