Thomas Jefferson didn't agree with the whole Bible, especially miracles, the resurrection, and the Holy Spirit. So he cut out the portions he didn't agree with and created the Jefferson Bible.(1)
Jefferson was like another political leader thousands of years earlier:
The Lord told Jeremiah to write a prophecy and read it to King Jehoiakim. When Jeremiah read it to the king, he listened to it a few lines at a time and "cut them off with a scribe’s knife and threw them into the firepot, until the entire scroll was burned in the fire" (Jeremiah 36).
Most of us don't take scissors to our Bibles; we just ignore passages we don't like or create sophisticated arguments to explain them away.
But no matter what we do, if we cut passages out of our Bibles like Jefferson or simply refuse to obey them, "the word of the Lord endures forever" (1 Peter 1:25).
God's Word "is eternal, it stands firm in the heavens" (Psalm 119:89).
"Heaven and earth will pass away, but [God's] words will never pass away" (Matthew 24:35).
"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever"
(Isaiah 40:8).
Why not take a moment and thank God for His perfect, unchanging Word!
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(1) For more on the Jefferson Bible: Jeffersonian Christians
Bible Love Notes
I agree Gail! This happens especially with parents disciplining their children. The Bible is pretty specific and yet, people make excuses. I'm definitely guilty :) Thanks for the great perspective and for hosting!
ReplyDeleteSo true, Gail! "Cherry-picking" verses in an attempt to justify one's lifestyle can only get you in trouble! Thanks for hosting & God bless!
ReplyDeleteJefferson didn't read the part in Revelation that speaks to the act of "adding to or taking anything away from." The redefining and liberal interpretation of God's word is the same, at least the way I interpret the Bible. Dangerous ground...
ReplyDeleteAmen to that!
ReplyDeleteGail, I always appreciate your boldness mixed with a sweet spirit in presenting your posts and the gospel the way it ought to be presented. I like the way you illustrate your point in a way that helps us to remember your point.
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting today. I like that it comes in my inbox. I can stop what I am doing for a few minutes and link up and read your post and be encouraged.
Amen on that one. Love it!
ReplyDeleteI agree wholeheartedly with your thoughts here, Gail, and I appreciate your courage in speaking the truth. Pinning your terrific image.
ReplyDeleteThis is so true! I was talking to a relative once and she said that she believed some of the Bible but not all of the Bible. I told her that she couldn't just pick and choose like that. You can't just keep the parts you like and throw out the rest! Thanks for hosting today!
ReplyDeleteSo very true. May we put away our scissors & paste & remember that the Bible is the whole counsel of God. Great reminder this morning!
ReplyDeleteHi there Gail, thanks for stopping by Glass Slipper Restorations, I liked your facebook page, your are well on your way to 1100!
ReplyDeleteHi Gail! Just got back from church, and our pastor pointed out that we love the encouraging word, but there were also a lot of admonishments (for lack of a better term, I don't remember the right word right now...).
ReplyDeleteCan't ignore the instruction to jump to the encouragement, it's all encouragement! Thanks for the little history lesson too, I love history!
Happy Sunday!
Ceil
This is so true. I find people read only (not all people) what they think is good for them. God's word stands firm. What is written from page one to the end of the Bible is meant for all of us. May God be glorified for all his goodness. God bless. Angie
ReplyDeleteAmen...glory to God his mighty Word that lamp to oir feet light to our path.....
ReplyDeleteThis is true God words is eternal
ReplyDelete