Responding Job Bautista Post on "The Holy City, New Jerusalem" - Part 1

This post is one that I have previously engaged with or possibly overlooked. It is essential to address and debunk the beliefs presented, which may seem too good to be true. We will delve into each scriptural verse to analyze and uncover the validity and accuracy of the claims made. By carefully examining the scriptures, we aim to gain a deeper understanding and discern the truth behind the beliefs being discussed.

Eliza Lino Abaya: Understanding Context

From a comment section addressing my post

So Eliza Lino Abaya simple plea was that why do we need to understand the context. Let's get to it without further adieu -

Context is a crucial aspect of biblical interpretation, and many biblical scholars emphasize its importance in understanding the meaning of the text. Scholars such as Richard L. Schultz, in his book "How to Understand the Bible," highlight the significance of considering the historical, cultural, and literary context of the biblical passages to grasp their true meaning. Additionally, scholars like Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart, in their book "How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth," stress the need to examine the context of each passage to avoid misinterpretation and to appreciate the intended message of the text. Understanding the context helps readers to discern the original meaning of the scriptures and apply them appropriately to contemporary life.

Context is essential in biblical interpretation for several reasons:

1. Historical Context: Understanding the historical background of a biblical passage helps in interpreting the text accurately. Knowledge of the historical events, cultural practices, and societal norms of the time when the text was written provides insights into the meaning and relevance of the passage.
2. Cultural Context: Every society has its unique customs, traditions, and values. Considering the cultural context of biblical passages helps in grasping the intended message and avoiding misinterpretations that may arise from applying modern perspectives to ancient texts.
3. Literary Context: The Bible is a collection of diverse literary genres, including poetry, narrative, prophecy, and epistle. Examining the literary context, such as the surrounding verses, chapters, or the entire book, helps in understanding how a particular passage fits into the larger narrative and theological framework.
4. Authorial Intent: Understanding the context in which the author wrote the text is crucial for discerning the author's intended message. Knowledge of the author's background, purpose, and audience aids in interpreting the text accurately and applying its teachings effectively.
5. Avoiding Misinterpretation: Without considering the context, biblical passages can be misinterpreted or taken out of context, leading to misunderstandings and misapplications of the text. Contextual analysis helps in ensuring a more accurate and faithful interpretation of the scriptures.
6. Application to Contemporary Life: By understanding the context of biblical passages, readers can bridge the gap between the ancient world and the present day. Applying the timeless truths of the Bible to contemporary life requires a solid grasp of the context in which the scriptures were originally written.

Why context is important?

In a story from the Bible about Jesus cleansing the temple, it shows how important it is to consider the situation around an event. Jesus went into the temple and got rid of people selling animals for sacrifices and overturned the tables of money changers. He said that the temple should be a place of prayer, not a place for thieves.

 

The context here is about knowing that the temple was meant for worship and sacrifices to God for the Jewish people. The people in the temple were turning it into a marketplace, which was not right. Jesus' actions were a strong message against using religion for profit and taking advantage of worshippers.

 

Understanding the background of the time and place helps us see why Jesus did what he did. Without this knowledge, someone might think Jesus was being too harsh. With context, it's clear that he was teaching about respecting sacred places and the true meaning of worship.

 

This story teaches us why it's important to know the context when reading stories from the Bible. It helps us see the actions and teachings of Jesus in the right light, considering the social, cultural, and historical setting of the time.

Below are some other couple of commonly cited examples:

• Jeremiah 29:11 KJV "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
• This verse is frequently used to encourage individuals or suggest that God has a specific, usually prosperous, plan for each person's life. While it's true that God does have our best interests at heart, the original context of this promise was very specific to the Israelites in Babylonian exile. The verse is part of a letter sent by the prophet Jeremiah to those in exile, reminding them that their situation was part of a larger divine plan and encouraging them to seek the welfare of the city where they lived, even as they looked forward to eventual return to their homeland.
• Philippians 4:13 KJV "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
• Often used to suggest that a person can achieve anything with Christ's help, this verse is actually about contentment and the ability to endure any situation through faith. Paul wrote these words from prison, explaining how he had learned to be content in any circumstance—whether in need or in abundance—because of his reliance on Christ's strength.

• Matthew 18:20 KJV "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."
• Sometimes taken to mean that Christ's presence requires a gathering of at least two or three believers, this verse is actually about church discipline and resolving conflicts among members. In its broader context (Matthew 18:15-20), Jesus is outlining steps for addressing sin within the community of believers, emphasizing that His spiritual authority accompanies the process.

These examples highlight the importance of considering the broader narrative, context, and purpose of biblical passages to avoid misunderstandings.