I agree that discernment is essential, and that Scripture commands us to test all things. But the standard for that testing is not man’s analysis of the Word, it is the Word itself. Lexicons and tools can be useful aids, but they are not inspired, infallible, or authoritative. The moment they begin to shape doctrine instead of simply serving to clarify language, they cross the line from help to hindrance.
God’s Word defines its own truth. The Holy Spirit, not human intellect, is the One who “guides into all truth” ~John 16:13. We are to test teachings by Scripture, not interpret Scripture by teachers. That’s where discernment either remains pure or becomes polluted.
So yes, we agree that believers must examine all things, but that examination must begin and end with the written Word of God, not with tools, traditions, or the reasoning of men. Scripture alone is the measure of truth ~2 Timothy 3:16–17.
Discernment isn’t about mastering the text academically but being mastered by it spiritually. The Spirit gives understanding, not scholarship.
I want to believe that all religions are acceptable. We all have one thing in common. A God, father, master, creator, higher power, whatever you want to call it. There is someone or something that put us here and will take us back. We have different names for it and different stories but we all look to be reunited with the Holy one.
You are right, brother, that we are to test everything by the Scriptures, but if someone were to ask you what this testing truly means, how would you explain?
Rom 8:15 For γὰρ vvv Οὐ you have not received ἐλάβετε a spirit πνεῦμα of bondage δουλείας again πάλιν to εἰς fear, φόβον, but ἀλλὰ you have received ἐλάβετε [the] Spirit πνεῦμα of divine adoption as sons, υἱοθεσίας, by ἐν whom ᾧ we cry, κράζομεν “Abba! “Ἀββᾶ - ὁ Father!” Πατήρ.
Rom 8:16 The τὸ Spirit Πνεῦμα Himself αὐτὸ bears witness with συμμαρτυρεῖ our ἡμῶν - τῷ spirit πνεύματι that ὅτι we are ἐσμὲν children τέκνα of God, Θεοῦ.
How is the Spirit bearing witness, I was blown away to find out it means co-witnessing!
That the verb συμμαρτυρεῖ (symmartyrei) means bears witness together with, a compound of syn (together) and martyreō (to testify or bear witness). It conveys the idea of a joint testimony, where the Holy Spirit confirms internally what our renewed human spirit already confesses, that we truly belong to God as His adopted children through Christ Jesus.
Beareth witness with our spirit (summarturei tōi pneumati hēmōn). See note on Rom_2:15 for this verb with associative instrumental case. See 1Jn_5:10. for this double witness.
Rom_8:16
This is too high and wonderful, that Messiah would save a wretch/wreck like me.
Weather all roads lead to Rome. Heck I don’t know but probably not. I do believe all can be saved regardless your religion. I may be wrong but it is just sensible to me.
May I ask what evidence you have that implies that all religions are acceptable to God?
As far as I am aware Islam does not accept the worshippers of other religions as being equal to muslims.
Both Hinduism and Buhdism are exclusive to the followers of there rligions.
It is only Christians with a poor understanding of the bible who say all ways lead to God.
Abraham was called out of the pagan city of Urr to follow God, Moses smashed the tablets of the law because the Isralites were worshipping an idol, continue through the bible and one finds again and again that God states there is only One God and only One way to God.
John 14:6 — “Jesus said to him, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
Acts 4:12 — “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
1 Timothy 2:5 — “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
John 3:18 — “Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
John 10:9 — “I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.”
Romans 10:9 — “If you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
1 John 5:12 — “He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.”
Did God not create the Muslim, Buddhist and Christian? Why would he create all these different people of different faith, color or even shape and save only one
No I don’t have to convince you. You don’t have to convince me. I’m just sharing my beliefs with others. If you want to debate I suggest you head to twitter.