Not sure whether you want to know the truth or just to see what people’s opinions might be about the worst aspect of the Bible. On thing is for sure, usually, when people ask for an opinion, they are not seeking understanding. In fact, the book of wisdom makes a very important statement regarding those who are nothing but opinionated.
- A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. (Proverbs 18:2)
- As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions. (Romans 14:1)
There are many historical accounts recorded in the Bible that are framed as stories—implying that they are fictitious—but they all have a point for having been recorded; as each book has a reason for being within the canon of the Old Testament and the New Testament. Just because a person does not understand the pertinence of accounts that are included within the Scriptures, this has nothing to do with the writers, nor the One who has inspired the written code; rather, this is a reflection upon that person’s ignorance.
The saddest matter that I personally find written in the Bible is people can be enlightened, then experience the blessings of the Heavenly Gift, be a partaker of the Holy Spirit, enjoy the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, yet turn away from the promise of God and forsake their inheritance of eternal life.
- For it is impossible to restore again to repentance those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they then commit apostasy, since they crucify the Son of God on their own account and hold him up to contempt. For land which has drunk the rain that often falls upon it, and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed; its end is to be burned. (Hebrews 6:4-8)
The record of Balaam in the book of Numbers (chapters 22–24) is an account of what happens to a person who has a relationship with God and then decides to take the money, rather than endure unto eternal life. The way of Balaam was prominent in the early Church and is still abundant today.
- Forsaking the right way they have gone astray; they have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Be′or, who loved gain from wrongdoing. (2 Peter 2:15)
- Woe to them! For they walk in the way of Cain, and abandon themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam’s error, and perish in Korah’s rebellion. (Jude 1:11)
- But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice immorality. (Revelation 2:14)
From what I have experienced in the presence of God, and the joy that I possess within, even when buffeted by the Evil One and his many agents, for anybody to turn his or her back on Lord Jesus Christ, and forsake eternal salvation, is incomprehensible. Fortunately, those who claim they were ex-Christians have not really belonged to Christ, so there is hope for them—even if they are opinionated. The people, who walk after the ways of Balaam, conspicuously claim they are Christians—the world is their oyster and money is their mission.
My understanding, which is the knowledge that I possess from my experiences and observations and interactions with both God, humans, angels and demons is being born from above is only part of the spiritual quest.
- Jesus answered and said to him, `Verily, verily, I say to thee, If any one may not be born from above, he is not able to see the reign of God.' (John 3:3 - Young's Literal Translation)
We also need to enter through the Door, into the Kingdom of God, and not just sit outside pontificating in the twilight, in the mistaken belief that we think we are in the light.
- I am the door, through me if any one may come in, he shall be saved, and he shall come in, and go out, and find pasture. John 10:9 - Young's Literal Translation)
Many people I have spoken with do not understand the necessity to enter through the Door into the Kingdom of God. Too many like to bask outside in the shadows of the light; that is, in the twilight, where they can exult in their unbelief and scoff at the truth. In doing so, such individuals develop their opinions as to how they are able to make better guesses more often than the other person. Or using logic, see how many people can be duped into believing their assumptions about what happened in times past—when there is no proof— or what will happen in the future on Earth, after they have died.
Balaam did not enter through the door to eternal life. Balaam was a man who was shown the future but had his mind set on Earthly things. The tragedy of Balaam is also the condition of many Christians today, which is why I find the account of Balaam so sad.
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