Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "conflicting" often refers to situations, teachings, or interpretations that appear to be at odds with one another. The Bible, as a collection of diverse books written over centuries, contains narratives, laws, prophecies, and teachings that sometimes seem to present conflicting ideas or instructions. Understanding these conflicts requires careful study, context consideration, and theological insight.Conflicting Teachings and Interpretations 1. Faith and Works: One of the most discussed conflicts in Christian theology is the relationship between faith and works. James 2:24 states, "You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone," which seems to conflict with Paul's teaching in Ephesians 2:8-9, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This apparent conflict is often resolved by understanding that Paul and James address different issues: Paul speaks against legalism, while James emphasizes that genuine faith produces good works. 2. Old Covenant vs. New Covenant: The transition from the Old Covenant, centered on the Law of Moses, to the New Covenant, established through Jesus Christ, presents another area of perceived conflict. Hebrews 8:13 states, "By calling this covenant 'new,' He has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear." This shift can be seen as conflicting with the enduring nature of God's law. However, the New Covenant is understood to fulfill and complete the Old Covenant, as Jesus Himself said in Matthew 5:17, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." 3. God's Justice and Mercy: The Bible portrays God as both just and merciful, which can seem conflicting. Exodus 34:6-7 describes God as "compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth, maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin. Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished." This duality is reconciled in the Christian understanding of the atonement, where God's justice and mercy meet at the cross of Christ. Conflicting Human Responses 1. Division Among Believers: The early church faced conflicts and divisions, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, where Paul addresses the Corinthian church's divisions: "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction." Such conflicts are often attributed to human sinfulness and the challenge of maintaining unity in diversity. 2. Conflicting Desires: The internal conflict between the flesh and the spirit is a common theme in the New Testament. Galatians 5:17 states, "For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want." This conflict is part of the Christian's sanctification process, where believers are called to live by the Spirit and not gratify the desires of the flesh. Resolution of Conflicts The resolution of biblical conflicts often involves a deeper understanding of the context, the original languages, and the overarching narrative of Scripture. The Holy Spirit is believed to guide believers into all truth (John 16:13), helping them discern and reconcile apparent conflicts. The unity of Scripture, despite its diverse authorship and historical contexts, is seen as a testament to its divine inspiration and authority. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Conflict.2. (a.) Being in conflict or collision, or in opposition; contending; contradictory; incompatible; contrary; opposing. Library Of the Apparently Conflicting Opinions of Plato and Porphyry ... Let them Perish from Thy Presence, O God, as Perish Vain Talkers ... He Refutes the Opinion of the Manich??ans as to Two Kinds of Minds ... Sorrowful, yet Always Rejoicing The Negative Side Unity of Moral Action. The Beneficiaries of the Redeemer's Return The Apostasy which Prepares the Way for the Antichrist. On the Causes of Doubt or Assent. Bardesanes the Syrian and his Extant Works. Thesaurus Conflicting (1 Occurrence)... contending; contradictory; incompatible; contrary; opposing. Multi-Version Concordance Conflicting (1 Occurrence). Romans 2:15 who do ... /c/conflicting.htm - 7k Conflict (18 Occurrences) Kol Urim (8 Occurrences) Weeks (17 Occurrences) Festus (14 Occurrences) Tumultuous (10 Occurrences) Retribution (14 Occurrences) Equity (19 Occurrences) Paradise (6 Occurrences) Resources Why are there contradictory accounts regarding the death of Saul in 1 and 2 Samuel? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the difference between exegesis and eisegesis? | GotQuestions.org What is cultural relativism? | GotQuestions.org Conflicting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Conflicting (1 Occurrence)Romans 2:15 Subtopics Related Terms |
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