In my previous article I made that statement that the scriptures do not contain the entirety of the gospel. I feel inclined to explain this statement to clarify some things I believe to be crucial points.
It is said that the Bible is God's word. This statement is complicated yet simple. The Bible and other texts do contain God's word, as revealed through His prophets. But these texts also contain the words and opinions of men mingled throughout. Some of these minglings are men attempting to justify their own beliefs and deeds with what the prophets have said. Some things are written from a bias that portrays one group as superior to another. Still others are the results of typographic errors, or translational errors, or changes in the meanings of words.
I do not state these things to discredit or diminish the Bible. Quite the contrary. But I do state these things to make the reader aware both that the Bible does contain some incorrect teachings and mistakes. I wish to show the reader that there are also other scriptures which contain truth that are not included as part of the Bible.
There is a process which can be employed in which one can get truth and understanding in regards to the scriptures and it involves study and prayer. It also involves a focus on what is actually important, which is the principles contained in the scriptures. The stories may or may not be true in the sense of literally having happened as it is written. The Bible does contain histories and truths of events that really happened, but it also contains parables meant to teach moral lessons. Focusing on the message helps us learn what the Bible is meant to teach.
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