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The question of whether the Bible contains discrepancies is a common topic of debate. Many skeptics point to alleged contradictions and inconsistencies as evidence that the Bible is not reliable. However, a careful and thorough examination of the Scriptures, considering historical context, literary genres, and original language, reveals that the Bible is harmonious and consistent. In this article, we will address some commonly cited examples of supposed discrepancies and demonstrate that they are not discrepancies at all, using references from the New King James Version (NKJV).
1. Apparent Discrepancies in the Bible
To begin, it’s important to understand why apparent discrepancies might arise:
- Context: Taking verses out of context can create the illusion of contradictions.
- Translation Differences: Variations in translations can lead to misunderstandings.
- Literary Genres: Different literary genres in the Bible have unique conventions that must be considered.
- Human Perspective: Human interpretation can be flawed, leading to perceived discrepancies.
2. The Nature of God
Some claim the Bible presents conflicting images of God, but a closer examination shows a consistent portrayal of His nature.
1 John 4:8 (NKJV):
Deuteronomy 4:24 (NKJV):
“For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.”
These verses highlight different aspects of God’s character. God is both loving and just. His love does not contradict His justice; rather, they complement each other, demonstrating His holistic nature.
b. God’s Immutability:
Malachi 3:6 (NKJV):
“For I am the Lord, I do not change; therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.”
James 1:17 (NKJV):
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”
These passages affirm that God’s nature does not change. Any apparent change in God’s actions is a response to human behavior, reflecting His consistent and unchanging nature.
3. Creation Accounts
Critics often point to the two creation accounts in Genesis as contradictory, but these accounts are complementary rather than conflicting.
a. Genesis 1: The Orderly Creation:
Genesis 1:1 (NKJV):
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
Genesis 1 provides a chronological overview of creation, emphasizing order and purpose.
b. Genesis 2: The Detailed Creation:
Genesis 2:7 (NKJV):
“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.”
Genesis 2 focuses on the creation of humanity, providing additional details about Adam and Eve. These accounts are not contradictory; Genesis 1 offers a broad view, while Genesis 2 zooms in on human creation.
4. Genealogies of Jesus
The genealogies of Jesus in Matthew and Luke are often cited as contradictory, but they serve different purposes and audiences.
a. Matthew’s Genealogy:
Matthew 1:16 (NKJV):
“And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ.”
b. Luke’s Genealogy:
Luke 3:23 (NKJV):
“Now Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, the son of Heli.”
Matthew traces Jesus’ lineage through Joseph, emphasizing His legal right to David’s throne. Luke traces His lineage through Mary, highlighting His biological descent from David. These genealogies are complementary, affirming Jesus’ messianic credentials.
5. The Death of Judas
The accounts of Judas Iscariot’s death in Matthew and Acts are often seen as contradictory but can be harmonized.
a. Matthew’s Account:
Matthew 27:5 (NKJV):
“Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself.”
b. Acts’ Account:
Acts 1:18 (NKJV):
“Now this man purchased a field with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out.”
These accounts describe different aspects of the same event. Judas hanged himself, and later, his body fell and burst open. Both accounts together provide a complete picture of Judas’ tragic end.
6. The Resurrection Accounts
Differences in the resurrection accounts in the Gospels are often cited as contradictions, but these differences are complementary.
a. Matthew’s Account:
Matthew 28:2 (NKJV):
“And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it.”
b. Mark’s Account:
Mark 16:5 (NKJV):
“And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed.”
c. Luke’s Account:
Luke 24:4 (NKJV):
“And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments.”
d. John’s Account:
John 20:12 (NKJV):
“And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.”
These accounts highlight different details of the resurrection morning. Each Gospel writer emphasizes different aspects, but their accounts are not contradictory. Together, they provide a comprehensive view of the events surrounding Jesus’ resurrection.
7. Faith and Works
Some argue that Paul and James present contradictory teachings on faith and works, but their teachings are complementary.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV):
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
b. James on Works:
James 2:17 (NKJV):
“Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
Paul emphasizes that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works. James emphasizes that genuine faith produces good works. These teachings are complementary: faith is the root of salvation, and works are the fruit. True faith results in a transformed life that produces good works.
8. Seeing God
Some passages state that no one can see God, while others describe individuals seeing God.
a. No One Can See God:
John 1:18 (NKJV):
“No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.”
b. Seeing God:
Exodus 33:11 (NKJV):
“So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.”
John 1:18 refers to seeing God in His full, unveiled glory, which no one has seen. Exodus 33:11 describes a unique, intimate encounter Moses had with God, where God revealed Himself in a limited, comprehensible way. These passages do not contradict but highlight different aspects of divine revelation.
9. The Nature of Jesus
Some passages describe Jesus as fully divine, while others emphasize His humanity, but these descriptions are not contradictory.
a. Jesus’ Divinity:
John 10:30 (NKJV):
“I and My Father are one.”
b. Jesus’ Humanity:
John 19:28 (NKJV):
“After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, ‘I thirst!'”
The doctrine of the Incarnation teaches that Jesus is both fully God and fully man. These passages reflect different aspects of His nature. His divinity and humanity are not contradictory but are two natures united in one person.
10. Old Testament and New Testament
Some see a contradiction between the Old Testament and the New Testament in God’s unified divine plan of salvation.
a. The Law:
Leviticus 19:37 (NKJV):
“Therefore you shall observe all My statutes and all My judgments, and perform them: I am the Lord.”
b. Grace:
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV):
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
The Old and New Testaments reveal only one way of salvation and that is by faith in the Redeemer. The law was given to reveal sin and point to the need for a Savior. God’s Grace empowers His children to keep His law. Thus, the law and grace work hand in hand.
Conclusion
The Bible, when interpreted correctly, does not contain discrepancies. Apparent discrepancies often arise from misunderstandings of context, translation, literary genre, or human limitation. A careful and thorough study of the Scriptures reveals a consistent and harmonious message.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV) declares:
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
This passage underscores the divine inspiration and reliability of the Bible. Christians can confidently trust in the Scriptures as the authoritative and infallible Word of God.
As believers, we are called to diligently study the Bible, seek understanding through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and uphold the truth of God’s Word. By doing so, we affirm that the Bible is coherent, consistent, and free from discrepancies.
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In His service,
BibleAsk Team