The Bible is a monolithic doctrinal unit
Sacred
Scripture is not the opinion of its many authors, but of God, therefore,
by
logic, we should take care that our interpretation of a passage is in
harmony with the entire Bible, not just certain
passages, books or sections of it. If an interpretation of ours
is in agreement with only 75% of what is said in the Bible but is in opposition
with the other 25%, this means that the interpretation, even
though it is not totally wrong, is not totally correct. It could
very well be that some things are true, but something is also wrong with
the interpretation. When that happens to us, it is time to
discuss the subject with those that oppose our way of seeing things. Those
who oppose our interpretation are the only ones that could help us if we are
mistaken; those who think as we do only can confirm us in our mistake if we are
wrong.
The Bible has had many authors, but it
does not include their personal opinion to serve as a guide for us, only
the opinion of God. That is why the Bible is a monolithic unit,
speaking in a doctrinal and prophetic manner. Everything in it was
inspired by the Holy Spirit according to what the Apostle Peter tells us.
“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of
man, but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the
Holy Ghost.” (II Peter 1:21)
The Apostle Paul is telling us something
similar when in his instructions to Timothy, he says the following:
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for
correction, for
instruction in righteousness.” (II Timothy 3:16)
As we can see, two Apostles tell us
that all of Scripture is from God. Therefore, it is not logical to think that different sections of Scripture
teach opposing things, things that oppose one another. God is not a being prone to contradiction,
anarchy, and chaos, but harmony. Therefore, all correct interpretation must
be in harmony with the rest of the Bible.