Does the Bible Contradict Itself?

[spockrates]

Yes, thanks. There are different responses from those of different denominations. For example, a Catholic would respond differently from an Evangelical. Which of these two responses would you like to hear first?

You can choose. But if it's going to be all believers will be guided to total obedience to God and without desire of this world, I don't buy it, because it's unrealistic. Reality most believers not only desire the life of this world but are intoxicated with it's love.

OK, let's start with the Catholic view. A Carholic might point out that Jesus does not say in John, chapter 3 that believing is the only thing one must do to get to heaven. One must also repent and receive the sacraments, such as baptism, as Peter explains:

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

(Acts 2:38)

Doing the good deeds God empowers us to do is also necessary. For believing is just one of several requirements to gain entrance to heaven. The biblical passages, therefore do not contradict one another; they complement each other. Like tiles in a mosaic, together they give a more complete picture of what is necessary to make us worthy of seeing God face to face.

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OK, thanks for helping me out. The most common response given by Evangelicals and Fundamentalists is this: They cite this passage of scripture.

And why should I care what scripture says?

Oh, I'm not asking you to care about that. I'm asking if you care to give me your thoughts on their premise that God reveals the truth to them, but not to people like you (or even me) who have our doubts. You see, you might be surprised to know that I've had several Christians tell me I'm not a Christian. For if I was, they explain, I'd have no doubts. I'm wondering what opinion you have on their observation they have about people like you and me. (By saying you and me, I'm not saying I share the certainty of you atheism, I'm saying share your doubts about the clarity of the Bible.)