Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Closed?

 Closed... perhaps a definition wouldn’t go amiss. In this context (and yes, I know I haven’t provided a context - I will) - this is more of a: if you aren’t defining words, especially big words, how I learned and understood them and it's contrary to what you are saying -  then you’re wrong! Context: scripture and how we are and do Christianity. May I gently suggest that if your ‘teacher’ was a human then there’s every possibility they, you could be wrong... or if there's a 'not completely right' category, then that designation. Also… I really think scripture can easily defend itself - typically by providing other scriptures that confirm it.

A couple of things I've learned: never, as in ever, assume your definition is a one and done - there could be layers to understanding. Don't ever be arrogant about what you know (or think you know). Practice the attitude of an attentive student. Contemplate what you receive if you are 'closed' - when you don't allow questions or challenges or opportunities to expand your understandings. 

Obviously, there are aspects that should be a 'close' such as the fact that Jesus was fully human and fully God. 

   "Beloved, do not believe every spirit [speaking through a self-proclaimed prophet]; instead test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets and teachers have gone out into the world. By this you know and recognize the Spirit of God: every spirit that acknowledges and confesses [the fact] that Jesus Christ has [actually] come in the flesh [as a man] is from God [God is its source]; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus [acknowledging that He has come in the flesh, but would deny any of the Son’s true nature] is not of God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming, and is now already in the world." [1 John 4:1-3]

That there aren't many paths to God. He has made it abundant clear that there's only one, [1] way to God and that is through His Son, Jesus. That the Bible is a love story from God to His creation, His people. That the Bible has everything that speaks to His creation (us) living, working, who we are, how we should go about being us, etc. That the Holy Spirit is the one who determines and gives us our gifting. I could on in this vein, but I think the context makes it especially blatant. There are certain obvious issues that are settled, that are closed. But closed doesn't mean you can't ask questions. When our motivation is understanding, I don't believe this angers God. 

I ask you what you believe is 'closed'. It's important to know the foundation for what we believe, why we believe, and what we do about our belief. Closed can mean a way of sharing eternal truths are are immutable because that identifies our foundation. Closed is only an unfortunate choice when the subject is one that doesn't have universal definition based in scripture. I believe that Closed mean a security of finality.