Harold Clemens asks: Greetings, I was listening to a well studied seminary student debating with one of my church members. The member told him that the Bible says, that the Spirit is the one who gives understanding, and that too much studying makes you confused because the letter kills. Just wondering your point of view? I'm still new to Christianity .

God bless Harold, Glad to be able to call you our brother in Christ.

The verse you speak of is found in 2 Corinthians 3:6 ("He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life").

This verse has been completely taken out of context and isolated. The verse (and the entire chapter) deals with Law vs Grace. The author is pointing out that the letter of the law kills, since no one can keep the law (the old testament covenant). That is why Romans 3:20 states "Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God's sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin."

Grace on the other hand, frees us from the condemnation of the law, as we are told in Romans 6:14 "For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace".

Lastly, we are continuously reminded in the Bible to study and learn.

2 Timothy 2:15-"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth".

1 Peter 3:15-"But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect".

Acts 17:11-"Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so".

Therefore, while it is true that the Spirit is the one who gives us the understanding that the word of God is true, He doesn't tell you what the Bible says. If that were the case, no one would need to read the Bible. Hope this helps. Be blessed.

Comments:

Vanessa Reed: Well I disagree to some extent. Because John 14: 26 says "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you".

BRC Hosts Joey and Chris: It does, and yes the Holy Spirit will not lead you astray as he does remind us of his words, but teaching that you know more than someone who studies the Bible, on the account that the Holy Spirit told you that your interpretation is correct, is a very poor defense that holds no Biblical weight.

Vanessa Reed: Well if the Holy Spirit tells me I'm right, I wouldn't change my mind.

BRC Hosts Joey and Chris: Why then, would Timothy say that the Bible can be used to correct, if someone can simply argue with Timothy on the account that the Spirit told him otherwise?

Vanessa Reed: I see what you mean, I mean everyone should study the word. Anyways God bless.

BRC Hosts Joey and Chris: God bless you Vanessa.

Harold Clemens: Thanks guys. GBU.

BRC Hosts Joey and Chris: God bless you too Harold.

Romans 6:14

"For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace"