What is context? Have you ever heard someone use this word to defend their interpretation of scripture? They will say things such as; “you don’t understand the context” “or you have taken that scripture out of context”. Context is the study of whole passages of scripture (chapters) to identify the who, what, when, where, and how of a scripture to get a better understanding of the scripture in question. People who are context junkies ignore plainly stated scriptures such as these;
2 Peter 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of ANY PRIVATE INTERPRETATION. Other translations have “own” instead of “private” as in anyone’s “own interpretation”. There’s nothing here that says anything about context or using context as a basis for scriptural interpretation. If understanding the context overrules being spiritually minded, I think it’s strange that we have no scriptural examples about this method of using “context” to determine the meaning of scripture. The reason we have no scriptures teaching us about context is because we already have instructions on this matter. Let’s look at another scripture;
1 Corinthians 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which MAN’S WISDOM TEACHETH [context, context, context], but which the HOLY GHOST teacheth; COMPARING SPIRITUAL THINGS WITH SPIRITUAL. Do you see the difference between understanding context versus being spiritually guided by the Spirit of God? You can’t understand or interpret God’s Word with a carnal mind (man’s wisdom using context). You must compare spiritual things with spiritual things. Scriptural interpretation has nothing to do with context. Context is the world’s way of discerning scripture. God laughs at such things as it is silliness.
Now, you know these theologians and bible scholars don’t have all the answers so in order for them to make sense of things they don’t understand, they make things up. An important truth that you need to understand about “context” in regards to discerning scriptural meaning is that it is not biblical. Here is what scripture says about interpreting scripture;
1 Corinthians 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was NOT WITH ENTICING WORDS OF MAN’S WISDOM, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: Context sounds just like enticing words of man’s wisdom doesn’t it? So who would you rather have teaching you? Men who demonstrate their power and wisdom from their own wills or from the power of the Spirit of God?
Let me be clear for a second. In regards to context, I am not saying that it’s not important to read and understand whole chapters. I’m saying that using context to determine scriptural truth and spiritual meaning is false. Case in point – the parable of the rich man and Lazarus; many argue that this isn’t a parable because of the context. They say that Jesus identified two characters by name which he never did in any other parables. Because of this understanding of context, this makes this story a true literal account and not a parable at all.
I find this kind of thinking to be quite silly and ridiculous but it is important for you to understand why people reason this way. It is true that Jesus does mention characters by name in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus but this by no means makes this story a literal account. This is the reason why some people will never understand the spiritual truths in scripture;
1 Corinthians 2:14 But the NATURAL MAN RECEIVETH NOT THE THINGS OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD: for THEY ARE FOOLISHNESS UNTO HIM: neither can he know them, because THEY ARE SPIRITUALLY DISCERNED. Do you see what the scriptures say? Carnally minded men use “context” to interpret the meaning of scripture that is why they cannot understand spiritual things. No matter what type of method or device they use, they will not get it because they simply do not understand things concerning the spiritual. If you want to know the true spiritual meaning of the Parable of the rich man and Lazarus, click here, The Parable of the rich man and Lazarus Explained.
Let me put to rest this notion that context is how you determine scriptural interpretation. Remember this scripture?
2 Peter 1:20 Knowing this first, that no PROPHECY of the scripture is of any private [own] interpretation. Keep this in mind.
Read these two Scriptures below;
Malachi 3:1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.
Isaiah 40:2-5 Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.
What is the context of these passages of scripture? Who or what is Isaiah and Malachi talking about? Remember now that it is the prophet Isaiah and Malachi who were inspired to write these words in the Old Testament. Now let’s forward to Mark 1:2-3 As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. If you are familiar with this passage of scripture, then you know that Mark is making a reference from Malachi and Isaiah about John the Baptist. Now read Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:2-5 again and tell me you can tell from the context that this was a prophecy about John the Baptist preparing the way for Christ? Now pay attention here.
Notice that Mark only uses part of Malachi 3:1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me:
Mark then does the very same thing in Isaiah 40:3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight;
I would assume that this would be a gross error in following the rules of context. This method that is seen in the book of Mark is called proof texting or using just a part of a scripture to make a point. Would we argue that Mark has taken these scriptures out of context instead of having divine inspiration interpreting scripture? I didn’t think so. This verse pretty much sums it up right here;
Mark 4:10-12 And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to KNOW THE MYSTERY OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD: but unto THEM THAT ARE WITHOUT, all these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time THEY SHOULD BE CONVERTED, and their sins should be forgiven them. Jesus says in His own words that it was given to the disciples to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God. Jesus didn’t say; it has been given to you to understand the context of the mystery of the kingdom of God. At that time, the disciples didn’t even know what the parable meant that’s why they asked Jesus about the parables. Jesus is telling them about a future event;
John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, HE SHALL TEACH YOU ALL THINGS, and BRING ALL THINGS TO YOUR REMEMBRANCE, whatsoever I have said unto you. Jesus didn’t say, “You shall learn all things in seminary school about context after you get your master’s or doctoral degree in divinity.” The Spirit of God is all you need to understand the scriptures. The reason why many of you cannot understand these simple spiritual truths is because you are probably not spiritually converted at the moment. The sinner’s prayer is a joke and this doesn’t mean you are spiritually converted. You cannot pray Jesus in to your heart. This is but another example of man’s wisdom attempting to trump the wisdom of God. Do you think’s its strange that Jesus didn’t convert not one person during his ministry on earth? The apostles and many other believers didn’t experience spiritual conversion until Pentecost. The disciples followed Jesus for years before being spiritually converted. Many of you think you are following Jesus and truth is that it is impossible to follow Christ completely without being spiritually converted.
Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and PERCEIVED THAT THEY WERE UNLEARNED AND IGNORANT MEN, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. You see, you do not have to be a theologian to understand the scriptures. This verse quoted above tells us that Peter and John were pretty much stupid in terms of worldly intelligence. They weren’t consumed with the foolishness of the wisdom of men. You can’t understand God’s Word in your own selfish arrogant wisdom.
You will not begin the process of true spiritual conversion until you begin to destroy the idols of your heart including all of the false doctrines of men. I didn’t start this process until I first started to see the evils of the Christian church and the heresy that is taught there. I stopped going to church and then God revealed to me the beast (my sinful carnal self) that dwells within me. This process took place over several years and it is a continuing process. If you believe in a literal fire burning hell where God will supposedly torture most of humanity for eternity you will never be spiritually converted in this life.
1 Timothy 4:1-2 Now the SPIRIT SPEAKETH EXPRESSLY, that in the latter times SOME SHALL DEPART FROM THE FAITH, giving heed to SEDUCING SPIRITS, and DOCTRINES OF DEVILS; SPEAKING LIES IN HYPOCRISY; having their CONSCIENCE SEARED WITH A HOT IRON;
The Real Gospel of Christ 
Is the trinity one of these false doctrines?
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Absolutely, I’ll write a paper on that topic soon…
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So you believe the elect is really very few people? And are you familiar with a church in NC called the ThePottersHouseFellowship.. I consider it one of the few true Bodys of Christ fellowships.
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I don’t know the exact number but only 8 people were saved at the time of the flood and that is used as a reference to the few (God’s Elect). With that said, we have to consider that more people have lived since then and 100,000 would be a small amount compared to 100,000,000,000. I’m from TN so I’ve never heard of that church in NC but that’s interesting to hear about. I’m curious to know their doctrinal positions in contrast to what the traditional Christian church teaches.
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Youtube Aaron Locker/he posts videos of a number of men, a few are Clyde Pilkington,Dan Sheridan,Martin Sender . Or go to http://www.studyshelfvideos.com
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You must of heard of Martin Zender? Martin Zender.com. Teaches truth about the body of Christ, anti trinity, anti religion slash Christianity. Anti hell. Anti free will. Truly a modern day apostle.
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No, I’ve never heard of Martin Zender but I’ll have to look him up… Thanks for commenting and I’m glad you’ve enjoyed this site!
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Blessings friend
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Plikington, is a Poligamist. Zender believes that Paul preached a separate gospel to the genitiles. Sheridan is no loger affiliated with that group.
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Zender is a loon and so are his followers, the man is a drunk and believes that polygamy, porn, sexual lust etc…Are all fine with God, the man doesn’t have a clue about real Christianity or the gospel!
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the beast you mention as our carnal self is it the same beast that cast into the lake of fire second death
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Yes
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I stopped attending ‘church” about seven years ago after becoming completley disillusioned to the point of disgust. When I took a step back our Lord showed me the spiritual bankruptcy of it all. Everything in it is done carnally. Man’s way. I saw how we were going back to old covenant practices with Christian labels by demanding a preist (the pastor), a temple ( a building), and a set day (a Sabbath, which is ironically Sunday. So much for Sola Scripura). They even hang on to tithing.
Soon after I stopped attending, I read a book entitled “So, You Don’t Want To Go To Church Anymore” by Wayne Jacobsen. It’s written as a fictional novel but really does a great job of exposing the ridiculous practices and the fear/shame based manipulation that permeates throughout church culture. It was eye opening.
I have always struggled with the popular Christian concept of hell. Even the concept that does not believe in literal flames but eternal conscience torment (As if that is much better!! No hope for all eternity!). I would read the scriptures that seeminly taught this but I knew something was amiss. I had no rest in my soul and a huge wedge began to grow between me and God. However, he never stopped pursuing me. He kept reminding me of all the good things that point to Him. All of my prior experience with Him and all that is observed in nature SCREAMS of a God of love and redemption. Nothing is wasted in nature. God finds a good use for all of it.
I recently read an old sermon by George MacDonald entitled “Justice”. In it, he exposed the foolishness behind the philosphy of enternal punishment for the sake of punishment itself. At the end, I fell on my knees with tears and begged God to confirm this truth in me. The sermon exposed it philosophically but I needed to see it in the scriptures as well. I found your website two days later! Everything I have read makes so much sense to me. It has been no less than an answered prayer.
Thank you for taking the time to make this website! Our Lord is indeed using it!
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Amen brother and God bless you!
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You have sparked my interest with your comment about the Beast being our carnal fleshy self. Would mind explaining the meaning of the number of the Beast?
By the way, I saw where you said you live in TN. Do happen to be close to Memphis? I live just south of there.
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The number of the beast is 6-6-6… Man was created on the 6th day and the beast represents mankind, the man that was (past-6), the man that is (present-6), and the man that will be (future-6) hence, 6-6-6. The number represents us (humanity) every single human being that has ever lived throughout all ages past, present, and future. Christianity teaches that this beast anti-Christ is just one man that will rise up in some end-time Armageddon. That is nothing but typical Hollywood hogwash. In Revelation 13:18, the word “man” is translated from the Greek word “anthrōpos” and it is literally defined to include all of mankind… There is another Greek word that it typically used to refer to just “a man” in the singular and it is the Greek word “anēr”. The beast, anti-Christ, man of sin is you, me, and everyone. Every single human being has to wrestle this beast of carnality that commands of to be slaves to sin through the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes, and the pride of life. There is a lot more to this, but this as good as any answer I could give without getting too technical.
I actually live in East Tennessee… Memphis is about 5 hours away from me…
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Hello Mr, Randolph,
I’m a first time reader of your articles. Are you associated with Tent Makers and Gary Amirault ? Also do you consider yourself a Christian Universalist ? I just read your article on the “Lake of fire” and that’s how I found you. It was very informative. I have believed along these lines for some time. I was part of a church that taught God “will restore that which was lost.” Through my own studies, I do believe God will restore “all things” I can’t understand how Christians believe that God is Love yet believe that same love sends people to a place of torment forever. Their answer is God is God and people send themselves to hell, not God. I like to ask “well, will you be the first to jump in” Therefore there’s always been one question that sounds in my head, why would a loving God teach us to love and forgive our enemies and not require the same thing of Himself ? Why would He ask us to do something that we’re incapable of except only through Him. So one day as I was mediating on this and talking to my husband. I had a thought that went off like a light bulb and felt I believe the Holy Spirit when I said “even Satan will be restored through God’s Love. I had never heard anyone say this before until now. I’ve heard ministers who disagree with teachings like this use this scripture 2 Peter 1:20 KJV .. “that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation”.
Thank you
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I am not associated with Tent Makers or Gary Amirault but I am familiar with his site and his teachings. I personally do not consider myself to be anything because I don’t like labels. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the World and I believe He will be successful. Thanks for you comments and I’m glad you found my writings to be informative…
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I enjoy your website, it’s hard to find truth, but it’s out there, just want to share some great sites I’ve come across. L.Ray Smith. BibleTruthes.com. And James Flanders. ThePathOfGrace. And TryingTheSpirits by Mitch Kuhn. And my go to guy Martin Zender.com
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I started learning this truth while in church, I am a “digger”, which is to say I have to be able to understand & believe what I am reading so, I started researching the bible because I found so much that did not reconcile. What I found you have covered the mis-translated words by chance or deliberate deception. I found that if you use the proper translation the “gospel” reconciles to universal salvation, God will save all. I have found multiple scriptures that confirm what I believe to be true, however, the 3 scriptures that most of my “damnation” believing friends will dismiss as not meaning what it says or that they will have to kneel in reverance but that doesn’t mean they are saved. No where in the bible does it say this, but this is the excuse they use to justify the belief of eternal torment. In my short time since beginning this bible study and with God & the Holy Spirit guiding me, I know the truth is salvation for all. God consistantly used my ability to love my children unconditionally as the example of how much greater His love is for us, if I would never give up on one of mine why would I think He would do any less, I’ve been researching and just recently found your site, thank you for confirming to me that I am not the only one.
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God has given you eyes to see and ears to hear,Faith. With me,God showed me the falsehood of erternal torment,than every thing else christiandom teaches after that,being false too.
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What is your view on Revelation? What events would you say are literal and what parts would you say are more symbolic or parable in nature regarding the end times. I know alot of people refer the beast at the anti Christ or a wordly power that will be run by the beast. However Nero is a great candidate for the beast of 666, since his name in greek adds up to that number or something like that. Also there was great tribulation in those days none like the world had seen for believers.
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I don’t know if there is a person on this planet that can answer that question and I’d be cautious of anyone claiming such. With that said, I will tell you what I believe. The book of Revelation is the testimony of Jesus Christ who IS, WAS, and WILL BE! The present, the past, and the future. Nearly everything in Revelation is symbolic. The “end times” for you in comparison to someone that lived a thousand years ago would be different for you both wouldn’t you agree? I think a common issue is that people read Revelation with a very carnal minded perspective. That isn’t an indictment on any one specific person as we all struggle with human carnality. So it is the carnal person that lives inside of every single person in the world that is the “beast”. It is not a one man anti-Christ nor is it a future would power. The “beast” within all of us has always had power going all the way back to the garden. The beast of 666 is YOU! It is me and everyone else. The number of man is 6 as man was made on the 6 day so this is the beast that is (present-6), was (past-6), and will be (future-6). That’s how we get the number of the beast it is man’s carnal self throughout all ages. There have certainly been people that personify the “beast” but they aren’t exclusive. There is “tribulation” in all generations. Have you not suffered in your life? A third of all living creatures dying in the sea is not literal. Humanity is the sea the sea of carnality and a third of our carnal selves must die at least for the believer. This applies to all believers present, past, and future. No believer will avoid the message of Revelation whether they know it or not. Revelation was written to the 7 churches with the number 7 representing the number of completion. The 7 churches represent the complete “church” in all ages not just then or the future church. We all suffer loss, we all go through tribulation, the world cannot see what hasn’t occurred. Whatever you go through in life is unique to you because you are unique so the world has seen nothing like what you’ve gone through because you are an individual person. Everyone has that testimony. Revelation has a spiritual message. It applies to all believers.
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I have learned that we must interpret the Old Testament with the new. Since the New Testament writers were inspired and will be given divine revelation from Christ.
This is the second time I have seen that you mentioned about not going to church. How do you participate in communion or fellowship as the Bible commands? I hope you at least have some brothers and sisters in Christ that you meet with. I know that the true church is the body of Christ, not the building. But this is no reason to ignore the commands of fellowship and communion.
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Communion and fellowship is important but it is only beneficial if such communion and fellowship is with like minded believers. How can I have communion or fellowship with someone that endorses the doctrine of hell which is a fundamental Christian doctrine that I reject wholeheartedly? In regards to commands, Jesus Christ commands HIS PEOPLE to “come out of her” in the book of Revelation but who is He referring to when He says “her”? Is not the “church” likened as a woman? Revelation speaks about a whore that sits upon many waters and of course this is symbolic language but these symbols represent something. God’s people have embraced the physical laws and traditions of men with the spiritual laws of God essentially committing spiritual fornication. Where are Christ’s people? In the church right? Well Christ has given a direct command for His people to come out of the corrupt church of this world. How can you continue to associate yourself with a religious institution that blasphemes and slanders the name of God? You chose to do that simply because you want to obey the Bible’s commandment to participate in communion and fellowship? Just because someone professes to be a Christian doesn’t make them a brother or sister in Christ. Many are brothers and sisters of Christianity but today’s Christianity has little to do with Christ. There is a higher communion and a higher fellowship that goes beyond participating in such rituals that are essentially meaningless if the real message is missed.
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Im interested in where I can read more about the beast being in me and where you think buying and selling come into play in it….Daniel 7:23 speaks of a beast being a Kingdom and I have been under the impression the beast the world wonders after was the Roman Empire and the RCC is the harlot. Ive been a Christian a little over 10 months, Christ follower might be a more appropriate title though 🙈🤷🏻♀️ everything I believed the first 30 of my life were lies, God set me free and then I got re-indoctrinated by the church…a few different ones over the months actually 😅 after multiple hell torture and annihilation mental breakdowns and wanting to throw the bible away but couldnt because I knew the Spirit told me to find one the day God opened my eyes and knowing certain things explained what had happened to me, God led me to the translation issues and finally I can love God with all my heart like I could the first days He freed me (before I joined a church) because I couldnt love God and my neighbor if I believed God was going to hurt my neighbors 😳 I would be curious to know your story!! Were you raised in the church? When did you leave? Do you have any family who believes like you? Do you know of any meetings between like minded people even if they are very very inconsistent?
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There isn’t much of anything good to read about the carnal beast that lives inside of all of us. Most of Christianity doesn’t even know what the beast is as they believe that the “anti-Christ” is one man that will rise up during some tribulation period. Most of this is because the book of Revelation is spiritual and much of it is symbolized. Buying and selling is figurative language. It’s not referring to literal commerce or financial exchange. I’ve heard silly stories of microchips or a one world currency and I laugh because it’s just silly. Yes Daniel 7 talks about beast kingdoms that rose up and fell but the beast that the world wonders after hasn’t fell yet. The world doesn’t wonder after the Roman Empire the world wonders after the beast within which is the man of sin that exalts himself above everything that is God. The RCC isn’t just the harlot of Mystery Babylon, it is the entire Christian institution including Catholic and Protestant Christianity. Your hell experience is similar to mine. I left the church about 20 years ago because I couldn’t reconcile hell with the things I knew about God. I didn’t grow up in the church but church was intertwined in the South so I was aware of Christian doctrines. Most of my family is non-religious even though they believe in God. They don’t really follow after churches. I’m not aware of any local meetings of universalist believers. There are some Facebook groups that you can look into if you was seeking some level of fellowship.
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What about the part of “ Buying “ and “Selling “?
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There is no way I can explain all of Revelations 13:17 without doing an exhaustive study which would take weeks. From what I already know, I can tell you that it is not literally talking about buying and selling as in commerce. I’ve heard the very silly fantasies about microchips being implanted in peoples hands or foreheads. That’s ridiculous. Buying and selling has to do with GAIN (James 4:13) so there is no way to have increase in the system created by the beast without first being in submission to the beast. Receiving the mark of the the beast in your hand has to do with actions and in your forehead has to do with thoughts.
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