So, the words in the Bible might appear as such to contradict themselves to people like you, but not necessarily so to the christian brethren.
The divisions in the faith actually occurred very early on and not due to the examples you mention.Rather various groups interpreting what was said,what was the intent, and what was the "real" truth.
After Jesus death, Peter, one of Jesus' disciples, became a strong leader in the Jewish Christian movement. Later James, These followers of Christ viewed themselves as a reform movement within Judaism yet they continued to follow many of the Jewish laws.
A little later on...
In addition to Gnostic, Jewish, and Pauline Christianity, there were already many other versions of Christianity being taught. After the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD, the Jewish Christian movement was scattered. Pauline and Gnostic Christianity were left as the two main dominant groups.
The Roman Empire recognized Pauline Christianity as a valid religion in 313 AD. Later in that century, it became the official religion of the Empire, and during the following 1000 years, Catholics were the only people recognized as real Christians.
Naturally the Orthodox elements won out as these were people who were, so to speak,"in bed with their Roman Masters" and it was the better choice for control of the masses as opposed to Gnosticism which stressed becoming more "Christ-like" without needing the authority of the church (I can just see the old bible fathers wincing
In 1054 AD, a formal split occurred between the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. This division remains in effect today. The 1054 split, also known as the Great East-West Schism marks an important date in the history of all Christian denominations because it designates the very first major division in Christianity.
On religious matters the two branches disagreed over issues pertaining to the nature of the Holy Spirit, the use of icons in worship and the correct date for celebrating Easter among other reasons.
The next major division occurred in the 16th century with the Protestant Reformation. The Reformation was ignited in 1517 when Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses, but the Protestant movement did not officially begin until 1529. They called for individual interpretation of Scripture and religious freedom.
So it would seem all the various denominations are more due to people's personal interpretion of scripture and belief systems emphasizing one doctrine over another --example: personal interpration of scripture(Protestant) as opposed to having the church leadership do it for you (Catholic) .
The contradictions themselves in the bible are also a main source for the formation of so many sects.
I follow His Word, my Bible--the New Testament. We* don't go to hell for doing anything excepting rejecting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Yes I do everything He tells me to whether it's give a stranger $20 or witnessing to an atheist. God doesn't "destine" who goes to hell. People CHOOSE.
* Christian belief. Does not pertain to Jews. And I'm leaving Muslims alone too.
Welcome back Christy! ( I mean Sandy)
If everyone begins their journey as an unbeliever and without the Holy Spirit, as surely they must, and God really does want to save as many as possible, then why is the Bible written specifically so that only believers and those who already have the Holy Spirit can understand it?
Is not this intentionally preventing the very ones who need it the most from ever understanding it? Is not that the reason why Jesus even spoke to the people in parables; to prevent them from understanding and to prevent them from being saved? That is what the Bible teaches is it not?
Thanks.
When Jesus sat amongst the family and friends of Mathew the tax collector (after his first encounter with Mathew) did the apostles not plead with Jesus "not to sit and dine with the evil unrighteous pagans?
Nevertheless ,he did and proceeded to tell the parable of the man who had two sons.
Being surrounded by all those "non believers" did not seem to prevent Jesus from sending them a message(lesson) by means of a parable.
Now,initially Mathew was a non believer and presumably not filled with the Holy Spirit,but he must have been impressed enough with Jesus and his teachings to change his ways.
This directly contradicts this line of thought that you have to be a believing person already filled with the Holy Spirit to understand the teachings.
So, it would seem many Christians would rather follow the example of the apostles rather than Christ himself?