HOW TO DEAL WITH BIBLE "DISCREPANCIES."

The following seems to be a handy—and solid—rule of thumb.

In interpreting Scriptures, we must follow a strict rule that no part contradicts any other. We must seek to harmonize apparent discrepancies.

A wise rule to follow is to make the obscure fit into the plain, or take the few and fit them into the many.

The reverse of this has produced divisions and many cults.

Here is an example:

1 Corinthians 15:29 speaks of "baptism for the dead." It is used by others to baptize a living person on behalf of the dead. This is interpreting it at face value and ignoring the many verses that teach only living believers should be baptized.

Beware of what man says! Colossians 2:8-10 states, "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

"For in him dwelleth all the FULLNESS of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power."