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So, you’re reading a passage in the Bible. Whether it’s the first time you’ve read it, or it’s a passage you have read a dozen times over . . . but this time, this time something is different. The words are rolling off the page in a way that the passage makes a whole lot of sense, yet it makes sense in a way that’s different, much different than what you have believed or understood this passage to mean in the past. Do you simply ignore it, or do you accept the fact that you have been legitimately challenged . . . what is the proper response to this unexpected change, a challenge that is poking at something that you thought was ‘rock’ solid? Or, maybe a challenge comes about when someone, ‘friend or foe’, questions you in a way that is in direct opposition to something that you have believed to be true for many years. Especially when it is presented with biblical evidence that strongly confronts or even undeniably deflates your understanding of a particular subject or belief that is fundamental to your faith. How ever the challenge comes about, you find yourself stumbling in a way that is causing you to re-evaluate your understanding of the Bible, or a doctrine, or a belief structure that you hold to be true. As disturbing, or strangely enough, as exciting as it may be, you have been legitimately challenged to the point where you are attempting to re-gain your biblical-balance.

Although it is alarming, the challenge can actually be refreshing. Even when the challenge seemingly turns-your-world-upside-down for the moment, in an odd but unique way it invigorates, in a similar way, the first-love you experienced when you first embraced the Gospel. But other times . . . when the challenge confronts cherished, long held traditions that have strong mental and emotional-ties to something that is vital to what you fundamentally hold to be true . . . then . . . it is easy, even impulsive, to yield to a well-oiled counter-attack that is already mentally in place and is able to unashamedly disregard this new, although sometimes, valid challenge. While in ‘protective-mode’, it effectively blots-out any rays of truth that have ‘dared’ to enlighten some of those darkened chambers still lingering in your mind. This method of ‘guarding the truth’ appears to be a valid response when you have been effectively challenged, especially when this ‘new idea’ threatens what seemed to be obvious and true to you just moments ago. And as sincere as you may be, you can inadvertently end up defending your personal perception of ‘the truth’; wrestling over this challenge with a somewhat pharisaical mind-set as you find yourself defending tradition over biblical truth. This type of denial actually distracts an individual from the rational approach that in many cases, clearly, should be considered, yet it is irrationally discarded. Whether it is a legitimate challenge that you are currently facing or any legitimate challenge that you have disregarded in the past, you should always allow biblical truth to prevail when you are legitimately challenged with the valid Word of YHWH. 

Biblically sound beliefs and traditions are essential for the promotion, encouragement and continual-endurance of the Gospel of Yahoshua and the mission of disciple-making. While many doctrines and traditions are biblically sound, there are an alarming amount that cannot live-up-to authentic, biblical scrutiny. If, or when, they fail biblical scrutiny, they do not deserve the reverential status that they have been adorned with throughout the generations. These traditional views and doctrines (some of which have been integrated with the personal views and doctrines of many individuals) have been established and venerated century after century after century; and by extension, this would ‘logically’ imply all the way back to the biblical teachings of Messiah and His apostles in first-century Israel.  Some of the current and prevailing, yet groundless doctrines, that have been ‘brewing’ in the United States, have only recently developed within the last 150 years; some of which have acquired a fervent and aggressive momentum. Yet somehow, they have been ‘miraculously’ attached to some other established traditions that date-back many centuries. Even so, some of these long-held traditions actually find their origin as recent as the European Reformation of the 16th-century. While others trail back much further, they still fall short in the second and third centuries with those who are referred to as ‘the church-fathers’, yep, still not originating with the disciples of the first-century. Nonetheless, these long held traditions and beliefs (the ones that are without biblical substance) are so intertwined with actual biblical truth that they have become one and the same to the adherents (the victims) of the false traditions. This cripples the ability (or even the willingness) of the misled victims to properly discern between false-traditions and biblical truth. The indoctrination often morphs into an attitude that cannot (or will not) allow itself to be challenged, even when the challenge is valid. This type of loyalty is often mistakenly encouraged (whether by direct quote or by the general idea of this quote being instilled generation after generation) concerning Apostle Paul’s warning to the Galatians. 

Galatians 1:6-12

6. I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are following a different gospel— 

7. not that there really is another gospel, but there are some who are disturbing you and wanting to distort the gospel of Christ. 

8. But even if we (or an angel from heaven) should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be condemned to hell! 

9. As we have said before, and now I say again, if anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, let him be condemned to hell! 

10. Am I now trying to gain the approval of people, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ!

11. Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. 12. For I did not receive it or learn it from any human source; instead, I received it by a revelation of Jesus Christ.

When Apostle Paul’s admonishment to the Galatians (quoted above) is super-imposed over the multigenerational traditions that are not biblically accurate . . . the momentum of the generational and emotional investment can deliver a thrust that is of colossal proportions . . . a momentum that is very difficult to address reasonably or effectively when someone is asked to ‘Reconsider’ their beloved, yet false, tradition.

The above introduction of ‘Legitimately Challenged’ and ‘Reconsider’ are the back-drop for the following explanation relating to the name that is being used for this WebSite, LineUponLineScripture(.com). It is intentional that no examples of the ‘false-traditions’ have been mentioned at this time, as the theme of WebSite progresses, various false-traditions will be addressed. 

“For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little” is a quotation from Isaiah 28:10 and 28:13b. This particular translation is found in the KJV along with at least six other Bible translations. When these verses are isolated from their text, they are used as a basic format of how to approach and study the Bible. Yet, while reading these verses in the overall context of Isaiah chapter 28, well . . . ‘Bible Study’ doesn’t really jump-out as being something you can easily harvest from the chapter. Read chapter 28 and you’ll see that it’s actually a call-down to the drunkards of Ephraim (verse one) and you scornful men, who rule this people who are in Jerusalem (verse 14). Yes, you can isolate these verses (line upon line, etc.) and re-situate them in order to present them as a means to study the Bible, fine. The greater majority of the Bible, if not almost all of it, has been used (is being used) at various times by many, many individuals and groups of people to harvest ‘my or our’ personal or traditional understanding (use) of Scripture, fine. There are some awesome teachings and presentations that are a result of maneuvering the Scripture in this manner. And YHWH’s grace seems to allows us to use the Bible in this way, fine, . . . well as along as we’re not stretching His Word too far . . . and this is where it starts to get a bit scratchy. Meaning, how is it that we should properly honor and respect YHWH, the great Creator of the Heavens and the Earth, when we are attempting to understand and interpret His Word?

When our liberty to ‘walk in the Spirit’, that we Believers have been bestowed with, is misguided, or even contaminated by wayward traditions, false doctrines, or our own ignorance or blindness . . . then watch-out. When we are persuaded that we are proclaiming the truth of the Bible and our duty to protect or preserve its message is challenged . . . as mistaken as we may be at times . . . then our misled passion to ‘defend the truth’ can truly become a momentum that is very difficult (or tricky) to deal with. This WebSite is attempting to address, at least in part, the paradoxical message (impression) that is mistakenly portrayed by we ‘Bible-Toters’. Meaning, we proclaim that the Bible is the inerrant Word and Truth of YHWH (not just some random, human truth) then, all too often we turn around to subject it to our own personal interpretation(s). Just as the original context of Isaiah 28 is not a clear teaching on how to study the Bible, the phrase ‘Line Upon Line’ from this portion of Isaiah is being used as part of the name of this Website to represent this conundrum. Again, the conundrum is referring to the many verses (throughout the Bible) that are used incorrectly by we Bible Believers to support our pet-doctrines and personal interpretations of the Bible, or so we think it’s in the Bible, somewhere. After the phrase ‘Line Upon Line’ the word ‘Scripture’ is being used in the name of this WebSite to represent the authentic-inspired Word of YHWH; resulting in LineUponLineScripture. The word ‘Scripture’ signifies the importance of addressing the conundrum that we Bible-Toters create by confronting our errors, or in some cases, our hypocrisy. In all that we do as slaves (bond-servants) of Messiah, we must honor our covenant agreement to be led, then to ‘walk’ according to the Spirit (of YHWH). In reference to His written-Word, this requires us to prayerfully pursue the original (His intended) context of every verse of the Bible while maintaining harmony with its proper historical and theological setting. This will ensure an accurate, or at least a more accurate, representation of the Word on our part. As we grope for and continually seek-out the profound truth of His Word, we must always hold His heart’s desire close to our heart . . . that is, to build an intimate relationship with us, His children, ultimately His bride. 

In the purest (strictest) sense, in our attempt to understand the Bible, private interpretations are not really permitted, and rightfully so.

2Peter 1:19-21 (NKJV)

And so, we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

The Word of YHWH is deliberate in its form and inspiration; it therefore must be fulfilled (interpreted) according to His original purpose and intention. 

Isaiah 55:10-11

The rain and snow fall from the sky and do not return, but instead water the earth and make it produce and yield crops, and provide seed for the planter and food for those who must eat. In the same way, the promise that I make does not return to me, having accomplished nothing. No, it is realized as I desire and is fulfilled as I intend.”

This principle was true under the Old Covenant format . . . 

Deuteronomy 12:32

You must be careful to do everything I am commanding you. Do not add to it or subtract from it!

. . . and we really shouldn’t be adding or taking away from His Word at all, anywhere in Scripture, as exemplified by the warning that is announced at the closing of the book of Revelation. 

Revelation 22:18-19

I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy contained in this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes away from the words of this book of prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city that are described in this book.

With this in mind, be very careful how you use the Word of YHWH so that you don’t make yourself out to be a liar. 

Proverbs 30:5-6

Every word of God is purified; he is like a shield for those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he reprove you and prove you to be a liar.

YHWH has been very deliberate to have prevailing themes, illustrations, patterns and messages scattered throughout His written-Word. Even the repetitious and cyclical patterns of the days, weeks, moons (months), seasons, years, generations and ages all give testimony that Creation itself is subject to the Word of YHWH. Creation, YHWH’s prophets and the inspired pen of the biblical scribes are all subject to the ultimate purpose and goal of YHWH’s Word. Word in this context is not only referring to the written-word of the Bible. It is also referring to the living expression of His Word that has been experienced by many individuals and has been displayed in many events throughout history, ultimately revealed through the animation of His Son, Yahoshua. 

When the harmony of the written-word and Creation is realized, it accentuates the many parallels and themes of the Bible. It is then natural to flow from one section of the Bible to another while expounding on the overall theme of the Bible, the one divine story-line and message to Humanity. After Yahoshua’s resurrection, He opened the eyes of His disciples to YHWH’s intended purpose and prophetic nature of the Scripture. The one complete Message of the Bible being the reconciliation of Humanity as displayed through the conception, birth, life, ministry, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension of Yahoshua. While digging deeper into this Message, the writers of the ‘new covenant’ section of the Bible exercised certain liberties that would transcend the literal and historical context in which the ‘old covenant’ writings were originally situated. Meaning the verse(s) being quoted was not literally (directly) referring to the subject that the ‘new covenant’ writers were writing about, yet it coincided with a prevailing theme of the Bible. They used this liberty to expound on a particular subject while still remaining in harmony with the overall theme and message of the Bible; a proper application (liberty) of Biblical Exegesis. The liberty to apply any Scripture to something that is outside of its original context must be exercised with a diligence that is both judicious and prudent in nature because it is necessary to remain within the parameter of YHWH’s intended purpose and prophetic nature of the Scripture.

To a large degree, RECONSIDER is the inspiration of this WebSite. It is birthed from the simple awareness that not everything we are taught or told, nor everything that we sub-consciously absorb from our surroundings, are true and accurate. For this reason a proper understanding of YHWH’s (God’s) Word is crucial for our well-being. His Word imparts to us the biblical view of life that encourages us to walk in the Promises bestowed to us through the Gospel. It also equips us with the wisdom that is necessary to navigate the uncertainties and adversities that challenge us in this life.

Our understanding of YHWH’s Word is greatly influenced by the quality of our personal-relationship that we are actively (or not) cultivating and sharing with Father-YHWH. The genuine honor and respect that results in an active relationship will yield the reverence, sincerity, transparency and diligence that are so vital to sustaining a healthy bond with Him. This provides an environment for love to properly flourish and also sanctions the assimilation of His attributes that will inevitably transform our character. If not, we will inadvertently spend much of our time running from the presence of YHWH. Adam and Eve impulsively did that after they had undermined their relationship with YHWH in the Garden. Just as with them, our disobedience (lack of relationship) will also litter our life with various coverings of ‘fig leaves’ that will consume our time and energy with busy-ness. A superficial relationship is almost never done intentionally. Rather, it is absorbed incrementally, at a semi-conscious, somewhat buried level of awareness that yields a submissiveness to inferior standards and compromises. We will then invariably attempt to excuse and justify our distant relationship by substituting our good-works for authentic relationship. This enacts a type of mutiny against the authority of YHWH, that, to some degree, will unknowingly cause us to avoid the presence of YHWH which is the inescapable destiny of self-centered choices; remember Adam and Eve?   Obedience and prayer, on the other hand, are a deliberate and willful response/choice that is sustained due to the overflow of our love-union with Him, that is, His Grace. As a person matures spiritually, the tendency to subject one’s self to the sterile dictates of do-s and don’t-s will eventually diminish from their life. This transpires as love and the willingness to comply to His guidance become the major incentives that propel our life and relationship with our Heavenly-Father.

Many centuries have passed since Yahoshua (Jesus) unveiled the Gospel of Salvation to planet Earth. The impact of His teachings have significantly influenced humanity in a very  positive way, to say the least.  His inspiration still thrives today because His Spirit lives on eternally in His Followers. The Bible has revealed YHWH’s (God’s) purpose for Mankind and gives testimony to how the Gospel Message of Yahoshua (Jesus) is an integral part of His plan. This Message has sparked various customs and traditions in the lives of His followers. 

As Followers of Messiah, we expect our traditions and doctrines to be resting on a biblical foundation. Obviously, many have a good origin, but . . . others have somehow ‘evolved’ and taken root that have little to no biblical substance. Some of these traditions have homogenized fact and fiction into hybrid-truths, while others have simply been around for a long, long time. It is as though the time-factor of long held traditions somehow validates their presence and possibly excuses any inaccuracies they may contain. This would be similar to how “billions and billions” of years somehow excuses the many ‘holes’ in the so called theory-of-evolution. 

Have you ever read something in the Bible, . . . then realize that the meaning of the text that you have just read appears to be different than what you had previously thought the text to mean. Or, when a word, a phrase or a historical aspect of the text is explained to you that then challenges how you now see the same text . . . or sometimes the traditional view of a text just doesn’t make sense any more when you read it in the full context of its original source. These challenges could be verses from the Bible that you have already read dozens of times in the past or it may be the first time you have ever read them. The point is, the verse(s) or subject is different, sometimes a 180 degrees different, than what you have been taught or have believed it to mean in the past. As a matter of fact, some of the traditions blatantly run roughshod over the truth of the Bible. The momentum of some of these traditions can be very unforgiving to someone who questions them. The spirit of ‘excommunication’ and ‘shunning’ may be found to be ‘alive and well’ in some instances if too many questions are asked concerning certain subjects. 

There are many biblical and Christian traditions that have developed throughout the years. Many of them are good, yes, they are very good. Other traditions may be harmless or insignificant, or at least seem so. And this may be true. Yet the truth can be liberating even concerning some of the smaller details. The oddity with some of these traditions is they don’t have a proper biblical foundation. What is even stranger, some of the traditions come directly from pagan customs and non-biblical ideas. And the weirdest twist of all may be that many people are aware of this and have no shame continuing to homogenize truth with fiction and present it as the ‘gospel-truth’. As Believers, why can we be so adamant with some insignificant issues and so casual with some significant issues? 

We should be open to at least question any tradition that may (seem to) adulterate the Word-of-YHWH, if or when it comes to our attention. This is not an easy task because every one of us have already been influenced by these rouge traditions to one degree or another. It can be very difficult to temporarily remove ourselves from what is our normal way of perceiving a subject since long-held traditions are well absorbed into our belief structure. The challenge is often evaluated, consciously or sub-consciously, in perspective to our ‘personal-investment’ in a tradition.  This often includes our family influence, our church influence, our cultural influence, our education, our understanding of the Bible, personal proclamations and confessions (whether public or private), what we believe to be the leading of the Spirit, our time in study, our emotional-ties, our concern of how others perceive us,  our time and money; all of which have been dedicated to the entire network of our belief and faith concerning these investments. The sentiment and weight of these investments can bombard us when we are considering a subject that disturbs our traditional perception and customary working of these investments in our life. At this point it’s not that difficult to simply allow a challenge or a conviction to fall to the ground while allowing our ignorance to hold status in our own imagination. Sometimes what seems very obvious to our modern-western-mind-set ‘just ain’t so’ according to the Divine-Word. To our befuddlement, it’s not always the ‘black and white’ we would like it to be.

So, does it really matter? Well, emotional-ties usually accompany long-held traditions and these are often difficult to renounce.  Also the pressure of some of these traditions can be very unforgiving to someone who questions them. The questioner may be considered a heretic, a blasphemer, cult-like, an anti-christ or whatever term is effective to discredit or at the very least simply marginalize the individual. This may be justified in some cases if the accusations are accurate. If the accusation is false, the result to stigmatize the messenger then hinders the truth from developing within the Body-of-Messiah. Does it really matter?  Each individual must be persuaded in their own heart by the Holy Spirit and then hold true to that conviction, not being influenced by their emotion, for that which is not of faith is sin.