[jo kus]

While I believe it is worthwhile for people to read and understand history, our Lord Jesus warned us about following the tradition of men (vis-a-vis Pharisees). I can't recall any such warning about reading scripture, can you?

You are wrong on both cases. First of all, Jesus warned about following traditions that lead us AWAY from God, not ALL traditions (by which, I presume, YOU mean unwritten traditions). Don't you recognize your own "traditions", such as Sola Fide and Sola Scriptura?

And secondly, the Scripture does warn us about reading it without the Church:

"even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all [his] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as [they do] also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction." 2 Peter 3:15b-16

Incorrect Scripture interpretation DESTROYS!!!

The Lord's battle with Satan in the desert clearly shows that Scripture can be used for good or bad purposes.

Those who hold false views of things were always meant to hold false views.

Really??!!! What do you think of your past views that were faulty? Or are you still wrong?!! Seriously, though, that fatalistic attitude won't do with me. I held to false views before, and now I don't! [to include views that we agree on, such as Christ's resurrection]

God separates the sheep from the goats

...in heaven at the final judgment (Mat 25), not now. Or, perhaps, you prefer the wheat and the weeds?

It is God who gives us our knowledge and understanding

Well, I am happy to see we still agree on this!

Regards

[HarleyD]

"...in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as [they do] also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction." 2 Peter 3:15b-16

And would you classify me as "unlearned" (we won't get into "unstable")? There is nothing in Peter's verse that would indicate incorrect scripture "destroys". If that's the case we all are in trouble-including the Popes (past and present).

As far as our Lord Jesus discussions with Satan, if you'll recall Satan used incomplete verses or changed the text (as is typical). For example:

Psa 91:11-12 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in [their] hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

Matt 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in [their] hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

Satan was using a variation of scripture, but not the scriptures themselves. Is it any wonder our Lord responded:
Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

Really??!!! What do you think of your past views that were faulty? Or are you still wrong?!!

I was wrong then and I'm sure I'm wrong about some things that God has not revealed to me. But I'm not wrong about the TULIP. I understand completely what Augustine, Calvin, and others were driving at. That is the ONLY reason I keep harping about this to Orthodox, Catholics and Protestants until the cows come home (and I haven't heard the mooing yet).

However, that's the point of growing in Christ.

I held to false views before, and now I don't!

That's find. You have your convictions and I have mine. You and I both base our beliefs upon traditions handed down from those who have gone before us. Where we differ is that you believe God's grace resides in the Church and sole interpretation resides within an institution, making decisions through a set group of people who are supposedly more learner than you, casting votes for what they feel is right in guiding the Church. I, OTOH, believe God came to seek and save what He lost, gives grace and mercy according to His divine will, and to those who He is gracious to, He fosters a personal, intimate relationship, helping us to live and grow through His inspired word by the power of His Holy Spirit. We simply have our differences.