3. LIGHT versus DARKNESS

INTELLIGENT ANSWER TO "SELF-CONTRADICTIONS OF THE BIBLE BY WILLIAM HENRY BURR"

The perceived "contradiction" is a matter of interpretation and context.

THEOLOGICAL DOCTRINES

3.

GOD DWELLS IN LIGHT.

Dwelling in light which no man can approach unto. (1 Tim. 6:16.)

GOD DWELLS IN DARKNESS.

The Lord said he would dwell in thick darkness. (1 Kings 8:12.)

He made darkness his secret place. (Ps. 18:11.)

Clouds and darkness are round about him. (Ps. 97:2.)

The first passage, from 1 Timothy 6:16, states that God "dwells in light which no man can approach unto." This passage is describing the transcendence and holiness of God, and the idea that his nature and being is beyond human comprehension. The light is often used as a metaphor for God's presence, glory, and righteousness.

The second set of passages, from 1 Kings 8:12, Psalm 18:11, and Psalm 97:2, describe God as dwelling in darkness or using darkness as a metaphor for his presence and protection. This metaphor of darkness is often used in the Bible to convey mystery and concealment. It can also convey the idea of protection and refuge, similar to the way that clouds provide protection from the sun's rays.

These passages are not contradictory, but rather, the first passage is emphasizing the transcendence and holiness of God, while the second set of passages are using the metaphor of darkness to convey the idea of mystery, concealment, and protection. They are different ways of expressing the same truth. It's important to understand that in many cases, the Bible uses figurative language, symbolism, and metaphor to convey spiritual truths and concepts that are difficult to express in literal terms.

The first passage from 1 Timothy 6:16 is describing the transcendence and holiness of God, which is the state of being completely separate from the material world and beyond human comprehension. The use of the phrase "dwelling in light" is a metaphor for God's presence, glory, and righteousness. Light is often used in the Bible as a symbol of God's holiness, purity, and goodness. The passage emphasizes that God's nature and being is beyond human comprehension and that no one can approach him.

The second set of passages, from 1 Kings 8:12, Psalm 18:11, and Psalm 97:2, use the metaphor of darkness or clouds to describe God's presence. The metaphor of darkness is often used in the Bible to convey mystery and concealment. It can also convey the idea of protection and refuge, similar to the way that clouds provide protection from the sun's rays. In the context of 1 Kings 8:12, for example, the darkness is used to emphasize the holiness and transcendence of God. The clouds and darkness are also described as being round about God, which could convey the idea of his protection and refuge.

It's important to note that in many cases, the Bible uses figurative language, symbolism, and metaphor to convey spiritual truths and concepts that are difficult to express in literal terms. The Bible is not a science book or a history book, it's a collection of texts that are written to convey spiritual truths and religious beliefs. The Bible uses imagery and metaphor to help the readers understand and relate to those truths. The passages you've quoted are not contradictory, but rather, they use different imagery and language to convey the same spiritual truths and concepts.

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