Sharon:
So here’s my big concern, Mike. When people start saying the Bible is full of symbols or stories, I worry it might lead them to doubt the most important parts—like salvation. If we start reading the Bible too loosely, how do we know what to believe about being saved?
Mike:
That’s a fair concern, Sharon. But I don’t think reading some parts as figurative or symbolic means we lose truth. I still believe that salvation is real, that Jesus really died, and that we are saved by faith in Him. That doesn’t change.
Sharon:
But what if someone says, “Maybe the resurrection was just a story to give hope”? That would ruin everything. If Jesus didn’t rise from the dead, then our faith is useless. That’s what the Bible says.
Mike:
I completely agree. The resurrection is real. That’s not symbolic. That’s the center of the gospel. Without that, we don’t have anything. I think we both believe the same thing there.
Sharon:
So where’s the line? If we say Genesis is a story, or that the flood was just a regional event, how can we be sure we’re not also softening the gospel?
Mike:
It’s a good question. I think the key is asking: “What was the writer trying to tell us about God and about people?” Some parts of the Bible are poetic, and some are historic. But the message of salvation? That’s solid. That doesn’t change.
Sharon:
But the Bible doesn’t give us two messages—one for feelings and one for facts. It’s one book, one truth. And it tells us Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. That’s not a metaphor. That’s a real path to heaven.
Mike:
Yes. Salvation is real. I believe Jesus is the only way to be made right with God. His blood paid for our sins. His death opened the door. His resurrection gave us life. That part is not open for interpretation.
Sharon:
So then, if someone believes Jesus is just a good teacher or a symbol of love, they’re not saved?
Mike:
I think they’ve missed the point of who Jesus really is. He’s not just a symbol. He’s the Son of God. You can’t be saved unless you trust in the real Jesus—not a made-up version of Him.
Sharon:
Exactly. And that’s why it matters how we read the Bible. If people start changing the way they see Scripture, they might start changing who Jesus is in their minds.
Mike:
You’re right, and that’s dangerous. But I think there’s a difference between exploring the style of a Bible story and changing the meaning of the gospel. I believe the gospel is clear, even if we wrestle with other parts.
Sharon:
But don’t you think if we’re not careful, those little changes can lead people the wrong way?
Mike:
Sure. That’s why we need to stay grounded in the basics—who Jesus is, what He did, and what it means to believe in Him. I believe anyone who trusts in Jesus, repents from sin, and accepts Him as Lord is saved.
Sharon:
And the only way to know that truth is through the Bible. That’s why I say we must take it all seriously. Not just the parts about Jesus, but the whole story—because it all leads to Him.
Mike:
Yes, the Bible tells one big story—from creation to the cross to the final victory. I just think we can still honor that story even if we read parts of it through the lens of culture or symbolism. The truth is still there.
Sharon:
But if someone reads the Bible and doesn’t believe Jonah was in the fish for three days, does that affect their salvation?
Mike:
Good question. I think someone can struggle with that and still be saved. Salvation doesn’t come from perfect understanding—it comes from trusting Jesus. But the more we grow, the more we learn to trust the Word, even when it’s hard.
Sharon:
So you think someone can question parts of the Bible and still have saving faith?
Mike:
I do. I think salvation is based on the heart. Do you believe Jesus is who He says He is? Do you believe He died for you and rose again? If the answer is yes, then you’re His. But over time, we should grow to trust more of His Word.
Sharon:
I guess I can see that. When I first got saved, I didn’t know everything. I just knew Jesus loved me and I needed Him. But now, I’ve learned to love the whole Bible.
Mike:
That’s how it’s been for me too. I’ve had questions. I’ve had doubts. But the more I walk with God, the more I see that His Word is alive, and it always points me back to Jesus.
Sharon:
Still, we have to be careful. The enemy would love to twist God’s Word, just like he did in the Garden. That’s why I think strong teaching matters. We can’t play games with the gospel.
Mike:
Totally agree. That’s why I always come back to the cross. That’s the foundation. We can talk about creation, the flood, the end times—but if we lose the cross, we’ve lost everything.
Sharon:
So we agree that Jesus really died, really rose, and really saves?
Mike:
Yes. No doubt in my mind. That’s the heart of it all.
Sharon:
Then maybe it’s okay to have questions about the other stuff, as long as we keep our eyes on Jesus.
Mike:
Exactly. I think God is big enough to handle our questions. But He’s also kind enough to give us a simple truth to hold onto: believe in Jesus, and you will be saved.
Sharon:
That’s what I want people to know most of all. That salvation is real. That it matters. And that Jesus is the only way.
Mike:
Same here. And whether someone reads the Bible like a newspaper or a poem, the question is the same—do they know the Savior?
Sharon:
I’m glad we see eye to eye on that, Mike. We may read parts of the Bible differently, but we follow the same Lord.
Mike:
Amen. And at the end of the day, that’s what matters most.
Sharon:
Let’s keep helping others see that. Let’s point them to Jesus—clearly, boldly, and with love.
Mike:
Yes. Truth and grace, side by side. Just like Jesus showed us.