God's will

Is it possible for someone to know God's will, fully and completely? For this post, I'm talking in particular about doctrinal issues. For example, does God want us to baptize infants? Some groups think yes, some no.

What has me thinking about this is a book I've been reading. In this book, the author basically claims that he has found the perfect, correct interpretation of the Bible regarding doctrinal issues.

There are a number of ways to attack this, it's just a matter of choosing which one to start with!

First, I'm not sure there is only one correct interpretation. Might it be possible that God has given humankind some room to make their own choices? Why not? He created each of us individually - isn't it possible that one person might have different worship needs than another?

Second, there are so many places for disagreement. How can we all agree on a single, correct interpretation for the entire Bible? In fact, how can even two of us agree on the correct interpretation? I mentioned to my wife the other day a verse that I thought was fairly straightforward:

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." -Matthew 11:28

I made the remark that this is "proof" that we have to take the first step in the process toward salvation. My wife said that she always thought this verse was directed at people who were already believers, it's just a prescription for finding peace from the burdens of this world. Considering there are literally thousands of such verses and passages, any two people are going to find a place for disagreement.

Third, if one claims to know perfectly God's will, isn't that basically the same as claiming to be on the same level as God? None of us can claim that!

I think the lesson in all of this is that each one of us needs to continue to try to learn more about God's will for our lives. This requires Bible study, prayer, openness to the direction of the Holy Spirit, and discussion. It's a life-long process. Hopefully, as we continue to do these things, God's directions will become more and more clear to us. But, we should never believe that we've arrived at the "final truth" (again, consider the reasons given above). After all, the Bible says:

Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a "fool" so that he may become wise. -I Corinthians 3:18

Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. - Proverbs 26:12

The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out.-Proverbs 18:15

The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice. -Proverbs 12:15