In my adult Sunday School class recently, someone made a statement that completely took me off guard. I said, “That’s not right.” The person informed me that what I believed was a theory that many theologians disagreed with. It made me feel like because I had not studied all the theological viewpoints, I couldn’t possibly know what was right on this subject.
So the next day, I spent several hours researching the topic. The consequence of this “debate” caused me to question my ability to understand the Bible.
Theologians debate Biblical truths. Theologians often disagree. How can we know which theories are right and which ones are wrong? After all, theologians are a lot smarter than me and they can’t even agree.
That lead me to my next question. If I haven’t been to seminary, can I understand the Bible correctly? What if I haven’t studied the theological theories which have guided denominations for years? I was challenged by these questions and left a bit shaken.
I thought, I don’t think the Bible says that the common person needs someone to interpret the Bible for them. In fact, it says just the opposite.
Jesus said that we need the Holy Spirit to understand the Bible.
Jesus said, “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” John 16:12
“The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.” Psalm 19:7
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26:
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” 2 Timothy 3:16 (emphasis mine)
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” Romans 15:4
“Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105
“What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.” 1 Corinthians 2: 12
This doesn’t mean that everything is easy to understand. Not at all!
“For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12 KJV
“Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.” 2 Timothy 2:7 ESV
“Now, to say that we can understand everything in the Bible is not to suggest that we will understand everything immediately and fully. We won’t — and certainly not the first (or second or even tenth) time through. God can give us understanding in every passage without giving us understanding of every part of a passage. He also often chooses to give understanding, not immediately, but over years or even decades. As we keep reading (and living), familiar verses will emerge with new or deeper meaning and relevance. Some questions will be answered slowly. So don’t expect to understand everything now, but expect to understand something now — and then more tomorrow.” Marshall Segal President of Desiring God
(P.S. Coming up, we will look at How to study the Bible the right way.)
In His Love, Cindy
Would you like to learn more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.” Psalm 122:6
All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.
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