One Bible, Many Interpretations

If we’re all reading the same God-inspired source, why do Bible-believing Christians hold so many disparate doctrines? Did God have in mind only one correct interpretation when He inspired the Scriptures, or did He leave it open for various acceptable understandings? Intelligent and highly educated biblical scholars fail to draw the same conclusions from a large number of biblical texts. Should we then conclude that all are equally acceptable?

Before we look at possible reasons for these phenomena, it’s crucial to grasp the miraculous work of God to preserve the essential orthodox truths of our faith for almost two thousand years of Christendom. Millions of believers throughout the world believe in the eternal Triune God; Jesus Christ’s virgin birth, sinless life, death on the cross in our place, and bodily resurrection; salvation by grace through faith in His person and work; and His impending return.

We should also thankfully embrace God’s tremendous extension of grace to us concerning doctrines nonessential for salvation. After all, there are dippers and dunkers, robed choirs and robe-less rockers, kneelers and dancers, hand claspers and hand raisers, mega churches and house churches, tongues speakers and tongues denouncers, prophecy users and prophecy abusers, wine drinkers and teetotalers, Christian flag waivers and trendy art displayers, candle lighters and spot lighters, shouters and whisperers, demon denouncers and demon deniers, culture embracers and culture separators. Need I continue?!

Lightheartedness aside, contrary to what some in emergent and other liberal theological churches assert, many secondary biblical doctrines can positively or negatively affect a Christian’s relationship with God and other people. No less than God’s glory and our joy are at stake! Therefore, cognizance of factors that produce significant discrepancies, and acknowledgement that each of us is influenced by them to varying degrees, will better equip us to more accurately interpret Scripture.

The following list provides examples of some influences affecting biblical interpretation:
· Extent of Scripture knowledge
· Method of reconciling what the Bible teaches on a particular topic (systematic theology), or perhaps, lack of method
· Awareness of the historical and cultural context of the passage(s)
· Allegiances to current or former local church and/or denomination
· Experiencing or witnessing abuse from a pastor, relative or friend that adamantly espouses certain viewpoints
· Placing emphasis primarily on a person’s moral character to determine the correctness of the doctrines they champion
· Exclusive or primary exposure to only one perspective
· Comfort – reluctance to change viewpoints due to potential friction with church body, family or friends
· Culture – the unique social influences, philosophies and values of the society in which we live shape our instinctive inclinations
· Pride prevents us from being open to competing interpretations because we feel vested in our current, superior (so we think) understanding
· Valuing experiences and feelings above plain scriptural meaning
· Unrepentant sin hardens hearts and may blind people to seeing biblical truths that address it

Although undoubtedly incomplete, this list reveals the complexities Christians face as they seek correct biblical understanding. However, the Bible’s self-directed claims do not allow us to use them as an excuse for indifference or complacency. Consider the following passages:

In John 17:17 Jesus prays to the Father on behalf of His disciples, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”

Jesus explains in John 4:23-24, “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."

1 Corinthians 2:13
And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.

2 Timothy 2:15
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

These Bible verses reveal that God’s word is truth at its very essence, and He uses it to sanctify us. True worshippers are called to worship God in spirit and in truth. The Holy Spirit directly taught Scripture writers and interprets spiritual truth for believers. Referring to Scripture, the apostle Paul calls it the ‘word of truth,’ and adjures us to rightly handle it. The Word is immeasurably more than sage advice; it exerts tremendous spiritual power to change lives.

Kick conventional wisdom to the curb! The Bible does not make room for relative truth. Understanding the human limitations that prevent us from perfectly comprehending the Bible, through God’s power and wisdom may we humbly embrace a lifelong journey to constantly seek His truth.