Bible Interpretation
April 29, 2001
Dear Friends,
One comment that I hear fairly consistently is that the Bible is open to interpretation. This is usually made in the context of a conversation concerning the importance (or lack thereof) of the true doctrines of the Bible. In other words, the question is: Is there one true interpretation of the Bible and can we know it?
The problem is that the Bible is subject to interpretation. Even those who are like-minded concerning the Scriptures in most every respect will often find discrepancies in their interpretations of various and sundry passages in the Bible.
If this is true, we have to deal with a few issues.
First, no one person has a complete and unerring interpretation of all Scripture in EVERY detail. It is amazing to me how many individuals or churches that claim to have a perfect and complete interpretation of Scripture inevitably change their perfect interpretation over the course of time. Any honest person or group of people dealing with the Scripture will admit that their understanding is an interpretation. Any honest and devout dealing with the Scripture will do the former, but be able to back up their interpretation with a chain of Bible proofs that make their point for them.
Second, since we are dealing with degrees of imperfection, why bother at all? Many conclude that since Scripture is subject to many opinions, the basic truths are unknowable. They may say "Why bother to read and study the Bible if it comes down to one person's opinion versus another person's opinion? Let's cut to the chase, so to speak, and just borrow someone else's opinion of what the Bible says rather than bother to form our own opinion. Surely there are others more capable of forming an valid interpretation rather than ourselves." Such is the folly of men to defer a life or death situation into the hands of others!
Why did God gives us the Bible in the first place? His answer is "All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.(2 Tim. 3:16-17 NRSV)
The Scripture are full of examples of those who formed their own opinions via the Bible and those who relinquished their opinion to others. Here are both positive and negative examples: Of the former,
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. (Acts 17:11)
Of the latter,
The officers answered, Never man spake like this man. Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived? Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him? (John 7:46-48)
The key here is to distinguish between what is true and unerring and what is questionable. The Bible is unerring and complete. It is human interpretation that is failing. Therefore, it behooves all of us to follow the example of the noble Bereans and "search the Scriptures daily" to see whether our interpretation is correct or not.
There is one correct interpretation – God's. Just as our attempt at perfect obedience is a poor impression of God's morality, our interpretation of His Scripture will also be incomplete. However, even knowing that we will not do so perfectly, we should be as diligent as possible in trying to mimic both His perfect character and His perfect truth.
Yes, the Bible is subject to interpretation. Yes, we should handle doctrinal disagreements in a Christ-like manner. On the other hand, using the excuse that the Bible is subject to interpretation as an excuse for laziness or a "who cares" approach to Scripture is, at best, a dangerous path to take.
In your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you.(1 Peter 3:15)
Keep reading and have a great week!
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