The apostle Peter wrote, "As also in all his [Paul' s] epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction" (2 Pet. 3:16). The practice of wresting the Scripture is quite common. To wrest is to pervert, change, or abuse the divine text. Many misuse the Bible to justify sinful actions by taking a passage out of its context or misapplying the Scripture. We should not be surprised that this happens, since Satan himself, who is knowledgeable of God's Word, seeks to pervert it. In Matthew 4, Satan tempted Jesus by using the Scriptures. "The devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, If thou be the son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone' (vv. 5,6). Satan, taking a passage out of context, tried to cause Jesus to sin. Jesus corrected Satan by replying, "It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God" (v.7). Jesus knew how to properly use the truth.
There are countless passages today that individuals seek to wrest. Perhaps the three most widely abused are: Matthew 7:1; John 8:7; and Matthew 23:23. We shall briefly consider each one:
I. Matthew 7:1 states, "Judge not, that ye be not judged." These words of Jesus were spoken during His sermon on the mount. Some take His words to mean you cannot judge another under any circumstances. However, one should read this passage in light of its context. Verses 1-5 clearly teach that we are not to judge others by any standard, if we are not first willing to judge ourselves by it. Judgement in this context is speaking of hypocritical judgement and censorious judgement (judging without knowing all the facts). This type of judging is sinful. However, Jesus tells us to 'judge righteous judgement" (Jn. 7:24). He continues in His sermon by saying, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep 's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits" (Mt. 7:15,16). How can this be done except by making a judgement? Christians are commanded to judge, but only by the proper standard- -the Word of God.
II. John 8:7 states, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." Some would say, since Jesus did not condemn this woman of ill repute for her sin, neither should we be condemned for sin. Again, the context of the passage deals with hypocrisy. Jesus' attitude toward the woman was not toleration for her sin, but sympathy and compassion in light of her condemnation by even more despicable characters, the self-righteous Pharisees. Jesus made it clear that this woman was to "go and sin no more" (v.11). The Savior here teaches that while we are to despise sin, we love the sinner.
III. Matthew 23:23 states, "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin in, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgement, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone." Religious liberals almost make it a crime to obey God. This verse is often cited as a proof that what really matters in service to God is judgement, mercy, and faith; and we should not become absorbed with mere forms and outward devotions. To the contrary, this passage teaches that judgement, mercy and faith are more difficult to put into practice than tithing mint, anise, and cummin; thus, these weightier matters had been neglected by the Pharisees. The man who walks by faith and loves God with all his heart will not forsake any of the commandments of God. It is always right to obey Him, for Jesus says, "these ought ye to have done, and not leave the other undone."
Friends, let us never be guilty of wresting or twisting the Scriptures to prove something false or to gain some kind of advantage for ourselves. Let us take the totality of the Scriptures and always apply it to our lives.This item originally appeared in Bybee Banner (10/22/2000)
