Many do not read the Bible because they say they
cannot understand it. It is important that we understand the Bible
because it is inspired of God. 2 Tim. 3:16,17. It is God's handbook
for godly living. Titus 2:11-14. We will be judged by the words
of Jesus Christ, our Lord. John 12:48. We now offer ten suggestions
which will help in understanding the Bible.
First, we need to realize that we can understand
God's Word when we read it. If we enter the study of the Bible
with the preconceived notion that we can't understand, we probably
will not understand. Paul, wrote, "When ye read, ye may understand."
Eph. 3:4. It is true some things are "hard to be understood."
2 Pet. 3:16. However, everything we need to know to be saved we
can understand. Also, the more we study, the greater our understanding
will be.
Second, we must love the truth. Those who have
no love for the truth will be deluded. 2 Thess. 2:10-12. God's
Word is truth. John 17:17. Sadly, many are more interested in
the doctrines of men than the truth of God. Matt. 15:9. Jesus
said, "ye shall know the truth, and the truth will make you
free." John 8:32.
Third, never give to a more difficult passage
a meaning which contradicts a clear passage. In spite of the claims
of some, the Bible does not contradict itself. "God is not
the author of confusion." 1 Cor. 14:33. Paul said we must
give diligence to handle God's Word aright. 2 Tim. 2:15.
Fourth, we need to study with a prayer that we
might understand. Knowledge does not come as a result of prayer.
The knowledge that leads to faith comes from hearing and reading
the Word of God. Rom. 10:17. However, we can and should pray for
wisdom as we study God's Word. James 1:5.
Fifth, we study with the desire to obey. We are
to be doers of the word and not hearers only. James 1:22. If there
are some truths one does not want to obey, he will find a way
to get around them. True disciples of Christ must continue in
His Word. John 8:31.
Sixth, we must not just take the words of men
without investigation. John said, "Many false prophets are
gone out into the world." 1 John 4:1. We should follow the
example of the Bereans. They "searched the scriptures daily,
whether these things were so." Acts 17:11.
Seventh, we need to know that God has dealt with
different people in different ways during three dispensations.
In the Patriarchal Age, He depended upon the head of the family
to guide His people. During the Mosaic Age, He revealed the Law
through Moses and Old Testament prophets. During the Christian
Age, He reveals His Word through His Son and those men to whom
His Son revealed the truth. John 1:17; Heb. 1:1,2; Gal. 1:8-12.
The things which were written before were written for our learning.
Rom. 15:4. But, we now live under the New Covenant of Christ.
Heb. 8:6-13. Those who try to live under two Covenants will be
confused.
Eighth, we must use a reliable version. Some so-called
Bibles are paraphrases and are simply the teaching of the one
who is writing. Versions which are the result of the work of many
are generally more reliable than those done by one or a few. The
standard versions are generally more easily understood and more
reliable. We can still learn the truth of God from the King James
Version. The American Standard Version is a very accurate Bible.
The New King James Version by Nelson Publishers is a good Bible.
Ninth, the use of the following helps will be
good as we study. Learn how to use a concordance. (Cruden's
is a good one). In so doing we will be able to locate other passages
which deal with the subject we are studying. A good Bible dictionary
is very helpful. W.E. Vine has a good dictionary, especially of
the New Testament. Halley's Bible Handbook will give us
the background for the book we are studying.
Tenth, we should make good use of commentaries
written by knowledgeable men. One must remember these writers
are not inspired. Just as you must compare what a preacher says
with the scriptures, so you must "search the Scriptures daily."
Acts 17:11. Keep in mind the commentary or the religious leader
is not the authority. The authority in spiritual or religious
matters is the Word of Christ. John 8:31,32. Jesus said, "He
that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth
him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in
the last day." John 12:48. -111 Heather Court, Scott Depot,
WV 25560.