Can We Understand The Bible Alike?

by Perry Sexton

      Some say that we cannot understand the Bible.  But is it reasonable to believe that God has given us a Book that we cannot understand, but expects us to live by it anyway?  Is it possible that God, "who would have all men to be saved" (1 Tim. 2:4), has given us words to be saved by (John 6:63, 68; Acts 11:14) that we cannot understand?  Such is not reasonable!  Is the all wise God of Heaven not capable of giving us words we can understand? 

      Paul said:"Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ"(Eph 3:4).  Yes we can understand the Bible.  But note: If people really understand the Bible they will understand it alike!  There is no such thing as people understanding the Bible, but not understanding it
alike.  Consider a simple math problem: 2+2=___.  Let's say a class room of 15 students all claim to understand the problem, but two gave an answer of 5 and one gave an answer of 3.  All the rest gave an answer of 4.  How many really understood the problem?  All that really understand will give the same
answer - the correct answer.  That is just how simple it is with studying the Bible. 

      Why then is there so much division about what the Bible says?  One major reason has to be that people are not reading the Bible (cp. Eph. 3:4 above).  People rely on their preachers to lead them aright in spite of the fact that God warns us that there would be many false teachers (Matt. 7:15; Acts 20:29,30; 2 Pet. 2:1-3; 1 John 4:1, etc.).  Look at all the different churches around with all the division, yet they all claim to “understand” the Bible.  Amazing!

      Where truth is concerned, one thing is for certain: Where two disagree, both cannot be right.  Considering Matthew 7:13,14, does it sound like very many really understand and follow the Bible?  Even among those that believe on Jesus, does it sound like many really understand the Bible (Matt. 7:21-23)? 

      How can we understand the Bible?  (1) By reading and studying (John 8:31,32; Eph. 3:4; 2 Tim.  2:15).  (2) By proving what is true by a correct use of the Scriptures (1 Thess. 5:21; Acts 17:11; 2 Tim. 2:15).  (3) By believing the Bible over what some preacher may say (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1); realizing that the Bible is from God and is true (2 Tim. 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:3).  (4) Recognizing that many are being led astray by false teachers (Matt. 15:8-14; 7:21-23), and realizing that you may be one that is led astray.  (5) Never change what the Bible says (Gal. 1:6-9): the Bible means what it says and says what it means.  (6) Never add to or take away from what the Bible says (Rev. 22:18,19).  (7.) Never twist or pervert what the Bible says (Gal. 1:6-9; 2 Peter 3:16).

      Do you believe that Jesus prayed for something that is impossible in John 17:20,21?  Are you willing to help fulfill the Lord's prayer by following nothing but the Bible?  What happens when men follow men instead of following the Bible (please read 2 John 9; Matt. 15:9,14; 7:21-23)?  It is not good is it?  We are not asking you to follow our word, but we do plead with you to follow God’s Word (James 1:21-25). 

Some Serious Questions For All

     God is very concerned for us and therefore instructs us to: “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.  Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates” (2 Cor. 13:5)?  Questions are an excellent way for us all to examine what we believe in light of God’s saving Word.  Please give serious heed to what you believe and compare it to what the Bible teaches.

1.      How many doctrines or faiths are there (Eph. 4:5)?

2.      Is doctrine important (2 John 1:9)?

3.      How does faith come (Rom. 10:17)?

4.      Must we obey the faith (Rom. 1:5; 16:26)?

5.      Can two people have opposing doctrines and both be right?

6.      Can two “walk together” having opposing views (Amos 3:3 cp. Matt. 12:25; 1 Cor. 1:10,13)?

7.      Is division the reason why there are so many different churches today?

8.      How many churches would there be if all truly followed the Bible (Matt. 16:18; Eph. 4:4 cp. 1:22,23)?

9.      Did Jesus pray for denominationalism or unity (John 17:20,21)?

10.  Is division (denominationalism) approved of God (1 Cor. 1:10,13)?

11.  What will happen to those churches “planted” by men (Matt. 15:13-14)?

13.  Did God demonstrate His love for us?  Did Jesus (John 3:16)?

14.  Are we obeying God whenever we set aside or alter God’s will (cp. John 12:48)?

15.   Do we honor and obey Christ whenever we wear man-made names (cp. Acts 4:12; 11:26)?

16.  Are you strictly following the doctrine of Jesus (2 John 9; Acts 2:42)?

17.  Can a person serve two masters (Matt. 6:24)?

18.  What happens when we try to serve two masters?

19.  How do false teachers come to us (Matt. 7:15 cp. 1 Peter 5:8)?

20.  Will all who “call on the name of the Lord” be saved (Matt. 7:21)?

21.  Who will be saved (Matt. 7:21)?

22.  Does Jesus want us to love our family more than Him (Matt. 10:37)? 

23.  Should family be the religious standard for us, or God’s Word?

24.  What will happen to those who are ashamed of Jesus (Mark 8:38)?

25.  What will happen if one does not repent (Luke 13:3,5)?

26.  What will Jesus say to those who continue in sin (Luke 13:27)?

27.  How must we worship God (John 4:24)?

28.  What is going to judge us in the last day (John 12:48)?

29.  If we love Jesus, we will do what (John 14:15,21,23)?

30.  Who are Jesus’ friends (John 15:14)?

     You may send your answers in for further discussion.  If you would like more information concerning what God requires for man to do to be saved, please let us know.  ♥