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Can We Understand The Bible Alike?
Allow me to employ an understatement at this time: There is much religious confusion and division in the world today. I remember about twenty years ago that the standard quote was that there were about 350 denominations in existence. Today the number is said to be in the thousands. Each one exists on the basis of a difference in doctrines. If there were no difference—if all taught the same thing—there would not be so many denominations existing today. Now, the question is—does the Bible actually contain such a vast diversity of doctrines? Does it, as so many affirm, actually mean one thing to you and another to me? If not, can we understand the Bible and can we understand it alike? Some say we cannot understand it alike and therefore applaud all the religious division in existence. One of the first things I offer for your consideration is that the Bible says, “God is not the author of confusion” (1 Cor. 14:33). Now I notice that all of these denominations teach and practice different doctrines. Is that not confusion? Yes, and it has come from men, not God. Let me say that I will affirm from a Scriptural standpoint that we can understand the Bible alike. Some think the problem is in understanding the Bible alike. I disagree, the problem is really in understanding the Bible in the first place. God has given us a book that we can understand. Jesus prayed, “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me” (Jn. 17:20-21). What Jesus prayed for is possible. We are even told how it is possible—“through their word.” We can be one through the apostles’ word which is the word of God. Paul wrote to a church that was experiencing division. He told them that the solution to this division was “…that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Cor. 1:10). This could only be done through an understanding of God’s word. It can only be done if the word of God has a single, not diverse, message. Friends, if we understand the Bible at all, it will be alike! Paul wrote, “by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)” (Eph. 3:4). Paul means understanding it alike. He certainly did not mean that it meant one thing to him and another to me and still another to you. I believe you can that this is so. The Bible says that there are some things that belong only to God. However, what is revealed is our concern (Deut. 29:29). There are even some things that are “Hard to be understood” (2 Peter 3:16). Nevertheless, this does not mean that it is impossible to understand what the Bible teaches. On the contrary, it is very possible that we can understand it and understand it alike. Just notice Acts 2:38 for a moment:
“Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”
Everyone ought to be able to see that repentance is necessary for the remission (forgiveness) of sins. At the same time everyone ought to be able to see that baptism is for the remission of sins also. Both are necessary before sins can be forgiven. Yet, there are thousands of people who do not believe baptism is for the remission of sins. Where does this come from? It does not come from the Bible for Acts 2:38 says baptism is “for the remission of sins.” If it does not come from the Bible, it must come from man (cf. Matt. 21:25). Thus, folks will only be able to understand the Bible alike by actually turning to the Bible. This means leaving the doctrines of men behind and taking God’s word as the only and final authority. “The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple” (Psa. 119:130). Yes folks, we can understand the Bible alike if we will try!
~Terry~ |