Can we understand the Bible alike?
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Searching the Scriptures
David A. Bass, Rockford Church of Christ
It is not uncommon to hear people say, “We cannot all understand the Bible alike,” or “it is not possible for everyone to see the Bible alike.” Statements like these are often used in defense of denominationalism; but, are they in harmony with the Word of God? Did God give us a book that we cannot understand?
God has given man the Bible, and it is a book that can be understood by all! If we cannot understand the Bible alike, one of two things is true: (1) Either God was unable to give a revelation that everyone can understand alike, OR (2) being able, God would not give such a revelation. To say that He could not is to limit His power, and to say that He would not is to impeach His love, goodness and fairness.
Paul, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, taught that we can understand the Word of God alike. “Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing” (Philippians 3:16).
How can we walk by the same rule, unless we can (all) understand it alike? The apostle Paul wrote, “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:17). The Book of Ephesians was written to the saints (plural) at Ephesus (Ephesians 1:1) – the implication being that all of them could understand the Lord’s will alike.
In I Corinthians 1:10, Paul pleads with the Corinthians, “…that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” It would be impossible for them to be of the “same mind” if they could not understand the Bible and understand it alike!
If we understand the Bible, we will understand it alike, for it is impossible for two or more people to understand anything and not understand it alike! For example, the players, coaches and umpires are expected to understand the rules governing the game of baseball. We would not say that the players and umpires understood the rules if the umpire wanted to limit the game to six innings and the players wanted to use two balls on the field at a time. All would agree that the players and umpires did not understand the rules.
We may misunderstand and arrive at different conclusions, but our differences will be due to misunderstanding and not to understanding. I’m thankful that my doctor and my pharmacist understand medication alike. They both understand how much to take, how often to take it, side effects, etc. If we understand anything, we understand it alike!
Dear friends, if we will lay aside our creed books, manuals, disciplines and traditions of men and begin to diligently study the Bible with an open mind, we can understand God’s will for man. We must do away with our preconceived ideas and stop studying the Bible to try and prove what we already believe. Why not open the Bible with an open heart and search out God’s will! We can understand the Bible alike.
Visit with us this Sunday at the Rockford Church of Christ! We meet for Bible study at 9:00 and worship at 10:00. We are located just a few doors down from Dollar General. Search the Scriptures!
