The Bible - How to interpret it Part 3

The Bible is a complicated book. Where should I start? I always recommend people to start with the simple stuff. I usually refer them to read the Gospel of John first; then the other Gospels, and so on. As you build a foundation, then you can move on to deeper stuff. The principle is that as you learn the basic teachings and doctrines, everything will start to make more and more sense. To drive a car, you need basic knowledge of the parts of the car: the steering wheel, the breaks, the accelerator, etc.

There is difficult stuff in the Bible; there is no doubt about it; to deny so would be foolish, but there are methods that will help you understand it. I remember years ago about the principle of discovering mysteries, and it goes something like this: when something is difficult, it doesn’t mean that it can never be known; it just means that at that time, it is hidden from you. If you are given a sealed letter, when you receive it, the content is a mystery to you, but if you break the seal and open it, then the content is no longer hidden. But if the letter is written in another language, then it is still a mystery. But if you learn the language, then it’s no longer a mystery. But what if the letter contains some technical terms that are foreign to your understanding; it will still remain a mystery. But if you learn the technical terms, then the mystery ceases. The Scriptures are like that; at first they may appear to be difficult, but as you start to read and learn the simple stuff, then the difficulties will become less and less. When talking about the mysteries of parables, Jesus said: “For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance.” Matthew 13:12

In our next article we will expand on the ministry of the Holy Spirit as it relates to helping us understand God’s Word. Meanwhile, enjoy your time in His presence.