Topics(s) --> Bible Study, God's Will

Bob Pritchard

People usually have many different opinions about various Bible passages. Paul said, however, that “God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints” (1 Corinthians 14:33). If we say that it is not really possible to see the Bible alike, we are really saying that God has not been able to communicate His will to us.

To be able to see the Bible alike, we must agree on some very basic principles. We must approach the study with a love for truth. Jesus said, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32). A genuine attitude of love and humility must support the search for truth. Too many people study the Bible to “prove a point,” or to find a scripture that they can easily twist to their own liking, rather than sincerely and honestly searching for truth with a love for God and His written word.

Paul advised the evangelist Timothy, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). “Study” here means to give diligence to the effort of being approved by God. “Rightly dividing the word of truth” means to correctly handle the scriptures, understanding proper distinctions in the text, especially relating to the three great ages of the Bible. The first age, or dispensation, was the Patriarchal Age, when God spoke directly to heads of godly families. This age covered the period from the creation to the giving of the law of Moses. The second age, the Mosaic Age, covered the period from Moses through the life of Christ. The third age, in which we now live, is the Christian Age, which began with the church and will continue to the end of time. The laws and regulations of the former ages do not apply to us today, unless repeated for the Christian Age.

As we study a Bible passage, we must note who is speaking in the passage, as well as who is addressed. The Bible records accurately the words of Satan and many evil men. Disaster will result if we try to make application of the scripture without noticing whether it is God or Satan who is speaking! It is also important in Bible study to determine why the author wrote the particular passage. For example, the book of Revelation is a book filled with symbols, sometimes hard to understand, but easily understandable by the first century Christians who were facing severe persecution by the Roman empire. Not knowing this, many make fanciful misinterpretations of the book of Revelation, thinking its symbols apply to today’s current events. Knowing that its main message is one of comfort to those in distress allows easier understanding.

It is also extremely important to consider the context, the verses surrounding the passage under consideration. We can easily resolve most Bible controversies when we properly consider the context. We should not take a few isolated verses out of their context, and read into them our own beliefs. We can see the Bible alike. It is God’s revealed will. He expects us to understand and obey it. Our souls depend on it.