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Friday, September 03, 2021

Why You Can't Understand the Bible

 

Have you ever heard someone say, "I've tried to read the Bible, but I just can't understand it"? There are multiple factors in why people believe this about themselves. First, they don't understand how the Bible is structured. When I was very young I decided to read the Bible. I started from the beginning and was going to read it like any other book. I did not get past the first part about a man named King James. I was not told you could start anywhere. That the Bible was many books, letters, and writings. The Bible has sub-themes leading to one big one. Start where you desire and read for pleasure.

Second, the Bible is written using odd grammar and middle-eastern metaphors. You can get hung up on the way it is written. For some, it is just hard to read. I find some British writers like C.S. Lewis' non-fiction this way. Try using a modern translation or paraphrase alongside a trusted version to read closer to your style. There are some bad translations out there, but ask someone you trust and dig in. I have always been of the opinion that no matter which translation you use, you're do fine if you just do what it says. Also, I once read where a Muslim teacher stated that the Koran must be read in the original Arabic to be understood and the Catholic Church once taught that the Bible could only be read in Latin and taught by educated priests. If any leader, group, or organization tells you that they are the only ones who can translate the Bible, run from them as fast as you can.

Finally, the third and most important thing is the Bible is a spiritual book and must be read in the Spirit. 

"Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
But the natural (fleshly) does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned,"
Paul, 1 Cor. 2:12-14

Remember in the third chapter of John, where Jesus told the learned Pharisee named Nicodemus, "That he must be Born Again", and Nick could not understand Him. Also, remember how people could not understand Jesus when He used parables. This was because they were using their own minds to understand. Only when the Spirit opens the mind can a person do they fully understand. A couple of times Jesus spoke parables against the Pharisees and they understood. This is only because to Spirit opened their eyes a little. He does this when He opens the eyes of a worldly person (worldling) to show the truth. Without the Holy Spirit revealing the truth to a person, they cannot receive Christ and be saved. It is not possible with worldly wisdom. 

As a child, I was asked if I believed John 3:16 and was led in prayer. For many years I believed I was "saved", but did not have any spiritual understanding. I lived my teenage years just like anyone else. Until the Lord opened my eyes and I saw I was lost, and I received Him, then I could understand the Bible and spiritual things.

Have you ever watched TV shows where a "smart" person denies that God exists and Christianity is illogical? 

"However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery and hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory.
Which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory?
'Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.'
But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit teaches all things, yes, the deep things of God."
Paul, 1 Cor. 2:4-10

The person that believes Christianity is not logical just does not understand that it is logical, but just higher logic than man can come to on their own.

'Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men." Paul, 1 Cor. 1:25

In conclusion, if you seem to be stuck on something in the Bible, Pray for the Spirit's leading,  use a clear translation, use commentaries, word studies, and individual notes, but read with a spirit of obedience. Also, seek help from a trusted person. If you still can't get it, try repentance and ask the Lord to save you.