Understanding the Bible
Only Through Formal Education?
In many churches, only pastors with the appropriate training are permitted to preach. Therefore, it is a commonly held opinion that understanding and explaining the Bible is possible only through formal theological study. Let us remember that several prominent figures in Christian teaching, such as Peter, John, James, and other writers of the Holy Scriptures, had no formal education at all.
It is the enemy of souls who whispers to people that they should not even begin searching the Bible for answers because differing interpretations will only confuse them, because there is so much error, and because the Bible often appears to contain contradictions. Let us instead hear the words of Jesus: “I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.” (Matt. 11:25). By these words He teaches that understanding does not depend upon natural ability or education, but that it is granted to those to whom God has revealed it.
My desire is to show the reader that the Bible can be a guide for EVERYONE—a book that brings salvation, peace, and joy.
Understanding Can Only Be Given by God
First of all, it must be emphasized that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights” (cf. James 1:17). Wisdom and understanding of the Scriptures are included among these gifts.
“For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” (Prov. 2:6). Just as God gives life to every person, and every breath of man is in His hand, so every individual gift and ability is under God's authority. His power and wisdom are infinitely greater than those of man. Consider, for example, a living creature whose abilities develop from embryo to maturity. Every specimen is evidence of a Master Craftsman whose creative power and wisdom far surpass those of mankind.
In 1 Cor. 1:20, God's wisdom is contrasted with the wisdom of man: “Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?” Therefore, knowledge of the Scriptures cannot be acquired or increased apart from the will of God.
“...to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit ... But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.” (1 Cor. 12:8–11).
We shall now consider more closely the conditions that are necessary for understanding the Bible. The first requirement is a spiritual birth.
The New Birth Is Necessary
1. Comparison with a Child. Just as a child must first be born into the world before it can see and understand it, so in the spiritual life a person must first be born spiritually. In His conversation with Nicodemus by night, Jesus spoke these significant words: “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3). Here the word “see” is used in the sense of “understand.” Because the Kingdom of God is not material but spiritual, it can only be “seen” by the one who has been born spiritually and whose spiritual eyes have been opened. Whoever has not experienced this spiritual birth has, figuratively speaking, a veil over his eyes. He may read the words of Scripture, yet he cannot understand their deeper spiritual meaning. Paul speaks of this very condition with reference to the Jews who read the Scriptures of the Old Covenant: “But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.” (2 Cor. 3:14–16). Only those who, by faith, surrender their hearts to Jesus, are justified through Him, and are born again spiritually can understand the spiritual content of the Scriptures.
2. The Spiritual Meaning Cannot Be Comprehended by the Natural Mind. This becomes evident when one reads interpretations of Scripture in which spiritual symbols are explained in a merely literal sense. Such interpretations indicate that the interpreters have not experienced the new birth. Consequently, they are unable to understand the spiritual meaning of Scripture. “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Cor. 2:14).
They dream of imaginary landscapes and gigantic fruits, yet such things will never exist. They also expect an earthly kingdom. However, Jesus unmistakably described His Kingdom as a spiritual kingdom: “The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:20–21).
The natural eye cannot see the Kingdom of God, nor can it locate it—it is in the hearts of God's children; it is within them. The greater part of Scripture deals with what is most important: the invisible and the eternal. Many of the political and historical events mentioned in the Bible serve merely as background. Above all, the Bible was written for the salvation and preservation of our souls. Therefore, the reader of the Bible must first seek the grace of God and be assured of His acceptance in order to understand its message correctly.
Growth in Understanding
1. Growth Through the Word of God. In nature, growth naturally follows birth. It is the same in the spiritual life. Just as newborn children grow through the nourishment of milk, so Christians grow through spiritual nourishment—through the Word of God. Therefore Peter exhorts us: “…as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby unto salvation.” (1 Pet. 2:2).
The Greek expression logikos is derived from the Greek word logos (“word”) and can therefore be translated more accurately as “according to the Word” rather than “reasonable.” On the basis of the word logos in the original text, the passage may therefore be rendered: “…desire the pure milk of the Word” (Explanation from the Elberfeld Bible).
2. Understanding Is Precious. In some situations of life, wisdom or sound counsel is of greater value than money. In Prov. 16:16, wisdom is praised as being more valuable than earthly riches: “How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!”
This does not refer to the ability to calculate, solve riddles, make political decisions, or similar skills, but to divine wisdom—the wisdom to discern the will of God and His purpose revealed for us. Earthly riches are temporary, but divine wisdom leads us to everlasting habitations. Therefore, a person who amasses earthly wealth through successful business dealings while despising the fear of God is called a fool by Jesus (cf. Luke 12:20).
3. Understanding Is Not Entrusted to Everyone. This treasure—divine wisdom—is not entrusted by God to everyone, but only to those who live righteously in this life and remain faithful to Him. Thus Paul writes: “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” (1 Cor. 4:1–2).
Just as faithfulness is expected of a steward in this world, so God expects faithfulness from His servants. Do we handle our financial affairs honestly? Do we fulfill our responsibilities at school, at work, and in the family conscientiously and according to the commandments of God? It is precisely in everyday responsibilities and small acts of service that a Christian should be exercised and grow into a faithful steward in the Kingdom of God.
“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?” (Luke 16:10–13).
If we are unfaithful in that which belongs to another—that is, in earthly matters—how can we be entrusted with the true riches, the spiritual treasures?
G. Toberer has explained this matter very aptly:
“The interpretation of the Word of God is the work of the Holy Spirit. This great Teacher does not give aimless or purposeless instruction in the Word of God. He does everything beautifully in its proper time. The Godhead works in perfect harmony. The Creator’s plan for the universe is one unified system according to which all things are ordered and governed. In harmony with this great divine plan, the Holy Spirit also proceeds in the interpretation of the Word of God. God has His appointed times within His great household, and accordingly the Holy Spirit has His appointed times in making known the divine mysteries. For every particular season, He reveals to His attentive pupils those mysteries of the Word of God that have now reached their fulfillment and are ready for application. The obedient children of God walk safely within these boundaries, continuing in the discipline and instruction of the Holy Spirit, and are thereby preserved from deception and harm.
Jesus said to His disciples: ‘I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.’ (John 16:12–15).
The disciples of the Lord remain continually under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This faithful Teacher instructs the Church of God throughout all her pilgrimage until the end, when faith gives place to sight. He reveals ‘things to come.’ Yet this is not to be understood as some people suppose. The Spirit of God does not give His pupils useless revelations or knowledge of hidden things that would bear no fruit. He reveals those truths that are appropriate for the particular time and that serve as a blessing to the children of God. This all-wise Teacher gives His pupils understanding of God's mysteries only to the extent that they need them at that particular time. If more were revealed than they could put into practice, such knowledge would be unnecessary. Such fruitless knowledge would become a dangerous gift. Their consciences would be seriously burdened, for ‘to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin’ (James 4:17). It would become a temptation to self-exaltation. The Apostle Paul was given a thorn in the flesh lest he should be exalted because of the abundance of revelations (2 Cor. 12). Fruitless knowledge proves to be a harmful weapon in the hands of man, by which he injures both himself and others. The righteous God does not give man knowledge that he cannot use in faithful obedience. Every greater revelation of truth requires a corresponding moral foundation on the part of the recipient. The weaker a person's moral strength, the less can be entrusted to him at the time. But the stronger the inner man becomes through God, the more light concerning God's mysteries may be given to him. Therefore, only a godly character, firmly grounded in God and steadfast in faith, can receive the fullest enlightenment concerning God's mysteries.
Therefore, every further knowledge of God and of His ways is to be sought only through a daily walk with God. The more faithfully a person yields himself to God, the stronger his inner man and his moral strength become, and the more God can entrust to him. ... Every new gift of grace is obtained only through fresh humility. Every further revelation that God desires to give requires new submission on the part of the recipient. The highest self-disclosure of God can be granted only to the person who knows best how to humble himself before God.” (From G. Toberer, Go Ye Out from Among Her, My People, p. 274).
Brother C. E. Orr therefore explains the cause of spiritual misunderstanding in a few simple yet clear words: “If we do not understand some of His words, it is because we are not willing to go with Him into death and separation from the world, and are not willing to let His Spirit teach us fully and completely….” (From Life and Fullness, p. 25).
Please compare this explanation with the words of Jesus in John 7:17: “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine…”
The Holy Spirit
To attain a deeper understanding of the Scriptures, we need the help of the Holy Spirit. While Jesus was still walking with His disciples, He said to them: “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth ...” (John 16:12–13). From these words it becomes clear that the reception of the Holy Spirit is connected with a deeper understanding of spiritual things. The reason for this is found in the words of the Apostle Paul: “Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory... But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” (1 Cor. 2:6–8,10).
One important point must also be mentioned, a point that some creeds explain contrary to the Bible. The Scriptures clearly teach that the Holy Spirit can be given only to souls who have been born again. When Jesus promised to send the Spirit, He said: “...even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive...” (John 14:17). The word “world” does not refer to the planet earth but to unredeemed souls. They cannot receive the Holy Spirit. Peter and John were sent to the believers in Samaria. “Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 8:15). Both passages show that the reception of the Holy Spirit is preceded by the new birth. Although many other proofs could be given from Scripture, we will limit ourselves to these two.
Gifts and Responsibilities in the Church
In His infinite wisdom, God has made every necessary provision for the spiritual welfare of His children. For the spiritual edification of the church, God “gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ...” (Eph. 4:11–12). From among His servants, God calls a suitable soul for every office—a person who is willing to serve Him and consecrate himself to Him. To that soul He gives gifts, helps, and also lays responsibilities upon it. Thus, concerning Paul, God said to Ananias: “...he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel.” (Acts 9:15). Throughout Scripture we find many examples where God revealed His counsel to certain individuals, and they were required to communicate His words to others (see also Exod. 4:10–15).
In 1 Cor. 12:28–29 we read: “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers... Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?” This passage shows that even a faithful and diligent servant of God cannot be equally strong in every area. If someone has a greater gift of understanding, it does not automatically mean that he also possesses greater gifts in other areas.
The distribution of gifts within the church is necessary not only for the sake of order, but also because of the responsibility connected with each office, for “unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” (Luke 12:48). Therefore the Apostle James gives this solemn warning: “My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.” (James 3:1). Once again it becomes evident that those who bear responsibility for doctrine in the church also receive special help from God.
At the beginning of the Book of Revelation, which many call “a book full of mysteries,” we read: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass...” It does not say “to everyone,” but “unto his servants,” namely those who belong to God and serve Him. Even more clearly, God declares in Amos 3:7: “Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” From these passages we may conclude that it is not talent, education, or academic study that opens spiritual eyes, but God Himself, who gives life to mankind.
If someone finds himself in a situation where understanding of a particular spiritual question is urgently needed, and at that moment no trusted person is available to help, James 1:5 gives this counsel: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
On the other hand, some believers seek to escape responsibility by deliberately acquiring less knowledge, reading less, and searching less. Such an attitude reveals spiritual laziness and unwillingness to follow the narrow way of the Lord. Such people will hear words of rebuke similar to those in Matt. 25:26: “Thou wicked and slothful servant.” Let us therefore not be slothful, but “grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” (Eph. 4:15).
Loss of Understanding
“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” (Rev. 2:4–5).
Here the candlestick, as the source of light by which we see and understand, is compared with spiritual understanding. God warns the church and calls her to return to her first works; otherwise He warns of the loss of understanding. This warning also applies to us: if we become unfaithful to Him, spiritual darkness threatens us.
This thought is confirmed by another passage of Scripture: “And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed... Therefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me... therefore... the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.” (Isa. 29:11–14).
God desires to reveal His will and His mysteries only to a faithful servant. If a servant becomes unfaithful, outward piety is of no help. God cannot be deceived (cf. Titus 1:11). To those who pretended godliness, Jesus said: “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.” (Matt. 22:29). Those who knowingly lead others into spiritual death bear greater guilt before God than murderers, for an immortal soul is of greater value than the mortal body. “Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge...” (Luke 11:52).
Neither does God retain in His service anyone who seeks his own glory. “...my glory will I not give to another.” (Isa. 48:11; cf. Isa. 42:8). On the other hand, God helps and honors those who seek His glory. When Joseph was credited with the ability to interpret dreams, he answered, “It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer...” Daniel responded in a similar manner (cf. Dan. 5:17–23). This attitude is found in all the faithful servants and prophets of God. Jesus Himself clearly declared: “I seek not mine own glory...” (John 8:50).
The decline in understanding is closely connected with the subject “Growth in Understanding” and has been discussed in the previous chapter.
Appointed Times
After the prophet Daniel had written down many prophecies, God said to him: "But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase." (Daniel 12:4) God also spoke to the prophet Habakkuk: "Then the LORD answered me and said: 'Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.'" (Habakkuk 2:2–3)
Here we see that God does not reveal His prophecies all at once, but gradually gives more light as history unfolds. Even the plan of redemption was revealed to the servants of the Old Covenant only in outline. It was not until the New Covenant that God revealed it in its fullness to His servants. "...which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets..." (Ephesians 3:5) See also 1 Peter 1:10–12.
In the New Testament we find the plan of redemption in its entirety, without omission or limitation. Jesus said to His disciples—and therefore also to us: "...but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you." (John 15:15) Only the spiritual development of the Church throughout history did He conceal in the Book of Revelation. Yet even this is to be revealed in the time before His second coming. "The angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the earth raised up his hand to heaven and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are in it, the earth and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are in it, that there should be delay no longer, but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets." (Revelation 10:5–7)
This passage shows that God unfolds His prophetic revelation according to His own timetable. What was once sealed would, in the appointed time, be opened. Just as the plan of redemption became fully known through Christ and His apostles, so the spiritual meaning of the Book of Revelation is to be understood when God chooses to make it known to His servants.
“Follow Thou Me”
Finally, I would encourage every reader to diligently search the Scriptures and learn from them. God desires "...all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:4) The Apostle Paul expressed the same desire in different but equally clear words: "For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding..." (Colossians 1:9)
Therefore, read the Bible with joy, for it is the best guide through life. Above all, do not seek gifts or knowledge, but seek fellowship with Jesus. Seek to do the will of God!
Work faithfully and serve with the gifts that God has entrusted to you. If He has given you a ministry, fulfill it with all diligence and responsibility. If He has entrusted you with little, be faithful in managing that little and increase it. If He has entrusted you with much, give Him all the glory and remember that you are responsible for what has been placed in your care.
Do not compare yourself with others. Do not look to the right or to the left, but remember the words Jesus spoke to Peter: "...what is that to you? You follow Me." (John 21:22)