APR 4

2 Peter 1:20-21
Memorise Ephesians 3:4
“Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand…”

The Bible describes the Lord Jesus Christ as One who is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8) and the Heavenly Father as One who has no variableness, neither shadow of turning (James 1:17). Also, whatever He says stands, and stands forever. Indeed, Psalm 33:11 says, “The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.”

Since God is not a God of confusion but is perfect, single-minded, wise and immutable, it logically follows that the truths which He reveals through His Word do not change with time or have double meanings that would cause confusion to those who study it. This means that there can only ever be one correct interpretation of His Word.

However, there are passages in the Bible that are difficult to interpret. Because hermeneutics is as much a science as it is an art, even the correct application of hermeneutics by faithful students of the Word can yield different results. This does not mean that there is more than one interpretation. Rather, it is a problem with imperfect and fallible interpreters who are unique individuals. That is why 2 Peter 1:20-21 teaches us that interpretation of Scripture is never a private and purely intellectual endeavour, but one that is spiritual, guided by the Holy Spirit. Thus as we strive to interpret every passage rightly, we must constantly rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and not our own minds and wills.

Haven’t we often heard enthusiastic (and at times even heated) exchanges between sincere Bible-believing Christians who disagree with the meaning of certain passages in the Bible? The conversation often ends with both parties saying “well, that’s just your interpretation of it”. Perhaps what is necessary here is to humbly acknowledge that we need to prayerfully go back to search the scriptures more closely and ask for the Holy Spirit’s illumination to show us the one true meaning of the particular passage, while at the same time resist the tendency to take on a judgmental attitude towards those who hold differing views but still uphold the fundamental tenets of the faith.

Thought: If God’s truth were to be open to man’s interpretation we would ultimately have no assurance of our salvation in Christ.
Prayer: Thank You, Almighty God for Your absolute truths without which we would be swayed by every wind of doctrine.