Why is the Bible the Word of God? - Part 2

Now that we have established that the Bible is the Word of God and that it points to Christ in all things, we can conclude that it is the truth (Luke 24:27; John 5:39). Just as truth is timeless and unchanging, so is the Bible. Its message neither needs nor permits alteration (Deuteronomy 4:1–2; Proverbs 30:5–6; Matthew 5:18–19; Revelation 22:18–19), nor should it be "adapted," as some suggest. No, the Bible is not an outdated book. Its teachings are eternal and true.

Yet even after understanding this, certain questions remain. How should we read and apply Scripture in our times? Numerous theological traditions offer different arguments regarding the interpretation of biblical texts. Often, the same passage is interpreted differently according to the beliefs of the reader. However, we must remember that only one interpretation can be correct, and therein lies the challenge.

Before discussing practical principles for sound biblical interpretation, we must first address the subject of beliefs.

The collection of beliefs that each individual holds is commonly called a worldview. A worldview is the way we see the world—or, more accurately, the lens through which we interpret and live our lives.

How do we view God?

How do we view other people?

How do we view ourselves?

How do we understand the circumstances of life?

Where did we come from?

Where are we going?

What is the purpose of our existence?

What is fascinating is that the answers to all of these questions are found in the Bible itself. Scripture provides the proper lens through which we are to see the world according to the truth.

At this point, however, we encounter what appears to be a paradox. If we need a correct worldview in order to read and interpret the Bible properly, yet that correct worldview is found only in the Bible, where do we begin?

The answer is faith.

This faith comes from God; it is a gift (Ephesians 2:8). Without believing that the Bible is the Word of God and that Jesus is its central message, it is impossible to arrive at a proper understanding of Scripture (Hebrews 11:6).

It is not merely a matter of reading in order to believe, but believing in order to read—although God often uses the reading of Scripture itself as the means of producing faith in the heart. Such are the mysterious ways of God.

This faith is not born from human wisdom. It is given by God through His grace. All of this ultimately serves the glory of God. Imagine for a moment that a person could attain the knowledge of God solely through their own intelligence and effort. To whom would the glory belong?

Therefore, we can draw near to God and know Him only as He graciously reveals Himself to us. Everything is from Him, through Him, and to Him (Romans 11:36).

This does not mean, however, that we are excused from diligently pursuing the knowledge of God (Hosea 6:3). As I mentioned on the first article about the Bible, knowing God is the development of a relationship, and every relationship must be cultivated.

For this reason, we should not approach the Bible in the same way we approach any other book merely to acquire information. We must understand that when we read Scripture, we are drawing near to God Himself—with reverence, humility, and awe. Biblical reading is not merely an intellectual exercise. It is a moment of intimacy with the Creator. It is time spent enjoying fellowship with Him. This is the first and greatest principle of Bible study.

With this foundation established, we can now consider several basic principles of interpretation. Below are some that I consider particularly important.

I – Always read passages within their proper context.

Do not attempt to interpret isolated verses without understanding the broader context of the passage. Avoid superficial reading. Spend time meditating on the message of the text and seeking to understand its intended meaning.

II – Be careful when choosing a Bible translation.

Give preference to translations that seek to remain faithful to the original manuscripts. Some translations, in their effort to simplify the text, may unintentionally alter the meaning of certain passages. If you have questions, take time to research the matter.

III – Seek to understand the historical background of the biblical book you are reading.

When was it written?

Who wrote it?

To whom was it written?

What was life like during that period?

Answers to these questions will greatly assist you in interpreting the text accurately.

IV – Read Scripture through the understanding that Christ is the center of both the Old and New Testaments.

You may be surprised to discover how prominently Jesus appears throughout the Old Testament. This perspective will give you a broader understanding of God's redemptive plan and a deeper appreciation of who Jesus Christ truly is.

V – Remember that the Bible does not hide the moral failures of its characters.

When Scripture records certain practices, it does not necessarily endorse them. For example, we see instances of polygamy in the Old Testament. Yet when we examine the entirety of Scripture, it becomes clear that polygamy was never God's design or approval. Those who practiced it still suffered the consequences of their actions (1 Kings 11).

VI – After interpreting a passage, seek to apply it.

Examine your own life and ask whether it aligns with the principle being taught in the text. Do not fall into the temptation of simply dismissing a teaching by claiming that it no longer applies today.

Pray about the matter. Speak with other God-fearing believers. Study perspectives that differ from your own rather than seeking only what confirms your existing opinions. Ask the Lord to guide you in this searching.

VII – When you encounter difficult passages, pray for wisdom and clarity.

Ask the Lord to help you understand His perspective on the text. Ask Him to guide you in your study and, if necessary, to lead you to trustworthy resources written by faithful believers who can assist you in understanding the passage.

This final principle reminds me of an experience I once had. Several years ago, I participated in a missions training course. Each morning, we set aside time for personal scripture meditation. On some occasions, we gathered in small groups for a shared devotional time.

During these meetings, everyone would read the same passage individually. After a period of reflection, we would come together to discuss what each person had understood from the text and, if desired, share personal applications.

On one particular occasion, our group was studying Paul's letter to the Galatians. We all struggled to understand a specific section of the text. We reread the passage several times, but no one could offer a clear explanation.

Finally, we paused and prayed together, asking the Holy Spirit to help us understand what we were reading.

After praying, we returned to the text. Suddenly, one person shared an insight they had received. Then another person contributed something that complemented that understanding. A third person added another observation that brought even greater clarity.

Before long, the passage that had seemed difficult became remarkably clear. Together and through we were able to grasp its message and meaning. What a wonderful experience that was.

By sharing this story, I am not proposing a formula or suggesting that every experience will unfold in exactly the same way. Rather, I want to encourage you to pursue your own experiences with the Lord as you study His Word.

There is great joy in understanding a biblical passage while recognizing that it is the Lord Himself who has enabled you to understand it.

I could continue listing many other principles and tools for biblical interpretation, but I believe that if you understand and apply the principles outlined above, you will already be well on your way.

As you do so, biblical meditation will no longer feel like a burden. Instead, it will become a delight as you discover the rich treasures that the Lord has prepared for those who seek Him in His Word. Bless you!