Understanding Those Difficult Passages in Scripture (Part I)

Religion

Introduction

For the next few weeks I’d like us to explore some of those Scriptures that are just down right hard to understand. Some of these may have three or more explanations so who is right?

There are a couple of things to keep in mind as we look at some specific Scriptures. This list is not exhaustive but offers some of the most important things to remember.

First, we want to be sure to use proper hermeneutical techniques, that is, proper methods of interpretation. Hermeneutics is the study of interpretation theory or the principles of Biblical interpretation.

We want to properly and accurately pull out of Scripture God’s true meaning. This is called exegesis. We don’t want to read meaning into Scripture to make it fit our own beliefs. This is isogesis. 2 Peter 1:20 admonishes us: But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation.

Another rule of hermeneutics states that we should not interpret an obscure Scripture so that it overrides or nullifies other Scriptures that are clear on the same topic. God is not a God of confusion and when all is said and done Scriptures are harmonious within themselves. God is an excellent communicator even though we have problems at times understanding.

Sometimes we are hindered in our efforts to understand a Scripture because of translation issues. Greek and Hebrew do not always transfer to English perfectly. Sometimes there just isn’t an English word that perfectly conveys the author’s meaning. It helps to know Hebrew and Greek or to have reference materials that will help us study the original ancient words and their meanings.

Another interpretive rule is to let Scripture interpret Scripture. So many times the meaning we seek is right before us, somewhere in the Bible. Our temptation is to look outside Scripture for its meaning. This is especially true in Biblical prophecy. The tendency is to look at current news events and then force it into Scriptural scenarios. For this reason various people, for decades, have been predicting the end of the world and the return of Christ based on something happening in the Middle East. Guess what? They have all been wrong.

Anytime we isolate a set of Scriptures to study we must ensure we understand the context in which the verses reside. It is a bad habit within Christianity to quote verses out of context. When they are put in context they can mean the exact opposite of what was originally presented.

Finally, as you read, pray. It is God who is the author of Scripture and who has all the answers. He tells us to ask and we will receive. This is certainly a time when prayer is needed. God wants to speak to us so let’s listen carefully.

Next week, we will begin looking at some of the hardest Scriptures to understand. The first one we will tackle is Hebrews 10:26,27: For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES.

Be sure to check in next week. I really think I have a handle on this tough one. You decide.

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