WHY WE DISAGREE IN OUR INTERPRETATION OF SCRIPTURE

How do we know what the Bible actually teaches? So many Christians have differed in their interpretation of the Bible over the centuries. How then can we be confident that we have the correct interpretation?

While I think that this is a concern, I also think it is overblown. Among Christians who really believe that the Bible is the Word of God, I think that there is a very high degree of agreement. Often times, the disagreements are caused by the fact that people do not start out with this very necessary presupposition.

Besides, it was a presupposition of Jesus – that the Bible is completely the Words of God:

·       “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.” (Matthew 5:17-18; ESV; 4:4; 2 Corinthians 3:16-17)

In fact, this has been the consistent testimony of the entire Bible.

Another possible explanation for variant interpretations is the fact that we don’t meditate on the Word day and night (Psalm 1). The Bible yields its truths only gradually. Therefore, we need teachers (Ephesians 4:11-14) and our own private study.

Another reason is that we have created a barrier between ourselves and God, perhaps because of unconfessed sin. However, we are guaranteed that, ordinarily, God will provide wisdom:

·       If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (James 1:5)

Our Lord opens our minds to understand Scripture:

·       And he [Jesus] said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. (Luke 24:25-27)

This suggests that we need to be self-examining. This will produce in us humility about our own understanding and lead us to pray to our Lord for His wisdom and guidance.

Of course, we also need the anointing of the Spirit in order to understand Scripture (1 John 2:20, 27).

I have found that those who seek understanding above all else will find it (Matthew 7:7-8) and the degree of agreement will then become quite high. Nevertheless, there will remain disagreements. Why? Because we only see in part (1 Corinthians 13:9)!