Many believers struggle to understand the Bible because they read it through the lens of denominational traditions.
These traditions, though well-meaning, can act as blinders-limiting our understanding and sometimes causing confusion when scriptures appear to contradict one another. However, when we remove these filters and approach the Bible slowly, word by word, we begin to see the harmony and clarity within God's Word.
Taking the Bible slowly means paying close attention to context, audience, and key words. It allows the Scriptures to interpret themselves without forcing preconceived doctrines onto the text. For example, while James 2:24 and Romans 4:5 seem to disagree on faith and works, rightly dividing the Word reveals that James was addressing believing Jews under the law, while Paul was teaching salvation by grace to the Gentile church.
Paul emphasized "rightly dividing the word of truth" ( 2 Tim. 2:15), meaning we must distinguish between God's dealings with Israel and the Church. The gospel of the kingdom, preached by Jesus and the Twelve, differs from the gospel of grace revealed to Paul. Recognizing this prevents confusion and helps us understand God's unfolding plan across different dispensations.
Studying slowly and without denominational bias allows believers to grasp deep truths and spiritual unity, avoiding the contradictions that arise when different programs/dispensations in Scripture are blended. God's Word becomes clearer, not by changing it, but by letting it speak for itself.
"Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ."
Matthew 7:15
"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."
Matthew 7:16
"Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?"
Matthew 24:35
"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."
These traditions, though well-meaning, can act as blinders-limiting our understanding and sometimes causing confusion when scriptures appear to contradict one another. However, when we remove these filters and approach the Bible slowly, word by word, we begin to see the harmony and clarity within God's Word.
Taking the Bible slowly means paying close attention to context, audience, and key words. It allows the Scriptures to interpret themselves without forcing preconceived doctrines onto the text. For example, while James 2:24 and Romans 4:5 seem to disagree on faith and works, rightly dividing the Word reveals that James was addressing believing Jews under the law, while Paul was teaching salvation by grace to the Gentile church.
Paul emphasized "rightly dividing the word of truth" ( 2 Tim. 2:15), meaning we must distinguish between God's dealings with Israel and the Church. The gospel of the kingdom, preached by Jesus and the Twelve, differs from the gospel of grace revealed to Paul. Recognizing this prevents confusion and helps us understand God's unfolding plan across different dispensations.
Studying slowly and without denominational bias allows believers to grasp deep truths and spiritual unity, avoiding the contradictions that arise when different programs/dispensations in Scripture are blended. God's Word becomes clearer, not by changing it, but by letting it speak for itself.
"Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ."
Matthew 7:15
"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."
Matthew 7:16
"Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?"
Matthew 24:35
"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."
Blessings
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