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"He made known to me the mystery (as I wrote before in a few words, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)" Ephesians 3:3f
It is a wonderful blessing to be able to read and study God's word. It is a blessing that has been denied many over the years. Behind the Iron Curtain, many have risked their lives to smuggle a few Bibles. During the dark ages, many Bibles were burned to prevent the common people from reading divine truth. And many in our country are prevented from reading the word of God. They are not prevented by civil authorities. Religious leaders do not confiscate their Bibles and burn them. They are prevented by a teaching that they have accepted. The believe the Bible is too difficult for them to understand. They believe someone called of God must interpret the scriptures for them. They have either been taught this by the church of which they are a member; or they have accepted an old "wives-tale" from somewhere in their past. The result: they don't know what it says; they follow the leading of any religious figure they feel to be trustworthy; and they end up practicing error because they have not investigated.
You May Understand...
The words of Ephesians 3:1-7 should adequately
dispel the notion that "common folks" can't understand the
Bible. Here Paul speaks of a mystery. The "mystery" that
he refers to is not an unlearnable characteristic of the scriptures. This
mystery was the fact that the Gentiles were to become fellow heirs of salvation
in Christ Jesus (v.6). It was a mystery in other ages; but it has
"now been revealed" (v.5). The Ephesians could understand by
simply reading!
Every well written book can be understood by reading it. One
may need to go over the material several times to master it; but it can be
understood! To deny that the Bible can be understood by any intelligent
reader is to deny that God provided an intelligent book for revealing His will.
Paul also wrote: "So then do not be foolish; but understand
what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians 5:17)
This was an admonition addressed to individuals. They were to
obey this. But how could they obey if the will of the Lord is too
confusing to be understood? Obviously, Paul didn't think the scriptures
too deep for the human mind.
Jesus also did not believe the word to be too difficult. In
His Parable of the Sower, the seed on the good ground represented one who
"hears the word and understands it" (Matthew 13:23).
Necessary Guidance...
Even with a complicated law code like the
Law of Moses, one could understand and follow what God wanted. Note the
following passages that show the necessary understanding and application made by
the individual: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my
path." (Psalm 119:105) The entrance of Your words gives light; it
gives understanding to the simple." (Psalm 119:130)
How should we live that we may please God? Can we invent a
way and be confident that it is correct? There is no way we can discern
the path God would have us walk without Him revealing that path to us. We
know what pleases us; but we have no way of discerning that which pleases
God. Just as it is written: "For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord. "For as the heavens
are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts
than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8 & 9)
If God had not given us the Bible, we would all be groping around
in ignorance, miserably failing in our efforts to please Him. But what
does that say about the Bible? It would indicate that it contains an
intelligent message for man to hear, understand, and obey. Although
perverted for selfish purposes by many people, the Bible remains the inspired
guide-book for man to please God and reach heaven after this life.
The Senseless Curse?...
In Galatians 1:8-9 the apostle Paul offered a curse
on any who would pervert the gospel.
But how do I know what that gospel is? I can't understand
it! How can I know whether I or any other is preaching another gospel when
I have concluded that it is too difficult to understand to begin with?
The Bereans were concerned about receiving something other than
what God had ordained, for they "searched the Scriptures daily" to see
if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth (Acts 17:11).
When Jude wrote to the saints, he admonished them to "contend
earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints."
(Jude 3). How can you contend earnestly for something that is to difficult
to understand? And mind you, Jude was not writing to preachers. He
was writing to people like you and me.
Conclusion...
The word of God is understandable. Yes, there
are parts that are difficult. Some are extremely cryptic (e.g.
Revelation); but such do not affect one's salvation. When it comes to
becoming a Christian, and living a living a life of righteousness, the Bible is
perfectly clear. Just as Paul wrote: "All Scripture is given by
inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction,
for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete,
thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16f)
The Bible is understandable. It gives us knowledge of what
God wants us to be and do in this life to please Him and go to heaven.
The overwhelming number of religious organizations in the world
caused great confusion for many. They wonder whether or not one can really
understand what God wants. But the Bible does not cause the confused
tangle of doctrines you see today. Such is caused by the rationale and
presuppositions of mere men. They follow creeds and dogma that have basis
only in the wisdom of man. The Bible is the only way to know God's will
and please Him. The Bible is the only answer for the good and honest heart
who seeks his Creator.
Bob Pulliam
