Hard To Be Understood

It is nothing new to hear someone claim that the Bible is too hard to understand.  For some, this may just be an excuse to avoid studying the Word of God altogether.  Let us think about that more deeply.  Would God give us His Word, by which we will all be judged, but make it so difficult that no one could be certain of obedience and disobedience (John 12:48)?  That would make God unfair and unloving!  It certainly would be contrary to the statement made by Paul that indicates God “…will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:4).  Seeing as how God’s Word is truth, we can have knowledge of God’s Word (John 17:17).  The only way to obtain such knowledge is by studying the Word appropriately.  Paul also wrote, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15).  Each of us should be diligent in learning how to read and study with the proper application and understanding.  It may take serious research, but we can know what God’s Word says and teaches.

A person who has studied the Bible for years will readily attest that some parts are easier to understand than others.  After all, Peter wrote, “And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction” (2 Pet. 3:15-16).  Even Peter, who was inspired by the Holy Spirit, acknowledged that some of Paul’s writings were more difficult to understand than others.  This did not mean that effort should not have been made to understand.  On the contrary, with time and effort, a study of the Scriptures will render to the reader great knowledge.  Also, it should be noted that the one’s who “wrest” the Scriptures are “unlearned” and “unstable.”  Not only do they struggle with harder parts of the Bible, but they also have problems with other Scriptures as well.

Sadly, there are some individuals who have been so polluted with false doctrines that they stumble when presented with the truth.  Paul described such.  “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:  from such turn away.  For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Tim. 3:1-7).

The problem that some men have does not come from an inability to learn the Word of God, but rather from an unwillingness.  Timothy had been blessed as a child and a young man because he had faithful teachers of God’s Word.  He serves as a great example of just how well we can learn and understand, if we will dedicate ourselves to doing such.  Paul also wrote, “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  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 perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim. 3:14-17).

Friend, do not believe the false notion that the Bible is too hard to understand.  Instead, dedicate yourself to being diligent and laborious.  Your efforts will not be in vain, and you will be able to prepare yourselves for Judgment.
~ Corey Barnette