DIFFERENCES OF INTERPRETATION

 

Not everything in the Bible is easy to understand—just so you know. Many things are still open to multiple views. Who are the “sons of God” in the time of Noah (Gen 6)? What did Paul mean by the “baptism of the dead” (1 Cor 15:29)? What is the meaning of head covering “for the sake of the angels” (1 Cor 11:10)?

Thankfully, the truly essential things are clear in the Bible. The truth about Jesus being both God and man is evident. The idea that the Bible is the inspired (breathed out) Word of God is also easy to grasp. Salvation by grace through faith is also obvious. God made the important matters clear in Scripture. But we cannot say the same thing about all the contents of the Bible. These unclear areas of the Word are still subject to different interpretations from scholars and theologians. While not all of these interpretations are correct, many of them are valid. (Of course, we won’t include “interpretations” that are purely made up or based on imagination—only the valid ones!)

If there is only one Holy Spirit who is the “guide to all the truth” (read Jn 16:13), why then are there still different understandings of specific passages/areas of the Bible? Does it mean there is a problem with the guidance (illumination) that comes from the Holy Spirit?

I like the way Dr. Ron Rhodes answered this question. In his book, A Big Book of Bible Answers: A Guide to Understanding the Most Challenging Questions (2013), he illustrates that the Holy Spirit might be compared to a radio station transmitting a perfect signal. No matter how clear the station’s signal is, different radios will receive it differently. Some radios have excellent reception, others poor. Some have well-functioning antennas, others don’t. And there are many more differences. Regardless of how perfect the station’s signal is, the clarity still varies depending on the receivers. The issue is not with the sender but with the receivers.

In the same way, though we can expect the Spirit to help us understand the meaning of the text (and He will never mislead us), we cannot always assume to get it right. Just as many factors can affect how a signal is received, many things also influence the way we interpret Scripture. This is true for all believers—whether someone is just a regular Sunday School student or already a respected seminary scholar. A person with more access to information may give a more detailed explanation of a text (but that doesn’t always mean he is right). A learner’s or even a theologian’s theological bias can either help or hinder his study. The prayer habits and personal devotion of believers might also shape their insights. And there are many more factors! Differences in biblical interpretation do not mean there is something wrong with the inspiration or infallibility of the Word, nor with the Spirit. In short, the issue lies with the interpreter.

This truth about differences of interpretation should inspire us all to keep on evaluating how we understand challenging verses, issues, or questions. It also means that we should not be too dogmatic when it comes to these “gray areas” and never demonize those who believe the opposing view! Because the truth is, we might be the ones who are wrong, and they might be the ones who are right. Unless all possible evidence and arguments are available, it is hard to be absolutely certain. And even if we never know the answer here on earth, don’t worry—“for there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed” (Lk 8:17).

Allow ourselves to learn, relearn, or even unlearn. That’s what it means to go wherever truth leads. So stay curious, brethren!