How to Read God’s Word

            Most of what you need to know will be found in the Bible Versions section. Many are confused when reading the Word. Some think it is filled with contradiction. This spirit does not come from God (I Corinthians 14:33); it is from Satan through the many New Age Versions of the Bible, and from religious teachers’ continual criticism and re-translation.

            Is the Bible literal or figurative? Always take it as literally as possible—the exceptions will be obvious, and spelled out in the Word of God. Also remember that the spiritual vessels used to record the Word were men with unique personalities. This individuality shows in the writing, but it is still God’s perfect Word; preserved just as He intended.

            Individual verses can be taken, but only as long as they are supported by the text they are found in, and the entire Bible. Numerous verses by themselves make no sense, unless included in the greater context of the passage.

            Taking a scripture passage is the best way to understand verses—though there are still times you will need the rest of God’s Word to understand.

            Some people get hung up on context. You will hear them say things like, “Paul wrote this to these people, not us today!” God’s Word is from the Holy Spirit! It is preserved for all people throughout history! Trying to relativize it to only a few people is pre-empting God’s work.

            It is good however, to consider the situation and who was being addressed as it relates to us. With Jesus, for example, sometimes he was addressing only the disciples. Sometimes it was the Pharisees, other times the general populace. Be careful to find the direction it is aimed in, and you will understand it all much more thoroughly.

            We desperately need all of God’s Word! Some instructions have remained constant over time, but some has changed. Types of meat to eat are one example.

            Deuteronomy chapter 14 gives extensive instruction to the children of Israel as to their diet. There are meats notable as unclean, such as swine (pig) and shellfish. That is to say, they were not to eat them. These eating laws were directly repealed in the New Testament.

And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him; because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats? Mark 7:18,19

For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:  For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. I Timothy 4:4,5

            Also see Acts 10:15 and Romans chapter 14.

            As you can see, there is no doubt that it changed. God is showing His great concern for our spiritual welfare (eternal) over our physical well-being  (temporal). I actually know a woman who badgers her boyfriend about eating shellfish—calling it sin, and that he is in trouble with God! She is caught in a works type salvation; really creating her own religion by choosing verses she wants in her gospel.

            So why did God change it? I can suggest possibilities, but must ultimately rely on His purposes regardless of my understanding.

1)     God is more concerned for the spiritual than the physical

2)     In calling all of mankind, it could be difficult to find the right food choices in some areas. It could hinder salvation.

3)     Another way to know we are saved by grace and not works.

4)     Careful examination of forbidden animals shows that there are health issues for us if we consume them:  so God was promoting a healthy diet for his people. Some still do follow those dietary laws to promote good health—but it is not a requirement.

            It is also good to get multiple scriptures on a subject. The more vital an issue (spiritually), the more it is repeated. However, you must take every word seriously. For His own reasons, God sometimes chooses to show us very little on a subject. It is important to believe Him, even if understanding is small.

               Hopefully this will help you to begin understanding what you read in God’s Word. I would also recommend a Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, and perhaps a Bible with cross reference. A good unabridged English dictionary is another very good help. But God the Holy Spirit will always be your best resource for understanding. Our e-mail is always available, but my encouragement is for you to pray and read for yourself—that way you will give the Lord more sway in your life.