Can I Trust My Understanding of the Bible?

Many Christians wrestle with the question: Can I trust my interpretation of the Bible? The Bible, a source of ultimate truth, calls believers to seek understanding with both humility and diligence. But how do we know our reading is correct? Pastor John Piper explains that we must approach Scripture with more than intellectual rigor spiritual and moral preconditions matter as well.

Approaching the Law Biblically

In 1 Timothy 1:8, Paul teaches that the law is "good if one uses it lawfully." This points to the need for biblical guidelines on how to handle not just Mosaic Law but all Scripture. First, we should keep a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. These spiritual conditions are essential because they align our hearts with the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

Romans 3:19–20 adds that the law was never meant to be a tool for justification but a mirror to expose sin. Interpreting Scripture correctly leads us to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of the law. Without acknowledging this, we risk misusing the Bible’s teachings, like the Pharisees did when they criticized Jesus’ disciples for acts like plucking grain on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:1–8).

Humility and Context

To properly understand Scripture, it’s vital to place each verse in its biblical context. Misinterpretation often happens when passages are isolated from their larger meaning or misread through personal biases. For instance, legalistic interpretations led the Pharisees to miss the heart of the law, which Jesus explained by quoting Hosea: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” (Matthew 9:13). Proper interpretation aligns with the gospel of Jesus Christ and his grace.

Overcoming Skepticism

Some may struggle with deep skepticism, constantly questioning their ability to interpret correctly. While it’s good to approach the Bible with humility, extreme doubt can lead to spiritual paralysis. Jesus criticized this mindset in the Pharisees, who claimed to need more signs but showed they could interpret daily life just fine (Matthew 16:1-3). This hypocrisy reminds us that we can trust our ability to understand Scripture if we sincerely seek God’s guidance.

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