CAN WE UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE?

Can We understand the Bible?

• The Bible is God’s Word 2 Timothy 3:16• So, can we understand God’s word?• If yes, then we should try to understand• Give diligence 2 Timothy 2:15• If no, then one or two of the following

conclusions would be true:1. God is unable reveal His word in an

understandable way or2. God is unwilling reveal His word in an

understandable way

Examples

• Adam understood God Genesis 1:28-31

• Genesis 3:9-13 after the Fall, they could still understand God’s word

• Abraham understood and believed God Genesis 15:1-6

• Israel heard the Law Deuteronomy 4-5

• People are to teach other people Deuteronomy 6:6-9, Ephesians 3:3-4

All Do Not Understand God’s Word

• Calvinism, Premillenialism

• Denominationalism, Pentecostalism

• Some misunderstand John 2:18-22

• Some intentionally distort Mark14:58

John 2:19 vs. Mark 14:58

• “(You) Destroy this temple” not

• “I will destroy this temple”

• “this temple” not

• “the temple”

• “I will raise it up”

• “I will build another”

All Do Not Understand God’s Word

• Calvinism, Premillenialism

• Denominationalism, Pentecostalism

• Some misunderstand John 2:18-22

• Some intentionally distort Mark14:58

All Do Not Understand God’s Word

• Calvinism, Premillenialism

• Denominationalism, Pentecostalism

• Some misunderstand John 2:18-22

• Some intentionally distort Mark14:58

• Matthew 4:6

All Do Not Understand God’s Word

• Calvinism, Premillenialism

• Denominationalism, Pentecostalism

• Some misunderstand John 2:18-22

• Some intentionally distort Mark14:58

• Matthew 4:6

• Psalm 91

Psalm 91

• Taking figurative as literal v.3• Like Premillenialism• Taking conditional as unconditional v.9• Like Calvinism• Taking part as whole v.14• Like salvation by faith only• Taking out of context v.1• Like Pentecostalism

Some Make Assumptions

• The apple in Genesis 3

• The number of wise men in Matthew 2

• Wise men and shepherds together

• Compare Luke 2 and Matthew 2

• Salvation by faith only James 2:24

What is the problem?

• If men can understand God’s word but men do not understand God’s word,

• Then the problem is

• Men are unwilling to understand God’s word

• John 7:17

• Matthew 13:10-15

• Hebrews 11:6

Diligently Seek God

• You must hear the word Rom.10:17

• You can understand it if you want to

• You must believe the gospel Rom. 1:16

• You must repent 2 Corinthians 7:10-11

• You must not be ashamed of your faith Matthew 10:32

• You must be baptized for remission of sins because Jesus said so Mark 16:16