Once the issue of the Bible’s authority is validated, there is likely no greater controversy among believers than how the Bible is to be interpreted. Whole denominations of churches, sects, splits and splinters, mainline and cults have come into being and are known by their particular interpretation of a certain passage in the Bible. And, they all, diverse as they may be, have but one thing in common. Each is convinced that they and their group are right, and all the others are wrong. And, each will staunchly appeal to chapter and verse of the Bible to vindicate their position. What’s wrong with this picture? Plenty! Somebody has to be wrong, especially where there are those who contradict each other. The problem is in figuring out who that is, and that’s undertaking a very formidable task. Where, oh, where to begin?
Well, we would propose two suggestions for starters: number one, commit to the concept that the Bible is intelligible; that is, it is capable of being understood and is, in fact, intended to be understood. God did not inspire the Scriptures to confuse or befuddle us. It is not a book of concealment but a book of “revealment”. Secondly, approach the Bible from a literal, straightforward position. Take it at face value without trying to read hidden or esoteric meanings into it. The Bible should be read to be comprehended in the same way any other item of literature is read, accepting, of course, that the Bible comes to us with the authority of God Himself. This does not mean, however, that the dynamics of reading and comprehension are different from other items of literature. They are not. Approach the Bible by taking it literally. This does not mean that we do not recognize figurative language and, thus, take absolutely everything the Bible says literally, but that we approach it from a literal standpoint. There are many things in the Bible that are obviously intended as figurative language. All the tools of literary composition are in the makeup of the Bible, including the richness of poetry, obvious hyperbole, or exaggeration for emphasis.
Figurative language is designed to convey color, emphasis, variety, not capable of being produced by mere literal language alone. Yet, for the most part, the Bible makes very good sense when taken at face value, and, in the vast majority of cases where it is not intended to be taken literally, that, too, is usually obvious. A favorite maxim employed by many is: “When the Bible makes good sense, seek no other sense.”
CC-03-05
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