Crystal Clear

A scary trend among many Christians today - even "evangelicals" - is the idea that Scripture is not necessarily clear. The philosophy promoted by many usually says one of the following ideas:

1) God's Word may be interpreted in multiple legitimate ways; or
2) God has left His Word intentionally unclear for His purposes (i.e. discussion of unclear direction from God causes Christians to learn to practice grace between differing perspectives and to muzzle our pride by keeping us from thinking that we, as people, could have the audacity to actually interpret God's Word with conviction and finality.)

Both of these perspectives are unbiblical and lead us down a road that invites a diminution of our view of Scripture. Consider the following:

1) "....no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God." (2 Peter 1:20-21)

Scripture is not open to multiple interpretations. It is actually God speaking - with a specific intention as to the message He wants to convey. It's not open for men to interpret how they see fit. God has a specific meaning when He speaks.

2) Consider 2 Timothy 3:16-17 --> "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work."

Scripture is not only inspired but is sufficient to present every man adequate and equipped for every good work. In order for this to be true, Scripture must be understandable. God has a message for us. God gives specific standards. God gives direction. He means what He says - and it is eminently possible for us to understand it. Granted, there are certain passages (although relatively rare in the scope of all scripture) that maybe we are not supposed to be able to fully understand. However, such passages are not with regard to content specific to how we are saved, how we should live, how the church is to function, etc. In other words, scripture relating to how we are to be adequate, equipped for every good work should be understandable. Sometimes proper understanding requires work through context, grammar, language, history, and culture - but work does not negate understandability.

We must always hold scripture with the highest view. It's our bread - let's not allow it to be de-valued.