Guided by The Gospel – Issue 181 (Questions of Faith: Why Is the Bible Hard to Understand?)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The Bible is the most influential book in human history, yet it is also one of the most misunderstood. Even lifelong believers sometimes wrestle with difficult passages, confusing symbolism, and complex theological ideas.

Some ask, “If God wants us to know Him, why is the Bible so hard to understand?” Others wonder, “Why do people interpret it so differently?”

If you’ve ever struggled with Scripture, you’re not alone. The Bible itself acknowledges that some teachings are challenging—but God doesn’t leave us without guidance.

Why Is the Bible Sometimes Difficult to Understand?

1. It Requires Spiritual Discernment - The Bible is not just a history book or collection of wisdom—it is God’s Word, and understanding it fully requires a heart open to Him.

• 1 Corinthians 2:14 – "The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit."

Without God’s Spirit, some Bible truths seem illogical or even offensive. But when we seek Him, Scripture comes alive in ways we never expected.

2. It Spans Thousands of Years and Cultures - The Bible was written over 1,500 years by 40 different authors, in three languages, to varied audiences. Some cultural references, historical contexts, and idioms aren’t immediately clear to modern readers.

• Luke 9:62 – "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." (To someone unfamiliar with farming, this verse might seem puzzling, but in its original culture, it clearly symbolized focus and commitment.)

Understanding historical context helps unlock deeper meaning in Scripture.

3. It Contains Layers of Meaning - Many passages operate on multiple levels—some apply directly, while others contain prophecy, symbolism, or poetic imagery.

• John 6:53 – "Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you." (Taken literally, this would be shocking—but Jesus was referring to spiritual dependence on Him.)

Some passages require us to read beyond the surface to grasp God’s deeper truth.

Even among faithful Christians, there are different interpretations on certain topics. Why?

• Preconceived Beliefs – People often read Scripture through the lens of their own experiences, traditions, or preferences.
• Taking Verses Out of Context – Some misinterpret passages by ignoring surrounding verses or the verse’s overarching message.
• Failure to Compare Scripture with Scripture – The Bible does not contradict itself, but some misunderstandings happen when one verse is read in isolation rather than alongside supporting passages.
• Human Bias and Sin – Sometimes, people reject difficult truths because they challenge personal desires or cultural norms.

This is why prayer, humility, and diligent study are crucial when reading Scripture.

Practical Takeaway: What Does This Mean for Us?

If you’ve struggled with parts of the Bible, here’s how to approach it:

• Pray Before Reading – Ask God for understanding and wisdom before studying His Word.
• Consider Context – Who was the passage written to? What was happening at the time? Does it align with the Bible’s full message?
• Seek the Holy Spirit’s Guidance – God wants you to understand His Word. Ask Him to reveal His truth as you read.
• Study with Others – Iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17). Join a Bible study or discuss Scripture with trusted believers.

The Bible is not meant to be a mystery—God desires that we know Him intimately. When we approach His Word with a seeking heart, He will make His truth clear.

Reflection and Challenge - What’s one part of the Bible you’ve struggled to understand? How did you work through it?

I’d love to hear your thoughts—share in the comments or send me a message if you’d prefer a private discussion.

With Hope and Faith,

Edward C. Thomas

Guided by The Gospel

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