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        • Spanish Version
        • Preface and Table of Contents
        • Myth 1 - Bible is Too Complex to Understand
        • Myth 2 - The Old Testament is Still Binding
        • Myth 3 - We Are Saved by Faith Only
        • Myth 4 - Baptism is of Secondary Importance
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Seven Myths of Denominationalism 
by David Brown

Myth 1 - The Bible is Too Complex to Understand


1.1 WHY BELIEVE OR TEACH THIS?

Many honest people really believe this myth, but anyone who has diligently

studied the bible knows that it is both false and totally enslaving. However, as long as

false teachers can convince their followers that the bible is too complex for the average

person to understand, they can control their beliefs. When people go directly to the

source of truth, they cannot be enslaved. Jesus said: "If ye continue in my word, [then] are

ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free"

(Jn. 8:32).

Based upon the author's own upbringing, which consistently discouraged any

inquiry of false religious doctrines as divisive, we expect that many reading this chapter

will feel that it is not an attempt to unify but to divide. We urge you to look beyond these

most prevalent attitudes and consider the fact that there is but one reality, one truth. If we

believe that the bible is from God, then we must believe that it is His attempt to

communicate that one reality to us. We cannot have it both ways. If we believe that this

is His attempt to communicate reality to us, then we must believe that He has the capacity

to communicate it to us in the most effective way. Anything short of this is a denial of His

love for us.

The myth of bible complexity takes many alternative forms: (1) we cannot

understand the bible alike, (2) everyone has their own interpretation, (3) we do not want

to be legalists like the Pharisees, (4) you can prove anything with the bible, etc., etc. All of

these have the same thing in common: they are personal excuses to avoid independent study of

the only source of spiritual truth upon the face of this earth: God's word.

The apostle Paul was addressing the question: "What advantage then hath the

Jew?" in Romans 3:1. His reply was: "Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them

were committed the oracles of God" (Romans 3:2). At that time the only oracles that the

Jews had were the written Old Testament scriptures. Their advantage accrued from their

possession of the written word of God. However, they failed to benefit from this great

advantage. Why? Was it because the bible is too complex to understand? No! Let us

read on ...

Rom. 3:3-4: "For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of

God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar." Once again,

the only source of spiritual truth upon the face of this earth is God's word. The Jews

failed to take advantage of the oracles of God, not because they could not understand

them, but because they would not believe them.

Truism: you cannot believe in something if you do not know what that something is.

Many declare that they believe the bible but rarely read it and never study it. How can

people claim to believe the bible when, in fact, they are merely taking other peoples' word

for what it says? What you are told by someone else that it says may or may not be true:

"Let God be true, but every man a liar." (We recognize that this applies doubly to books

such as this one, and we urge you to challenge every word of it in light of the standard!)

It is essential that we study the bible for ourselves: God demands it. Otherwise, by

definition, our faith is in the word of man, not the word of God.

Why believe or teach this? The answer to both questions have one characteristic in

common: ignorance. If we are ignorant of God's word and wish to remain ignorant of it,

then the myth of bible complexity is a comforting one. For, if we believe that the bible is

too complex to understand, then why should we make any attempt to understand it? We

recognize that some teach this myth out of a real conviction -- they really believe it.

However, those who have studied the bible and recognize its clear structure and basic

simplicity must have other motives. Independent bible study will reveal that there is no

such thing as a clergy class within the church. There is no need for someone to be

educated at a university of divinity and "ordained" to make the word of God understandable

to the common man. (Usually the effect is just the opposite.) However, as long as the

clergy can convince others of this myth, they can easily influence them to accept

traditional beliefs of men as opposed to those of God.

The psychological effect of believing this myth is devastating. After all, if the bible

is too complicated to understand, why try? Most leap to this comfortable conclusion and

go for weeks and months without independent bible study. In this chapter we will show

that this myth is not only untrue, it is one of the most devastating tools of the devil to

keep us from learning the very truth that will free us from his grasp.

1.2 WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

[Before starting this section allow us to take a few lines here to explain the meaning of the word mystery as

used in many passages of the New Testament, several of which we will quote shortly. According to Vine's

An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, this word does not refer to something which is complex or

difficult to understand. Rather, it refers to something which was hidden prior to being revealed by God. As

an example, if I asked you to guess what was in my pocket, this would be a mystery prior to its revelation.

However, once I pulled out a handkerchief, this would not be at all difficult to understand.

The totally counterintuitive nature of the New Testament teaching clearly demonstrates that it could not

have originated in the mind of man. However, once revealed it is not difficult to understand by those who

have an honest desire to understand it. Jesus said to his largely un-educated disciples (Mark 4:11): "Unto

you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all [these] things

are done in parables ..." Even the parables were not difficult to understand for those who are seeking the

truth; indeed, the purpose of parables was to present spiritual principles in the clearest possible way for

those with honest, seeking hearts. A by-product was the virtual impossibility of their comprehension by

those who were not seeking truth.

While there are times when the word mystery applies to specific parts of the New Testament, it generally

refers to the gospel in its entirety. In these cases, however, a part of the gospel (including some of the most

counterintuitive aspects) is used to illustrate the necessity for revelation. To illustrate one such example, the

mystery in Ephesians 3:5 is defined in the next verse (Eph. 3:6): "That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and

of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel ..." While this is certainly not difficult

to understand, the racial barriers that still divide the vast majority of the religious world demonstrate that

this is still a mystery (hidden) to all those who do not accept the full gospel of Jesus Christ.]

The myth that the bible is too complex to understand is exploded by the Apostle

Paul when he said: "... by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote

afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the

mystery of Christ)" (Eph. 3:3-4). This teaches that we can and should have the same

understanding as the apostle Paul had. Does anyone today claim to have a better

understanding than the apostle Paul had? Do we need to have a better understanding

than he did to be saved?

Why would the bible have been written in the first place if it were only going to

generate controversy because it is too hard to understand? The reason that it was written,

however, is not left to our speculation. Again, the apostle Paul instructing the younger

Timothy (2 Tim. 3:16-17): "All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for 


doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of

God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."

Now if the scriptures have the capacity to "thoroughly furnish us unto all good works,"

what happens when we ignore them and look elsewhere to determine what is and is not a

good work? Can anyone read the passage quoted above and believe that the apostle Paul

thought that the scriptures were too difficult for the common man to understand?

  In the preface we introduced the fact that the one and only way that the bible

indicates that we can produce faith within ourselves is through hearing the word of God

(Rom. 10:17): "So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." This

theme recurs throughout the New Testament, and it is critical to our salvation that we

know and understand what produces faith. We will take up the subject of faith in

Chapter 3; for now, we wish to confirm that to obtain the faith that saves, we must hear the

truth that is written in the bible.

  The apostle John provides the authority for this conclusion (John 20:30-31): "And

many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in

this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of

God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." Did John think we would

have the capacity to understand what he wrote?

  Those who think they have created faith within themselves by some means other

than a study of God's word have faith in something, but it is not faith in God. Some trust

their experiences, their charismatic leaders, humanism and the wisdom of man. But those

are not God's ways for granting us faith. The apostle Paul makes it quite clear that it is the

gospel (good news) of Christ which is the sole basis for salvation in Romans 1:16-17: "For I

am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every

one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness

of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith."

  No one in the bible was ever chastised for honest bible study -- the bible never

discourages anyone from independently studying the bible for himself or herself and

thereby "working out their salvation with fear and trembling" (Phil 2:12). The bible has no

such motive; only men possess motivation in the direction of discouraging independent

study. The thrust of the scriptures are in the opposite direction as exemplified by Paul's

command to Timothy (1 Tim. 2:15): "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a

workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

Neither is there ever a stigma on challenging our religious leaders by comparing

their teaching to the scriptures. Consider Acts 17:10-12:

  And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who

coming [thither] went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more

noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all

readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things

were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honorable women which

were Greeks, and of men, not a few.

Note three points from this passage:

1.Those of Berea were more noble because they "searched the scriptures" and validated

the teaching of no less a teacher than the apostle Paul himself. If they were noble

for checking up on an inspired apostle, we should not be intimidated from

challenging our teachers today to provide book, chapter and verse for what they

are putting forth. The burden of proof is upon the teacher, and the standard of proof is the

written word of God.

2."Therefore, many of them believed." Note once again that the honest study of God's

word produces faith, a recurring theme throughout the New Testament.

3.As is true today, there were many false teachers in the first century. The test of validity

was one of consistency with that which had already been revealed and written

down: the scriptures. How much more is this the standard in a day and age when

multiple copies of the Holy Scriptures are in each of our homes?

The scriptures were recognized as the standard of authority even in the first century

when the Holy Spirit was directly inspiring the apostles and prophets to reveal the truths

of the New Testament. Can anyone argue that God expected them to understand the

scriptures? Since we know that God is not a respecter of persons, we know that he

expects that same thing of us today.

  As the New Testament was being compiled from recognized inspired writings, it

became the standard of authority for the churches in the first century. The apostle Peter

made this clear when he expressed the purpose of his writing (2 Peter 3:1-2): "This second

epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in [both] which I stir up your pure minds by way

of remembrance: That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the

holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Savior."

We also know this from the writings of the apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 14:37-38): "If

any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things

that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let

him be ignorant."

  This cannot be misunderstood! The written words of the apostle Paul are the

commandments of Jesus. Do you think that Paul or Peter thought they were too complex

to understand? I realize that this destroys a cherished myth that is believed by many in

the denominational world. But these are not difficult passages to understand. If we

refuse to recognize that the writings of Paul (and the other inspired writers) are the

commandments of the Lord, then what else can be said of us other than that we are

willfully ignorant? "But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant."

1.4 SUPPORTING EVIDENCE

In addition to the scriptures given above which clearly teach that the revelation of

God can only be attained from a study of His written word, the bible contains mountains

of supporting evidence which attest and further supports this conclusion. The bible is the

most efficient book ever written; it guides us to every possible good work (2 Tim. 3: 16-17)

while containing absolutely no useless information. Jesus infers this in Matthew 4:4: "But

he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word

that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."

  Indeed, Jesus' respect for the written word must be mirrored in His followers. His

statements with regard to the Old Testament law gives us confidence that the providence

of God is active in preserving His written word (Matthew 5:17-18): "Think not that I am

come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For

verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass

from the law, till all be fulfilled." [The jot (YODH) was the smallest letter of the Hebrew

alphabet; the tittle, the smallest stroke.] We do not have to worry about the Old

Testament, and if God can preserve that, He will surely preserve the New. This was also

assured by Jesus in Matthew 24:35: "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words

shall not pass away."

  Why, then, do the very same teachers who want you to believe that the bible is too

complicated to understand so often talk about lost books, defective translations, and the

like? They point to the most difficult passages which may have awkward and archaic

translations. Why? Is it not to create doubt in the written word in order to convince you

to accept their doctrines? Surely no dispersions such as these appear in the scriptures

themselves.

  Jesus expected his contemporaries to understand the scriptures. He chastised them

for their apparently deliberate misunderstanding. Over and over again he responded, not

with what he had the authority to dictate to them directly, but with the voice of scripture.

Open your bible and look at the number of times that Jesus and the apostles referred to

the Old Testament scriptures in their teachings. It is obvious that they believed that those

who they were teaching already understood (or could easily ascertain) these references in

the identically same way as they did. In those cases where this was not true, those who

misunderstood were held accountable for their error.

  As an example of this, consider the incident in which Jesus corrected the error of

the Sadducees with regard to the resurrection (Matthew 22:29-33):

Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the

power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in

marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. But as touching the

resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you

by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the

God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. And when

the multitude heard [this], they were astonished at his doctrine.

  Let us observe the following from this passage:

1. Jesus did not teach that the scriptures were too difficult to understand -- he charged the

Sadducees with the responsibility to understand the concept of the "resurrection of

the dead" from the Old Testament scriptures.

2. Jesus stated that they should have understood because of the tense of a verb. Had God

said "I was the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob" then it could be concluded that

they were no longer in existence. However, since He said "I am the God ..." this

indicated that they were still alive (in spirit).

3.The difference in the Hebrew between "am" and "was" is based upon the presence or

absence of one word; in the Greek manuscript that he quoted it was just a few

letters. Thus, Jesus was basing His argument on the accuracy of the manuscripts

then in existence (recall Mt. 5:17-18 quoted above).

4. Jesus could have appealed to His miraculous ability, or even performed a miracle, but

when it came to the resolution of doctrine which had already been revealed, He

appealed to "that which was written." So should we.

As you study these passages, keep asking yourself the question: Does God expect us to avail

ourselves of the most published book in history?

  As another example, consider the story of Lazarus and the rich man. There is some

disagreement as to whether this passage is a parable or an actual story, but that is

inconsequential here. We are attempting to ascertain whether God expects us to

understand His written word today and use it to determine His plan for our lives. The

complete story is given in Luke 16 beginning with the 19th verse. To summarize: after his

death, the rich man was in torment and, upon finding out that there was no longer hope

for his own relief, he asked Abraham if he could send Lazarus back from the dead to

warn his brothers. Let us pick up the reading in Luke 16:27:

  "Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my

father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest

they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They

have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father

Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And

he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they

be persuaded, though one rose from the dead."

Observe the following from this passage:

1. The only way that they "had Moses and the prophets" was through their reading of the

Old Testament scriptures.

2. "Let them hear them" clearly demonstrates that Jesus attributed to Abraham the

expectation that they should have read and understood the Old Testament in order

to determine the will of God.

3. The final statement clearly shows that "faith cometh through hearing," and if an

individual will not allow the written word of God to produce faith, then even the

most definitive of miracles will not avail. Indeed, One did rise from the dead, but

those who did not have the will to be persuaded by Moses and the prophets would

not be convinced even by Jesus' resurrection.

  As we consider the importance that Jesus placed upon the Old Testament for determining

God's will, can we really believe that the bible is too complicated to understand?

(Recognize that while Jesus was upon the earth, the New Testament had not yet been

written.) The Old Testament was less accessible to them, but Jesus expected them to

know and understand it. How much more are we responsible for knowing the gospel by

which we will be judged?

  As we read through the New Testament we see reference after reference to the

written word of God (generally the Old Testament) even as the New Testament was being

written. In no case is anyone discouraged from studying it, and in all cases it is held in

the highest esteem. As an example, the apostle Paul concludes his letter to Christians at

Rome with the following statement: (Romans 16:25): "Now to him that is of power to

establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the

revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made

manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the

everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise,

[be] glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen."

[Recall the discussion of the word mystery at the beginning of Section 1.2.]

  Another example is the charge that Paul gave to the Thessalonians near the end of

his first letter to them (1 Thes. 5:27): "I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read

unto all the holy brethren." Clearly Paul expected every member of the church to

understand his writings.

  As a final bit of supporting evidence, consider the final warning of the bible:

Revelation 22:18-19: "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy

of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues

that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book

of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy

city, and [from] the things which are written in this book." If God did not expect us to

understand the bible, why would He warn us not to add to it or take away from it?

Despite the claim of inspiration of many false teachers to this day, the pure word of

God has been preserved from the first century. Not one word has been added to it or

deleted from it, despite all of the attempts to alter it. Many have dared to defy the threat

of God; none have succeeded. Their counterfeit scriptures have been easy to detect, some

even bordering on the absurd.

1.5  BIBLE COMPLEXITY

With all of this evidence that the bible is both understandable and the source of all

spiritual truth, we might be tempted to conclude that it is trivial (i.e., not worthy of our

time to study). Those who neglect to study it because they think it is "just common sense"

make this mistake as well. In reality, the bible is a very challenging book. The apostle

Peter referring to the writings of Paul stated "in which are some things hard to be

understood" (2 Pet. 3:16). The following presents that context of this statement beginning

with verse 14:

  Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be

found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. And account [that] the

longsuffering of our Lord [is] salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul

also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also

in all [his] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some

things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable

wrest, as [they do] also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye

therefore, beloved, seeing ye know [these things] before, beware lest ye also,

being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own

steadfastness. But grow in grace, and [in] the knowledge of our Lord and

Savior Jesus Christ. To him [be] glory both now and for ever. Amen.

  Note the following from this passage:

1. The apostle Peter had a very high regard for the writings of the apostle Paul; by

inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he placed them in the category of "scripture."

2. Some of the things that Paul wrote were "hard to be understood." This implies that other

things were not hard to understand.

3. Not the faithful but the unlearned and unstable "wrested" or twisted these scriptures unto

their own destruction.

Who was responsible for misunderstanding the writings of Paul (even though admittedly

they were difficult to understand)?

  We have been emphasizing that the bible is capable of being understood, while

clearly the scripture quoted immediately above states that certain parts are difficult to

understand. It is easy to reconcile these two views. Peter did not say that all things were

hard to be understood. There is a difference between "hard to be understood" and "too

complex to understand." We can be safe in concluding that parts of God's word are quite

simple, while others are much more challenging.

  The distinction between the simple (milk) and the difficult (meat) was understood

by all of the biblical writers. The apostle Paul indicated that this was correlated with the

spiritual maturity of the reader or hearer (1 Cor. 3:1-2): "And I, brethren, could not speak

unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, [even] as unto babes in Christ. I have fed

you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able [to bear it], neither yet

now are ye able."

  The distinction is between the milk of the word, which is easily digested, as

opposed to the meat, which requires more maturity for its discernment. The writer of the

book of Hebrews indicated that time was necessary for maturing process to take place.

He chastised the Hebrew Christians for not maturing as they should have (Hebrews 5:12-

14): "For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again

which [be] the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of

milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk [is] unskillful in the word of

righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age,

[even] those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and

evil."

  There is a lesson here for both the weak and the strong. To the babe in Christ: God

expects us to be obedient in all things which we understand to be His will (Heb. 5:9):

"And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that

obey him." It is our job, not just to believe that He exists but also to diligently seek him

(Heb. 11:6): "But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God

must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

Growth is an essential part of the life of the Christian, and this requires the addition of

knowledge (2 Pet. 1:5): "And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and

to virtue knowledge."

  To those who freely feed upon the meat of God's word, it should be recognized

that you never "arrive." Indeed, it was those who had the most knowledge of God's word

who were the recipients of the harshest rebuke from our savior (Matthew 23:23): "Woe

unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin,

and have omitted the weightier [matters] of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these

ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. [Ye] blind guides, which strain

at a gnat, and swallow a camel." Note, however, that it was not their study of God's word

that produced this attitude. Their misunderstanding of the scriptures had nothing to do

with the scriptures being difficult. No one who is selfserving will ever allow himself to

understand the writings of God. However, their error was not study per se; their error

was that they went to the bible solely to prove their preconceived ideas (see John 5:30-47).

The fact that the bible cannot be totally mastered is further evidence that its author

was none other than God. Moreover, the fact that its first principles are so simple only

adds to this evidence. "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through

his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ" (2

Corinthians 11:3) ... which introduces another way of expressing the myth of complexity:

the myth that you can prove anything with the bible.

1.6 SUBMYTH: YOU CAN PROVE ANYTHING WITH THE BIBLE

To illustrate this we might cite the scriptures (Matthew 27:5) "And he [Judas] cast

down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself."

Then (Luke 3:11) "... let him do likewise." Or the famous words of Job's wife (Job 2:9) "...

curse God, and die."  Obviously, words taken out of context can be twisted to produce

absurd teachings. But what does this prove?  Give me the simplest of writings and I can

do the same. Thus, should we conclude that no writings can be understood?  Such

reasoning demonstrates ulterior motives. God expects us to use the basic common sense

which he has given to every normal human being.

  This submyth is just another way of rationalizing ignorance of God's word. After

all, if clever teachers can prove anything by quoting scriptures, why should the average

person give it any credibility at all? The problem with the statement "you can prove

anything ..." is that it is in large part true when speaking of those who are wilfully

ignorant. As we observed from Peter when speaking of some of Paul's more difficult

writings, he said (2 Peter 3:16): "which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as

[they do] also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction." It is clear that not only the

difficult but also the simple scriptures are wrested by the ignorant and steadfast to lead

those with itching ears (2 Tim. 4:3) to proceed in whatever direction in which they have

already set their hearts.

  So the bible itself confirms that our section title is partially true, and thus the

danger. But before we swallow this fable hook, line, and sinker, let us explore the part of

it that is false. The old adage comes to mind: you can fool some of the people all of the

time and all of the people some of the time ... In fact, you cannot prove any false doctrine

with the bible to someone who is proficient in God's word. In most cases false doctrines

are proven to those who already wish to believe them, and they will accept even the

lamest, most illogical proof provided it is the same as their preconceived ideas. However,

in other cases false teachers are very adept at the manipulation of both their followers and

God's word to produce the effects that they desire.

Warnings with regard to false teachers are so numerous that we invite the reader

to pick a point at random in the New Testament and read five chapters in a row. The

chances of a warning against one in any given five pages is very high. The references to

false teachers are difficult to avoid, but we must study the scriptures to recognize when a

false teacher is misapplying a verse from God's word.

  Appealing to the bible itself, we see absolutely no evidence that the stable and

honest disciple will be readily deceived by those who twist the scriptures to their own

destruction. We see absolutely no disrespect for God's word because "it can prove

anything." Finally, we see absolutely no discouragement for the study of God's word for

this reason.

The inevitable conclusion is that those who make this appeal are either excusing

their own ignorance or discouraging study by others. They have no greater prospect than

to live their lives out in slavery and servitude to the devil (John 8:32).

1.7WHY PEOPLE DO NOT UNDERSTAND

There is a reason that most people do not understand God's word, but it has nothing

to do with intellectual ability or the difficulty of the scriptures. The following story provides

enlightenment in this regard (Matthew 13:10-17):

And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in

parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to

know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more

abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even

that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see
                                                                                                                
not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is

fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and

shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For

this people's heart is waxed gross, and [their] ears are dull of hearing, and

their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with [their] eyes

and hear with [their] ears, and should understand with [their] heart, and

should be converted, and I should heal them. But blessed [are] your eyes,

for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That

many prophets and righteous [men] have desired to see [those things]

which ye see, and have not seen [them]; and to hear [those things] which ye

hear, and have not heard [them].

  Jesus places the responsibility for understanding upon the individual. When we say that

we cannot understand it (or tell others that they cannot), we shift the blame for our

ignorance from ourselves to God. For, if the bible is too difficult for us to understand and

understand alike, then the fault for this must lie with the maker -- for He made both us and

His word. I am not ready to blame God for my ignorance of His word, are you?

One of the tenderest and most moving passages in the bible is found in Matthew

11:25-29:  "At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and

earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and

hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in

thy sight. All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man

knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save

the Son, and [he] to whomsoever the Son will reveal [him]. Come unto me,

all [ye] that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my

yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye

shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke [is] easy, and my burden is

light."

  Jesus is calling us all today through His word (John 6:45) "It is written in the prophets,

And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath

learned of the Father, cometh unto me." If you study the bible with no other intent but to

find what God's will is for you, you will have no problem in understanding what you

need. God will change your life, what you most desire, and what you expect to find each

time you open His word. Certain parts of it will be difficult to understand at first, but

with maturity which comes from digesting the milk, you will soon be able to partake of

the meat.

1.8 CONCLUSION

  This introductory chapter is merely a sampling of the scriptures which

demonstrate that God expects us to understand His written word. Once you get into it

you will recognize that page after page reinforces this basic theme: the holy scriptures are

able to make you wise unto salvation. Paul stated to Timothy (2 Tim. 3:15): "And that

from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto

salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."

  The ramifications of this simple fact are enormous in terms of organized religion.

Simply put: we do not need organizations of men or a clergy class to tell us what God's word

means. We will see what the bible teaches with regard to our organizing ourselves later.

At this point we need to revisit the thoughts of Section 1.1. As long as you believe that

God's word is too difficult for you to understand, you will make no effort to understand it

for yourself, and you will be enslaved to whatever doctrine persuasive false teachers wish

you to believe.

  A few of these are discussed in the remaining chapters of this book. We will see

that the word of God is not common sense -- that it is as far from the intuition of man as

darkness is from light. The bible is not a spurious and unnecessary book. It is as essential

to faith as faith is to salvation (Rom. 10:17).

If you do not agree with the basic premise of this chapter, there is really no use

reading any further. For, the remaining chapters assume that the reader agrees that the

bible is God's word and that it can be understood.

  Perhaps you totally agree and have the highest regard and respect for the

authority of God's word. We urge you to use it to validate what we have written as you

read on.



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