The Message of the Bible comes to us in an integrated way, meaning that it confirms itself in many shapes and forms. This is how God made sure we get the truth with no room for misunderstanding. God’s message is woven in many events, situations and personalities, over a long period of time, running like a golden thread from Genesis trough Revelation.
A common mistake is made when readers of the Bible become distracted by a single event, and then form a point of view or build a doctrine on it. The disappointments that come when a single verse or thought is taken out of context to build a form of faith based on some personal preference, are too numerous to number and its victims are strewn over the continents and centuries of time. At the end of it all only the truth makes and keeps us free.
In some cases God spoke directly, in clear language that are hard to misunderstand to make His will known. In other cases His voice is hidden in the poetic language of the prophets and poets, the types, shadows and symbols, the parables that Jesus told, and the doctrines of the apostles. All of these together lay out God’s plan for man and His creation in a colourful way.
Ignorance of God’s word opens the door to deception, and, worst of all, self-deception. The devil is a master deceiver, and those who don’t know the word are easy targets of his attacks.
…that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ… Ephesians 4:14- 15
The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps. Proverbs 14:15
The Bible really is only hard to understand by those who are not diligent as students of the word. The Lord even went as far as equipping some to be teachers so that nobody would be denied the good news of His love and grace. God’s will for you is to know Him, His love for you, His grace toward you, and to understand His plan of redemption by which you can be restored to newness of life.
As you open your Bible to study, take the time to uncover the gems hidden in the types and shadows. Pray that you may find the treasures hidden in the parables that Jesus told. May the Lord open your eyes to see how He rehearsed His plan of redemption in some of the events in the Old Testament, and see if you can discover where the New Testament is hidden in the Old Testament.
The Bible is a truly amazing book, unique because it was written over centuries of time by different men of varied backgrounds, yet it delivers an integrated message of love and hope to mankind. Wherever the Bible is studied and its message practiced, peace has ruled. This peace is found in God’s plan for you, but you must go after it and search for it as it depends on your desire to be truly blessed.
My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you, So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, And find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly; He guards the paths of justice, And preserves the way of His saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice, Equity and every good path. Proverbs 2:1-9
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