Should We Read The Bible?

Some people would tell us the Bible will only confuse us unless there is some Clergy to explain what we have read. Others would say we can’t understand the Bible alike. While yet others would say it doesn’t really matter whether we read it or not, just as long as we are honest and sincere in what we are doing.

Somehow in my seven years of preaching and studying God’s word, I have never found these things taught therein. As a matter of fact, when we say that we can’t understand the Bible alike, we are pointing a finger at God, and accusing Him of being the cause for religious division in the world today. Not only is this so, but we are casting a shadow of doubt upon the Holy Scriptures.

Paul said that God made known unto him by revelation, “the mystery; (as I wrote afore in a few words; whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ). Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.” (Eph. 3:3-5). Evidently Paul didn’t know the Bible would only confuse people when they read it. He said when we read it we can understand. He told Timothy to study to show himself approved unto God (2 Tim. 2:15). Peter says we are to sanctify the Lord God in our hearts and always be ready to give an answer to every man that asketh a reason of our hope (1 Pet. 3:15). The word of God is a lamp to our feet and a light unto our pathway. (Psa. 119:105).

It isn’t the Bible that confuses man, but man’s lack of study of it. It is man’s doctrines that confuse. We can read the Bible and all agree on what it says, but where the problem arises is when man says, “I know that is what the Bible says but...”. Usually this means, sure, I know that is what it says but I am going to do what I want to do.

Friends, when we one day stand before the Son of God in judgment and hear Him say, “Depart from Me, I never knew you”, it will not be because the Bible couldn’t be understood or because God is the author of confusion, but because we didn’t read the Bible to see what God would have us to do. If we are lost, we can’t blame anyone but ourselves. God sent His Son to the world. Jesus gave His life on the cross. The Holy Spirit came to the apostles and guided them in the writing of the New Testament. It has been printed in almost every language and priced within the range of us all. God doesn’t give us the knowledge of the Bible, this is up to us. If you want to know what God expects of you, read your Bible and it will tell you.

The New Testament is the last will and testament of the Son of God. This is the law that we are under today and the law we will be judged by in the judgment. It isn’t a very large book and it isn’t all that hard to read. I suggest that you start with the book of Matthew and each day read a few chapters. Before you know it, you will have completed the entire New Testament from Matthew to Revelation. Try it! I believe you will find it to be very informative and enlightening instead of confusing.