Why are there so many different Christian interpretations?

Response

Scripture states that there is “one Lord, one faith, one baptism” «one Lord, one faith, one baptism, », (Ephesians 4:5). This passage highlights the unity that should be present in the body of Christ as we are filled with “one Spirit” (verse 4). In verse 3, Paul urges humility, meekness, patience, and love—all essential to maintain unity. According to 1 Corinthians 2:10-13, the Holy Spirit comprehends the thoughts of God (verse 11), which He discloses (verse 10) and teaches (verse 13) to those He dwells within. This work of the Holy Spirit is known as illumination.

In an ideal scenario, every believer would diligently study the Bible «Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. », (2 Timothy 2:15) relying on prayer and the Holy Spirit’s illumination. However, as evident, this is not a flawless world. Not all individuals who have the Holy Spirit truly heed His guidance. There are Christians who cause Him sorrow «And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. », (Ephesians 4:30). Ask any educator—even the most exceptional teacher encounters students who resist learning, regardless of their efforts. Hence, one explanation for the varying interpretations of the Bible is simply that some disregard the Teacher—the Holy Spirit. Here are some other reasons for the broad dDivergence of beliefs among those who teach the Bible.

1. Unbelief. The reality is that many individuals who profess to be Christians have never experienced spiritual rebirth. They identify as “Christians,” yet there has been no genuine transformation of the heart. Many who do not even accept the Bible as true presume to instruct others about it. They assert to convey God’s message while living in a state of disbelief. The majority of incorrect interpretations of Scripture originate from such individuals.

It is impossible for a nonbeliever to accurately interpret Scripture. “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them because they are spiritually discerned” «But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. », (1 Corinthians 2:14). An unsaved individual cannot grasp the truth of the Bible. They lack spiritual enlightenment. Moreover, merely being a pastor or theologian does not ensure one’s salvation.

An illustration of the confusion caused by unbelief is evident in John 12:28-29. Jesus entreats the Father, saying, “Father, glorify your name.” The Father responds with an audible voice from heaven, which everyone nearby hears. However, observe the disparity in interpretation: “The crowd that was present and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.” Everyone heard the same thing—a clear statement from heaven—yet each person heard what they desired to hear.

2. Lack of training. The apostle Peter cautions against those who misinterpret the Scriptures. He attributes their erroneous teachings in part to their “ignorance” «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», (2 Peter 3:16).Introduction. (2 Peter 3:16). Timothy is instructed to “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). There is no shortcut to proper biblical interpretation; we are compelled to study.

3. Poor hermeneutics. Many errors have arisen due to a simple failure to apply good hermeneutics (the science of interpreting Scripture). Extracting a verse from its immediate context can significantly distort the intended meaning. Disregarding the broader context of the chapter and book, or lacking an understanding of the historical/cultural context, can also result in issues.

4. Ignorance of the entire Word of God. Apollos was a powerful and eloquent preacher, but he only understood the baptism of John. He lacked knowledge of Jesus and His provision of salvation, rendering his message incomplete. Aquila and Priscilla took him aside and “explained to him the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:24-28). Subsequently, Apollos preached about Jesus Christ. Some groups and individuals today have an incomplete message because they focus on specific passages to the exclusion of others, failing to compare Scripture with Scripture.

5. Selfishness and pride. Regrettably, many interpretations of the Bible stem from an individual’s personal biases and favored doctrines. Some individuals see an opportunity for personal advancement by advocating a “new perspective” on Scripture. (Refer to the description of false teachers in Jude’s epistle.)

6. Failure to mature. When Christians do not mature as they should, it impacts their handling of the Word of God. “I gaveYou need milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly” (1 Corinthians 3:2-3). An immature Christian is not ready for the “meat” of God’s Word. Note that the proof of the Corinthians’ carnality is a division in their church (verse 4).

Undue emphasis on tradition. Some churches claim to believe the Bible, but their interpretation is always filtered through the established traditions of their church. Where tradition and the teaching of the Bible are in conflict, tradition is given precedence. This effectively negates the authority of the Word and grants supremacy to the church leadership.

On the essentials, the Bible is abundantly clear. There is nothing ambiguous about the deity of Christ, the reality of heaven and hell, and salvation by grace through faith. On some issues of less importance, however, the teaching of Scripture is less clear, and this naturally leads to different interpretations. For example, we have no direct biblical command governing the frequency of communion or the style of music to use. Honest, sincere Christians can have differing interpretations of the passages concerning these peripheral issues.

The important thing is to be dogmatic where Scripture is and to avoid being dogmatic where Scripture is not. Churches should strive to follow the model of the early church in Jerusalem: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” «And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. », (Acts 2:42). There was unity in the early church because they were steadfast in the apostles’ doctrine. There will be unity in the church again when we get back to the apostles’ doctrine and forego the other doctrines, fads, and gimm.

Identify and correct the errors that have infiltrated the church.