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Answer
Understanding the Bible is crucial because it is God’s Word. When we delve into the Bible, we are reading God’s message to us. What could be more significant than comprehending what the Creator of the universe is communicating?
We pursue comprehension of the Bible for the same reason a man seeks to decipher a love letter from his beloved. God loves us and longs to mend our relationship with Him « O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! », (Matthew 23:37). God expresses His love to us in the Bible (John 3:16;1 John 3:1;1 John 4:10).
We seek understanding of the Bible for the same reason a soldier seeks to comprehend a message from his commander. Obeying God’s directives brings honor to Him and steers us in the path of life (Psalm 119). Those directives are outlined in the Bible « If ye love me, keep my commandments. », (John 14:15).
We seek understanding of the Bible for the same reason a mechanic seeks to grasp a repair manual. Challenges arise in this world, and the Bible not only identifies the issue (sin) but also presents the remedy (faith in Christ). “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” «For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.», (Romans 6:23).
We seek understanding of the Bible for the same reason a driver seeks to comprehend a route.Understand traffic signals. The Bible provides guidance for life, illuminating the path of safety and wisdom “Thy word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against thee.”, (Psalm 119:11,105) “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”, (Psalm 119:11,105).
We seek understanding of the Bible for the same reason someone in the path of a storm seeks to comprehend the weather report. The Bible foretells what the end times will be like, issuing a clear warning of impending judgment (Matthew 24-25) and how to avoid it “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”, (Romans 8:1).
We seek understanding of the Bible for the same reason an enthusiastic reader seeks to grasp his favorite author’s books. The Bible unveils to us the person and glory of God, as revealed in His Son, Jesus Christ (John 1:1-18). The more we read and comprehend the Bible, the more intimately we know the Author.
As Philip was traveling to Gaza, the Holy Spirit led him to a man who was reading a portion of Isaiah. Philip approached the man, observed what he was reading, and posed this crucial question: “Do you understand what you are reading?” “And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?”, (Acts 8:30). Philip understood that comprehension was the starting point for faith. Without understanding the Bible, we cannot apply it, obey it, or believe it.
