Seeing the Bible Alike Part 1

Can mankind see the Bible alike? Is it possible for each one to properly read, understand, and apply the Scriptures? So often there is disagreement and one will say, “That’s just your interpretation.” Are we forced to merely “agree to disagree”? Surely our God has something better in mind for His children than that sort of ambiguity. We can see the Bible alike if we allow the message of truth to go forward freely, not tied to our opinions or misconceptions. Rather than uncertainty, the Bible repeatedly shows that we can (and must) know what God has to say.

Moses said we can see the words of God alike. As a leader of the Hebrews, Moses declared what God would have the people to know. Some things would remain hidden; the secret things belong to Jehovah. However, the things that were communicated and revealed belonged to the people (Deut 29:29). They had a responsibility to know the commands of the Almighty and to faithfully share them with future generations (Deut 6:6-7). Certainty and understanding were essential for the continued obedience of the people (Deut 30:1-3). 

David also said we can understand the Lord’s teachings. As a skilled poet and a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22), David both proclaimed and celebrated God’s instructions. He delighted himself in the Maker’s statutes, treasuring them more than gold (Psa 119:16, 127). David held fast to the testimonies of the Lord, to keep himself from shame (Psa 119:31). The commands of God were both heard and understood by David (Psa 119:33-34). By God’s teaching, he could discern the true way from a false way (Psa 119:104). He invited all who would be clean to attune their ears to His Law (Psa 119:9).

John’s account of the gospel further shows that we can be united in understanding the commandments of God. He writes of the signs and wonders done by Jesus, so that we may read and believe (John 20:30-31). The life and teaching of our Lord are carefully recorded for us to see and better comprehend God. John recorded the words of Jesus, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:7-9). In fact, Christ prayed to His Father on our behalf. His prayer was that we would be united, to be joined together in reading, understanding, and applying the doctrine of truth (John 17:20-21).

All these spokesmen for God declared that through study of the Scriptures, we are enabled to see them alike. If we will accept only the Word of God (1 Pet 4:11), we should be able to stand united (1 Cor 1:10). When our only focus is doing all by the Lord’s authority (Col 3:17), we will see the Bible alike.