From Confusion to Clarity
Understanding the Bible by Letting the Bible Explain Itself
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One of the most dangerous trends in modern Christianity is the misuse of Scripture—pulling verses out of context to support personal opinions, agendas, or doctrines. Many believers are led astray, not by a lack of access to God's word, but by a failure to properly study and understand it.
Too often, people rely solely on their favorite pastor, televangelist, author, or influencer—treating their words as final authority. But God's word is the ultimate authority, and it must be our primary source for truth and guidance.
Scripture Interprets Scripture
God's word is complete, unified, and perfect. It does not contradict itself. When something seems unclear or difficult, the answer is not in abandoning it or finding a teacher who says what we want to hear—the answer is in digging deeper into the Scriptures themselves.
“The entirety of Your word is truth,
And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.”
— Psalm 119:160 (NKJV)
This powerful verse reminds us that truth is not found in isolated verses, but in the entirety of God's word. We must always view verses in their context—both the immediate passage and the broader context of the Bible.
Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth
Paul warned Timothy of the importance of handling Scripture properly:
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
— 2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV)
To “rightly divide” means to handle it correctly, to interpret accurately. We cannot do this without reading all of Scripture and using it to explain itself.
God Is Not the Author of Confusion
When people claim the Bible contradicts itself, or when different churches teach opposing doctrines, something is wrong—not with God's word, but with how it’s being used.
“For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.”
— 1 Corinthians 14:33 (NKJV)
The confusion doesn’t come from God—it comes from people who twist or ignore Scripture. When we let God’s word speak for itself, it brings clarity, not confusion.
Beware of False Teachers
God’s word warns us repeatedly that many will arise who distort the truth.
“These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.”
— Acts 17:11 (NKJV)
The Bereans are commended because they didn’t just take Paul’s word—they went to Scripture to verify his teaching. Should we not do the same?
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires… they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth…”
— 2 Timothy 4:3–4 (NKJV)
We must not be content with spoon-fed theology. We must search the Scriptures and weigh all teachings against them.
Context Matters
Pulling a verse out of context can lead to devastating theological errors. Consider this common mistake:
“Judge not, that you be not judged.” — Matthew 7:1
Many stop there—but Jesus continues, explaining hypocritical judgment, not all judgment. Just a few verses later, He says:
“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine…” (v.6)
and
“You will know them by their fruits.” (v.16)
Clearly, some discernment and judgment is necessary—context reveals the full picture.
Let Scripture Confirm Scripture
When confused by a verse, ask:
What is the immediate context?
How does this verse align with the rest of the Bible?
What do other passages say about this topic?
What is this word and it’s meaning in it’s original language?
The Bible is not a collection of random thoughts—it is a unified message from God. One verse does not stand alone.
“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation.”
— 2 Peter 1:20 (NKJV)
God’s word isn’t open to personal reinterpretation. We must interpret it in light of itself.
Dig Deeper
The Bible is its own best interpreter. Don’t rely on popular voices—rely on the voice of God, found in the pages of Scripture. When something doesn't make sense, dig deeper. Study. Cross-reference. Pray for wisdom. God's word is alive, consistent, and trustworthy.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.”
— Psalm 119:105 (NKJV)
Let it guide you—not someone else’s opinion about it.
AMEN! If Christians checked the Bible as you’ve eloquently described, without reading dogma first we wouldn’t be fussing over the nonsensical trinity.