We often hear the claim, “The Bible means different things to different people.” Some adopt this view because they believe it is unkind to tell someone their religious beliefs are incorrect. Others feel that the Bible is too complex to understand, pointing out that even biblical scholars disagree on its meaning.
However, this approach is unscriptural (contrary to the teachings of the Bible). It also carries dangerous implications for how we live and worship.
The Bible is Understandable
The Bible clearly states that we are capable of understanding it (Ephesians 5:17). God did not write His Word in a mysterious code that requires special, subjective translation.
Instead, the scriptures were originally written in the language of the common person. Modern English translations are designed to be clear and readable. Because God uses everyday illustrations like seeds, fishing, and the human body, we cannot blame our misunderstandings on the text itself.
If every reader can interpret the Bible differently, then the message itself becomes irrelevant. Without a single, objective standard of truth, we have no real foundation for our faith, lives, and worship.
The Bible would become like soft clay that we can mold to fit our own desires. If this were true, the scriptures would lose their authoritative (having the official power to command obedience) nature. Paul’s admonition (firm warning) in Ephesians 5:17 directly opposes this idea of subjective truth.
Confusion arises when people approach and interpret scripture differently. The apostle Peter acknowledged that some of Paul’s writings are difficult to understand, but he never said they were impossible to grasp (2 Peter 3:15-18).
In fact, Peter explained that by growing in our knowledge of God, we can recognize and avoid the errors of those who twist the truth.
The Bible commands believers to “be of the same mind” (1 Corinthians 1:10). A worldly or carnal (physical and self-centered rather than spiritual) approach to scripture inevitably leads to division.
When we prioritize physical preferences over spiritual needs, we wander away from the truth. Paul warned that misusing God’s word leads to useless arguments and pulls others into error (1 Timothy 6:3-5; 2 Timothy 3:1-9).
The Meaning of “Private Interpretation”
Some quote 2 Peter 1:20, which states that “no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation,” to argue that individuals cannot understand the Bible on their own. However, this verse is actually referring to the origin of scripture.
Many translations note that “interpretation” can also be translated as “origin.” Prophecy did not come from human wisdom or personal opinions; rather, God gave the prophets the exact messages to write. Therefore, this verse is about how the Bible was written, not how we read it.
The Danger of Deceptive Feelings
Other people agree with what the Bible says but feel they do not have to obey it. However, the prophet Jeremiah warned that our human feelings can be highly deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9).
Even King David was rebuked (strongly corrected) when he tried to serve God in a way God had not commanded. In 2 Samuel 7:1-7, David wanted to build a temple for God, and the prophet Nathan initially encouraged him.
But God corrected Nathan and told him to forbid David from building it because God had not requested it. David and Nathan had good intentions, but they acted presumptuously (acting without God’s authority). We do the same when we replace God’s instructions for worship with our own preferences.
An Objective Standard of Truth
I once studied with a religious group that urged me to pray about their teachings, claiming that a “good feeling” would prove their message was true. I pointed out a major flaw in this logic: our feelings are not a reliable guide for truth.
We can easily feel good about bad decisions, or feel anxious about doing the right thing. For instance, I once had to gently confront a close Christian friend about an action that was setting a bad example.
It was the right thing to do, but I felt very nervous and sad about the confrontation. Conversely, I once felt satisfied after harshly telling off a rude person, only to realize later that I had acted unchristianly.
Though I felt good in the moment, my actions were wrong. Our standard of truth must remain outside of our personal emotions (James 1:23-25; 1 Thessalonians 5:21).
Many choices seem right to us but lead to spiritual death (Proverbs 14:12). It is dangerous to elevate our desires above God’s commands.
The apostle Paul admitted that he once sincerely believed he was serving God while actually persecuting Christians (Acts 26:9; 1 Timothy 1:12-13).
Jesus also warned that many religious people will be lost because they chose their own way over God’s commands (Matthew 7:21-23). God desires obedience to His clear instructions, not our well-meaning substitutions.
Private Reflection Journal
What is one thing from this study that you can apply to your life today? Jot down your thoughts below.