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Recently, I was asked a question concerning whether a person could read the Bible without the assistance of a teacher and come to the full knowledge of truth about the need for salvation. It comes from those who continue to be influenced by the teachings of men who continue to pervert the gospel. Let us examine the Scriptures to see what God says on this issue.
It is important to remember that,
no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, (2 Peter 1:20-21).
There are some who believe that one interpretation of Scripture is as good as another, just as those who contend that all churches are equal in the sight of God. For example, there are variations on how baptism is administered (i.e. sprinkling, pouring, baptism of the Holy Spirit) in order to be saved. These variations are in direct violation of what the Bible teaches, in that baptism is performed by immersion. Paul says,
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life, (Romans 6:4).
The only time that reading the Bible is sufficient without the aid of a teacher is during one's personal study of the Scriptures. Jesus says,
Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me (John 5:39).Also, we are to constantly examine ourselves, making sure that we are in the one true faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). If we are going to be a true soldier in the Kingdom of God, then we would do well to heed Paul's admonition to Timothy.
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).
Reading only the Bible is sufficient for knowing the truth. The Scripture says,
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works (2 Timothy 3:16-17).Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, Mary Baker Eddy's Science and Health With Key to the Scriptures, and every denominational creed.
In order to gain a perfect, or more correct, understanding of what is written in the word of God, one must be taught by someone who is a Christian. Jesus instructed his twelve apostles to,
teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen (Matthew 28:19-20).Examples include Peter and the other apostles preaching on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2), Philip teaching the Ethiopian Eunich (Acts 8:26-40), Aquilla and Priscilla teaching Apollos (Acts 18:24-28), and Timothy under the instruction of his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5).
The Bible must be taught in order that man might come to "the knowledge of the truth," (1 Timothy 2:4). It is only during a personal study of the Scriptures, however, that a person can read the Word of God without the aid of a teacher. While we are reading the Word of God, we must remember not only that "no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation," (2 Peter 1:20), but also that having the Bible alone is sufficient for searching for the truth.
Ira Mikell
ira@thechristianexaminer.com
Last Sunday, the Summer Olympics wrapped up in Sydney, Australia. The United States won the most medals, and we can have much pride in our nation's accomplishments.
Some of the more popular events in the Olympics are the track and field events. The media often told the stories of Michael Johnson and Marion Jones, great athletes who won many gold medals.
These athletes reminded me of a passage that Paul wrote to the Corinthians, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27:
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. And everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to win a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I buffet my body and make it my slave, lest possibly, after I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.
We, too, are running a race! Our goal is Heaven, and we must always run with that goal in mind. Some of us will reach the end of the race sooner than others will, but we all shall receive the same reward once we get there. During this race we must always have self-control and focus: Michael Johnson and Marion Jones won the gold because they were focused and not distracted by anything. We, too, must not allow the distractions of the world to prevent us from being disqualified.
Those gold medals which Michael Johnson, Marion Jones, and others won will still exist long after the athletes who won them have grown old and have perished. Our race, however, ends only at death, and our reward shall be imperishable, timeless. Therefore, keep running, focused and with self-control, devoting all of your energy to the race. You shall not be disappointed, for your reward is waiting for you.
Ethan R. Longhenry
ethan@thechristianexaminer.com
www.deusvitae.com
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