The Dangerous side of Biblical Interpretation

It really pains me to see so much of Christianity today caught up in heresies and untruths. So many lives are at risk, as people continue to accept incorrect interpretations of what the Bible teaches simply to have a religion that suits their needs.

God knows our weaknesses and how we would try and modify His Word to suit our needs, wants and desires. His warning “not to do this” is sternly given in numerous verses throughout the Bible... none more crystal clear than Revelation 22:18-19...
I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

Much of Biblical interpretation today seems to evolve according to the group seeking to justify their actions or modify the Bible to dovetail with their beliefs.

Sloppy hermeneutic and exegesis produces a type of theology ex nihilo... a Latin phrase that simply means "out of nothing." This is a theology which has been crafted in order to support an established system of beliefs and practices. No Biblical substance. No Biblical foundation. It’s as if the authors of such theological interpretation magically wave their hands over the Bible that then produces the desired concepts and ideas... out of thin air.

Extreme caution must be exercised when interpreting the Bible, or we may find ourselves concocting a theology ex nihilo. What a sobering thought... that quite possibly some of our treasured practices and beliefs may not be firmly established upon a foundation of ultimate, objective Truth, but rather upon little more than wishful, even willful, expressions of a self-made religion. That reality could have everlasting dire consequences.

There is no question that Biblical Truth and life are on two different paths. We find ourselves constantly colliding with what the Bible says we should be doing and who we must become to please God. If that is too much of a living challenge... change what the Bible says. After all, it was written a very long time ago. Updating its meaning seems logical. Make what the Bible says fit today’s contemporary culture. Adapt God’s Word to our lifestyles. This sort of thinking, more prevalent in today’s culture than you might think, is intentional and willful rejection of God’s Word.

Over time, we have become petrified in our religious biases. This is not a new 21st century thing... it’s happened before. Jesus soundly rebuked the scribes and Pharisees for willfully invalidating the Word of God for the sake of their traditions, stating that their worship was in vain because they were elevating the doctrines of men rather than esteeming those of God (Matthew 15:6, 9). They willfully chose not to comprehend God’s Word.

One of the reasons for so much division within the Body of Christ, the greater universal Church, is that far too many persons seek to impose their own theology upon the Scriptures, instead of extracting the unvarnished truth from the the inspired writings. This is theology ex nihilo. If the only basis for our religious preferences and practices is an appeal to what God didn't say, or the creative manipulation of what He did, we have formulated a theological system "out of nothing." God doesn’t recognize it and won’t respond to the efforts of believers trapped in such heresies.

Be honest with yourself... part of the problem is we just don’t like everything God says to us. When we willfully fail to correctly comprehend the Truths in God’s inspired Word, we often feel compelled to formulate our own "truths" out of what He has not revealed -- theology ex nihilo. We elevate to the status of divine LAW our own notions about things God has not revealed or declared. We then seek to impose these doctrines, dogmas, and decrees upon others. We will restrict our fellowship to those who meekly accept our self-made theologies. In doing this, we embrace the shadows and rejected the substance. We have elevated ourselves and our institutions above Jesus our Savior. Once here... we have a well crafted religion but we don’t have an authentic relationship with Christ. Again, we are left out in the cold because Jesus doesn’t recognize or acknowledge us in such heretical thinking and practices. The life we think we are living “in Christ” is in vain.

The apostle Paul warned the young evangelist Timothy that a time was fast approaching when men would no longer desire the substantive Truths clearly revealed by God. Instead, "they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths" (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Demonic doctrines and deceitful spirits would be the companions of their newfound theology, and blessings which "God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth" would be forbidden (1 Timothy 4:1-3). No much has changed today... and Paul’s warning rest squarely at our doorstep.

When our preferences, practices, and perceptions become our "ways and means" ... when our earthly-worldly traditions are self-elevated to eternal Truth ... we truly have nothing! We have severed ourselves from our Savior in our futile quest to become self-justified, and have only succeeded in becoming self-righteous! When we rejects God's wisdom from above... the vast empty void of earthly wisdom is all that remains. (James 3:15)

My first thought in writing this article was to include a list of beliefs and practices in today’s churches that man has conjured up... “theology ex nihilo”. I wanted you to know what these things might look and feel like in the context of the Church today. I decided not to list any... you already know what they are. They are easy to detect and easy to see in practice. Some are shrouded in heavy handed legalism. Some are legitimized as excuses for divisions among believers. Why do you think there are so many denominations among Christianity? That was certainly not a “Godly idea”. Heretical practices and beliefs almost always focus on man’s wants and desires, interpreting Scripture in such ways as to turn God into a master servant who we control and waits to grant our every wish and desire. The most telling characteristic of Biblical misinterpretation... every single misinterpretation of Scripture is characterized by a lack of “love”, for “one another” and for God. Finally, the true genuine unadulterated Word of God is not burdensome. Trust in Him to help you carry your load. (Matthew 11:28-30; 1 John 5:3)

Our Lord's most scathing rebukes were leveled against the rigid religionists of His day who had become so entrenched in their own system of theological biases that they were no longer willing to openly and honestly see God's revealed Truth. They traveled far and wide to make converts to their system, but in so doing were in actuality making them "twice as much a son of hell" as they themselves (Matthew 23:15). By proclaiming a theology formulated out of nothing other than their own traditional teachings and personal perceptions and preferences, they were setting their disciples on a path to eventual eternal destruction.

In view of the grave consequences of creating, promoting and practicing misinterpretations of Scripture, it is essential that each of us do as Paul counseled Timothy... Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. (2 Timothy 4:2).

You might not like what God is saying to you. You might feel restrained or restricted in your expectations or desires by His Word. That’s okay, if you sincerely seek Him... God will work with you... through those challenges in your life. He’ll change you so that embracing His Truth is easier and a cause for joy in your life.

God’s Word is Truth. The only Truth in our world. The only pathway to salvation. (John 17:17). If what you believe or think you believe... is not in His inspired Word, then it is theology ex nihilo. It is worthless. It is dangerous to your soul!

Such theology will lead those who embrace it into that great eternal void away from the presence of God, rather than into His promise of life everlasting in His presence.

For the Sake of a Fallen World... Discipleship

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When you were in college did you know any professional students? Maybe you called them “super seniors”. They were the students who seemed to be in school continuously, frequently changed their majors, never fulfilling graduation requirements. They found comfort and security in being a student... delaying one more semester or one more year... movement into the real world.

The college experience is all about camaraderie among students and the security of knowing if you’re in school, then you don’t have to face the harsh realities of finding a job, making a living and dealing with adult responsibilities. Professional students played it safe, stayed inside the walls and hallowed halls of the institution, delaying as long as possible the responsibilities that come with adulthood.

Church can be like that for many believers. A safe place to hideout from the real world. Like college, the Church is an institution that prepares and equips people for real world responsibilities. College prepares students to graduate, equipped to enter the working adult world. Similarly, the Church equips believers to fulfill their calling as disciples in their community and region of our world.

Church can actually get in the way of achieving the goal set before us by Christ to fulfill the Great Commission. His mission for us is outward bound not inward. Caring for one another, learning to live together in community and equipping is essential... but these activities can become “comfort zones” and must not be our only or primary focus.

Church is a training and equipping resource to prepare disciples for works of evangelism. There is the fellowship of disciples in worship assemblies, Biblical teaching, and learning to care for one another, bearing one another and most of all loving one another. We might liken these activities to a school for ministry preparation. The Church, like an educational institution, equips individual believers for living in the real world, preparing them for the work of sharing the gospel.

In the Church, together as believers we experience continuous “spiritual formation”. It is a lifelong process of personal growth, flexing, transforming, adapting, learning to exercise and emulate the character of Christ that will carry us forward into eternity.

Serving God is seeking the lost souls of our world and sharing the gospel. It is holy living, honorable living that pleases our Father in heaven. Divine service is living a life set apart from the world, while in the world, but not of the world. Christians are to be equipped, trained and prepared to be noticed by the world as being uniquely different. The Church, the assembly of believers, is the training and equipping place for Holy and Divine living. (2 Timothy 3:17; 4: 1-5; Hebrews 13:20-21)

God prepares all of us for every possible opportunity to glorify His name, magnify His Son and proclaim the gospel of salvation. Our mission is to recognize the opportunities and know when to seize them. Living Christianity each and every day is the greatest adventure in the world. There is nothing like it. The world is ripe for gospel proclamation.

In all professions, from the helper services such as doctors,nurses, teachers, social workers to business owners, managers, accountants, sales and marketers, there are opportunities to be a witness for Christ and His Kingdom. It can be verbal or it can be a silent living example of “conduct unbecoming the world”, but God-honoring and glorifying. The Church trains and enables individuals to find in their work a divine calling and see the hand of God in their efforts to create and promote what is good and to serve others in love.

The focus of our discipleship for Christ is not highly programmed church functions and activities, but equipping each other to deal with the real world. Discipleship is for the sake of the world, not for the sake of the church. It is carried out in those situations where people spend their life. Above all, dealing in and with the “world” is hard work. Unfortunately, “discipleship” as Christian groups now teach and practice it, consists mainly of “special” activities of various kinds, religiously characterized, motivated, and organized “inwardly”, for sake of the church. In today’s culture, there is useful value in a “place” , the church building. It’s where people can go to hear and learn about Christ. But nothing can replace the “feet shod for Kingdom proclamation”, one on one, your mouth speaking the message of Christ to a hearers ears.

Whatever we do, every minute of everyday, lines up on one of two sides in the cosmic struggle for souls... God’s side or Satan’s side. Failing to perceive our mission as God intends it to be, “working in the real world” is a victory for Satan.

Sequestering ourselves in the confines of a programmed and activity filled church building in continuous preparation and training, never stepping forth into the real world to exercise the fruits of our discipleship, is a victory for Satan. Resisting and thwarting the efforts of the Holy Spirit to transform us, so that we are a beacon for the gospel, seen and known as Christians, is a victory for Satan. We either magnify and glorify God in our life conduct by living out our discipleship training in the real world by boldly preaching the gospel, or we don’t. If we don’t step out into the real world, armed and equipped with the gospel, we fail to hold to our commitment to serve God... His way.

The assembly of believers, elders and preachers guide disciples into their place in their world and show them how to “exercise dominion in life through the one man, Christ Jesus” (Rom. 5:17). Church builds the whole Christian for the whole world.

Real life, “ordinary” life, is the place of disciples and the place for discipleship. Equipped, prepared and outward bound is our God-given mission.

The ‘Ruler of this World’ loves Christians...

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...who devour one another! It makes his work so much easier!

We seem to forget who “rules the roost” around here. Why is that? Why do we seem to disconnect from the reality we know.... "Satan is the ruler of this "world" (John 12:31; 16:11; 1 John 5:19).

We are right here in the midst of his domain... this world is his kingdom. But it doesn’t mean we have to be influenced by his world. But you might be thinking.... “yes, I know that’s true, but I live in this world, so I need to be able to adapt, blend in, take advantage of opportunities, climb the ladder of success, pursue my dream, build my resume, achieve my goals, enjoy the fruits of my labors. I don’t want being a Christian to stifle me, hold me back, limit my potential. I don’t want being Christian to make me stand out like the only guy in a red suit in a sea of black ones.” Sound familiar?

Furthermore, the latest Barna survey found that the majority of American Christians do not believe that Satan the Devil, is a real being. The survey finds that nearly 60% of professing Christians believe that Satan "is not a living being at all but is just a symbol of evil." Interestingly, the majority of these surveyed Christians believe a person can be under the influence of spiritual forces, such as demons or evil spirits, even though many of these same people believe Satan is merely a symbol of evil.

What does this say about our concern that we might be controlled or manipulated by the crafty shenanigans of the Devil? Think about this.... If you don’t believe he exists, then you don’t believe he can influence you. You assume no responsibility for guarding against him and you aren’t worried about falling prey to the influences of his world. That’s why it’s so easy for Christians to live their lives with one foot in Satan’s world and one in God’s Kingdom. Sorry to dispel that notion... but that sort of fence straddling won't work, not with God. Not believing in Satan removes the barriers to doing what you want, when you want , how you want , leaving you free to craft a brand of Christianity to suit your lifestyle.

Satan and his demons believe in God and shudder in fear. When Jesus said that true believers are no longer of the world—he means we are no longer ruled by sin, nor are we bound by the principles and influences of Satan’s world. In Christ... we have genuine “freedom of choice”, unfettered by sin. No more “ring in the nose”, so to speak. God promised that submissive and obedient Christians are being changed into the image of Christ. This “Christlike” transformation causes our interest in the things of the world and its attitudes to become less and less influential on us as we mature in Christ.

NOT believing in the Devil, says that you are in control and you will decide the terms and conditions of your commitment to God. The world has no subversive influence over you. Frankly such a belief leaves you with no excuse for your bad behavior expect your own attitudes and choices. It is in fact a blasphemous affront to God who offers you His protection against the evil one. True believers in Jesus Christ are simply in the world—physically present—but not of it, not part of its values (John 17:14-15). A true believer must be set apart from the world. If you believe in God, then you believe in His enemy Satan and his evil demons and their power to influence and control you.

Living a life approved by God is not easy. It’s hard work and sometimes we feel like we’re being deprived of pleasures and all the things we would like to be doing.

When God says we are to live holy lives, the images conjured in our minds repel us. We might try for awhile, but the long run is just too much to ask. Hence, we dabble in the world, drifting back and forth in and out of our commitment, submission and obedience to God’s commands. The meaning of being holy and living a holy, righteous life is to be set apart. That doesn't mean living in a monastery , wearing sack cloth and sitting in a pile of ashes. It’s an attitude of Godliness... a deep personal desire to be seen in the eyes of God... as one like Christ.

We are not to engage in the sinful activities the world promotes, nor are we to retain the insipid, corrupt mind that the world creates. Rather, we are to conform ourselves, and our minds, to that of Jesus Christ.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2). Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. 1 Peter 2:1-3 

This is a daily challenge, a daily activity, constantly renewing, not some occasional reflection in God’s direction. We must be constantly and acutely aware of the quality of our commitment and submission to God. Sounds very hard and it certainly can be if your mind is more in sync with this world, than with God.

We must also understand that being in the world, but not of it, is essential if we are to be part of God’s purpose. We are to be a light, a beacon of hope to those who are in spiritual darkness. We are to live in such a way that nonbelievers see our good deeds and our manner and know that there is something “different” about us.

Christians who make every effort to live, think and act like those who do not know Christ do Him a great disservice. Our bad conduct and behavior gives Christianity a black-eye! Even the nonbeliever understands the principle... that “by their fruits you shall know them,” and as Christians, we should be exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit at all times.

Being “in” the world also means we can enjoy the good things of the world, such as the beautiful creation God has given us. God does not discourage us from providing well for our families, saving for retirement, having nice things, relaxation activities or anything His creation and our free will can make possible. The problem that affects us, our relationships with other Christians and threatens our churches, is when we immerse ourselves in worldly values, embracing worldly attitudes, philosophies and chasing after worldly pleasures. Unbridled pursuit of pleasure is no longer our calling in life, as it once was in our hopeless state. Our life goal “in Christ” is to live holy lives in awe, reverence and worship of God. That’s an every moment of everyday commitment.

So the next time you hit a snag in your communication with other Christians, where something is said or done that leads to a misunderstanding that potentially could cause a serious rift, think about who is controlling the situation. It’s not you... you’re being used and manipulated because of your willingness to battle windmills and make mountains out of mole hills. It’s not your brother who may or may not be causing your problem, even though you’re pretty sure he's the culprit. It is none other than God’s enemy... our real living adversary...Satan. The Devil seeks to consume you in any way possible, so be on guard. (1 Peter 5:8)

When we relish the role of combatant, standing toe-to-toe with our brothers in the congregation over trivial and insignificant things, it makes us... believers... the beloved of God... His children... His Church.... appear no different from anyone else in the world. Tear out your heart in darkness and renovate according to the power that seeks to make you a new creation in Christ. Commit––Yield–– Submit to the Holy Spirit in Holy living.

You Just Don't Understand... That's Not What I Meant!

A nice Christian fellow was at the Grand Canyon admiring its magnificent beauty when he slipped and fell over the edge.  Fearing for his life... he grabbed a tree branch on the way down, and managed to pull himself back near the edge of the cliff. Peering over the edge, there to his utter shock stood two grizzly bears... looking as if they were waiting for him!  What to do? He said a quick prayer, “Father in heaven, please make these bears be Christian bears!”  Carefully, the fellow pulled himself up and over the edge to flat ground ... within a few feet of the two bears.  Both bears bowed their heads, put their paws together and said, “God, we thank you for the meal we are about to receive.”

Miscommunication, misunderstanding? Maybe good Christian bears are thankful for their food too! Or, we could conclude that the moral of the story is that sometimes even Christians devour other Christians!

This humorous anecdote highlights an all too real problem among people –– miscommunication and misunderstandings can cause serious problems.

Have you experienced something like this in communicating with others in your church family? You thought you were clear in delivering your message, but still you were misunderstood. Why does this happen among well meaning Christians working together for what we all perceive as our common goal? Why do such communication problems become the seeds of discontent, divisions and even divisiveness among brothers?

Because we live in a fallen world. Even though Christians are “not of this world” the world’s influences touch us every day. Those influences can envelop us like a thick fog. Worldly attitudes and influences are the dominate forces in our lives. Like driving a car in foggy overcast weather, our vision is clouded and we instinctively prepare for a collision. In Christian community we tend to do the same thing, prepare for a collision with other Christians, because we are conditioned by our experiences to expect the worst from one another. There is a relational breakdown growing in secular culture and its affecting the attitudes and actions of Christians too.

I really do hope our reactions to each other are more unconscious than intentional, but we expect the worst from each other. We’re guarded, defensive, not sure if we can trust the other person, and worried about how to frame and phrase an important message. Why? Because we are conditioned by the world around us to think defensively and react aggressively to possible confrontation. As the world becomes more and more prone to confrontation, so do Christians. No attribute of civilized life seems more under attack than civility. Our first reaction is not necessarily to be nice... it’s to be prepared to pounce on our brother, who we perceive is preparing to pounce on us.

Misunderstanding and miscommunication is endemic in our culture. We become defensive when someone doesn’t understand us or we don’t understand them. Half the time, we’re not even sure what our differences are, but we’re sure we have them, so we prepare for a battle. If we approach everything with a warlike mentality, then we end up looking at brothers and sisters in the church with an adversarial frame of mind.

Our spirits are corroded by living in an atmosphere of unrelenting contentiousness. It’s the way of the world and the ways of the world infiltrate God’s Church because we’re human. We react to one another defensively, feeling threatened in some vague way. We respond aggressively by arguing emotionally when we should be trying to understand and evaluate our different points of view... rationally.

Well intended interactions and unrealistic expectations are usually at the root of misunderstandings and miscommunications among Christian people. Just like the two bears that ate that poor fellow. They were good Christian bears! The poor fellow assumed that good Christian bears wouldn’t harm him, let alone eat him. The bears saw the situation differently than he did. A big misunderstanding and incomplete communication.

Christians seem to be leading the way in creating the wrong impression inside and outside the church. Christians are not immune from saying and doing the wrong things. In fact, the world notices our bad behavior very quickly, commenting harshly on our bad conduct and so-called “christianity”.

Some Christians have turned themselves into the self-appointed attack dogs of Christendom. They seem determined to ravage not only opponents of Christianity, but also fellow believers of whose doctrinal positions they disapprove.

A stroll through the Internet reveals Christian Web sites so drenched in sarcasm and animosity that an agnostic, or a follower of another religious tradition interested in what it means to be a Christian, might be permanently disillusioned with pursuing the idea.

Why would any Christian feel pleased or satisfied when a brother stumbles and makes a mistake? I guess we feel a momentary sense of superiority... “it wasn’t me that made that mistake”. We build ourselves up by tearing others down for their shortcomings. While you may be pleased with yourself and you may have won a battle... you have lost the war. Don’t be deceived... no one watching such behavior will ever think you’re being Christian. Hypocrite, yes.

Misunderstandings, miscommunication, reveling in the flaws and mistakes of others is at the very core of the strife we see in today’s church.

The attack dog mentality is why many people will leave a church seeking refuge anywhere else. It’s no wonder we long to return to the spirit of the early church, and well we should. The Church must be about love and forgiveness. Even in disciplining sinful conduct, the attribute of love much prevail and guide every action. The ungodly world should be challenged, in fact awed by the Christian life... “see how they love one another.” Such love should shame the unbelieving world. Such love is after all, the mark of a true Christian.

So how can believers avoid misunderstandings, miscommunication, and the kind of worldly thinking that moves us to attack one another? How can Christians be in the world, but not of the world?

Next time we’ll probe these questions: Why do we act and react to one another the way we do? How can we learn to not feast on one another like the grizzly bears we can all too easily become in Christian community. Till next time... keep on renovating your heart for a fuller and richer life in Christ!