Why are there so many different Christian interpretations?
Understanding Unity and Divergence in Biblical Interpretation: A Baptist Perspective
The Bible, as the inspired and inerrant Word of God, calls for unity among believers in faith and practice. This unity stems from a shared indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who illuminates Scripture and reveals the mind of God to those who earnestly seek Him. Ephesians 4:5 (NKJV) reminds us, “One Lord, one faith, one baptism.” This passage emphasizes the foundational unity that should define the body of Christ as we are guided by “one Spirit” (Ephesians 4:4, NKJV). However, this ideal unity is often disrupted by differing interpretations of Scripture.
The Apostle Paul, in Ephesians 4:2-3 (NKJV), appeals to believers to approach one another with “lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Yet, as history and experience have shown, divergences in biblical interpretation are common. This lesson explores why such differences arise, examines the role of the Holy Spirit in interpretation, and addresses key factors that contribute to misinterpretation, all while emphasizing the need for humility, faithfulness, and sound doctrine.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Illumination
The Holy Spirit plays a central role in illuminating Scripture for believers. According to 1 Corinthians 2:10-13 (NKJV):
“But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.”
The Holy Spirit reveals God’s truth, teaches it, and enables believers to apply it. This process, known as illumination, is vital for understanding Scripture. However, not all who possess the Holy Spirit actively listen to His guidance. Believers can grieve the Spirit, as Paul warns in Ephesians 4:30 (NKJV): “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” This resistance to the Spirit’s leading is a primary reason for misinterpretation among Christians.
Why Do Believers Interpret Scripture Differently?
While the Holy Spirit faithfully illuminates the truth of Scripture, several factors contribute to the wide divergence of beliefs and interpretations:
1. Unbelief
Not everyone who claims to be a Christian is truly born again. Many wear the label of “Christian” without experiencing the transformative work of salvation. These individuals lack the indwelling Holy Spirit and thus cannot correctly interpret Scripture. 1 Corinthians 2:14 (NKJV) states:
“But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
Unbelievers, even those in positions of spiritual leadership, are incapable of understanding God’s Word. This results in false interpretations and teachings. A vivid example is found in John 12:28-29 (NKJV):
“Then a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.’ Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, ‘An angel has spoken to Him.’”
Despite hearing the same audible voice from God, individuals interpreted it differently based on their spiritual condition.
2. Lack of Training
Proper interpretation of Scripture requires diligent study. The Apostle Peter warns against those who distort the Word due to ignorance, saying in 2 Peter 3:16 (NKJV):
“As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.”
Paul instructs Timothy to faithfully study and handle Scripture correctly:
2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV): “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
A lack of training and study often leads to misinterpretation, as individuals fail to grasp the deeper truths of God’s Word.
3. Poor Hermeneutics
Hermeneutics is the science and art of biblical interpretation. Misinterpretation often occurs when proper hermeneutical principles are not applied. Key principles of sound hermeneutics include:
Interpreting Scripture in its immediate context.
Considering the historical and cultural background of the text.
Allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture.
Ignoring these principles leads to errors such as taking verses out of context or misapplying their meaning.
4. Ignorance of the Whole Counsel of God
Partial understanding of Scripture often leads to incomplete or skewed interpretations. Acts 18:24-28 (NKJV) describes Apollos, an eloquent preacher who only knew the baptism of John. Aquila and Priscilla corrected his understanding, explaining “the way of God more accurately” (verse 26).
Believers must study the entirety of God’s Word, comparing Scripture with Scripture to avoid an incomplete message.
5. Selfishness and Pride
Pride and personal bias can distort interpretation. Some individuals promote “new perspectives” on Scripture for personal gain or recognition, disregarding the true meaning of the text. Jude 1:16 (NKJV) describes false teachers:
“These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage.”
6. Failure to Mature
Immaturity in faith results in a limited ability to handle the Word of God. Paul chastised the Corinthians for their lack of growth, saying in 1 Corinthians 3:2-3 (NKJV):
“I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal.”
Spiritual maturity enables believers to discern deeper truths in Scripture.
7. Overemphasis on Tradition
Many churches prioritize tradition over Scripture, filtering their interpretation through denominational or cultural practices. Mark 7:13 (NKJV) warns:
“Making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.”
Tradition must never supersede the authority of God’s Word.
Clarity on Essential Doctrines
While some issues of Scripture allow for differences of opinion (e.g., styles of worship or communion frequency), the Bible is unequivocally clear on core doctrines such as:
The deity of Christ (John 10:30).
Salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).
The resurrection of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:14).
The Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
Believers must be dogmatic where Scripture is clear and avoid division over non-essentials.
The Model of the Early Church
The early church serves as a model for unity and faithfulness. Acts 2:42 (NKJV) states:
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
Unity in the church today can only be achieved by returning to the apostolic doctrine, forsaking traditions, fads, and false teachings.
Conclusion
The wide divergence of biblical interpretations underscores the need for humility, diligence, and dependence on the Holy Spirit. By faithfully studying God’s Word, applying sound hermeneutics, and seeking unity in essential doctrines, believers can honor God and strengthen His church. Let us strive to be diligent students of the Word, committed to truth, and united in the faith once delivered to the saints.
