02-COMMON MISTAKES INTERPRETING SCRIPTURE
Chapter One Common Mistaskes in Interpreting Scripture
When studying Scripture, it is possible to mistakenly draw a conclusion based on an erroneous interpretation and application of specific verses. There have been many cults established based on an incorrect interpretation of God’s Word, or using it in the wrong context. Here are some examples:
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Joseph Smith mistakenly believed this verse taught that the Bible did not give us all the counsel of God. Therefore, he asked God to give him more information (wisdom) about His will.This lead to the Book of Mormon, and all the false teachings of Mormonism.
There are other cult teachings that use an incorrect context of Scripture support their false teachings:
Revelation 7:4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. The Jehovah’s Witnesses use this verse to support their treaching that there will be 144,000 elite leaders from their church who will rule in the kingdom.
Sometines we may come to a verse that seems to contradict other teachings in the Bible:
Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. This verse is used by some denominations to teach Baptismal Regeneration, or salvation by Baptism.
These are three examples of errors in interpreting Scripture that lead to doctrinal error. It is not the purpose of this paper to study the correct interpretation of these passages, I will leave that to you.
These are examples of what has happened when Scripture was incorrectly interpreted, and if we are not careful, we can fall into the same error pattern concerning the doctrines of Calvinistic Soteriology.
There is no excuse for misinterpreting God’s Word. He has given us many admonitions and promises throughout the Scriptures:
John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
God has also given us some specific principles to help us understand His Word. In the next chapter, we will expand on these principles found in Isaiah, chapter 28.