Is the Bible Understandable?

Having never seriously read or studied the Bible prior to faith in Christ, the experience of this writer was similar to that of Peter in reading the letters of the Apostle Paul, “in which are some things hard to understand” (2 Pet 3:16). Searching for quality works that would explain the Bible was rather futile in the local bookstore, as most of the books in the religious section were obviously heretical or distortions of Scripture (even to a new believer).

Locating a couple independent Christian bookstores was a tremendous blessing, as the owners strived for discernment in the works they made available to their customers (the same as Midnight Call does for our readers). Soon, as much time as possible was exhausted in reading and studying the Word of God, and then comparing that understanding to commentaries, reference works, and the teachings of Spirit-gifted Bible teachers.

Two books in particular proved to be challenging initially. The first demanding work was The Book of Daniel (1929), written by Clarence Larkin. Of course, the narrative accounts that children learn in Sunday School were easy to comprehend (viz., Daniel’s friends in the fiery furnace and Daniel in the lion’s den). The difficult texts to understand involved the second half of Daniel’s prophecy. Comparing the Bible with Larkin’s commentary, in addition to history texts, was not a simplistic task. Finally, having read and studied the biblical passages multiple times, the text of Scripture could be understood; indeed, it was so understandable that it became a wonder as to why it was difficult to comprehend initially.

The second work that proved to be challenging to understand was John Owen’s The Death of Death in the Death of Christ (1684), his definitive work to address the extent of the Lord’s atonement. The first page of Owen’s work contains a note to the reader, which states: “Reader, if thou intendest to go any farther, I would entreat thee to stay here a little. If thou art, as many in the pretending age, a sign or title gazer, and comest into books as Cato into the theatre, to go out again—thou hast had thy entertainment, farewell!” Owen’s work has proven to be a wonderful asset, and regardless of whether one agrees with every proposition of his, it will certainly cause the reader to consider the atoning work of Christ in a more biblical and thorough manner.

Consider again the words of the first page. To paraphrase Owen’s instruction, he wrote, “If you are one who reads a book like a deer staring—with confusion and surprise—at the headlights of car, proceed no further. Slowly place the book upon a dresser or shelf, and retreat from it.” Two sentences read (not even an entire page) and Owen remarked, “You had your entertainment, farewell.” In modern words, Owen taunted his readers as follows: “There are no pictures in this book, and it is much too difficult for your simple mind, and even beyond your comprehension. Grab the remote because primetime television awaits you.”

Should the Bible also contain similar instruction? Is the Word of God only to be understood by the academic, the professor, and the theology geek? Is it only men like John Owen who can understand the Bible? Is the Word of God to be interpreted by the professional “clergy,” and not comprehensible to the so-called “laity”? When the Lord Jesus concluded His discourse concerning the Bread of Life, the crowds concluded, “This is a difficult statement; who can listen to it?” Consequently, “many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore” (John 6:60, 66). Could the Bible be too difficult to read and understand?

The Word Is Very Near You

The book of Deuteronomy is written in a treaty format known as suzerain-vassal. A component of the suzerain-vassal treaty was complete instructions for a public ratification of the covenant. Chapters 5—26 of Deuteronomy communicate the terms of the covenant; thus, chapter 27 contains Moses’ description of the public ceremony that is to ensue when Israel would enter their Promised Land. A large monument of stones was to be erected, and all the words of the law were to be written upon it. Six tribes were to stand on Mount Gerizim to read the blessings of God’s law, and the other tribes were to stand on Mount Ebal to confirm the curses that would result from disobedience. The Levites stood in the valley between the two mountains, and repeated both the blessings and the cursings. Deuteronomy 28 contains a more detailed listing of the blessings and curses. Chapters 29—30 provide the consequences of additional disobedience when Israel would enter their Promised Land. The counsel is somber, and probably the majority of the people felt overwhelmed by the lengthy sermonic content.

Moses concluded the extensive and solemn message with four negatives. The commandment is (1) “not too difficult”; (2) “nor is it out of reach”; (3) “it is not in heaven”; (4) “nor is it beyond the sea” (Deut 30:11-14). Note the implications! God’s Word is “not too difficult,” nor is it inaccessible, impossible, or impractical to comprehend. Scripture is not merely intended for the religious leadership, nor is it only understood by those who like to read many books. “But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may observe it” (Deut 30:14). God Word’s is truly comprehensible because He has made it “very near”; “not in heaven,” “nor is it beyond the sea.” Scripture is near enough to impact the senses (“in your mouth”) and mind (“in your heart”).

The language of nearness is even found prior to the lengthy and somber communication within Deuteronomy 28—30. Deuteronomy 4:5-8 reads:

“See, I have taught you statutes and judgments, just as the LORD my God commanded me, that you should do thus in the land where you are entering to possess it. So keep and do them, for that is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the LORD our God whenever we call on Him? Or what great nation is there that has statutes and judgments as righteous as this whole law which I am setting before you today?”

God’s nearness demonstrates His grace and majesty, because the infinite God has made Himself knowable to finite people. The omniscient God—who is all-knowing and only wise—has revealed Himself as the faithful Shepherd to those who are foolish sheep.

The context of Deuteronomy indicates that the Lord God knew His people would break the covenant they swore to obey. God prophesied the dispersion of His people among the nations (cf. 28:63; 29:24-28); and, in His abounding mercy, God pledged to regather His people again. The warning of Deuteronomy 28—30 was prophetic of Israel’s captivity and restoration, and ultimate fulfillment anticipates the latter days when Israel will return to her land to receive her kingdom blessings (cf. Ezek 37). The reason that God’s people failed was not due to lack of understanding; rather, their failure was their neglect to obey the covenant. That is why God promised to “circumcise” their hearts and the hearts of their descendants, so they would love the Lord God with all their heart and soul and live (Deut 30:6). The Lord’s people “may live” as they trusted in their God. Choosing life was trusting that God had come “near” in His promise. God has brought His Word to them, and their responsibility was to obey. Consequently, verses 11-14 of Deuteronomy 30 were adapted by the Apostle Paul in Romans 10:5-8 (and applied to Christ and the good news of God’s grace through faith in the Lord Jesus).

Romans 10:8 declares that the gospel is near—accessible, easily obtained, and intelligible—and can be expressed in familiar conversation (“with your mouth”), in addition to being readily understood in the mind (“in your heart”). Romans expresses the clarity of God’s Word in relation to the intelligibility of Christ and salvation; therefore, Deuteronomy 30 is referenced for the purpose of summarizing the gospel of salvation by grace through faith. Similar to how speaking the law with “your mouth” and knowing it with your mind (“heart”) was not reserved for the spiritual elite, salvation is not just for those with extraordinary abilities. One does not need to ascend into heaven nor descend into the abyss to know God, because Jesus Christ has made Him known (cf. John 1:14-18). Salvation is near to whoever will call upon the name of the Lord. Romans 10 communicates the truth that salvation is not identified by arduous efforts to obey the law—which would be humanly impossible—nor does it command one to accomplish what has already been completed by the Lord.

Summary and Application

How should we relate what has been communicated thus far in this article? Perhaps you read less or more than others. What is inescapable is the truth that God has revealed Himself—perfectly and ultimately—in the pages of the Holy Bible. Whether you have little desire for reading, and may even have modest practice studying the Bible, you may be entirely confident that as you open the Word of God and read its contents, God “is very near you” and the Lord Jesus has made Him known. Certainly, there may be truths that you find difficult to understand (perhaps even with some of the Midnight Call articles). Everything contained within Scripture is not comparably and readily understood by itself, and some revealed truths are more difficult to understand than others. Peter confessed that within the Bible “are some things hard to understand,” yet those truths are not impossible to comprehend. Believers in the Lord Jesus must recognize that some truths can only be understood by the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. Thus, we ought to pray that He would cause the eyes of our heart to be enlightened (1 Cor 2:14-16; Eph 1:18-21).