It’s a question many of us have encountered—either from skeptics, curious friends, or perhaps even within our own minds: Can we understand the Bible? A few years ago, I found myself in a conversation with a university student where I critiqued a commencement speech, arguing that many of its points conflicted with Biblical teachings. What stood out from that discussion wasn’t the specifics of the speech or my arguments, but the student's reaction: “I see what you’re saying, but that’s just your interpretation!”
This is a common response when discussing Scripture, isn’t it? “That’s just your interpretation!” No matter how clearly the Bible speaks, this objection seems to persist. But is it true? Can we really understand the Bible? This question takes us to the heart of the Christian faith and invites us into a discussion about the clarity and authority of God's Word.
The Bible Is Understandable
First, we must affirm that the Bible is indeed understandable. This has been the historic stance of the Church, and it is grounded in Scripture itself. The Bible speaks of itself as bringing clarity, not confusion. Take Psalm 19:8, which describes the Word of God as “perfect, reviving the soul,” and Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Both passages highlight that Scripture brings light—illumination for our lives and understanding. It is a guide, one that sheds light on the darkness of our confusion and sin.
Moreover, the Bible assumes that its teachings can be understood by all ages. In Deuteronomy 6:6–9, God commands parents to teach their children His Word—a command that was given to all of Israel. This implies two crucial things: first, that children can understand and apply God's Word, and second, that ordinary parents, regardless of their education level or literacy, are capable of understanding Scripture well enough to teach it. This would not have been possible if the Bible were inherently obscure or unintelligible.
The Argument: “It’s Just Your Interpretation”
We must recognize the inconsistency of this argument that the Bible is open to interpretation. Imagine a math problem where someone claims, "2x4 = 8" is just your interpretation. Or in science, when the law of thermodynamics is declared, “That’s just your interpretation!” Nobody says that about fields like mathematics, history, or even recipes. If a recipe calls for 2 cups of flour, nobody argues that it’s "just your interpretation." Why, then, is the Bible subjected to this skepticism?
The issue lies in the modern philosophical lens through which people often view the Bible. Postmodernism, which rejects objective truth and promotes individualism ("my story, my truth"), has deeply influenced how people approach Scripture. In postmodern thinking, truth is seen as subjective—personal and private—rather than objective or universal. This mindset makes it easy to dismiss Biblical clarity with the line, “That’s just your interpretation!”
The Bible Is Clear—But Not Always Easy
It is true that the Bible can be difficult to understand at times, especially when it comes to deeper theological concepts or harder passages. Even the apostle Peter admitted that some of Paul’s writings were hard to understand (2 Peter 3:16). However, this doesn’t mean that Scripture is unclear in its core message. The Westminster Confession of Faith (1.7) affirms that the Bible is clear in what is necessary for salvation, even though some parts may require skill, time, and the Holy Spirit’s help to fully grasp.
In other words, while we may struggle with certain aspects of Scripture, the essential teachings are clear. The Bible is not an impenetrable mystery; rather, it is the guide to salvation, and God has given us everything necessary for life and godliness through it.
Why Understanding the Bible Matters
Why is this all so important? Why does it matter if we can understand the Bible or not? Because the Bible reveals the way of salvation, understanding it has life and death significance. As 2 Timothy 3:15 reminds us, the Scriptures are able to make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Without understanding the Bible, we cannot truly understand the gospel message—the good news of Jesus Christ. Without it, we have no solid foundation for our faith.
The Bible is not a collection of cryptic riddles. It is the very Word of God, given to us for our understanding and growth. While it may require effort, study, and dependence on the Holy Spirit, it is ultimately clear in its teachings, especially those necessary for salvation. So, yes, we can understand the Bible—not perfectly, but truly and sufficiently. Let us read, study, and apply it, with the confidence that God has made His Word accessible to all who seek to understand it. As the Psalmist says: "The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple" (Ps. 119:130).
