How can it be possible that so many people, churches, and denominations that claim to believe that the Bible is what it says it is--the inspired, inerrant, and infallible word of the Creator of the universe--have different interpretations of certain portions of it? If many knowledgable people who have diligently studied the Scriptures for many years disagree over such things, what hope does any of us have that we will ever figure it out?

The good news is that the situation is not as bad as it may seem. Although the Bible may not seem to be as clear or complete on every issue it addresses, if we remember that it is the way it is because the infinite God who created all things designed it to be so (Isaiah 55:11), that He calls on us to pay careful attention to what He has revealed in His word for our own good (II Tim. 3:16-17), and that He cannot lie (Titus 1:1-2), the fact that different interpretations about certain portions of it exist should not prevent us from making every effort to know what it says and use the means we have available to understand its message, especially since no one is expected to have perfect understanding of its contents in this life anyway (I Cor. 13:12). We are not asked to have perfect understanding of Scripture. We are asked to respect it for what it is and to trust what it says.

Perhaps the whole issue can be summarized as follows. If you write a very important letter to a group of people in which you identify yourself as the author, and in which you clearly address it to them, a number of things may happen. Some people may understand what you say and not take it seriously. Others may read it, but then interpret it in a way which you did not intend in order to use it as an excuse to pursue their own agenda. Still others may pay careful attention to what you say, yet disagree among themselves over exactly what you mean in places. In this example, your readers having a perfect understanding of what you say may not necessarily be as important as them having respect for it and seeking to rightly respond to it.

Having a perfect understanding of Scripture is certainly desirable and something we should all strive to attain. It is not, however, more important than respecting Scripture for what it is, and humbly submitting to it in all areas of our lives. We also need to remember our own limitations and be willing to be corrected if it can be shown that we are mistaken on any point. Perfect understanding will be ours in eternity if we have the right kind of faith, as described in the Bible, though we will have imperfect understanding in this life.

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