When we read the Bible, we understand it. It speaks to us. God’s Word resonates in our hearts, and we feel His inspiration and His love. As we read it more, we reach deeper levels of understanding. When we read with family and friends, and share our thoughts, we understand still more. And if we read the writings and commentaries of Biblical scholars and theologians, our understanding continues to grow.
The Bible is the source of knowledge that is infinite. No matter how much we grow in our understanding, there is still much more to discover. In this sense, our understanding of the Bible will always be limited and imperfect. This is not surprising. Indeed, the Bible itself indicates humanity’s inability to fully understand the words of the Prophets and of Christ Himself.
For example, Daniel, who “had understanding in all visions and dreams” sometimes did not understand the meaning of his own visions, but needed interpretation by Gabriel:
“And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man. And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.” (Daniel 8:15-16)
Sometimes Daniel’s visions were not explained to him. Towards the end of his book, Daniel is told to “shut up the words, and seal the book.” The physical book was open to read, but the meaning of the words was sealed from his understanding.
“And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.” (Daniel 12:8-9)
If Daniel could not understand the Word of God, how about us? Is it possible that we read, but don’t always understand the true meaning? God told both Isaiah and Jeremiah that people may hear, but they don’t always understand.
“Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. … Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not.” (Isaish 6:9, Jeremiah 5:21)
Jesus said essentially the same thing when He said, “Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.” (John 8:43) Thankfully, Jesus spoke in parables, which made His words easier to understand. But even so, often His own disciples could not understand the parables, and needed an explanation. Since the time when Christ was here on earth, many people have pondered and studied His words. Great scholars have devoted their lives to gain a deeper understanding of the Bible. The many points of view, the many differing opions between scholars and casual readers about the meaning of the Bible suggest that we all have much more to learn.
So, as a second basic principle, this Bible study acknowledges that our human understanding of the Bible is limited and imperfect.