How Can We Read the Same Bible and See Different Things?

Introduction

Imagine two men standing on a hill at sunset. One is an artist captivated by the breathtaking colors, seeing a masterpiece painted across the sky. The other is a scientist analyzing the refraction of light through atmospheric particles. The sunset is the same, but the interpretations are different—both shaped by their background, knowledge, and experience.

The same is true of Scripture. Two people can read the exact same passage and use the same study tools yet come away with vastly different conclusions. This isn't just a theoretical issue—it affects Salvation, Doctrine, and Christian living.

Scripture: 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."

I. The Root Cause: Human Nature and Bias

Personal Experience Shapes Belief

Every person comes to Scripture with a lens-shaped by upbringing, life experiences, and previous teachings.

Illustration: A man raised in a harsh, legalistic home sees God as a stern judge. Another, raised in an environment of grace, sees Him as a loving Father. Both read about God's justice and mercy, but their personal experiences influence which aspect stands out.

Biblical Example: The Pharisees and Jesus read the same Torah, yet the Pharisees fixated on rules, while Jesus emphasized the heart behind the Law. (Mark 7:6-9)

Denominational Influence

Many inherit their theology rather than develop it through personal study.

Example: A believer raised in a Pentecostal church may naturally lean toward a Pre-Tribulation rapture, while someone from a Reformed background may reject it altogether.

Scripture: Colossians 2:8: "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men."

Intellectual Pride and Theological Systems

Some approach Scripture not to be taught but to confirm their beliefs.

Illustration: A lawyer studies the Law, not necessarily to seek truth but to win a case. Similarly, some read the Bible to defend their doctrines rather than discover God's intended meaning.

Biblical Example: The Pharisee in Luke 18:9-14 used Scripture to justify himself, while the tax collector humbly sought God's mercy.

II. The Spiritual Factor: Revelation vs. Academic Knowledge

The Holy Spirit's Role in Understanding

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:14 "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him."

Illustration: Two people read John 3:16. One sees it as the most extraordinary love story ever told; the other dismisses it as mere religious sentiment. The difference? The Holy Spirit opens the heart of one, while the other reads with only intellectual curiosity.

Biblical Example: When Peter confessed Jesus as the Christ, Jesus said, "Flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 16:16-17). Peter's understanding was not based on human logic but on divine revelation.

God Allows Some Truths to Remain Concealed for His Purposes

Scripture: Daniel 12:9 "Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end."

Example: The disciples heard Jesus predict His resurrection multiple times, yet they did not grasp its meaning until after it happened (John 12:16).

Prophetic truths often become more evident as events unfold.

III. Key Doctrinal Divisions and Their Roots

Eternal Security vs. Losing Salvation

Those who believe in eternal security point to John 10:28 – "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish."

Those who believe Salvation can be lost highlight Hebrews 6:4-6 – "For it is impossible… if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance."

Illustration: A father's love is unconditional (security), but a prodigal son still has the free will to walk away (choice).

Pre-, Mid-, Post-Tribulation Views

Interpretation depends on whether one reads prophecy literally or symbolically.

A Pre-Tribulation believer clings to Thessalonians 4:16-17 – "The dead in Christ shall rise first... we which are alive and remain shall be caught up... so shall we ever be with the Lord."

A Post-Tribulation believer highlights Matthew 24:29-31 – "Immediately after the tribulation… they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds."

Illustration: Reading a blueprint—some see the complete plan immediately; others recognize each phase only as it happens.

Grace vs. Works in Salvation

Ephesians 2:8-9 – "For by grace are ye saved through faith… not of works." James 2:26 – "Faith without works is dead."

Illustration: A tree is alive (grace), but the presence of fruit (works) proves its life. True faith produces action.

Conclusion: A Call to Humility and Unity

Scripture: John 17:21 "That they all may be one."

Final Illustration:

A prism takes pure light and refracts it into different colors. The Word of God is pure light, but human interpretation refracts it differently.

Our differences in doctrine should never divide us to the point that we lose sight of the one truth that matters most—Jesus Christ is Lord!

Final Charge:

• Study Scripture with humility.

• Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

• Remember, Salvation is not found in theological perfection but in Christ alone.

  
  

Closing Prayer:

"Lord, grant us wisdom, humility, and the guidance of Your Spirit as we seek Your truth. Let us not be divided by man's interpretations but united in Your love. In Jesus' name, Amen."