The belief that everything in the Bible is directly applicable today is a common misconception that leads to misunderstandings and confusion, which Satan is the author of. The Bible should not be interpreted literally and applied directly to modern life, without considering historical and cultural contexts. Here are some common situations where things go wrong:
Literal Interpretation of Old Testament Laws
Some Christians attempt to apply Old Testament laws and rituals directly to modern life, such as dietary restrictions or ceremonial practices. For instance, they preach about observing Jewish dietary laws (e.g., avoiding pork or shellfish) or practicing Old Testament purification rituals as if they are still mandatory for Christians. Will staying away from pork and shellfish keep you healthy? Maybe you’re allergic and shouldn’t eat them, but some can’t eat other foods, like peanuts and eggs. Maybe you have high cholesterol, but you also can’t eat other fatty foods that aren’t listed here too.
While the Old Testament laws were important for the Israelites, the New Testament teaches that these laws were fulfilled through Christ. Christians are not bound by these specific laws but are guided by principles of love and grace. Colossians 2:16-17 tells us that this was symbolic, not literal rules. “Therefore let no one judge you in regard to food and drink or in regard to [the observance of] a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day. 17 Such things are only a shadow of what is to come and they have only symbolic value; but the substance [the reality of what is foreshadowed] belongs to Christ.” Preaching based on reading the whole Bible is how you actively find the truth.
Abusment of Old Testament Promises
Pastors, preachers, and all in between, claim promises made to the Israelites in the Old Testament as direct promises for personal or national blessings today. This is a terrible deed. The promises should only reflect why we should trust God today because he delivered them according to the promise back then. That was their promise. Claiming specific land promises made to Israel in the Old Testament for personal or national prosperity is not yours or anyone else’s today!
The Bible’s promises are significant and they need to be understood in their historical and covenantal context. We as Christians should interpret these promises in light of the New Testament’s fulfillment of God’s covenant through Jesus Christ. The Bible is our guide to understanding their past and future.
Verbatim Understanding of Parables and Metaphors
Interpreting parables and metaphors in the Bible as actual instructions or predictions for contemporary events is evidence of choosing not to further your knowledge. Often people felt that the parables were exact lessons. Then how would you explain the parable of the seeds falling on the rocks? Maybe you saw it as things would be tough to grow because there’s no soil. My friend, not at all. The entire parable in Matthew 13 says:
“Listen carefully: a sower went out to sow [seed in his field]; 4 and as he sowed, some seed fell beside the road [between the fields], and the birds came and ate it. 5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil; and at once they sprang up because they had no depth of soil. 6 But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. 7 Other seeds fell among thorns, and thorns came up and choked them out. 8 Other seeds fell on good soil and yielded grain, some a hundred times as much [as was sown], some sixty [times as much], and some thirty. He who has ears, let him hear.”
What comes to your mind when you read this? More than likely, you might think, some things might not work out, but others will. That’s a nice thought, but it’s not even close to the meaning. And unlike most parables that Jesus told, this one is explained in the bible because no one understood it back then!
“When anyone hears the word of the kingdom [regarding salvation] and does not understand and grasp it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the one on whom seed was sown beside the road. 20 The one on whom seed was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and at once welcomes it with joy; 21 yet he has no [substantial] root in himself, but is only temporary, and when pressure or persecution comes because of the word, immediately he stumbles and falls away [abandoning the One who is the source of salvation]. 22 And the one on whom seed was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the worries and distractions of the world and the deceitfulness [the superficial pleasures and delight] of riches choke the word, and it yields no fruit. 23 And the one on whom seed was sown on the good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands and grasps it; he indeed bears fruit and yields, some a hundred times [as much as was sown], some sixty [times as much], and some thirty.”
You see, it’s never verbatim or literal, it was to tell us about our wavering hearts when someone tells us about God. Taking parables as literal prescriptions for behavior rather than understanding their moral and spiritual lessons leaves us confused and diminished. Seeking further understanding of everything in life opens us up to God’s wisdom. Jesus used parables and metaphors to express moral lessons, not to provide direct, literal instructions. Understanding the purpose of these stories is key to applying them to our lives.
Lean On the Bible With an Open Heart
As we hear these misconceptions, lean not on your own knowledge or understanding. God’s Word is full of rich knowledge to guide us in truth, love, and grace. The Bible is not just a book of rules to be followed blindly or promises to be claimed out of context. It is the living Word of God, meant to draw us closer to Him and transform our hearts and minds.
Commit to studying the Bible with open hearts and minds. Seek the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to rightly divide the Word of truth from what school or family knowledge has taught us. Let’s not be quick to apply ancient laws to modern life or misinterpret parables and promises. Instead, let’s pursue a deep relationship with God, allowing His Word to guide our thoughts, our actions, and our understanding of His will.
Remember, God has not called us to confusion but to peace. As you continue to grow in your faith, ask God for discernment, seek out the historical and cultural context of Scripture, and embrace the fulfillment of the Old Testament in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. By doing so, we can live out the true message of the Bible in a way that reflects God’s love and grace in our lives.
May we be people who rightly handle the Word of Truth, bringing glory to God in all we do.