The Peril of Poor Interpretation: Avoiding Doctrinal Error
An exploration of how misinterpreting Scripture can lead to false doctrine.
1. The Importance of Context
1.1 Ignoring Context
Verses: 1 Corinthians 15:29; 2 Peter 3:16
- Many errors arise from taking verses out of their immediate context, ignoring the surrounding verses and the author's intended meaning.
- Consider the context of 1 Corinthians 15:29 regarding baptism for the dead. Without proper context, it can be misinterpreted to support unbiblical practices.
1.2 Neglecting Historical and Cultural Background
Verses: John 13:1-17; Galatians 5:2-4
- Failing to consider the historical and cultural setting in which a passage was written can lead to misunderstandings.
- For example, understanding the cultural significance of foot washing in John 13 helps to correctly interpret Jesus's actions.
- Misunderstanding the original audience can lead to misapplication of the text.
2. Avoiding Subjectivity
2.1 Imposing Personal Bias
Verses: 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21
- Reading personal biases and preconceived notions into the text, rather than allowing the text to speak for itself, distorts its meaning.
- For example, some read their own ideas about the Godhead into passages about Jesus, rather than accepting the plain teaching of Scripture.
- We must approach the text with humility, seeking to understand what it says, not what we want it to say.
2.2 Selective Use of Scripture
Verses: John 10:30; John 14:9; Colossians 2:9
- Selective use of verses to support a pre-determined conclusion, while ignoring contradictory verses, is a common error.
- For example, some may focus on verses that speak of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as distinct, while ignoring verses that emphasize the unity of God in Christ.
- All Scripture must be considered to arrive at a balanced understanding.
3. The Centrality of the Godhead
3.1 Misunderstanding the Godhead
Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 28:9
- Many doctrinal errors stem from a misunderstanding of the nature of God and the relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- Some incorrectly interpret the distinct roles and manifestations of God as evidence of separate persons, leading to a flawed understanding of the Godhead.
- Scripture reveals one God manifested in different ways, not three distinct persons.
3.2 Diminishing the Deity of Jesus
Verses: Colossians 2:9; John 1:1-14
- A failure to recognize Jesus as the fullness of the Godhead bodily can lead to a diminished view of His deity.
- Colossians 2:9 clearly states that all the fullness of the Godhead dwells in Christ.
- Denying this truth opens the door to other doctrinal errors.
4. Avoiding Extra-Biblical Influences
4.1 Over-Reliance on Human Reason
Verses: 1 Corinthians 1:25; 1 Corinthians 2:14
- Relying solely on human reasoning and philosophical arguments, rather than the clear teaching of Scripture, can lead to doctrinal error.
- The wisdom of God often surpasses human understanding, and we must be willing to accept what Scripture says, even when it challenges our own logic.
- Human reason should be used to understand scripture, but not to replace it.
4.2 Blindly Following Tradition
Verses: Mark 7:1-13; Matthew 15:1-9
- Accepting traditions or teachings that contradict the clear teaching of Scripture can lead to serious error.
- Jesus warned against making the word of God void through tradition (Mark 7:13).
- We must always test traditions against the standard of Scripture.