All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.- 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (KJV)
The Bible stands, first and foremost, as a spiritual book. For this reason, it cannot be rightly grasped by the intellect alone. It requires spiritual perception. Where this perception is absent, Scripture may be read fluently, quoted confidently, and yet remain fundamentally misunderstood.
Much of the confusion surrounding the Bible arises from approaches that elevate human reasoning above divine revelation. Intellectual interpretations that subtly enthrone man as the final authority do not draw humanity closer to God; instead, they often obscure the Truth. When Scripture is filtered primarily through human supremacy, it gradually loses its power to reprove, correct, and instruct in righteousness, becoming a mirror that reflects human opinion rather than divine truth.
To those lacking spiritual understanding, the Bible will inevitably remain a book with seven seals. Its words are visible, yet their life-giving essence remains hidden. This is not a defect in Scripture, but a limitation in the reader. Divine truth demands humility, and an openness to be taught, rather than the impatience that seeks to master the text through the intellect alone.
It must also be acknowledged, soberly and without irreverence, that the transmission of Scripture passed through human vessels. The Gospel accounts were preserved by sincere men, yet men shaped by memory, perception, language, and earthly understanding. Many of the words and events of Christ’s earthly ministry were recalled and recorded from memory, inevitably interwoven with human interpretation. In this process, the original spiritual sense of Christ’s words was at times softened, narrowed, or unconsciously reshaped.
This recognition does not reduce the sacred character of Scripture. Rather, it reminds us that divine truth reaches humanity through human instruments. It cautions against rigid literalism detached from spiritual discernment. A few words arranged differently can alter meaning entirely. What Christ spoke spiritually was often received humanly, and later repeated doctrinally.
The account of the rich young man illustrates this clearly. Earnest and sincere, he sought the way to eternal life. Christ’s counsel was direct: he was to distribute his possessions among the poor and then follow Him. To follow Christ meant nothing less than to live in strict alignment with His words and spirit. Yet the bystanders, as in many other instances, seized upon the event and passed it on according to individual perception. Their understanding, though genuine, rarely captured the full depth of Christ’s intention.
At first, the event was simply reported as it occurred. Over time, however, what had been personal instruction was recast as universal law. Yet Christ’s counsel was never intended as a general command. It was addressed to the rich young man alone, whose wealth, though outwardly advantageous, had become an inward restraint. Surrounded by comfort, he lacked the strength to rise spiritually, and his riches stood as a barrier to his spiritual ascent. The wisdom of Christ’s advice lay precisely in this discernment: to remove the specific obstacle that hindered the man’s spiritual progress.
This was not a universal precept proclaimed for all humanity, but a remedy suited to one individual’s condition, and perhaps to others similarly unable to govern their possessions. The later transformation of this personal counsel into a binding rule did not originate with Christ Himself, but with humanity’s inclination to convert spiritual guidance into rigid obligation. Thus, individual instruction became collective rule, shaped not by divine command, but by human interpretation.
The danger, therefore, lies not in Scripture, but in how it is handled. When faith is stripped of reflection and reverence, it declines either into fanaticism or shallow enthusiasm. Both are harmful to truth. Fanaticism resists examination. Irresponsible enthusiasm abandons discernment. Neither reflects the spirit of Christ.
True seekers must cultivate the discipline of earnest inquiry. They must be willing to examine matters of faith humbly, objectively, and prayerfully. Scripture fulfills its purpose not when it is merely defended, but when it is allowed to transform. It reproves us, corrects us, and instructs us in righteousness, not to exalt us, but to prepare us.
Only then does the Word accomplish what the Apostle Paul described: that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
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