Hi ~

A reader wrote with a response to a question that showed so much wisdom I wanted to pass it along to you. Here are her words:

***

You asked if there’s been a biblically-based principle of interpretation that unlocked understanding for your readers.

For me, I would say it’s been

(1) appreciating the Bible as living literature and not as a rule-book that church professionals can just use their “authority” to decide what it says,

and (2) understanding what true spiritual authority is,

which leads to (3) realizing that I could trust what I thought God was saying through Scripture, as illuminated by the Holy Spirit; I didn’t need a seminary-trained professional to explain it to me (John 14:26-28, John 16:13-15). 

This does not mean that God does not impart insight through the words of other “trained” believers (He has, abundantly!) but that no one pastor or Christian professional can trump me.

Ultimately, I am responsible for what I believe, and not anyone else.

I realized I did not need a human intercessor between me and God, that being “under” a church authority (Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:12) did not mean that one must treat these authorities as God or Christ Himself.

***

Such important truth, and so solidly supported by Scripture. An encouragement to carry with you into the New Year.

All my best and for the Kingdom,

Rebecca

Untwisting Scriptures at heresthejoy.com

See my Untwisting Scriptures series

Trauma-informed Christian book coach at Rebecca Davis WordWorking

Note: If you purchase from links in my emails, I may receive a commission, but it is at no additional cost to you.