“THAT’S JUST YOUR INTERPRETATION”
A popular idea of our day is that the Bible is subject to many, different interpretations. These interpretations, we are told, are all equally valid. Even when one interpretation clearly contradicts another, many are willing to affirm that “both are right.”
But is this doctrine true? Does the Bible teach that every person has a right to his own interpretation of the Scriptures?
In response to these questions, consider what is written in Acts 15:1: “And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.” The men under consideration appear to have been sincere in their beliefs. They were interpreting the Old Testament Scriptures to mean that all males, Jews and Gentiles, for all time, had to practice circumcision in order to be saved. Were they right in their interpretation? Of course not. Under the Old Testament system, Jewish males were to be circumcised; however, God never intended for circumcision to be bound on New Testament Christians (Galatians 5:6). This proves that one may hold to an interpretation of the Scriptures that is not correct.
Many verses of the New Testament make it clear that all interpretations are not equal. One’s interpretation may be right or wrong. Paul exhorted: “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (I Thessalonians 5:21). How could one “prove” anything to be true or false, good or bad, if all interpretations are equal? Consider II Timothy 1:13: “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” The word “form” suggests the concept of a “pattern.” This text teaches, therefore, that there is a “pattern” that constitutes “sound words,” sound doctrine. But think about it: if there is a pattern of “sound words” which Christians are to follow, then teachings which are not in line with the pattern of sound words should be rejected. Thus, all interpretations are not equally valid.
The position that everyone has a right to his own interpretation is really equivalent to affirming that everyone has a right to create his own Bible. If one finds a verse in the Bible that condemns one’s actions, lifestyle, desires, or beliefs, simply place a “different” interpretation on that verse and dismiss it. In other words, create your own Bible. Who can believe it?
I would caution us all that Jesus warned: “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Every interpretation is not equal to all others. If babies are not born in sin, then those who teach otherwise are wrong; if “Once Saved, Always Saved” is true, then those who teach that one can fall from grace (cf. Galatians 5:4) are wrong. If one can marry, divorce and remarry for any reason, then those who teach that “fornication” is the only exception given for divorce and remarriage, are wrong.
Let us use our minds and reason properly. When there is a contradiction between beliefs, either one is right and the other is wrong, or both are wrong. But both cannot be right!
