Proper reading of the bible?

Question

Where does the belief stem from that if one is not a Christian then one cannot properly understand the bible?

If one cannot properly understand the bible - then how in the world can them become Christian? That's where the entire story and minsitry of Jesus is contained. Where all the 'fulfilled prophecies' that 'prove' he's the Messiah are written. How can one convert to Christianity and accept Jesus if they don't understand the bible and the actual message before becoming Christian?

This always seemed like a Catch 22 to me - and something I am always accused of when I talk to Christians about the bible. I am told that I just don't understand when I try to talk to them about certain prophecies, looking from a more Jewish perspective.

Ironically enough I was a devout follower of Jesus - until I really looked at the bible.

No one person told me this - and caused me to deconvert.

No one person made me deconvert.

This is a concept I heard a lot after I left Christianity, especially on Christian forums.

This is not a concept that I ever embraced while I was a Christian, or taught to others when I ministered.

My husband would be a living example as to how this point of view is an untruth - but that is another story entirely.

Answer 1

The following is from the publication What Does the Bible REALLY Teach, published by Jehovah's Witnesses. From the Appendix on pages 199-201:

Jesus Christ—The Promised Messiah

TO HELP us identify the Messiah, Jehovah God inspired many Bible prophets to provide details about the birth, the ministry, and the death of this promised Deliverer. All these Bible prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus Christ. They are amazingly accurate and detailed. To illustrate this, let us consider a few prophecies that foretold events related to the Messiah’s birth and childhood.

The prophet Isaiah foretold that the Messiah would be a descendant of King David. (Isaiah 9:7) Jesus was indeed born in David’s line.—Matthew 1:1, 6-17.

Micah, another prophet of God, foretold that this child would eventually become a ruler and that he would be born in “Bethlehem Ephrathah.” (Micah 5:2) At the time of Jesus’ birth, there were two towns in Israel that were named Bethlehem. One was situated near Nazareth in the northern region of the country, and the other, near Jerusalem in Judah. Bethlehem near Jerusalem was formerly called Ephrathah. Jesus was born in that town, exactly as the prophecy foretold!—Matthew 2:1.

Another Bible prophecy foretold that the Son of God would be called “out of Egypt.” The child Jesus was taken into Egypt. He was brought back after the death of Herod, thus fulfilling the prophecy.—Hosea 11:1; Matthew 2:15.

In the chart on page 200, the scriptures listed under the heading “Prophecy” contain details concerning the Messiah. Please compare these with the scriptures listed under the heading “Fulfillment.” Doing so will further strengthen your faith in the truthfulness of God’s Word.

While you examine these scriptures, keep in mind that those of a prophetic nature were written down hundreds of years before Jesus’ birth. Jesus stated: “All the things written in the law of Moses and in the Prophets and Psalms about me must be fulfilled.” (Luke 24:44) As you can verify in your own copy of the Bible, fulfilled they were—in every detail!

PROPHECIES REGARDING THE MESSIAH

EVENT PROPHECY FULFILLMENT

Born of the tribe of Judah Genesis 49:10 Luke 3:23-33

Born of a virgin Isaiah 7:14 Matthew 1:18-25

Descended from King David Isaiah 9:7 Matthew 1:1, 6-17

Declared by Jehovah to be his Son Psalm 2:7 Matthew 3:17

Not believed in Isaiah 53:1 John 12:37, 38

Entered Jerusalem riding an *** Zechariah 9:9 Matthew 21:1-9

Betrayed by a close associate Psalm 41:9 John 13:18, 21-30

Betrayed for 30 silver pieces Zechariah 11:12 Matthew 26:14-16

Silent before his accusers Isaiah 53:7 Matthew 27:11-14

Lots cast for his garments Psalm 22:18 Matthew 27:35

Reviled while on the stake Psalm 22:7, 8 Matthew 27:39-43

None of his bones broken Psalm 34:20 John 19:33, 36

Buried with the rich Isaiah 53:9 Matthew 27:57-60

Raised before corruption Psalm 16:10 Acts 2:24, 27

Exalted to God’s right hand Psalm 110:1 Acts 7:56

Answer 2

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Answer 3

That is ironic. Because I am a devout follower and I REALLY look at the Bible daily.

The concept comes from a scripture about the Holy Spirit can only understand spiritual things. However, most of Scripture can be understood without being a Christian.

I look at most of the OT prophecies with a Jewish perspective and I am still a Christian. If you ever want to talk feel free to EMAIL me or IM me. Have a great day.

Answer 4

Reading and fully understanding are two different things. Many can read the bible and explain the contents. However, reading the bible and internalizing it brings about a spiritual comprehension. Example, I was raised Christian all my life and knew much of the bible (not verbatim, but certainly the recounting of events, etc.) It was not until I truly committed my life to God that I began to comprehend the bible at a higher level.

Also, one does not read the bible, like what they hear and then become a Christian. It doesn't work that way. Of course you know some things in the bible beforehand, but you make a choice to follow Christ and THEN you fully understand the spiritual meaning of the bible. It's not like reading Shakespeare and then doing a book report. You accept the Lord, grow in spiritual understanding, gain discernment and then understand the message of God from a spiritual perspective. That's how I was taught, and it has held true.

PS: I agree with Peacetime (a few below me) entirely.

Answer 5

Jesus used the scriptures with the Jews and mostly against the religious crowd. His ministry to the lost was by word of mouth and demonstration backed up by the word. Picking up the Bible and not understanding what it means is useless. It then becomes nonsensical.

Ironically? If you had looked at the Bible and then went about to honestly disprove it, you most likely would have a different view. Many skeptics come to a belief because they truly try to refute the Bible. The more they dig the more they find. People who are easily persuaded and want to think the Bible is bunk, will believe the way you think.

Answer 6

Do you understand that you and I are sinners? Do you understand that God does not allow sin into Heaven? So, that means that we are lost and doomed to die.

What can be done about it?

We can't do anything. Just as all throughout the Bible. God required a sacrifice for the sins that His people, the Jews, committed. Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice for us. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior and repent of our sins, then He becomes our only way to God. The sacrifice for us. Our only way to reconsile with God.

The Jewish people are not supposed to recognize Jesus at this time. God made them so that they would not understand because He wanted the Gentiles to accept Jesus and know that He is not just for the Jews. Please read Romans.

The Bible is God's Word to us.
It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Above all you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:20-21. (New International Version)

Breakdown of the Bible
36 human authors inspired entirely by God over 1600 years.
66 separate books
39 Old Testament
Genesis- The creation of the world, sin, flood and birth of Israel
Exodus to Esther- History of the nation of Israel
Job to Proverbs- the books of poetry and wisdom
Isaiah to Malachi- Prophecy or foretelling of the future events to come.
27 New Testament
Matthew to John - Four Gospels representing the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ now with all authority in Heaven and earth.
Acts- Birth of the Church (The Bride of Christ)
Romans to Jude - Letters to the Churches
Revelations - The ultimate future plans for: The Church, Heaven, Hell, a New Heaven and a New Earth.

Here are some Bible Study Resources for anything you may want to look up:

Biblegateway.com
Ntgateway.com
Bible.org
Bible-history.com

Answer 7

I studied the bible for 30 years. And I understood that you can study, but still that doesn't teach you the spirit of the law. There are many prophecies in the bible that point to Jesus and to the end time. I do not want a life ridden by fear and consternation, nor one of self righteousness and superiority. I don't want tohear about the "last days" anymore - because we are only human and misinterpret things. I was taught about the rapture, the place of safety, Argmageddon etc etc. Now I concentrte on the words of Jesus and try to live a life that's good. And I am at peace.
Let God teach me, not man. I don't want words hidden in prophecies, I don't need to know about "numbers" and "signs". It is sufficient that I do what is required of me.

Answer 8

What Bible did you look at? Did you look at the New World Translation which is a Jehovah Witness false prophet bible?

Try the King James Version and read it precept upon precept, line upon line and here a little and there a little and you will understand the Word of God. Ask God before reading to reveal the Scripture to you. All things that seem contradictory are not, it just takes wisdom and knowledge of which Christ gives freely to those He loves.

Without the Word of God there is no faith.
Romans 10:17 "so then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." You must hear the word of God (Holy Bible) to have faith in Jesus.

Answer 9

The Bible does say that God "opens your mind" so that you can understand scripture, and can give you wisdom about it through his Spirit.

If you are in a situation where you are deciding if you want to become a Christian, he can do the same even before you make the decision. You have to be committed to the truth, and to God, and willing to seek him and accept God and goodness no matter what.

If you seek him with all your heart, and pray to ask him for it, he will allow a person to understand the scriptures so they can make a decision.

Answer 10

I will tell you what I went through- I was raised christian and was taught the bible from the beginning....of course I understood the stories in the Old Testament, Noah, David and Goliath, etc....some of the Bible is point blank, and so it is easy to know what is of God- BUT a lot of the Bible is written in parables....so that those who are walking in the spirit of God will be able to understand them. It was not until I was a lot older, that I began reading the bible with understanding, ready to hear what the Lord had to tell me- and the Lord openend my eyes to the "meat" of His word. I felt the Holy Spirit teaching me- knownig full well this was God who was leading me into all truth, just as Jesus tells us would happen when we got saved. God prepares our hearts, and it is Him who teaches us---but many do take things out of context, who are saved, even still....that is why it is crucial to remain in the context of scriptures--know what they are speaking about and WHO they are speaking to.

1 Corinthians 2:14
The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.

This is speaking of the Holy Spirit, who will come to those who are saved- and convict the hearts of sinners:
John 16:13
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.