We can carefully follow the recipe for cherry pie, but if we leave out the cherries, it’s not cherry pie.
We can carefully study a subject in Scripture, but if we leave out pertinent passages, we won't get the full counsel of God’s Word, and we may end up believing a lie (Acts 20:27; 2 Timothy 2:15).
The recipe for Truth requires all the ingredients.
For example, 1 Timothy 4:9-10 says God “is the Savior of all people.”
If that were the only ingredient, we could assume everyone would be saved, believer and unbeliever alike. But it’s not the only ingredient.
We must:
1. Add the immediate context.
The next phrase says “especially of those who believe.” Since you’re either saved or not, this word “especially” signals a need for further study.
2. Add the context of the full counsel of Scripture.
Scripture repeatedly states that unbelievers will not be saved (Mark 16:16; John 3:18-19; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; 1 John 3:15; 1 John 5:10-12; Revelation 21:8; etc.)
3. Let Scripture interpret Scripture.
Since the Bible clearly teaches not all are saved, we can conclude that 1 Timothy 4:9-10 means Christ is the Savior of all who will be saved (John 1:9-13 and 1 Timothy 2:3-6).
To use this method on another Scripture sometimes used to "prove" universal salvation, check out today's Bite Size Bible Study.
For more insights into this subject, check out these 1-minute devotions:
Pieces Parts
5 Steps for Accurate Bible Study
Truth be told! Thank you for this truthful insight that is God's Word. May God bless the work of your hands Gail.
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