When "Interpretation" Means "Lie"

In Reject Propaganda About Salvation, I explained that it was a lie to claim salvation was based on good works. 

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

But one reader wrote and mocked me for thinking that “my interpretation of the Bible is the only true interpretation.”

 

When someone says there are different interpretations of basic Bible truths, they are claiming that the Bible is like a puzzle that can be put together to form contradictory beliefs. 

 

Colossians 2:8 calls this “hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” 

Because this “interpretation” excuse has grown in popularity, especially in the trendy “progressive/ex-vangelical” movement, it's important to understand how to respond. 

 

We can start by “agreeing” that there are some things in Scripture that can be interpreted differently. For example, Christians can hold different views about how communion is handled, how holidays are celebrated, whether people should drink alcohol, etc. (Romans 14).

 

But important doctrines and commands presented in Scripture are easily understood and non-negotiable. They aren't suggestions. They aren't optional. If we believe in the God of the Bible, we accept them. 

 

Redefining Bible truths isn't called “interpretation.” It’s called lying. 

 

So the next time you hear this excuse, graciously explain that when Scripture clearly presents truth, it needs no interpretation.  

To see how popular this claim has become with some well-known false teachers, see Wilderness Wanderers. 

BLN