> As believers, we often encounter passages in the Bible that challenge our understanding of God’s character. These difficult texts can lead to confusion, doubt, and even crisis of faith. However, it’s crucial to remember that our questions should drive us deeper into Scripture and closer to God, rather than away from Him.
This article aims to provide guidance on reconciling challenging biblical passages with our understanding of God’s immutable nature, while affirming the inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture.
Acknowledge the Tension
The first step in addressing difficult passages is to honestly acknowledge the tension we feel. It’s okay to admit when a text troubles us or seems to contradict our understanding of God’s character.
Reflect on the following questions:
- What passages in Scripture have you found most challenging to reconcile with God’s character?
- How have you typically responded to these tensions in the past?
Charles Spurgeon wisely noted, “I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages.” This perspective reminds us that our struggles with Scripture can ultimately draw us closer to God.
Affirm the Nature of Scripture
As we grapple with difficult passages, it’s crucial to reaffirm our belief in the inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Reflect on the following questions:
- How does your view of Scripture’s inspiration and inerrancy influence your approach to difficult passages?
- In what ways can a high view of Scripture motivate deeper study rather than dismissal of challenging texts?
Jesus held a high view of Scripture, emphasizing its divine authority, inspiration, and enduring truth. Jesus affirmed the reliability and enduring nature of Scripture, famously stating that “not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished” (Matthew 5:18). Jesus’ reverence for Scripture is evident in His use of it to resist temptation, teach His disciples, and clarify His mission, emphasizing its role as the ultimate guide and authority in matters of faith and conduct.
J.I. Packer emphasizes, “The Bible is the Word of God in such a way that when the Bible speaks, God speaks.” This understanding should encourage us to approach even difficult passages with reverence and expectation.
Remember God’s Immutable Nature
In reading challenging texts, it is important to remember the unchanging nature of God. According to Malachi 3:6, God Himself declares, “I the Lord do not change.” Furthermore, Hebrews 13:8 affirms that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
You can trust God’s revelations because He is inherently truthful and cannot lie. His nature as omniscient means He possesses all knowledge, making error impossible. Making a mistake would contradict His essence and constitute sin, as it would imply asserting something without complete knowledge.
Additionally, God’s promises are unbreakable because He is both faithful and all-powerful. His faithfulness means He is always true to His word, and His omnipotence ensures that nothing can thwart His promises. In essence, God’s immutable nature assures us of His honesty, infallibility, and fidelity.
Reflect on the following questions:
- How does the doctrine of God’s immutability provide a foundation for interpreting difficult passages?
- In what ways might your understanding of God’s character need to expand or deepen?
A.W. Tozer writes, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” This reminds us that our concept of God should be continually shaped by Scripture, even as we wrestle with challenging texts.
Recognize Human Limitations
As finite beings, we must humbly acknowledge our limitations in fully comprehending an infinite God. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Reflect on the following questions:
- How can recognizing your own limitations lead to a more humble and open approach to Scripture?
- In what ways might God be using difficult passages to expand your understanding of Him?
R.C. Sproul notes, “The issue of faith is not so much whether we believe in God, but whether we believe the God we believe in.” This challenges us to allow Scripture to shape our understanding of God, rather than imposing our preconceptions on the text.
An example of this can be seen in the attribute of God’s love. Many people might approach Scripture with the preconceived notion that God’s love means He will not judge or allow suffering. However, when we read the Bible, we encounter passages that reveal a God who is both loving and just, such as when He disciplines those He loves or when Jesus speaks of judgment. By allowing these scriptural teachings to inform our understanding, we recognize that God’s love also encompasses justice and righteousness, providing a fuller picture of His character.
Engage in Deeper Study
When faced with challenging passages, our response should be to dig deeper into Scripture, seeking understanding through careful study and prayer. Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans who “examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”
Reflect on the following questions:
- What resources or methods have you found helpful in studying difficult passages?
- How can you cultivate a habit of deeper Bible study in your daily life?
John Piper encourages, “God is not honored when we preserve the mere letter of His Word and lose the living Spirit of it. The Spirit of God hovers over His Word and woos us to Himself in, through, and by means of our investigation of the meaning of the text.” This reminds us that diligent study is a means of encountering God Himself.
Seek Wisdom from Others
We shouldn’t wrestle with difficult passages in isolation. Proverbs 15:22 advises, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Seeking insight from mature believers, pastors, and respected scholars can provide valuable perspective.
Reflect on the following questions:
- Who are the trusted spiritual mentors in your life that you can turn to with questions about Scripture?
- How can you cultivate a community of believers who encourage honest questions and deeper study?
Dietrich Bonhoeffer emphasized the importance of community, stating, “The Christian needs another Christian who speaks God’s Word to him. He needs him again and again when he becomes uncertain and discouraged.”
Trust in God’s Revelation
Ultimately, we must trust that God has revealed Himself accurately through Scripture, even when our understanding is limited. Deuteronomy 29:29 reminds us, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.”
Reflect on the following questions:
- How can you grow in trusting God’s self-revelation, even when it challenges your understanding?
- In what ways has wrestling with difficult passages ultimately strengthened your faith?
Tim Keller writes, “A faith without some doubts is like a human body without any antibodies in it. People who blithely go through life too busy or indifferent to ask hard questions about why they believe as they do will find themselves defenseless against either the experience of tragedy or the probing questions of a smart skeptic.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, reconciling difficult passages with our understanding of God’s character is a journey that requires humility, diligence, and faith. As we engage with challenging texts, let us remember that our questions and doubts can be catalysts for deeper faith and understanding.
May we approach Scripture with reverence and expectation, trusting in the words of Psalm 119:18, “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” Let us be encouraged that as we wrestle with God’s Word, we are drawn into a deeper relationship with Him, trusting that He is faithful to reveal Himself to those who seek Him wholeheartedly (Jeremiah 29:13).
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