Can We Understand the Bible?

Introduction: Can We Really Know What God Has Said?

In every generation, men and women have asked the same fundamental question about Scripture: Can we understand it? Behind this question lies a great divide in theology, hermeneutics, and ecclesiology. Some believe the Bible is inherently unclear and that divine illumination or ecclesiastical authority is needed to interpret it. Others believe the Bible was written to be understood by anyone who honestly seeks God. This article affirms the latter, showing from Scripture that God revealed His will in human language that is both authoritative and accessible.

This is not merely a question of theology but of eternity. If we cannot understand God’s Word, then how can we be saved? How can we obey? How can we teach others? A God who commands and then cloaks His commands in obscurity is neither good nor just. Thankfully, the God of the Bible is both. He has revealed Himself in a way that invites understanding and demands response.

We will demonstrate that the Bible can be understood because it was meant to be understood. We will also expose the unbiblical doctrine of “Holy Spirit illumination” as a necessary requirement to understand Scripture. The Spirit’s role in revelation was completed in the inspiration and preservation of Scripture. Understanding comes not by a mystical experience, but by honest study and submission to God’s will.

I. The Bible Was Written to Be Understood

God is not a God of confusion. He did not reveal His will to create mystery but to manifest truth. From the beginning, God spoke to man in ways that were clear. When God told Adam not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, there was no ambiguity. When God gave Moses the Law, He expected it to be read, understood, and obeyed. God’s commandments were written plainly on tablets of stone and read to the entire nation of Israel (Exodus 24:7).

In Deuteronomy 30:11-14, Moses tells the people that the commandments are not too difficult or far off. “But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may observe it.” God made His will available and understandable.

The same principle continues in the New Testament. The apostles wrote so that their readers would understand the mystery of Christ. Paul explicitly says in Ephesians 3:3-4, “By revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief. By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ.” Notice Paul does not say, “When the Holy Spirit gives you personal illumination.” He says, “When you read.”

Jesus Himself preached in ways that could be grasped by common people. Mark 12:37 says, “The large crowd enjoyed listening to Him.” His teachings, while profound, were conveyed in parables and everyday language. He often rebuked His listeners not for ignorance but for willful blindness. “You do not understand because you are not willing to understand,” was the essence of His rebuke in Matthew 13:13-15.

God has never demanded blind obedience. He demands informed obedience. He reveals, so we may understand. He commands, so we may follow.

II. The Doctrine of the Clarity of Scripture

The clarity or perspicuity of Scripture is the belief that the Bible is sufficiently clear in its main message, especially concerning salvation and godly living. The doctrine does not claim that every verse is equally easy to understand, but that God’s plan for man is clearly revealed in Scripture.

Psalm 119:130 declares, “The unfolding of Your words gives light. It gives understanding to the simple.” The Word of God enlightens. It does not confuse. It gives understanding not merely to the intellectual but to the humble. This verse alone dismantles the idea that only the highly educated or the mystically enlightened can interpret Scripture.

Nehemiah 8:8 records that the Levites “read from the book, from the law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading.” The goal of teaching is understanding. The goal of Scripture is communication, not concealment.

Some claim that Peter’s words in 2 Peter 3:16, referring to some of Paul’s writings as “hard to understand,” mean that Scripture is inaccessible. That is a misuse of the passage. First, Peter says some things are hard to understand, not impossible. Second, he blames unstable people for twisting Scripture to their destruction. The problem is not the Word. It is the reader’s disposition.

The apostles assumed that their writings could and should be understood. Paul told the Thessalonians to “examine everything carefully” (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and the Corinthians to “read” and “understand” his letters (2 Corinthians 1:13). The Bereans were praised in Acts 17:11 because “they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.” This was possible without a direct revelation or illumination from the Spirit. They simply read and reasoned.

III. Scripture Interprets Scripture

The most effective interpreter of the Bible is the Bible itself. The Bible is a unified whole, breathed out by God (2 Timothy 3:16), and it does not contradict itself. When we encounter a difficult passage, we interpret it in light of clearer ones. This is known as the analogy of faith.

Jesus used Scripture to explain Scripture. In Luke 24:27, beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures. He expected the disciples to see the unity and consistency of the message. This approach assumes that the Bible is both internally consistent and understandable.

A good student of the Word compares spiritual things with spiritual (1 Corinthians 2:13). The best commentary on the Bible is the Bible. Scripture sheds light on Scripture. The more one studies, the more cohesive and understandable the text becomes.

This does not negate use of helpful tools such as lexicons, commentaries, books, etc. However, these are written by uninspired fallible men who are capable of being wrong. So, the Bible is its own best interpreter. When you read or use these other aids in study, always, always, always let the Scripture be the ultimate say.

IV. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Revelation

To properly understand the false teaching of modern “illumination,” we must first affirm the true role of the Holy Spirit in revelation.

The Spirit was active in revealing God’s will to the prophets and apostles (John 14:26, 16:13). The Scriptures are “God-breathed,” and this process occurred through men moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21). This role of the Spirit was miraculous and temporary, intended to produce a complete and perfect revelation once and for all (Jude 3).

The Spirit’s revelatory work culminated in the completed canon of Scripture. The Word of God is sufficient for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16-17). It lacks nothing. It is complete.

The Spirit does not continue to give new revelation, nor does He act directly upon the mind of the reader to decode the meaning of Scripture. Nowhere does the Bible teach that one must wait for a supernatural inner light before understanding God’s Word. The Spirit operates with the Word, not apart from it.

V. The False Doctrine of Illumination

Many sincere people have been taught that they cannot understand the Bible without a special, internal work of the Spirit. This is commonly called “illumination.” While the term may be used loosely to refer to the Spirit’s past work in giving the Word, the modern idea is dangerous. It promotes a mystical, subjective approach to understanding Scripture, where feelings, impressions, or personal experiences become the standard of interpretation.

This doctrine is derived in part from a misreading of 1 Corinthians 2:14, which says, “A natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God.” But Paul is not saying that the natural man cannot understand the words of Scripture. He says he does not accept them. The issue is not mental inability but spiritual rebellion. The same chapter makes it clear that Paul was speaking words taught by the Spirit. Those words were heard and understood. The rejection of truth is not an intellectual deficiency but a moral and volitional one.

Jesus rebuked His hearers for not understanding the Scriptures, saying in Matthew 22:29, “You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God.” If understanding required mystical enlightenment, this rebuke would be unjust. But Jesus expected them to understand based on reading and reasoning.

If illumination were essential to comprehension, then why did the Bereans search the Scriptures to verify Paul’s message? Why did Paul repeatedly command the churches to read and understand? Why does Scripture warn about false teachers, if the common person cannot discern error?

The doctrine of required illumination undermines the authority and sufficiency of Scripture. It suggests that the Bible is incomplete unless the Spirit adds something extra to the reader. But Peter says we have “everything pertaining to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3) through the knowledge of God’s Word. That knowledge comes by study, not subjective experience.

VI. The Responsibility of the Reader

Understanding Scripture does not come automatically or effortlessly. It requires diligent study. Paul told Timothy, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). This instruction makes no sense if understanding is wholly dependent on illumination.

The Bible must be approached with reverence, humility, and effort. Proverbs 2:3-5 urges us to cry out for discernment, to lift our voice for understanding, and to search for wisdom as for hidden treasures. The result is that “you will discern the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God.” Again, this understanding is not the result of mystical intervention but of seeking with sincerity and effort.

James 1:5 says that God gives wisdom generously to those who ask, but this wisdom is tied to Scripture and to faith. He does not promise secret knowledge or inner whispers. He blesses those who seek Him through His revealed Word.

VII. Answering Common Objections

Some claim that spiritual truth must be spiritually discerned and that unless the Holy Spirit performs a supernatural act within the heart of the reader, true understanding is impossible. They appeal to passages like 1 Corinthians 2:10-14 or John 16:13. However, these passages must be interpreted in context and compared with others to avoid misapplication.

Objection 1: “1 Corinthians 2 says spiritual things are only understood by those with the Spirit.”

This passage refers to the inspired teaching of the apostles, who spoke divine truth not from human wisdom but from the Spirit of God. Paul is explaining how he, as an apostle, received revelation and taught it in words taught by the Spirit. The “natural man” rejects these truths, not because he cannot understand the words, but because he does not accept them. The problem is moral rebellion, not intellectual deficiency. The spiritual man is the one who receives and trusts the teaching of the Spirit that was revealed through the apostles and prophets.

Objection 2: “John 16:13 says the Spirit will guide us into all truth.”

This promise was made to the apostles. The context of John 14-16 is the Upper Room discourse, where Jesus is preparing His apostles for His departure and promising them divine help in recalling His teaching and delivering His revelation. This promise was fulfilled when the Spirit came upon them and guided them into all truth (Acts 2; 1 Corinthians 2:13; Ephesians 3:3-5). It is not a promise of continual personal revelation for every believer today.

Objection 3: “People interpret Scripture differently. That proves we need the Spirit’s help.”

Disagreement over interpretation does not prove the Bible is unclear. It proves that men approach Scripture with different presuppositions, prejudices, and motives. Many twist the Scriptures to their own destruction (2 Peter 3:16), not because the Bible is unclear, but because they are unwilling to submit to its authority. The solution is not mystical enlightenment but careful exegesis, context, prayer, and honest submission to God’s will.

VIII. Why Do Some People Not Understand?

Jesus answered this question directly. In Matthew 13:15 He quoted Isaiah saying, “For the heart of this people has become dull. With their ears they scarcely hear, and they have closed their eyes.” The problem is not in the message, but in the hearer. The Word falls on different kinds of soil, as the parable in Matthew 13 makes clear. Some reject it, some receive it superficially, and some bear fruit.

In John 7:17, Jesus said, “If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know of the teaching.” Willingness precedes understanding. The one who humbles himself before God and desires to obey will find clarity in God’s Word. But those who come seeking to justify themselves or cling to their own traditions will remain blind.

Unbelief, pride, sin, and rebellion all cloud a person’s ability to perceive the truth. Paul told Timothy that false teachers had a “seared conscience” and were “always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 4:2; 2 Timothy 3:7). This was not because they lacked illumination. It was because they rejected the plain teaching of Scripture.

IX. Denominational Confusion and the Role of Human Tradition

Much of the confusion surrounding Bible interpretation stems not from the Bible itself, but from man-made traditions and denominational teachings. When people bring years of theological baggage to the text, it distorts their ability to read it plainly.

Jesus condemned the Pharisees for “teaching as doctrines the precepts of men” (Matthew 15:9). He rebuked them for invalidating the Word of God for the sake of their tradition. The same happens today when people are taught that they cannot understand Scripture without a church authority, a theological system, or a special anointing of the Spirit. These ideas exalt man’s system above God’s revelation.

The Bible must be read with fresh eyes, letting Scripture speak for itself. We must be like the Bereans, examining everything carefully in light of the Word, not in light of what we have been told by religious institutions. Jesus promised that “the truth will make you free” (John 8:32), but only if we are willing to abide in His Word (John 8:31).

X. The Sufficiency of Scripture and the Power of the Word

The sufficiency of Scripture is a cornerstone doctrine. Second Timothy 3:16-17 says that “all Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” This passage leaves no room for the idea that something else is needed to understand or apply God’s Word.

Psalm 19:7 declares, “The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul. The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.” This is a powerful statement. God’s Word makes the simple wise. It does not make the wise more mystical. It transforms by its power, not by a secondary act of Spirit-given illumination.

Isaiah 55:10-11 shows the power of God’s Word to accomplish what He desires. It does not return void. It achieves its purpose—not because of subjective experience but because of divine design.

XI. How Then Should We Approach Scripture?

If Scripture is clear and understandable, and if we do not need mystical illumination, then how should we approach the Word of God?

1. With Reverence

The Bible is the Word of the living God. It must not be approached casually or flippantly. Psalm 119 is a song of praise to God’s Word, showing how the righteous man delights in it, meditates on it, and hides it in his heart. We must approach Scripture as the final authority in all things.

2. With Humility

James 1:21 tells us to “receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.” We must lay aside pride, preconceived ideas, and stubbornness. God gives grace to the humble and reveals His will to the contrite and teachable.

3. With Diligence

Second Timothy 2:15 calls for careful study and accurate handling of the Word. This requires time, effort, and discipline. Casual reading will produce casual knowledge. Deep study produces deep faith.

4. With Prayer

Though we reject the false doctrine of Spirit illumination, we do not reject prayer. We ought to pray for wisdom (James 1:5), for discernment (Philippians 1:9-10), and for a pure heart (Psalm 139:23-24). These prayers do not seek mystical interpretation but godly character to rightly respond to what we read.

5. With Obedience

John 7:17 makes it clear: “If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know of the teaching.” Understanding is not simply intellectual. It is spiritual in the sense that we must be willing to obey. Obedience brings clarity. Disobedience brings blindness.

XII. Final Exhortation: Open the Book and Read

In the days of King Josiah, the book of the law was found in the temple. When it was read, revival began. Josiah tore his clothes and sought the will of God. The people wept and repented. Why? Because the Word was understandable. The people had been ignorant, but once the Word was read, the truth was known.

The same is true today. When people open the Bible and read with a heart to obey, they will find life. God has spoken clearly. The Word is near. It is in your heart and in your mouth so that you may observe it (Deuteronomy 30:14).

The Bible is not an enigma. It is not a book for scholars alone. It is for every man, woman, and child who desires to know God. We must reject the lie that we need a second work of grace or Spirit-powered insight to grasp the truth. We already have the truth. We need only to read, believe, and obey.

Conclusion

Yes, we can understand the Bible. Not because of our intellect, and not because of some mystical force, but because God has spoken clearly. He designed His Word to be known, received, and followed.

Reject the idea that truth is hidden. Refuse to believe that understanding is only for the elite or enlightened. Open the Word. Read it. Study it. Teach it. Live it.

God gave us His Word because He wants us to know Him. He gave us the Bible so that we might not walk in darkness. Do not let anyone tell you that you need something more. You have what you need. The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12), and it will lead you into all truth—if you will follow it.