The religious division that exists in our world causes some to conclude that it is impossible for people to understand the Bible alike. They see different religious groups teaching incompatible doctrines and participating in conflicting activities, all while claiming to follow the same book. Instead of addressing these discrepancies honestly and searching the Scriptures to learn the truth, some reject the Bible as foolishness or conclude that it is impossible for the Bible to be seen alike.

The Bible is not an ancient puzzle or tangled mess of religious philosophy that only gifted or trained people can sort out and comprehend. It is the revelation of God’s mind to man, allowing us to know divine truths that have been revealed to us (1 Cor. 2:10-12).

We can understand the Bible. “By which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ” (Eph. 3:4). Paul went on to tell the Ephesians, “Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:17). If understanding comes from reading, and Paul told us to understand, then it follows that we can understand the Bible when we read it.

Not only can the Bible be understood, but it is also entirely reasonable to expect that we can understand the Bible alike. Our society operates on the basis that we are able to understand and agree on the different guidelines that govern our lives. For instance, we all agree on how to understand traffic laws. We all know how to tell time and how to keep appointments. We all agree on a common monetary system, and have a common understanding of mathematics. If we are able to understand these things alike, then why would one insist that it is not necessary, or even possible, to see the Bible alike?

To the church at Corinth, Paul wrote, “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Cor. 1:10). Paul did not permit them to have different views or interpretations. He told them to see things alike.

The purpose for the local church’s teaching program is to ensure that “we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13). We can’t “agree to disagree.” We must be unified in our understanding of “the faith” (the doctrine of Christ). A lack of agreement regarding what the Bible says is not an indictment against the Bible. It is simply an indication that those who disagree need more learning.

How We Can Understand the Bible Alike

1. Approach the Bible with the belief that you can understand it. Have faith that God has revealed His will to you in the Scriptures in a way that you can understand (Eph. 3:4).

2. Approach the Bible with a dose of common sense. Expect that it means what it says. The Bible contains no hidden codes. It is not necessary to attend a theological seminary to learn how to unlock its meaning. As our Creator, God knows how we communicate. In the Bible, He has communicated His will to us in a way that we can understand.

3. Set aside preconceived ideas, doctrines, and agendas. Allow the Bible to speak for itself. One reason many people struggle with understanding the Bible is that they think they already know what it teaches, so they try to make the Bible match their preconceived ideas. For such people, Bible study is as frustrating as trying to press a square peg into a round hole. Rather than searching the Bible to find support for what one thinks it says, we must study to discover what it actually says.

4. Be honest in the way you handle God’s word. Misunderstanding comes from mishandling. Before reaching a conclusion, consider everything the Bible has to say on the subject. Keep verses in their context (understand the subject of the passage, who is speaking, who is being spoken to, etc.). Anything can be proven by taking a Scripture out of context. Be aware of the different types of speech used in the Bible (historical narration, poetry, symbolic or figurative language, etc.). Allow plain passages to help you interpret those that are more difficult. Remember, the Bible never contradicts itself, so when you encounter a difficult passage, do not interpret it in a way that contradicts plain passages of Scripture.

5. Take time to think about what you have read. “Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day” (Ps. 119:97). Pray about it, meditate upon it, and let it sink in.

6. Develop a love for the truth (2 Thess. 2:10). If we love God’s word, we will take the time and effort necessary to study its meaning and search out its treasures (Ps. 119:162). We will be honest with it, not adding to or taking away from it (Rev. 22:18-19). We will accept what it has to say and obey it.

Can we understand the Bible alike? If we understand it at all, we will understand it alike. If two people differ about the meaning of a passage, they can’t both be right. Both may be wrong, but both can’t be right. God created us with the intellect and ability to think and reason. He revealed His word to us in a manner that we can understand. He expects us to read and study to understand it, which means we will understand it alike.