Why is it important to understand the Bible?

Understanding the Bible is important because the Bible is the Word of God. When we open the Bible, we read God's message for us. What could be more important than understanding what the Creator of the universe has to say?

We try to understand the Bible for the same reason that a man tries to understand a love letter written by his lover. God loves us and wants to restore our relationship with him (Matthew 23:37). God communicates His love for us to us in the Bible (John 3:16; 1 John 3: 1; 4: 10).

We try to understand the Bible for the same reason that a soldier tries to understand a dispatch from his commander. Obeying God's orders brings him honor and guides us on the way of life (Psalm 119). These guidelines are found in the Bible (John 14:15).

We try to understand the Bible for the same reason that a mechanic tries to understand a repair manual. Things are going wrong in this world and the Bible not only makes a diagnosis of the problem (sin), but also indicates the solution (faith in Christ). "In fact the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).

We try to understand the Bible for the same reason that a driver tries to understand road signs. The Bible guides us through life, showing us the way to salvation and wisdom (Psalm 119: 11, 105).

We try to understand the Bible for the same reason that someone who is in the path of a storm tries to understand the weather forecast. The Bible predicts what the end of times will be like, giving a clear warning about the impending judgment (Matthew 24-25) and how to avoid it (Romans 8: 1).

We try to understand the Bible for the same reason that an avid reader tries to understand the books of his favorite author. The Bible reveals to us the person and glory of God, as expressed in His Son, Jesus Christ (John 1: 1-18). The more we read and understand the Bible, the more intimately we know its author.

When Philip was traveling to Gaza, the Holy Spirit led him to a man who was reading part of the book of Isaiah. Philip approached the man, saw what he was reading, and asked him this important question: "Do you understand what you read?" (Acts 8:30). Philip knew that understanding was the starting point of faith. If we don't understand the Bible we can't apply it, we can't obey or believe what it says.