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Many people tend to liken the Bible to an academic textbook used by both teachers and students in schools, colleges and universities. They, therefore, read the Bible the same way they read textbooks, and will not want to accept any corrective instruction.
We must understand that the Bible is a unique book. While textbooks, on one hand, were written by the will of man, the Bible, on the other hand, was written by the will of God through holy men.
Of course, the Bible is a printed material, but it is a collection of books written by scores of scribes (about 40) by the inspiration of the Spirit of God. This means that the language of the Bible is the language of man, but its thought is the thought of God.
Therefore, one must not read the Bible like a textbook. Obviously, to have knowledge of the Bible requires careful study, attention, and discipline under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
However, it must be read differently and specially. To read it, understand it, interpret it, teach it and apply it requires the inspiration of the same Spirit of God.
In fact, it requires different reading skills. To read it in order to know and receive deeper illumination and understanding, a born again Christian ought to read the Bible slowly, repeatedly, meditatively and prayerfully.
Moreover, readers must first ensure that their hearts are free from hurt, offense, bitterness, unforgiveness or grudge. In other words, one needs a free spirit that can contact God, communicate with God and clearly hear His voice. A free heart is better prepared to receive clarity from God.
This is important because a believer’s heart is his or her communication point with God. Remember that God dwells in the heart of a born again Christian by His Spirit. Also, the heart is the believer’s altar. I mean a Christian’s body is the temple of God and his heart is the altar on which sacrifices are offered to God.
It is, therefore, important that we learn to read the Bible specially by the guidance of the Holy Spirit to ensure accurate interpretation, understanding, teaching and application for the glory of the name of God.
By James Quansah
