Sifting Through Man's Interpretation While Secure In Christ

The Scripture says:

John 5:24 WEB

“Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and doesn’t come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.

Eternal life comes to those who believe, and there is nothing else we can add to our salvation. If you believe in Jesus, you are secure because He is faithful to fulfill His promise. So, what about works and Bible interpretation?

2 Timothy 2:15 WEB

Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.

Another way of saying it:

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Both translations are correct. We need to properly handle, handle accurately, rightly divide, and so on. The problem we all tend to face is how to do this. There are so many who have mishandled the Bible and will continue to do so. This includes believers as well as non-believers. That's why James wrote to believers:

James 3:1 WEB

Let not many of you be teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive heavier judgment.

 As a sidebar, I want to point out that this passage isn't judgment of salvation based upon performance, but rather an assessment of works at the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10). This judgment effects awards to Christ-Followers based upon their performance, but their salvation is secure. Unbelieving false teachers will be judged at the Great White Throne Judgment because they do not believe at all (Revelation 20:11-15).

When it comes to Bible interpretation, it's important to understand the passage's context, investigate the historical period (examining social, political, and cultural trends at the time of creation), and consider the cultural setting (norms, customs, and values of the society depicted or referenced). These things will help, but sometimes they will add more questions. Therefore, the expectation is to see if these things can add a little clarity. Most of the time they do, but there are times when they muddy the waters.

Additionally, pay attention to the text itself for internal clues, such as references to specific events, people, or places, and analyze context clues, such as synonyms, antonyms, comparisons, and cause-and-effect relationships, to infer meaning. This will bring more clarity and help to home in on the specific meaning. This takes more time and effort than some would like to give, but if you do this, it will help you become a better Bible student and perhaps avoid as many blunders as possible in interpreting the Bible. It's easy to lazily handle and even accept someone else's interpretation of the Bible. However, you owe it to yourself and those around you to "properly handle" the Bible. A lot of mischief and heartache have come because many people (I was one of them!) mishandle the Bible.

Lastly, pray over your study. The Bible is a Spiritual book:

1 Corinthians 2:14 WEB

Now the natural man doesn’t receive the things of God’s Spirit, for they are foolishness to him; and he can’t know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Many "natural men and women" try hard to interpret the Bible. They seem to be the experts the world puts before us every Easter and Christmas during a secular religious special. However, there is a spiritual element here, and only God can help. Remember though, you must apply reason and pray. If you expect God will give you the answer without the discipline of study, then you will make a serious blunder. Pray, but also study to show yourself approved (2 Timothy 2:15).