By Ron Graham

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“Then He said to the disciples, "It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come!” Luke 17:1. Ridiculing a brother in Christ because you believe him to be teaching erroneously by twisting scripture is a grave accusation. Indeed, Bible teachers who take it upon themselves to re-interpret scripture from what the word actually says are an abomination to God. God’s word warns us over and over again about the consequences of teaching our brothers in Christ erroneously. “It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.” Luke 17:2.

Seriously, that’s how Christians need to take these words of our Lord, very seriously. Studying God’s word should be a labor of love. We should always be ready to help others obtain a more complete understanding of God’s word. But as we study and teach God’s word, we must be careful not to twist scriptures to fit what we want them to mean. Too often when people contact me to point out what they perceive as errors in my interpretation of Scripture, they neglect to include Scripture, taken in context, to support their positions. This leads to many misunderstandings. “Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.” Ecclesiastes 8:1

If a person disagrees with another’s interpretation of God’s word, there needs to be discussion between the two parties. Too often, though, one or both begin to quote Scripture out of context and without taking the original words and meaning of God’s word into account. Every English translation of the Bible uses words based upon common usage at the time of the translation. For instance, many claim that there is no reference to dinosaurs in the Bible because the word does not appear. If we look closely at various passages we find that, indeed, there are descriptions of unusual creatures.

The book of Job describes the behemoth: Behold now behemoth, which I made with thee; he eateth grass as an ox. Lo now, his strength is in his loins, and his force is in the navel of his belly. He moveth his tail like a cedar; the sinews of his stones are wrapped together. His bones are as strong pieces of brass; his bones are like bars of iron. Job 40:15-18. There is much more description in the following passages. Now, when these verses were translated in the King James Version in 1611, nobody knew what a dinosaur was. Through the years the notion was promoted that this described an elephant or a hippopotamus. Go back and read the description and see if it sounds like an elephant! It wasn’t until the mid 1800’s that a dinosaur skeleton was unearthed and the word “dinosaur” was coined. But to this day people twist God’s word to justify evolution and say that dinosaurs are not in the Bible. This is just one way in which God’s word, if not properly studied and taken in context, can be misunderstood.  

There is a growing desire and hunger world-wide for God’s truth. Not twisted interpretations of God’s word, but the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Twisting scriptures, in my view, is the same as teaching false doctrine and needs to be avoided like the plague. As we study and learn more of God’s word He adds to our understanding. As He sees our diligence and desire to become more informed as to what His word reveals, He allows us a deeper understanding of His precepts. The more a person studies God’s word, the more discernment God gives to that person. The believer must actively pursue knowledge and wisdom through study and prayer, always striving to receive from God blessings of more and more discernment. “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” 2 Timothy 4:2.

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.”2 Peter 2:1. I see the twisting of Scripture all the time. I see it and hear it and am sometimes at a loss as to why it’s done. Sadly, there are many in teaching ministries who do just that. Blatant scripture twisting is obvious to those with a discerning eye and ear. But to those who have little Bible knowledge just about anything will pass as biblical. “And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.” 2 Peter 2:2.

Many who complain about scripture being twisted are only parroting what someone else has told them. They haven’t actually searched the scriptures for themselves to learn the truth. Listening to any particular Bible teacher without searching the scriptures for yourself is to your own detriment. If a Bible teacher tells you to trust him because he knows the scriptures and that you need not even read or study for yourself, run from one such as this. This is how cults get started.

I’ve studied for years under the tutelage of various Bible teachers who always quote Acts 17:11 “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” either as they begin their teachings or at some point during their lessons. In other words, they want their students to search the scriptures for themselves and not just take their word for anything. I’ve also heard numerous other teachers claim dogmatically their interpretation is the only correct interpretation. Again, this would be someone to run from.

The internet is a great source for searching out and obtaining biblical insight. It is also the biggest source for distributing tons of erroneous Bible teachings, twisting of scriptures, and lies that’s ever been invented by man. Be careful and diligent about testing the information gleaned from the internet against the truth of God’s word. There’s also a plethora of books at Christian book stores that teach pure lies. The emergent Church folks have moved into the mainstream of Christendom and are utilizing Christian bookstores as well as secular bookstores, and of course the internet, to distribute their satanic teachings worldwide. All of which is intended to move the masses from a Christ centered life to a god-is-in-everything type of existence. Every bit of which is done through the twisting of scriptures. “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;” 1 Timothy 4:1, 2. 

I don’t have all the answers and that’s for sure, but God’s word does. We should be able to find the answer to all of life’s most intriguing problems not to mention our little idiosyncrasies and quirks. God, in His infinite wisdom, has anticipated our every question, our every whim, and our every thought. He’s made His word available to those who want to get to know the truth, and He’s certainly available for all those who have the desire to get to know Him personally. God, through His Holy Spirit, has asked me to make myself available to anyone who is seeking and needs a little clarification. But one thing I won’t do is twist scriptures.

If I don’t have the answer right off the tip of my brain I search for the answer throughout the scriptures until I’m sure I have the correct answer and always through prayer. This should be every Christian’s desire. To search Scripture and come to a deeper and truer knowledge of God’s Holy Word should be pure joy to every Christian. We should all want a deeper understanding of God’s word so that we’re conformed more to His likeness and not twist scriptures to justify our lifestyles or try to conform Him to us.   

Disagreements will always arise when two or more people discuss their individual interpretations of scriptures. Because of various commentaries I’ve written, and my endeavoring to stay true to God’s word, I have been called many names such as hate-monger, bigot, and racist. Some exclaim that I can’t possibly be a Christian and tell me to just shut my mouth. They say that my stance on God’s word is the problem with church today. They want scripture twisted to justify sinful lifestyles. I won’t do it. If you,  like me, take God’s word serious and refuse to twist scripture, then you and I can both relate to David’s words in Pslam 56:“Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil.” Psalm 56:5

When the Holy Spirit leads me to write these commentaries He directs me to the scripture verses He wants inserted. Its Gods word that is prominent in my commentaries and it’s His word that the commentaries are built around. I hope that before you attack my stance, or anyone else’s for that matter, that you will do due diligence and search God’s word and see what He says. Don’t twist His words, but honestly see what He says. “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” Titus 2:15.

We all have the responsibility to keep each other on the right track. When I, or any other commentator, writes a commentary or lesson, everyone reading must do so with due diligence. If there is an error in the Scripture interpretation, then respond. But be sure not to twist scripture in doing so. 

In conclusion, if you disagree with me on any topic, please, as you sit down to compose a rebuttal include the scripture verses that pertain to your perception of my error. This way I can respond with more resources and information that might help clear up the confusion.  Another reason to add Scripture is to support your own position, and I just might be pointed to something I’ve overlooked. Remember we are all on the same team. We are the body of Christ. We must stand up for Jesus Christ together and against the evil of this world. Let’s work together, we’ve certainly worked against each other long enough.

 

I’ll add another passage from God’s word quoted from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Galatians, which, I hope, would tie this entire commentary together. “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:6-8. 

 

“As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:9.

God bless you all,

Ron Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

All scripture verses are from the KJV