You can make the Bible say whatever you want

Sometimes people quote the Bible in certain ways because they don't know what it really says or means.

Some will use Scriptures to make a point or teach a doctrine by not quoting all of a verse or verses, or the verse preceding or the one following the one they use.

A few will twist the Scriptures to their own destruction. 2 Peter 3:16

Paul wrote that many corrupted the word of God, selling it to make money. 2 Corinthians 2:17

What's the proper way?

But in Christ we speak the truth before God, as messengers of God. 2 Corinthians 2:17

Truths that are removed from their places in the Bible to try to make them say what wasn't intended by the writers could be called errors, ignorance displayed, or perhaps half-truths.

Even though most of us like certain Bible translations more than others, there are some who refuse to use any but their one favorite.

It can be enlightening to read how our memorized verses in our favorite Bibles are translated in other versions.

One can think, "Wow, this changes the meaning almost completely."

These modern or revised Bibles seem to claim to have better scholarship but also may have a tendency to cast doubt on even their own translations.

If you read sermons or listen to messages, you may also notice that some pastors, preachers, and teachers pick and choose Bible verses to portray salvation, sin, heaven, hell, or whatever in the favorable light that they want.

It's as though these messengers are skipping around in the Bible to find verses that support what they believe and what they want you to believe, too.

And some in public ministry will use a Bible version and quote that from a pulpit if it supports what they believe, even if it's not their usual Bible.

Why the need to use such tactics with the Bible?

Think of how you might create your own Bible version, which if we're honest, is what we do anyway when we pick the verses we like and ignore the ones that we don't.

You might call it "The Positive Bible" where never a discouraging word is written.

You might call it "The Prosperous Bible" where only verses that promise abundance are there.

You might call it "The Suffering Bible" where only Scriptures that talk about the benefits and required suffering for the faithful are stated.

Below are some quick examples of half-truths when Scriptures are used incorrectly --

Jesus asked a woman caught in adultery and was brought to Him, "Where are your accusers? Has no one condemned you?" John 8:3-5, 10

She replied, "No one Lord." John 8:11

Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you." John 8:11

A preacher can add, "See, that's the Jesus I love and we need for the world today. He does NOT condemn us even right after we sin. What a Savior!"

The problem is, the rest of the verse needed to be quoted:

"Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more." John 8:11

Jesus forgave and then gave guidance: Don't sin anymore because the person who follows Me is to not walk in darkness but have the light of life. John 8:12

A famous, international missionary told a conference room full of preachers that he focused on the remission of sins in Jesus' name as written in Luke 24:47.

But the Lord said, "Repentance [turning around from sin to God - Acts 20:21] and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." Luke 24:47

It was NOT only remission, the blotting out of sins, but repentance from them, too.

I hope you get the idea that the Bible, if one believes it to be a message from God the Father, can be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Psalm 119:105

But it can also be a dangerous tool in the hands of those lying in wait to deceive. Ephesians 4:14

What should we do to keep ourselves from being deceived? Matthew 24:4

Expect the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. John 16:13

Realize that you can have more understanding than all of your favorite teachers, pastors, and preachers because the Lord's word is your meditation, Psalm 119:47, 99 you have an anointing from the Holy One, 1 John 2:20 and you have no need that anyone teach you because the anointing teaches you. 1 John 2:27

Accept that all Scripture is God-breathed and can be used to learn what the Lord wants to say to you now by His Spirit. Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Revelation 2:7

Examine the context of any Scripture because there are verses before and after a verse being quoted. Acts 17:10-11

Don't swallow everything just because someone has written or said it.

Don't overlook Scriptures that seem to contradict other words that you believe are true. Study them, comparing spiritual with spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:12-13

Finally, if you're a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ because you've been born again through Him, John 3:5-7; 1 Peter 1:23 remember this truth --

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs — heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. Romans 8:16-17

This is true, right?

No, it's a half-truth.

The rest of the verse from Romans 8:17 was missing.

It reads, if indeed we suffer with Him [Jesus], that we may also be glorified together.

Let's stay awake, pray, Mark 13:33 and handle the word of truth accurately 2 Timothy 2:15 in the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom. Proverbs 1:7; 9:10

Your thoughts?

R. Jason