Lesson 28

The Bible is the word of God, but not all the statements contained within the Bible are true, nor should all be taken at face value, or applied out of context. A good example of this is the statement, “Ye shall not surely die”. Yes, it is a statement from within the Bible, but it is the lie Satan made to Eve. We should not believe Satan’s lie but read it in context. God told Eve she would die if she ate of that tree. Knowing who, what, when, where and why is always important to find out and keep in mind.

Genesis 3:4 King James Version
3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. 4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

Context and meaning can make subtle but important changes in how we understand what the Bible scriptures are telling us. Many believers have died thinking the words of Jesus would spare their lives from snake bites and poison and many non believers have challenged the followers of Jesus to prove his words would keep them safe by testing themselves against those same perils.

Mark 16:18 New Living Translation
18 They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.”

Jesus knew the answer for such tests and ways of thinking. He corrects the contextual errors and makes the meaning plain for Satan and humans alike. We find the answer spoken by Jesus when he was being similarly challenged.

Luke 4:9-12 International Children’s Bible
9 Then the devil led Jesus to Jerusalem and put him on a high place of the Temple. He said to Jesus, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! 10 It is written in the Scriptures: ‘He has put his angels in charge of you. They will watch over you.’ 11 ‘They will catch you with their hands. And you will not hit your foot on a rock.’” 12 Jesus answered, “But it also says in the Scriptures: ‘Do not test the Lord your God.’”

Psalm 91:11-12 Evangelical Heritage Version
11 Yes, he will give a command to his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.12 They will lift you up in their hands,so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

Deuteronomy 6:16 King James Version
16 Ye shall not tempt the Lord your God, as ye tempted him in Massah.

How can we understand scriptures within their proper contextual meaning?