The Simplicity of Christ

There seems to be an increase lately in the frequency I come across a certain type of conversation. It has to do with someone trying to ‘prove’ that the Word of God requires some special kind of knowledge or instruction to understand and unlock its mysteries. They deny the simplicity of Christ and attempt to show what the Bible REALLY does or doesn’t say about a topic. It is, of course, no surprise that the more controversial the topic the more frequently I hear this kind of conversation. It usually goes along the lines of, “What the Bible REALLY means is…” and “If you study DEEPER and use all the other interpretation tools out there, we find that what the Bible TRULY relates is…” People throw around big terms like exegesis, transliteral interpretation and such like those. We need to remember the simplicity of Christ!

For example, I was recently in a blog chat and one of the people there used some of the most convoluted thinking and exegesis I have ever come across, trying to rationalize and normalize a blatantly sinful lifestyle. Taking things out of context, omitting sections of relevant passages (even those connected to the ones they are twisting), and simply denying what is obviously intended are many of the ways these people contort the Word while trying out their mental gymnastics. To combat this trend we need to understand the ground rules for reading and ‘interpreting’ Scripture. These rules should be applied across the board, but especially when reading the epistles of the New Testament. By applying these rules we can safely and uniformly come to a true understanding of God’s Word.

What Is The Simplicity Of Christ?

1. Keep it simple!
2. The Word of God does not need another source to ‘improve’ or ‘completely’ understand what you are reading. Yes, there are definitely times when certain types of tools (like Bible dictionaries and encyclopedias) can give a clearer or broader context of a word or phrase. I frequently use these helps myself. However, those helps NEVER take the place of comparing God’s Word with the common ‘thread’ it shares in other places. An example of a Biblical ‘thread’ is the state of man’s sinful nature. Sin results in death (separation from God), and requires a life in exchange for the soul that commits it. That is why Jesus came, died and rose again. This thread can be followed throughout the Word, in both the Old and New Testaments. Likewise, every major doctrine found in the Word of God shares a similar pattern of belonging to a ‘thread.’ Anyone who tries to tell you otherwise is either a fool or a liar. Don’t be caught up in their error (Jude 5-12).
3. Follow those who lead you to the Word of God, and flee from those who try to add to – or take away from – the Word of God (2 Tim 2:19).
4. If you have a heart to truly follow Christ above anyone or anything else, then trust the One Who lives inside you. Often you can perceive a certain ‘uneasy feeling’ when you hear something that runs contrary to the Word of God. If it doesn’t ‘feel right’ it probably isn’t right (1 John 2:26-27).
5. Acknowledge those who consistently use these steps to teach the Word of God, and follow them. This is ESPECIALLY true when their teaching the Word is unpopular with most people. Reject those who manage to conform their teaching in order to become more popular (2 Tim 4:3-4).
6. Apply these principles to everyone who claims to share God’s Word, including myself!

The main thing I want to share is this; the Word of God stands sure in its simplicity. If it is simple enough for a child to understand then that’s a good indication it could be coming from God.

Luke 18:17
“Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”