The Simplicity of Christ

I have seen an increasing frequency of tampering with the simplicity of Christ coming across in a certain type of conversation. It has to do with someone claiming the Word of God requires a special kind of knowledge or instruction to truly understand and unlock the ‘mysteries’ it holds. These people 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. Simplicity is OUT!

It usually goes along the lines of, “What the Bible REALLY means is…” and “If you study DEEPER you will find that what the Bible TRULY relates is…” People also use impressive terms like ‘exegesis,’’ trans-literal interpretation’ and other terms like these.

How do people confuse the simplicity of Christ? An example is that 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 heard. This person tried to rationalize and normalize a blatantly sinful lifestyle. Taking things out of context, omitting sections of relevant passages and simply denying what is obvious are many of the ways this person (and many others) contort the Word while practicing their mental gymnastics. Regardless of the Scripture that I presented, this individual refused to understand the truth. If it wasn’t bad enough that this person deceived themselves, but they are in a ‘ministry’ position in some church, giving them

It usually goes along the lines of, “What the Bible REALLY means is…” and “If you study DEEPER you will find that what the Bible TRULY relates is…” People also use impressive terms like ‘exegesis,’’ trans-literal interpretation’ and such like these. 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 heard. This person tried to rationalize and normalize a blatantly sinful lifestyle. Taking things out of context, omitting sections of relevant passages and simply denying what is obvious are many of the ways this person (and many others) contort the Word while practicing their mental gymnastics. Regardless of the Scripture that I presented, this individual refused to understand the truth. If it wasn’t bad enough that this person deceived themselves, but they are in a ‘ministry’ position in some church, giving them opportunity to infect others with that deception! In response we need to remember that the simplicity of Christ will help to dispel illusion and false teaching!

2 Cor 11:3-4
But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

To combat the trend of confusing simplicity that is seen, we need to personally understand the ground rules for reading and ‘interpreting’ Scripture. These rules should – and must – be applied across the board whenever we read Scripture. By applying these rules we can safely and uniformly come to a true understanding of God’s Word. I have found the following guidelines indispensable in getting a proper, Biblical interpretation of what God has said in His Word. Please consider these points when reading or discussing the Bible:

1. The Word of God does not require another source to ‘validate’ or ‘complete’ your understanding of what you are reading. While God definitely has provided pastors and teachers as a means for instructing His disciples (Ephesians 4:11-13), it is ultimately the Holy Spirit Who is the Instructor. If what someone claims contradicts the Word, we must believe God rather than men (or women). It is the responsibility of the individual to seek God and His truth for himself/herself, and not rely solely upon the teaching of another.

2. There are times when certain types of tools (like Bible dictionaries and encyclopedias) can give a clearer or broader context of what you’re reading, and I frequently use these helps myself. However, these helps NEVER take the place of comparing God’s Word with itself, looking for the common ‘thread’ it shares within other places throughout the Word. 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. We are ALL sinners and require a Savior! 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 (rather than trying to add to their following), 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 of the Word is unpopular with most [i.e. worldly] people. God’s Word and truth is rarely well-accepted by large groups of people. Reject those who want 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 principle I want to share is this; the Word of God stands sure. 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.”