D9-8: Is It Okay To Re-Interpret Scripture To Adapt To Society As It Changes?

There are two schools of thought when it comes to applying the Scriptures to our lives.

One school of thought is that the Bible is a living document that is meant to change with the times and therefore it is up to us to re-interpret it and make adjustments as needed so that it can adapt to society as it changes.

The other school of thought is that every word in Scripture is written in stone and thus it is up to us to make an effort to understand what was in the Creator’s mind when He communicated His Words to Moses.

In other words, we should always be seeking out the Creator’s intent and apply that to the many different situations we encounter in our lives.

Let me ask you this?

Which school of thought do you think is correct?

One school of thought says that it is okay for us to change how we interpret the Bible to fit our society as it evolves (or devolves if you ask me).

The other school of thought is adamant that while the application of God’s Word may change, our interpretation of the Word itself should NOT change.

One school of thought is obviously man-based because it forces the Bible to adapt to a changing society.

The other school of thought is God-based because it forces society to adapt to the instructions and principles contained in Scripture.

How in the world can we decide which school of thought is correct…

…or are they maybe both correct?

Well, why don’t we take a look at some choice verses from Scripture and let the Bible itself give us the answer.

Take a look at these Scriptures:

“God is not human, that he should lie,
    not a human being,
that he should change his mind.
Does he speak and then not act?
    Does he promise and not fulfill?”
-Numbers 23:19

“For I the Lord do not change;
therefore you,
O children of Jacob,
are not consumed.”
-Malachi 3:6

“Forever, O Lord,
your word is firmly fixed
in the heavens.”
-Psalms 119:89

“The sum of your word is truth,
and every one of your righteous
rules endures forever.”
-Psalm 119:160

Isn’t the answer obvious as to which school of thought is correct?

Another way to easily discern the right answer is to ask yourself what are the results of adhering to one school of thought versus another?

For instance, what do you get when you accept the school of thought that says it’s okay to change our interpretation of Scripture?

I’ll tell you what you get.

You get churches who ordain gay pastors who in turn perform gay marriages.

You get a society where murderers who instead of being executed like they should per Torah are instead housed in prisons using taxpayers’ money and in worst cases due to some ridiculous insanity plea are allowed to go scot free right back into society and continue on with their murderous ways.

You get churches who preach and teach that the Sabbath has been changed to a Sunday and that it’s okay to eat unclean foods.

And the list goes on and on.

It’s obvious why our fleshly tendencies would prefer a school of thought or philosophy that says it’s okay to change our view of Scripture as society changes.

It’s simply because we don’t like to get uncomfortable.

However, there is no growth in comfort.

If you are at a place in your walk of faith where you never feel challenged or uncomfortable, you’re not growing and I would seriously examine myself to make sure my faith is where it should be.

I’m done.