Christ did not use parables to clarify his teaching. He did it so that unbelievers “shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive.” His words reflect an aspect of God’s character; He does not force His word on those who don’t want it.
We continue this month with a feature of scripture that reflects the same point developed last issue.
Symbols and figures of speech
Reflect for a moment on the symbolic language in Ezekiel, Daniel and the Revelation. Being avid readers of the Bible, we are used to such a form of writing, but using symbols is not the way to put across a message if one wants someone to clearly and easily understand it. Just imagine submitting a report to your boss or an essay to your teacher in which you used even one symbol for some matter you wished to explain. They would not be impressed! Symbols are used to hide a message, not to make it clear. Obviously God used symbols for the same reason that His Son used parables.
In addition to symbols, God uses unexplained figures of speech. The devil subject is a case in point.
The word “devil” is often used as a personification of sin or human nature. However, nowhere in the Bible can we find a verse that states that fact in so many words. The correct meaning is implied in several verses, as we know, but to prove our case we are forced to compare scripture with scripture and to explain many difficult passages to someone who believes in a supernatural devil.
We know that the subject of wicked invisible spirits was improperly understood by the people of Jesus’ day. Yet, rather than exposing their ideas as wrong, Jesus used terms that appear to go along with the people in their ignorance.
An important doctrine
This is not a minor point on which to be confused. An incorrect understanding of this subject can prevent a person from appreciating the fact that miracles are a proof that Jesus is the Christ.
In Jesus’ day, the unbelieving Pharisees rejected the concrete proof he gave them that his words were true: “This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.” They never would have made such a statement unless they were astray on this doctrine. The same thing will, no doubt, happen again when Christ returns. How will the apostasy explain the mighty signs and wonders that will be done by the Lord when he comes? The answer is already written in their literature! Hal Lindsey, a popular evangelical writer states in his book, The Late Great Planet Earth, “In other words, Satan himself is going to give the Antichrist fantastic power. He is going to be able to work all kinds of miracles. This is one reason that Christians should not get too excited when they see a miracle. It may not be a miracle from God. Satan is a miracle worker too.”
It is evident that a belief in a supernatural devil can contribute to rejection of Christ. Why, then, didn’t God make this point very clear and simple? Why use the figure at all unless it was done on purpose to conceal the truth from those who are not willing to search for it or who really do not want it?
The same point could be made for many of the figures of speech found in the Bible, such as personifying the Holy Spirit as the Comforter, speaking of wisdom as a woman or calling those things that are not as though they are (Rom. 4:17).
What if a safety manual for a nuclear reactor were written in this kind of language? Can you imagine using symbols, personification, metaphor, etc., in the chapter on how to evacuate the facility in case of a leak? Is not the conclusion inevitable? The Bible is not written to be understood easily. Its very form and the way it has been composed show clearly that the Author is one who conceals His word and purpose and is willing to reveal this will and purpose only to those who want it dearly.
A matter of character
Our God is a God that delights to conceal His ways. He does not make them impossible to find out but He does make them difficult to fully grasp.
Furthermore, in seeking out the truths hidden in His word, the one seeking them out is developing diligence,aquality we must have if we are to keep His works unto the end. And God has so written His word that we will not understand it unless we have the attributes of humility, contrition of spirit and respect for the word. Indeed, a person must have these attributes if God is going to dwell with him: “To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.”
The same principles apply concerning the difficulties that we encounter with apparent contradictions and errors of translation. God wants faith more than He wants brilliant knowledge. He gives reasonable proof as sufficient grounds for faith, but He will not give absolute proof because that would prevent the development of faith. An absolutely perfect Biblical text would prove beyond doubt that its author was divine. No faith would be needed. As has been said,’ God does not drag mankind, He draws them.” He does not want those who think themselves wise, He wants the humble. The wise of this world will completely miss what God has done. This is ironic, and God enjoys irony.
The wisest of men didn’t know Jesus even though the books they knew so well told all about him. The stone that the builders rejected became the headstone of the corner -that is ironic. Consider the remark of Caiaphas, “It is expedient that one man should die for the people.” God put profound words of great truth in the mouth of this vicious enemy of Christ. Right at Jesus’ cross, the scribes said, “He saved others, himself he cannot save.” Their meaning was to mock, but their words declared the truth because to save others he had to remain where he was.
When faced with difficult passages of Scripture, in most cases we are coming face to face with our God and His magnificent character. Scripture is like a stone that has been designed to trip those who think they are wise; it is like a concealed gem that makes us meditate long hours on its exquisite beauties. The only attitude which will yield the hidden treasures that God has woven into His word is a humble heart and reverent mind.
When approached from the right point of view, Bible problems are thus seen to confirm the veracity of divine inspiration of scripture rather than refute it.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One