There is no question that problem texts are to be found in the Word of God. Some are put there to get us to think, pray, study and search. Others are among God’s secret things, and to be taken by faith and left alone (Deut. 29:29). I have found the best way to handle perplexing texts that the Spirit has not opened up to me, as of yet, is to go by the principle that lies within the text.
Let me cite just two such scriptures. The first is found in John chapter thirteen, and concerns foot washing. Some believe it is a church ordinance to be practiced today, while others hold baptism and the Lord’s supper are the only two to be observed and practiced. I hold to the latter. But both sides, if taking the principle it teaches, will agree we’re to lovingly and humbly minister to our brethren, no matter the area of life it involves. The Bible teacher H.A. Ironside came out of a group that practiced foot washing. He said he found some would have liked to wash their brother’s feet in scalding water.
The second text that has created a great problem in many lives is the blasphemy of the Holy Ghost (Matt. 12:31). But no matter what position one takes, again by taking the principle it teaches, each will agree it certainly shows the Holy Spirit seems to be the most sensitive person in the Godhead. Just an additive, if you want the answer, allow the Holy Spirit to compare scripture with scripture (see Mk. 3:29-30).
You will find there are those in the Bible who say, “What meaneth this?” Paul on various occasions asks, “What saith the scripture?” I believe we would be wise to concern ourselves first with what the text says, than what it means. Generally, it means what it says!
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