9 Wrong Ways to Read the Bible (And One Better Way) (Dane Ortlund)
Oct 23, 2024
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Dane Ortlund, a senior pastor and author of 'Deeper: Real Change for Real Sinners', shares his insights on reading the Bible effectively. He critiques nine common misinterpretations, emphasizing the need to see the Scriptures as a source of hope and not just rules. Ortlund highlights how understanding the Bible through the lens of the gospel narrative fosters spiritual growth. He encourages readers to approach the text daily, inviting them to grasp the transformative message of salvation found in each passage.
The Bible should be viewed as an expression of God's love and salvation, not just a set of rules to follow.
Understanding common misinterpretations of scripture can enhance one's connection to the transformative message of grace within the Bible.
Deep dives
Understanding the Bible as Good News
The Bible is fundamentally a source of good news rather than a collection of tedious mandates to follow. It should be interpreted as reporting on the actions of God, centering around the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. The perspective that the Bible is merely an instruction manual is misguided, as its teachings flow from its primary purpose of revealing God's love and saving grace. Reading the Bible with the mindset of seeking comfort, hope, and redemption can transform one’s approach to scripture and its role in their spiritual life.
Common Misinterpretations of Biblical Reading
There are nine prevalent but incorrect ways to approach reading the Bible that can lead to misunderstanding and disappointment. These include viewing the Bible through lenses that prioritize personal achievement, vague obligation, or irrelevant historical events, leading to feelings of resentment, confusion, or disconnection. Each misreading distorts the scripture's core message, veering away from its intended purpose of illuminating God's overarching narrative of grace. Recognizing these pitfalls can help readers shift toward a more enriching and accurate engagement with biblical texts.
Today we are pleased to share an audio essay written and read by Dane Ortlund entitled "9 Wrong Ways to Read the Bible (And One Better Way)".
Dane C. Ortlund serves as senior pastor of Naperville Presbyterian Church in Naperville, Illinois. He is also the author of 'Deeper: Real Change for Real Sinners' from Crossway.