The Main Things are the Plain Things
Clear topics in Scripture are important; important topics are clear.
February, 2016
One of our primary goals at BibleRef.com is making study of the Scriptures inviting and approachable. An important part of meeting that goal is reminding readers that the Bible doesn’t "hide" anything. In fact, the more important something is, the more often and more clearly the Bible states it. This is not just useful for understanding the general message of the Bible. It’s also a good way for us to draw lines between questions worth fighting over, and those where it’s best to agree to disagree.
This is often explained by the phrase "the main things are the plain things." True, this isn’t literally "biblical," in the sense that the Bible itself says no such thing. However, in studying the scriptures this general rule becomes clear. The topic of salvation is the strongest example of this principle in action. The Bible makes multiple mentions of exactly how we are to be saved: by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ, apart from any work on our part (Ephesians 2:8–9; John 3:5; Acts 16:31; John 14:6; John 3:16–17). It’s difficult, if not impossible, to see that this idea is fundamental to the message of the Bible. Anything God repeats, refines, clarifies, and confirms is of high importance.
A counter-example would be the precise date of Jesus’ birthday. We can make all sorts of educated guesses about what specific month and day Jesus was born. Some theories are strong, others are weak. But they all have one important trait in common: the Bible gives very little detail on the subject. Apparently, God doesn’t think it’s all that crucial for us to know the exact calendar date on which Jesus was born. Common sense tells us why: such a thing has no impact on our relationship to God, our morality, or our salvation. Nor does it give us any sort of proof or evidence of Him. It is not "main," so there is no reason for it to be "plain."
Every student of the Bible, at times, finds themselves wanting "more." There are some questions which God’s word simply does not answer. Thankfully, God gives us His amazing creation (Psalm 19:1), and our intellect (Proverbs 18:15), in order to answer many issues the Bible does not cover. And yet, some details we simply do not and cannot know. Scripture is divinely efficient, telling us clearly those things we must know, pointing us towards those we should know, and giving us a basic framework to figure out what we might know. It does not waste time on information which we might want, but do not need.
We need to be reminded, and to remind others, that the ultimate measure of anything is what God says about it. Those things He makes plain in His word, logically, we need to take very seriously. Those things he says little about, logically, we should not confuse for the more important issues.
The Bible has never been more accessible, to more people, in more ways, than it is right now. Let’s encourage one another to study without fear or shame. God speaks to each of us through His Word, and that which He wants you to know, He has made clear!
-- Editor
