Contrary to the opinion of many today, one can read and understand the Bible for himself. Many are stuck in the medieval mindset that we need an erudite and elite clergy to unlock God's word to our understanding. Perhaps if one were living in the dark ages, when Bibles were not readily available and most were illiterate, this type of thinking would be understandable. Not so today.

God intends for us to read and understand His revealed word for ourselves. For each will be eternally judged by them (Romans 14:12). What is more, Jesus Himself tells us that we can know the truth. And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:32)

The conclusion of the Gospel of John makes it abundantly clear that the Holy Spirit expects us to read and understand His message. And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. (John 20:30-31). Were it not possible for us to understand the Word of God, we could not believe it and could not be saved through its message.

The first step in understanding the Word of God is a thorough self-examination. When one does not accurately understand the Word, it may be because his heart is not honest. That is, he is not willing to be honest with himself. In the parable of the sower, Jesus describes the good soil as those hearts that are “good and honest” (Luke 8:15). The good heart is that heart which seeks to do good and right and when it learns what is good and right, obeys. The honest heart is that heart that does not engage in self-deception, but is willing to see things as they truly are and then believe and/or obey accordingly.

It is important for one to read and study the Bible for himself because there are multitudes who are willing to lead one away from the truth. In II Tim. 4:3-4 Paul speaks of those who have itching ears. These are those with bad and dishonest hearts who are not willing to see the truth and act on it because it demands they end bad behaviors. Their itching ears respond to those willing to scratch them with fables instead of truth. They don't like the rules so they make up new ones as they go along.

God's word is living and powerful (Heb. 4:12). It is able to reveal to us our true selves if we are willing to spend time reading and studying it. It is able to save us if we will meekly receive its message in faith and obedience (James 1:21-25).

Do not be duped by the elitist intellectuals who believe they have cornered the market on understanding Scripture. YOU CAN understand the Bible. Open God's Word. It'll change your life!