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The Nature of Biblical Difficulties

When studying the Bible, one inevitably encounters passages and doctrines that present challenges to understanding or appear to be in conflict with other parts of Scripture. The Apostle Peter acknowledges this reality, writing in 2 Peter 3:16, “There are some things in them hard to be understood, which those who are untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.” This acknowledgment underscores that the Bible, as the inspired Word of God, contains complexities that can perplex even the most diligent students.

Many believers, especially in the early stages of their Christian journey, may find themselves grappling with these challenges, leading to questions about the Bible’s divine inspiration and inerrancy. It is not uncommon for these difficulties to raise doubts about whether the Bible is truly the Word of God. This chapter seeks to explore these difficulties comprehensively, demonstrating why they exist and how they can be approached with confidence and faith.

Expecting Difficulties in Divine Revelation

The first point to consider is that difficulties in the Bible should not come as a surprise; in fact, they are to be expected given the nature of the text. The Bible is a revelation from an infinitely wise, holy, and perfect God to finite, imperfect human beings. This disparity in understanding means that some aspects of God’s revelation will naturally be challenging for us to grasp fully.

The Bible reveals the mind, will, character, and being of Jehovah, who is described in Isaiah 55:8-9 as saying, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” This divine perspective highlights the inherent difficulty we face when finite minds attempt to comprehend the infinite.

Human beings, limited in their intellectual development, knowledge, and moral discernment, will naturally find some divine truths challenging to understand. This is especially true when it comes to matters of sin, justice, and holiness. God’s judgments and dealings, which are rooted in His absolute holiness and perfect knowledge, can sometimes appear severe or harsh to human sensibilities. However, this perceived severity is often a reflection of our own limited understanding rather than a flaw in God’s character or revelation.

If the Bible were a simple book, easily understood by everyone without any effort, it would not reflect the profound depth and complexity one would expect from a revelation of the infinite God. Instead, the presence of difficulties in the Bible serves as evidence of its divine origin. These challenges invite us to delve deeper into Scripture, seeking Jehovah’s wisdom and guidance as we grow in our understanding of His Word.

Difficulties Do Not Prove Doctrine False

A common misconception among those who encounter difficulties in the Bible is the assumption that these challenges disprove the Bible’s divine origin or the truth of its doctrines. However, this is a flawed and illogical conclusion. The presence of difficulties in a doctrine does not invalidate that doctrine.

This principle is not unique to theology; it is a widely recognized principle in other fields of study, including science. For example, when the Copernican theory of the solar system was first proposed, it faced significant challenges. One such difficulty was the absence of observable phases of Venus, which should have existed if the theory were correct. Despite this, the positive evidence supporting the theory was so compelling that it was accepted, and later, with improved telescopic technology, the phases of Venus were observed, confirming the theory.

Similarly, the nebular hypothesis in astronomy faced difficulties regarding the movement of the planet Uranus, which seemed to contradict the theory. Yet, the hypothesis was accepted because of the overwhelming evidence in its favor, and later discoveries reconciled the apparent contradictions.

Applying this same logic to the study of Scripture, we should recognize that the existence of difficulties or objections does not disprove the Bible’s divine origin. If the positive evidence for the Bible’s inspiration and inerrancy is strong—and it is—the presence of difficulties should not lead us to reject these truths. Instead, we should approach these challenges with patience and humility, trusting that further study and understanding will provide clarity.

Greater Difficulties in Denying the Bible’s Divine Origin

While there are difficulties associated with accepting the Bible as the divinely inspired and inerrant Word of God, there are far greater difficulties in denying its divine origin. Those who reject the Bible as God’s Word must grapple with several insurmountable challenges.

One of the most significant challenges is the fulfillment of biblical prophecy. The Bible contains numerous prophecies that have been fulfilled with remarkable accuracy, something that is inexplicable if the Bible were merely a human creation. Isaiah 53, for example, contains detailed prophecies about the suffering of the Messiah that were fulfilled in the life and death of Jesus Christ. How could human authors, writing centuries before Christ, accurately predict such specific events unless they were guided by divine inspiration?

Another challenge is the remarkable unity of the Bible. The Bible is composed of sixty-six books written by more than forty authors over a span of approximately 1,500 years, in various cultural and historical contexts. Despite this diversity, the Bible presents a coherent and unified message about God’s plan of redemption for humanity. This unity is unparalleled in any other collection of writings and is best explained by the divine authorship that transcends the human authors.

The Bible’s power to transform lives is another testimony to its divine origin. Throughout history, countless individuals have experienced profound changes in their lives through the teachings of Scripture. These changes—ranging from deliverance from sin to the experience of peace, hope, and joy—are evidence of the Bible’s unique power, a power that no other book possesses.

Given these challenges, it is far more difficult to deny the Bible’s divine origin than to accept it, even in the face of certain difficulties. Those who honestly seek the truth and are willing to weigh the evidence will find that the case for the Bible’s divine inspiration and inerrancy is compelling.

The Limitations of Human Understanding

Another important consideration when addressing difficulties in the Bible is the recognition of our own limitations. The fact that we cannot solve a particular difficulty or answer a specific objection does not mean that no solution or answer exists. It simply means that our knowledge and understanding are limited.

Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs us, “Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This passage reminds us that our understanding is finite and that we must trust in Jehovah’s wisdom rather than relying solely on our own reasoning.

There have been countless instances where apparent contradictions or difficulties in the Bible have been resolved through further study, archaeological discoveries, or advances in historical knowledge. What once seemed like an insurmountable problem was later understood in light of new information.

An illustrative example of this is the historical accuracy of the Bible. In the past, critics pointed to the absence of evidence for certain biblical events or figures as proof that the Bible was not historically reliable. However, subsequent archaeological discoveries have repeatedly confirmed the accuracy of biblical records. The discovery of the Hittite civilization, for example, once thought to be a biblical myth, provided evidence that the Bible’s historical accounts were indeed accurate.

As we continue to grow in our knowledge and understanding, many of the difficulties we currently face will likely be resolved. In the meantime, we should maintain a humble attitude, recognizing that Jehovah’s wisdom far exceeds our own and that His Word is true, even when we do not fully understand it.

The Bible’s Excellence Outweighs Its Difficulties

When considering the difficulties in the Bible, it is important to recognize that these challenges are insignificant when compared to the Bible’s many and marvelous excellencies. The Bible’s beauty, wisdom, and transformative power far outweigh any difficulties we may encounter in its study.

Psalm 19:7-11 extols the virtues of God’s Word, declaring, “The law of Jehovah is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of Jehovah are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of Jehovah are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of Jehovah are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of Jehovah is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of Jehovah are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.”

These verses highlight the perfection, trustworthiness, and righteousness of God’s Word. The Bible’s ability to refresh the soul, impart wisdom, and bring joy is a testament to its divine origin. The beauty and majesty of Scripture are evident on every page, inviting us to explore its depths and discover the treasures it contains.

However, some individuals, including those in certain academic institutions, focus disproportionately on the minor difficulties or apparent defects in the Bible, often overlooking its unparalleled glories. This approach is akin to scrutinizing a masterpiece of art and focusing solely on a small imperfection while ignoring the overall beauty and craftsmanship.

A true student of the Bible will approach it with reverence and awe, seeking to understand its profound truths rather than fixating on minor challenges. By doing so, we can appreciate the Bible for what it truly is—a divine revelation that surpasses all other writings in wisdom, beauty, and transformative power.

Superficial Versus Profound Reading of the Bible

The impact of biblical difficulties often varies depending on the depth of one’s study and understanding of Scripture. Superficial readers, who may lack a deep familiarity with the Bible, are more likely to be troubled by these difficulties. In contrast, those who have dedicated themselves to a profound and prayerful study of God’s Word find that these challenges diminish in significance.

Psalm 1:2-3 describes the blessedness of the one who delights in the law of Jehovah and meditates on it day and night: “That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.” This imagery of a tree planted by water emphasizes the stability, growth, and fruitfulness that result from a deep and continuous engagement with Scripture.

A superficial reading of the Bible may leave one vulnerable to doubts and difficulties, much like a shallow-rooted plant that withers under harsh conditions. However, a profound study of Scripture, characterized by meditation, prayer, and a desire to understand God’s truth, results in a firm foundation of faith that can withstand challenges.

Consider the example of George Müller, a man of deep faith who studied the Bible more than one hundred times throughout his life. Müller’s familiarity with Scripture allowed him to navigate its difficulties with confidence, and he was not easily disturbed by the challenges that might perplex a less experienced reader. His life is a testimony to the peace and strength that come from a deep and abiding relationship with God’s Word.

The Role of Careful and Prayerful Study

One of the most effective ways to address difficulties in the Bible is through careful and prayerful study. Many challenges that once seemed insurmountable have been resolved through such diligent study, leading to greater clarity and understanding.

Proverbs 2:3-6 encourages believers to seek wisdom and understanding with earnestness: “Indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of Jehovah and find the knowledge of God. For Jehovah gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

This passage underscores the importance of seeking God’s wisdom with diligence and persistence. Just as one would search for hidden treasure, so too should we approach the study of Scripture with a desire to uncover its deep truths. Through prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can gain insight into the more difficult passages and doctrines of the Bible.

The experience of many believers throughout history attests to the fact that difficulties in Scripture often dissipate upon further study. What once puzzled and perplexed us may be understood more clearly as we grow in our knowledge of God’s Word. This process requires patience, humility, and a willingness to learn, but the rewards are well worth the effort.

As we continue to study the Bible, we can expect that more and more of the difficulties we encounter will be resolved. This ongoing process of discovery and understanding is one of the many joys of engaging with God’s Word, and it deepens our faith and trust in Jehovah.

About the Author

Reuben Archer Torrey (1856–1928) was a prominent American evangelist, pastor, educator, and writer known for his influential work in Christian apologetics and evangelism. Born in Hoboken, New Jersey, Torrey graduated from Yale University and later attended Yale Divinity School. He became well-known for his strong conservative evangelical stance and his ability to articulate and defend the Christian faith.