圣经很难明白,怎么办?
The Bible is hard to understand. What should I do?
简答 Short Answer
圣经确实有些内容不易理解,但核心信息(福音)是清楚明了的。通过祷告求圣灵开启、有系统地读经、在教会中学习,你会越来越明白。
Some parts of the Bible are indeed difficult, but its core message (the gospel) is clear. Through prayer for the Spirit's illumination, systematic reading, and learning within the church, understanding will grow.
详细解答 Detailed Answer
改革宗有一个重要原则叫「圣经的明晰性」(Perspicuity of Scripture):圣经中关乎得救的核心信息是足够清楚的,普通人靠着圣灵的帮助可以理解。但这不意味着每一段经文都一目了然。
**实际建议:**
1. **从简单的开始**:不必从创世记第一章读到启示录。建议新信徒先读马可福音(最短的福音书)或约翰福音,了解耶稣的生平和教导。
2. **祷告求光照**:每次读经前祷告:「主啊,求你开我的眼睛,使我看出你律法中的奇妙」(诗篇119:18)。圣灵是最好的老师。
3. **加入教会和查经小组**:神设立教会是为了让信徒互相建造。在群体中学习比独自摸索有效得多。牧师和长老的教导也是神赐给教会的恩赐。
4. **使用辅助工具**:好的研读本圣经、注释书、信仰问答(如《海德堡要理问答》《威斯敏斯特小要理问答》)都是很好的帮助。
5. **以经解经**:用清楚的经文解释不清楚的,用整体理解个别。不要孤立地解读一节经文。
6. **持之以恒**:理解力会随着灵命的成长而增长。读不懂的暂时放下,先抓住读得懂的,日后会越来越明白。
The Reformed tradition has an important principle called the 'Perspicuity of Scripture': the Bible's core message about salvation is sufficiently clear for ordinary people to understand with the Holy Spirit's help. But this doesn't mean every passage is immediately obvious.
**Practical advice:**
1. **Start simple**: You don't need to read from Genesis to Revelation. New believers should start with Mark (shortest Gospel) or John to learn about Jesus' life and teaching.
2. **Pray for illumination**: Before reading, pray: 'Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law' (Psalm 119:18). The Holy Spirit is the best teacher.
3. **Join a church and Bible study group**: God established the church for believers to build each other up. Group study is far more effective than solitary exploration. Pastors' and elders' teaching is a gift God gives the church.
4. **Use study aids**: Good study Bibles, commentaries, and catechisms (Heidelberg, Westminster Shorter) are excellent helps.
5. **Interpret Scripture with Scripture**: Use clear passages to explain unclear ones; understand individual texts in light of the whole. Don't interpret verses in isolation.
6. **Persevere**: Understanding grows with spiritual maturity. Set aside what you don't yet understand, grasp what you can, and clarity will come with time.
📖 经文引用 Bible Verses
📚 推荐阅读 Related Readings
- •How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth (Fee & Stuart)
- •Taking God at His Word (Kevin DeYoung)