|
|
Among Webster’s definitions for simple are: readily understood or performed; free from elaboration or figuration; free of secondary complications; not made up of many like units. From one perspective, the gospel is simple. From Genesis to Revelation, there is one common theme: God’s plan to save man from sin. So, its central theme is "free of secondary complications." The Bible was written to be understood. God desires for all men to come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:4), and he has made it possible for us to understand the gospel when we read it (Eph. 3:4). Even people of the poorest and most humble origins can come to an understanding of the truth (cf. Acts 4:13; 1 Cor. 1:26). Much of the confusion and misunderstanding that prevails in the religious world comes not because the Bible is too complicated or poorly written, but because the truth is not sought with a good and honest heart. "He that believeth and is baptized" is not difficult to understand; it is a simple statement which even a child can understand. Jesus said, "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." There is nothing complicated or difficult about that statement. Quite often man complicates and confuses the truth of the gospel. So, Paul wrote, "I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. (2 Co. 11:3)." Yes, in many respects, the gospel is simple. However, it is not "free from elaboration or figuration" or lacking in complexity. It has correctly been said that the Bible is complex, but not complicated. The gospel reveals the manifold, or many-sided, wisdom of God (Eph. 3:1-10). While there is one central theme throughout the book, it is amazing how the Bible’s accounts of people, places, and historical events spanning thousands of years and dozens of cultures all contribute to our understanding of that theme, the scheme of redemption. The gospel is mind-boggling and anything but simple when we think of the planning, preparation, and providence on the part of God that was involved in bringing the Messiah into the world and establishing an everlasting, spiritual kingdom. Also, while we acknowledge that much of the Bible is quite easily understood, there is no denying that there are not a few sections of scripture which are "hard to be understood (2 Pet. 3:16)." The Son of God crying to his Father, "why have you forsaken me?" is not an easy thing to grasp. That Jesus Christ gave up equality with the Father, and will forever be subject to him because of man’s sin (Phil. 2:5-8; 1 Co. 15:24-28), is anything but simple. Also, while it is true that the gospel is not limited to only the most highly educated in the world, one can only come to a proper understanding of it through diligent study (2 Tim. 2:15; cf. Acts 17:11). So, we do God and his word an injustice when we claim that the gospel is too complicated and confusing. But, we also commit an injustice when we over-simplify it and fail to recognize the manifold wisdom of God. |
Is the Gospel simple? |
Home >> |
Articles >> |