Taking Scripture Out of Context

Many have discovered that Herbert W. Armstrong took Scripture out of context. Likewise, many Worldwide Church of God offshoots, which teach HWA was "used by God" and "restored the true gospel," take Scripture out of context. This is nothing new and has been used by many other religious cults. This short piece shows how we cannot force a meaning into one passage of the Bible.

Have you ever noticed, in the account of the temptation of our Lord in Matthew chapter four, the reply made to Satan when "his majesty" attempted to quote Scripture to the Savior?

Said Satan: "It is written..." and Christ replied, "It is written again."

The devil himself can quote Scripture. In this particular case he is attempting to develop faith in God. He is showing Jesus how He can be more religious. And he quotes Scripture in his attempt to lead Jesus on. But we find that he has taken Scripture out of its context and thus forced meanings into the divine Word which the Spirit never intended to convey. Had Christ accepted the devil's version, He would have presumed upon God and would have been confused. Jesus perceived Satan's method in the use of Scripture and replied, "It is written again."

There are many people who are afflicted with one passage of Scripture. They build whole schemes on one verse taken from its context. Scripture must be compared with Scripture. We need the whole Bible by which to test our theories. It is possible to fix the mind on one line of Scripture and miss the message of the whole.

It is just this thing that has led many off upon tangents. "Speaking in tongues" is the sole stock in trade of some well-meaning people. "Holiness unto the Lord" is the only thing in the Bible to others. "The seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God" is all that others can see. So we might go through the list of extreme sects. Forget not that "It is written again." Put all statements on the subject side by side. Furthermore be sure that you are not doing, as was Satan in this instance, adding words and omitting words and so forcing into a passage a meaning that was not intended.

Yes, the devil is a Bible student--in his way.

By Keith L. Brooks
(From: The King's Business, 1922)

"For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ." ~ II Cor. 2:17

Questioning Herbert W. Armstrong (was he who he said he was?)

Thru the Bible Radio Network with J. Vernon McGee
McGee lived from 1904-1988. His down-to-earth expository messages reveal Christ as the centerpiece of Scripture and give a true understanding of grace and our position in Christ. He goes through the entire Word of God, in 5 years (M-F), alternating between the O.T. and N.T. Presently in the book of Psalms. The 5 year schedule is posted on our site.