Bible Illiteracy Is Not Acceptable for Christians

As Christians, we should not be illiterate about the Bible and the gospel. And yet, sadly, many Christians have very little knowledge of both. Many cannot explain the basics of the Christian faith. Many cannot articulate what salvation is, what the gospel is, and what Jesus did on the cross. They cannot explain why they do what they do as Christians or what it all means. For many, Christianity is just a religion.

Studying the Scriptures is not only for theologians or pastors, but for every child of God. The words of Jesus recorded in the Bible, the letters of Paul and the apostles, and the Old Testament historical record are not just for theologians. The Bible is a collection of teachings and the historical record of our God and faith. We should know our Lord’s words as Christians and even delight in them. We cannot know God if we do not know our Scriptures.

With ready access to Bibles, even online and on mobile apps, we have no excuse. Even if Christians can’t read, they can listen, and vice versa. It is only a tiny minority who are so limited that they cannot access the Bible in any form. The early Christians learned the Scriptures by hearing them. They did not have personal copies like we do, and yet they were not gospel-illiterate.

Bible illiteracy makes us prime for deception.

Many Christians are deceived and drawn into cults and false churches because they do not know God’s Word. It is also very easy for one to become a false preacher if they are ignorant of what the Bible says. In these last days, we cannot afford to be ignorant about our faith, but must grow into maturity so we can stand!

Many Christians just don’t value the gospel message and God’s Word enough in our day. The interest is in getting blessed, picking a few Scriptures to prove a certain Christian worldview, ticking some religious boxes, belonging to a group, having a ‘ticket’ to heaven, or having someone else do all the work and give them a list of rules or a set of instructions to follow. This is not Christianity.

Jesus desires all of us to be disciples.

Jesus commanded us to be witnesses, to make disciples, and to teach them to observe all things He has commanded (Matthew 28:19-20). But how can we teach what we don’t know? How can we preach what we don’t understand (Romans 10:14-17)? If we cannot articulate the gospel, how will we preach to others? God also expects parents to teach their children His Word. How will we teach our children what we do not know?

All Christians are expected to give a defense for their faith and a reason for what they believe. We should be able to tell others what Jesus has done and how it is good news for them. We are not called to preach about our church or pastor. As Christ’s ambassadors, our work is to proclaim what Jesus has done for all humanity—that is the gospel. Everyone should be able to articulate this.

“But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15

“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” Jude 1:3

“I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings and will not be ashamed.” Psalm 119:46

Knowing the Bible is a personal responsibility.

We must take responsibility for our own Christian education by obeying God’s command to meditate on His Word day and night (Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:2). Not knowing the Word is direct disobedience to God’s command in the Scriptures.

We cannot have a relationship with Jesus if we do not know Him through the Scriptures, because they reveal Him. Otherwise, we may find ourselves inadvertently believing falsehoods and even following a false Christ. Let us remember that our Lord warned us that deception would increase in the last days. He also warned us of the rise of many false prophets who would deceive, if possible, the very elect (Matthew 24:24). Knowing the Scriptures and having a relationship with the Holy Spirit is key to having a stable faith that is not tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine.

“Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.” Ephesians 4:14

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15