That’s Your Interpretation

When we disagree with someone about the Bible’s teaching, we cannot simply shrug and say, “That’s your interpretation.” Today, R.C. Sproul reminds us that serving the God of truth involves a concern for understanding His Word correctly.

I don’t know how many times in my life somebody has said to me, after I’ve given my perspective on a particular biblical passage or something like that, someone has said to me, “Well, that’s your opinion,” or “That’s your interpretation.” That’s manifestly obvious. Anytime you utter words, or anytime you state a position, or make an assertion, or express a conviction, you’re obviously stating your opinion. You’re obviously stating your interpretation.

I’ve often wondered what people mean by that when they say that to me. Are they suggesting that because it’s my interpretation, it must be wrong? Because everything that I say is wrong, and this is something that I say, therefore, it must be wrong? I don’t think that’s what people mean. I don’t think they’re being nasty or rude when they make a statement like that to me.

What are they saying? “Well, you have your interpretation. I have my interpretation. Somebody else has their interpretation. We all have our different interpretations, and in spite of the fact that they don’t agree, that’s all right. That produces peace.” But truth is slain in the streets. And as much as I can understand the New Testament, I see on every page a passionate concern for truth, because God is a God of truth.