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4 - Misunderstood Bible verses

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Romans 7,15-25

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15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16  If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18 For I know that in me that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21  I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of GOD after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25  I thank GOD through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of GOD; but with the flesh the law of sin.

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In this passage, Paul puts himself in the shoes of an unbeliever. He explains that there are two laws: 1. the law of GOD and 2. the law of sin. Both laws contradict each other. While our mind agrees with the law of GOD, the flesh (= the fallen, sinful nature of man) opposes GOD's authority. Although man theoretically knows what is good and right, in practice he does not act accordingly because the law of sin holds him captive. Paul presents the solution to this dilemma in the next chapter. The claim that Paul is portraying himself as a sinner here is untenable, as it contradicts numerous other statements by the apostle regarding the holiness of believers.

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Ecclesiastes 7,15-20

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15 All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness. 16 Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? 17 Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time? 18 It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth GOD shall come forth of them all. 19 Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city. 20 For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

 

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The context of this passage is about wisdom and the fear of GOD. GOD expects us humans to obey His commandments. But GOD also wants us to do so in humility; not like the Pharisees and scribes, who publicly displayed their piety, honoring themselves instead of giving glory to GOD. Anyone who does that risks "perishing in his righteousness." Self-righteousness is a form of pride. Pride, in turn, is an abomination to GOD. In contrast, true wisdom, which comes from GOD, is demonstrated by a humble heart. The ecommendation "not to be too righteous" is not a justification for sinning. Rather, it is a reminder to live godly lives without being arrogant and without boasting about one's righteousness. This is an expression of true fear of GOD, which protects the righteous from destruction (verse 18).

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The statement in verse 20 that "there is no man who does good and does not sin" is a statement of fact. However, this does not mean that it is impossible for humans to live sinlessly. Jesus Christ, who was himself a perfect human, set an example and called everybody to follow his example. Adam and Eve also had the opportunity to remain guiltless. But they chose to believe the snake and brake GOD's commandment. Furthermore, at the time the book of Ecclesiastes was written, the Holy Spirit was available only in limited quantities. Since Pentecost, however, GOD gave His Spirit to dwell in every person who believes in Jesus. GOD's Spirit enables us to live a holy and sinless life. Therefore, those who sin cannot appeal to Ecclesiastes 7.

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1st John 1,5-10

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5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that GOD is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

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This section is about the conversion of sinners and a life in fellowship with GOD. The precondition for fellowship with GOD is that we walk in the light, i.e., obey GOD's commandments. People who do not believe in GOD generally do not follow what GOD says. They are separated from GOD, the source of light. Therefore, they live in darkness. Whoever wants to come to GOD must leave the darkness. This happens by confessing our sins to GOD and turning away from them. When we do this, the blood of Jesus can cleanse us from all dirt and unrighteousness.

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Anyone who denies their guilt makes GOD a liar, since every person (except Jesus) has sinned in their life. Verses 8-10 refer explicitly to unbelievers, not to believers, as is often misunderstood. John is by no means saying that born-again Christians are condemned to sin or that it is impossible to live sinlessly. Those who are reconciled to GOD are called to walk in the light (verses 5-7), i.e., to avoid sin in order to remain united with GOD. Those who continue to sin habitually after their conversion reveal that they are still living in darkness. They are called to repent sincerely (verse 9). In this way, peace and fellowship with GOD can be restored.

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