Page 18 - The Plain Truth Spring-Summer 2026

But the meaning of a scripture – what
it actually says – is not fluid or flexible.
Truth, therefore, is not whatever
interpretation feels meaningful and
right to us. It corresponds to what
was actually written, in its historical
setting, with its intended message.
Two interpretations that contradict
one another cannot both be true. One
may be correct and the other mistaken
– or both may be misunderstood – but
truth itself does not multiply into
dozens of different options to suit our
own preferences.
This is why understanding context,
culture and language is extremely
important. We do not approach the
Bible to impose our meaning upon
it; we approach it to discover what it
already says.
say, ‘Here’s what it means to me.’ Or, if there is a difference
of opinion, ‘That’s your interpretation – this is mine.’ Living in a post-truth world
But if you’ve read our previous Plain Truth articles Many commentators describe this time as a ‘post-truth era’.
covering context, culture and communication, for By that they mean a culture in which subjective experience,
example, you will understand that meaning is not created emotions, and one’s personal beliefs take precedence over
by the reader. objective, verifiable facts. In today’s world, feelings often
When an author of a Gospel or book of the Bible has carry more authority than facts. If something ‘feels’ right,
something to say, there is a specific task in mind. And it it is assumed to be true. If it feels offensive, it is assumed
isn’t one that might have different meanings for different to be false.
people. Words have context, sentences have grammar, Social media amplifies this confusion. ‘Fake news’ and
events have historical settings. A text cannot mean anything ‘alternative facts’ circulate widely. Opinion is frequently
we wish it to mean. If it could, communication would presented as certainty. And the more often something is
definitely collapse. Imagine receiving a letter from a friend repeated, the truer it begins to feel – whether it is or not.
that says, ‘I will meet you at the station at 10 a.m.’ It would But truth is not established by popularity. And it is
certainly not created by emotion. As Christians, we are not
called to be governed merely by how we feel on a given day.
Yes, feelings are very real – but they alter. Truth does not.
That is why the apostle Paul writes: ‘Finally, brothers
Truth is not whatever and sisters, whatever is true…’ (Philippians 4:8). Notice
where he begins. Not with ‘whatever is trending today’
interpretation feels ... ‘whatever is persuasive’ … ‘whatever is comfortable’ …
‘whatever your personal opinion is’…
meaningful and right to The Christian life is anchored in reality – in what

us. It corresponds to what corresponds to the character of God and the revelation of
Christ. We are invited to think carefully, examine claims,
was actually written, in its weigh evidence, and hold fast to what aligns with truth.
In this world of noise, distortion, and a myriad of
historical setting, with its beliefs based on misinformation, Christians are called to
love truth, seek truth, speak truth, and live by truth. And
intended message. ultimately, to follow the One who said not merely, ‘I speak
the truth,’ but ‘I am the truth.’ !

be strange to reply, ‘Well, to me that means midnight
at the airport.’ The Bible has a fixed meaning rooted in
language and context. You may misunderstand it – but your
misunderstanding does not redefine it! Photo Credit: Aaron Burden/unsplash.com
Don’t get me wrong. When people say, ‘This is what
the Bible means to me,’ they may simply be describing how
a passage affects them personally – and that is perfectly
valid. Scripture does speak differently into different lives.

18 The Plain Truth Spring-Summer 2026 Find us online at www.plain-truth.org.uk