God’s Word is holy, inspired, and complete—a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105).
We should never manipulate, bend, cherry-pick, or omit Scripture for personal gain, nor should we use it to justify sin or promote our own agendas.
However, throughout history, Scripture has often been misused to spread half-truths, create divisions, be the justification for awful treatment toward others and deceive those who are vulnerable.
This practice, whether intentional or born from ignorance, is a serious affront to God. Scripture explicitly warns us:
“You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it [so that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I am commanding you].” (Deuteronomy 4:2)
The Sacred Purpose of Scripture
To understand why distorting Scripture is so dangerous, we must first recognize its purpose. The Bible is not merely a collection of stories, moral principles, or wise sayings.
It is the divine revelation of God, revealing His character, His will, and His plan for salvation through Jesus Christ.
God’s Word is designed to:
1. Teach and Correct:
“All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage].” (2 Timothy 3:16)
2. Guide and Sustain:
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)
3. Sanctify and Transform:
“Sanctify them in the truth [set them apart for Your purposes]; Your word is truth.” (John 17:17)
When Scripture is misinterpreted, its sacred purposes are compromised, leading those seeking truth astray.
Why Twisting Scripture Is So Dangerous
It Misrepresents God’s Character
Every word of Scripture reveals something about God’s nature. When we cherry-pick verses or take them out of context, we risk portraying a distorted view of who He is.
Emphasizing God’s love while overlooking His justice creates a misleading contrast that undermines His holiness.
Likewise, using Scripture to instill fear in those who do not share our faith also neglects His mercy and portrays God as cold and distant. God is not divided; He embodies both perfect love and perfect justice.
The Pharisees and Sadducees often misrepresented God’s Word, using it to control and condemn others while not upholding themselves to the same standard.
Jesus rebuked them sharply, warning of the judgment reserved for those who misuse His truth:
“Woe to you, [self-righteous] scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you give a tenth (tithe) of your mint and dill and cumin [focusing on minor matters], and have neglected the weightier [more important moral and spiritual] provisions of the Law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.” (Matthew 23:23)
It Justifies Sin
One of the most dangerous consequences of distorting Scripture is the justification of sin. From the Garden of Eden to the wilderness temptation of Christ, the adversary has deceitfully wielded God’s Word, manipulating it to sow doubt and promote disobedience.
In Matthew 4:6, the devil quotes Psalm 91 out of context in a pitiful attempt to entice Jesus to test God’s protection. But Jesus, knowing the fullness of Scripture, responds:
“On the other hand, it is written and forever remains written, ‘You shall not test the Lord your God [by demanding proof of His power].’” (Matthew 4:7)
Today, we see similar tactics when verses like “Judge not, so that you will not be judged.” (Matthew 7:1) are used to avoid accountability, or when “God is love” (1 John 4:8) is cited to excuse unrepentant sin or immoral behaviors.
These distortions strip Scripture of its transformative power and lead people away from repentance and righteousness.
It Divides the Church
Paul warned against those who teach a distorted gospel, writing:
“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to keep your eyes on those who cause dissensions and create obstacles or introduce temptations [for others to commit sin], acting in ways contrary to the doctrine which you have learned. Turn away from them.” (Romans 16:17)
When Scripture is manipulated to elevate personal preferences or traditions above God’s Word, division occurs.
Some people misapply secondary issues as if they were primary doctrines, while others dismiss clear biblical commands as cultural or outdated. This selective approach weakens the unity of the body and dishonors God’s truth.
It Leads to Spiritual Blindness
Twisting Scripture hardens hearts and blinds the spirit to God’s truth. Peter speaks of those who distort Paul’s writings:
“speaking about these things as he does in all of his letters. In which there are some things that are difficult to understand, which the untaught and unstable who have fallen into error twist and misinterpret, just as they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.” (2 Peter 3:16)
When we approach the Bible to affirm our own ideas instead of conforming to God’s, we risk becoming like those described by Isaiah:
“Hearing they do not hear, and seeing they do not see” (Isaiah 6:9).
How to Guard Against Twisting Scripture
Study Scripture in Context
Each verse contributes to a larger narrative. To grasp its meaning, we must analyze it within its immediate context and consider the entire Bible.
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
It is not a promise of personal success but a declaration of contentment in Christ, even in hardship.
Seek the Whole Counsel of God
Cherry-picking creates an imbalance and marred conception to those who are not themseves learned. Scripture should interpret Scripture, and no single verse should be used in isolation to form doctrine.
Studying the Bible in its entirety helps avoid errors and ensures alignment with God’s truth.
Rely on the Holy Spirit
Before you open God’s Word, take a moment to pray for wisdom and discernment. Jesus promised the Spirit would “guide you into all the truth [full and complete truth].” (John 16:13)
Trust our gift of The Intercessor (The Holy Spirit) to shed light on the Scriptures and protect your heart from misinterpretation.
Remain Teachable
A prideful heart resists correction and is a destable attribute to have.
Surround yourself with faithful teachers and believers who can lovingly challenge and sharpen you (Proverbs 27:17).
Be open to receiving rebuke and acknowledge when you have fallen short, made a mistake, or exhibited behavior that does not align with sound doctrine.
Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth
Paul’s encouragement to Timothy is a timeless message that continues to resonate today:
“Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved… accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
To handle God’s Word correctly, one must approach it with humility, diligence, and a willingness to submit to His authority.
By studying Scripture with reverence and a sincere desire to know Him, we safeguard ourselves against errors and become faithful stewards of His truth.
Conclusion
Distorting or selectively interpreting Scripture is not just an intellectual error; it is a spiritual offense that can cause confusion, deception, and destruction.
It should be evident that we are called to uphold the integrity of God’s Word, ensuring that our understanding and application align with His will.
We have a responsibility to handle Scripture with care, to speak the truth in love, and to guide others toward the fullness of God’s Word.
It is our duty to honor His Word and remain diligent in our efforts to act as a light in a world that longs for His truth.
“The sum of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous ordinances endures forever.” (Psalm 119:160)
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