Should I Take the Bible Literally?

The answer to this question depends on what a person means by it!  The Bible is clearly and obviously full of metaphors, hyperbolas, and various figures of speech.  That is true of all human communication, both written and verbal.

For example, Jesus said: “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture”  (John 10:9).  Surely we all understand that Jesus was a man when he said this.  He was not a “door.”  A door does not have the ability to say “I am the door.”  Does anyone think that Jesus’ work is about giving all people access to fields of grass, “pasture?”  We do NOT take the word door literally.  We do NOT take finding pasture literally.

But Jesus means exactly what He is saying in this text.  Jesus is claiming to be the entrance and access.  He is the way in!  Further, in this paragraph using sheep and shepherds as an illustration, He provides pasture for His people – peaceful nourishment.

The Bible means exactly what it says.  By use of metaphors, symbols, and various figures of speech, God speaks clearly His will.  The danger we face is dismissing the teaching of the Lord by relegating the message itself to vague ideas and principles that have not practical application in daily life.  Literal truth exists within the metaphors and symbols.

The first step to understanding the word and applying it properly is a heart that is seeking to know and do His will.

If you would like to study this subject further, call Don — 212-729-8356.