One of the greatest keys to spiritual growth is not just reading the Bible—but knowing how to read the Bible. If the enemy cannot stop you from reading the Word, he will attempt the next best thing: he will try to twist, distort, and misapply the Word in order to rob you of the encouragement and strength God intends for you.
The Bible was written for your encouragement and hope.
Paul reminds us:
“Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide, we might have hope.”
— Romans 15:4 NIV
The Word of God is not a hammer of condemnation—it’s a table of nourishment. Jesus said:
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”
— Matthew 4:4
The Scriptures are meant to be your spiritual food. They strengthen you, encourage you, and build you up in your identity as a child of God.
Two Audiences: The Wicked and the Godly
While the entire Bible is God’s Word for everyone, not every verse is written to everyone. Psalm 68:2–3 gives a vivid contrast:
“Let the wicked perish…
But let the godly rejoice.” (NLT)
Throughout Scripture, God speaks to two distinct groups:
- The Wicked — those who reject, resist, or rebel against Him.
- The Godly / The Righteous — those who trust Him, follow Him, and walk with Him through Christ.
When a believer reads a verse written to the wicked and applies it to themselves, the result is unnecessary fear, guilt, and confusion. Many Christians experience condemnation simply because they are reading a passage that was never aimed at them.
One of Satan’s Greatest Strategies: Twisting the Scriptures
From the beginning, Satan has used Scripture—twisted, distorted, taken out of context—to deceive God’s people.
In Eden: he distorted God’s words to Eve (Genesis 3:1).
In the wilderness: he quoted Scripture accurately but applied it wrongly against Jesus (Matthew 4:5–6).
If Satan tried to misuse Scripture against the Son of God, he will certainly try it against the children of God.
His goal is simple:
To make forgiven believers feel like condemned sinners.
But Paul declares:
“There is now NO condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.”
— Romans 8:1
Read Scripture From the Right Side of the Cross
The Cross changes everything about how we read the Bible.
Before the Cross, Scripture exposed our sin.
After the Cross, Scripture establishes our identity.
Before the Cross, God said “Stay away.”
After the Cross, God says “Come boldly.” (Hebrews 4:16)
In Christ, you are no longer:
- called wicked
- under wrath
- unclean
- condemned
- God’s enemy
You are now:
- Forgiven (Ephesians 1:7)
- Righteous (2 Corinthians 5:21)
- Accepted (Ephesians 1:6)
- Beloved (1 John 3:1)
- Complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10)
This is the identity from which you must read the Word of God.
The Holy Spirit: Your Guide Into All Truth
You are not reading Scripture alone. The Holy Spirit—the Author of the Word—lives inside you to illuminate it.
Jesus promised:
“He will guide you into all truth.”
— John 16:13
Paul said the Spirit reveals:
“…the things God has freely given to us.”
— 1 Corinthians 2:12
Freely given. Not earned. Not deserved. Given.
The Holy Spirit never condemns the believer—He confirms their identity. He never pushes you away from God—He draws you near.
The Word of God Is Your Bread, Not Your Burden
Here is the great truth:
Never let a verse aimed at God’s enemies convince you that God is angry at His children.
You are reading the Bible from the right side of the Cross—forgiven, loved, accepted, empowered, and nourished by the Spirit of God.
The Scriptures are your:
- hope
- encouragement
- strength
- nourishment
- victory
- daily bread
God’s Word was never written to drive you away. It was written to draw you near.
A Prayer for You
Father, thank You for giving me Your Word as my bread, my strength, and my encouragement. Help me to read the Scriptures from the right side of the Cross—with the confidence of a forgiven child. Holy Spirit, open my eyes to the truth, expose every lie of condemnation, and reveal the things You have freely given me in Christ. Let Your Word build faith, bring hope, and draw me into deeper intimacy with You every day. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Was This Article a Blessing?
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God’s Word is too good to keep to ourselves!
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