By Tom Damour · October 23, 2026
Central question: Can we understand the Bible simply by reading it carefully, or must the Holy Spirit open our understanding?
The answer involves both. Scripture calls us to study God’s Word diligently, but it also teaches that spiritual understanding depends upon God’s revelation through the Holy Spirit.
This distinction is especially important when examining the teachings of Jesus Christ, the apostles, and the relationship between the Old and New Testaments.
Watch for my next post on this critically important topic.
Tom Damour
Questions & Answers
Q: What is the central question this short post asks?
A: Can we understand the Bible simply by reading it carefully, or must the Holy Spirit open our understanding?
Q: What answer does the post give to that question?
A: Both. Scripture calls us to study God’s Word diligently, but it also teaches that spiritual understanding depends upon God’s revelation through the Holy Spirit.
Q: Where does the post say this distinction is especially important?
A: When examining the teachings of Jesus Christ, the apostles, and the relationship between the Old and New Testaments.
Summary Test
Answer each question, then open “Check your answers” to see how you did.
1. The post's central question is whether we can understand the Bible…
a) Simply by reading it carefully
b) Only if the Holy Spirit opens our understanding
c) Both — it calls for diligent study, and understanding depends on God's revelation through the Holy Spirit
2. True or false: careful study doesn't matter, because the Spirit does everything.
a) True
b) False
3. This distinction is especially important when examining…
a) Church buildings
b) The teachings of Jesus and the apostles, and the relationship between the Old and New Testaments
c) Bible translations only
4. This short post is…
a) A full-length article
b) An announcement of the next post on this topic
c) A sermon outline
Check your answers
1. Both — it calls for diligent study, and understanding depends on God's revelation through the Holy Spirit — The answer involves both careful study and the Spirit's opening of our understanding.
2. False — Scripture calls us to study God's Word diligently.
3. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles, and the relationship between the Old and New Testaments — That is where the post says the distinction matters most.
4. An announcement of the next post on this topic — “Watch for my next post on this critically important topic.”
End of Part 1.
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