Why do spirit-filled Christians
interpret Scripture differently?
Scripture is clear that one of the
ministries of the Holy Spirit is to illumine the minds of Christians
so they can understand Scripture (1 Corinthians 2:13-14). This being
the case, why do spirit-filled Christians sometimes have different
understandings as to what certain Bible verses mean?
In answering this question, one might liken
the Holy Spirit to a radio station that is transmitting a perfect
signal. Even though that radio signal is transmitted perfectly, there
are all kinds of different quality radio receivers out there. Some
have good reception; some have poor reception. Some have a good
antennae; others have a broken antennae. Some have good batteries;
others are low on energy. The point is, different radio receivers
have varying degrees of success in receiving that perfect
signal.
Christians are much the same way. The Holy
Spirit's "signal" (that is, His illumination) is always perfect. But
because of varying circumstances (perhaps sin, or not fully walking
in the Spirit, or being overly concerned about the affairs of the
world, or being blinded by Satan), Christians have varying degrees of
success in properly receiving the Spirit's
illumination.