Proper Use of Scripture

Therefore, beloved, since you wait for these, be zealous to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. And count the forbearance of our Lord as salvation. So also our beloved brother Paul wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, speaking of this as he does in all his letters. There are some things in them hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other scriptures. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, beware lest you be carried away with the error of lawless men and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 3:14–18 (RSV)

Dr. Roy Harrisville taught at Luther Seminary, mainly in New Testament studies. He truly enjoyed teaching, using his vast knowledge and humor to imprint the importance of faithful study and preaching.

He had little tolerance for those who twist and distort Scripture conform to their 'unique' theological insights. Once, he was citing all the ways people in recent times have used Scripture badly. He stopped in mid-sentence, looked at us sternly, and said, "Remember, the Bible tells us nothing about rotating the tires on our cars! Don't you dare try to make it say that!"

Chief among the blessings of the Reformation is the opportunity to read Scripture in our language. God be blessed and praised for so great a gift. With this great gift comes the responsibility to read what the Scriptures say. As I tell my confirmands, we do not need to understand all of Scripture perfectly. Those passages that lie beyond us, we are not ready to bear. When it pleases the Father, through the Spirit, they will reveal themselves.

Whatever proclaims Christ is what we must know and share of the Word. There is the heart of every reading, teaching, and preaching of the Word.