"As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures." {2 Peter 3:16} Some use this passage to try to convince people that the Bible is too difficult to understand. They try to sell the theory that only a special select few have the ability to understand God's word. They are wrong on both counts. Peter said some things are "hard to understand," not "impossible to understand."

Many passages are very straight-forward and easy to understand: "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." {Mark 16:16} Now wait a minute; this is not an easy passage for the person who believes baptism is not an essential element in salvation. The problem lies-not with the passage, but with the one who is reading the passage. Understanding some passages requires more effort and study, but we can understand them. "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is." {Ephesians 5:15-17} God desires for mankind to use his time wisely so He can understand His revelation.

God wants us to study. "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." {2 Timothy 2:15} Sadly, many fail to do this, and they wrongly divide God's word and teach things that are incorrect. God's children need to study to protect themselves from being led into false doctrine because they lack proper Bible knowledge.

Discerning the word. "For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." {Hebrews 5:13,14} Christians also need to understand the meat of the word.

In this special issue, we examine some of the more difficult Bible passages whose meaning brethren (and the religious world) have difficulty "rightly dividing" and discerning. Please read carefully what these men have written. Each has accepted the task of examining and attempting to explain one of these difficult Bible passages. I'm grateful to them for their willingness to accept these assignments for this special issue.

In this day and age, more and more people are lacking in desire and ability to take the time necessary to understand difficult Bible verses. What Peter said long ago was right, "Some things are hard to be understood," but with proper study and attitude we CAN and MUST understand them correctly.