So much of the understanding and remembering of Scripture is based in relatability when it comes to the meaning of the Scripture. When we learn to relate that which is relatable it not only helps us to remember the Scripture, it also helps us take in the entirety of the Bible more fully and more profoundly.

There are a plethora of parallels in the Bible, but there are also many passages that refer to similar concepts and topics, this is one example of the glorious way that Scripture interprets Scripture. God wants His children to comprehend His Word. But it takes going beyond just reading the Bible; God encourages believer to study His Word for our own sakes, but also for the sake of those in whom we associate:

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2Timothy 2:15)

Moreover, for those verses that relate to other verses/passages by way of similarity as close but not exact parallels, we can set those into mental or written columns as a helpful means of organization as well. For example, through the widened study of sanctification, we can discern that sanctification can be seen in verses that do not refer to it in the same manner and wording. For example, 2Thessalonianss 2:13, 2Timothy 2:21, Acts 26:18, Colossians 2:11, Ephesians 1:13 and others of course, all use the term sanctification, however, the Apostle Paul also taught his church to ‘put on the new man’ in Ephesians 4:24, which refers to furthering in spiritual maturity, that which is all a part of the process of sanctification. Moreover, there are verses that parallel consecration like the circumcision of the heart, which are depicted in various places like Romans 12:1, 1Peter 2:9 and 1Corinthians 6:20, just to name a few.

Furthermore, Paul discusses spiritual growth in Galatians 5:22-25. And in Hebrews 6:1-3, the writer illustrates that believers need to ‘go onto perfection.’ Furthermore, Jesus taught His disciples to pick up their cross and follow Him and to count the cost of following Him and the like….

Then there are those verses that highlight the ‘refining through the fire’ like in Zechariah 13:9, which is yet another illustration of growth or ‘crucifying the flesh’, which is the essence of sanctification, which is being set apart for God’s use which takes maturity. Seeing all these precepts as sub-precepts helps us increase our scope as to all of what God is saying through His Word:

“And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:24-25)

Through all of these and more, we see a pattern in the instructions of righteousness the Bible encourages believers to abide in and demonstrate to the world at large. And when we consider the Christian example before the world, there are parallel passages for our more complete understanding:

“For if they do these things in the green wood, what will be done in the dry?” (Luke 23:31) (In other words, if believers act like the rest of the world, what will happen to the lost? For without the example of Christ before them, how will they ever learn?)

“For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now if the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and sinner appear? Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.” (1Peter 4:17-19)

“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” (Colossians 4:5-6) 

For examples of more exact parallels among the Scriptures, the writers of God’s Word made certain believers would see illustrations of love in many places, even loving our enemies:

“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,” (Luke 6:27)

“Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty give him a drink; For in so doing, you will heap coals of fire on his head.” (Romans 12:20)

Christians, to be powerful witnesses, we must show love to the unlovable and strength in our spiritual convictions. The world says to get even, but God says if you don’t show the love of God which is not about deserving love but loving for the sake of love, which is God and God gives to us without reproach, then we ought to show love to even those who despise us, so that they may experience God in us and see it firsthand as that utmost example of Christlikeness. Thereby, their hearts may be melted, like the verse says “heap coals of fire on his head.”

Also See: Luke 23:34, Job 31:29-30, Proverbs 24:17, 1Peter 3:9 and what Jesus has said in the Book of Matthew:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.” (Matthew 5:38-40)

NOTE: The unsaved love to claim that revenge is acceptable to God by the twisting of this verse.

Moreover, there are unquestionably Scriptures that are completely unique, like a hidden gem, like one that teaches something that only the most diligent Bible students might understand. But that is part of the wonder and splendor of the Bible; determined believers of diligent study will ultimately come across these extremely inspirational nuggets of wisdom that they may then carry in their hearts and minds to help them with the vital need of discernment when they come across the countless challenges and unanswered questions of life and those that others direct toward us.

An example of a very short verse that is completely unique, like a hidden gem of wisdom is one that speaks of someone being ‘scarcely saved’ in 1Peter 4:18. Referring to the stagnant believer, someone who loves God but has no idea how to grow and mature in Christ Jesus is saved nonetheless due to God’s Love and Mercy. Verses 17 and 19 of this passage noted above, however, do have cross references because Peter is using verse 18 to describe the immature believer, but the entire message is one of our being that correct and righteous example before the unsaved. And how can we expect to be that example, in which the world desperately needs if we ourselves do not reflect Christlikeness before others?

NKJV

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Linzy is a certified Bible Counsellor, with countless republications on her viewers blogs, Bible Studies, Ezines and the like. Her portfolio includes, non-fiction articles, short stories for all ages, and Christian poetry.