Can we be in danger of losing our salvation if we do not study?

Question:

Is it possible to study and understand all of the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament? I was talking to an older man who told me that it was impossible to understand all of the Bible or even most parts of it. I did not agree with him and I was thinking that with God's help we can understand most, if not all of it if we commit ourselves to study his word and ask his help through prayer.  I think of you and others who are very knowledgeable of the scriptures and wonder what made you want to study the Bible so extensively?

As Christians, could we be in danger of losing our salvation if we do not study?

What is your complete understanding of II Timothy 2:15?

Answer:

If it was impossible to understand the Bible, or even most of it, then God gave Christians an impossible command when He stated, "Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (Ephesians 5:17). Sure, there are some difficult parts. Even Peter said as much, "... as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, 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" (II Peter 3:15-16). Notice, though, that Peter only stated that some of what Paul wrote was hard -- not all or most. And if you continue to read, you see what Peter recommended to prevent the twisting of the Scriptures. "You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen" (II Peter 3:17-18). Growth in knowledge prevents falling away, but such growth will not come to a person who believes it is impossible to do. So, yes, a lack of growth can lead to falling away.

For a detailed study of II Timothy 2:15, see "An Urgent Need to Study."

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