JESUS: THE KEY TO UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE By Dr. Josimar Salum

 

JESUS: THE KEY TO UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE

Dr. Josimar Salum

August 11, 2025 

Many myths and wrong perceptions about God’s Written Word arise because people read a verse in isolation, without considering its full context. This is common even among church leaders, who sometimes quote a single sentence to prove a point without examining the verses before and after, the purpose of the chapter, or the message of the whole book. Even worse is the disregard and dismissal of Jesus Himself — the very One to whom all Scripture points.

Yet, context alone is not enough. The true key to understanding the Bible is Jesus Himself. He is not only the central figure of Scripture; He is the One through whom all of Scripture must be interpreted.

1. THE TRUTH IS IN THE WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD, AND THE TRUTH IS JESUS. 

Truth can be expressed in a single verse, but its meaning is fully understood only when read in its proper context — the surrounding verses, the chapter, the purpose of the book, and the unity of the whole Bible.

Jesus made this clear when He told the religious leaders:

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about Me.”

— John 5:39

From Genesis to Revelation, all Scripture points to Him. That means that when we study any passage, the question is not merely, What does this mean? but also, How does this reveal Christ?

2. WHY SCRIPTURE IS MISUSED

One of the most common errors is proof-texting — taking a verse out of context to support a pre-decided idea. This approach ignores both the flow of thought in the passage and the fact that the Bible’s ultimate subject is Christ.

For example, Philippians 4:13 (“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”) is often quoted to promote personal ambition. But in its context, Paul is talking about enduring all circumstances — abundance or need — for the sake of the gospel.

When verses are detached from Jesus’ teaching, life, and mission, they can be twisted to say almost anything.

3. WHY SCRIPTURE CAN SEEM DIFFICULT

The Bible can feel hard to understand for several reasons:

• It was written in ancient languages to cultures very different from ours.

• Translation differences can obscure original meanings.

• Some parts contain symbolism and prophecy that require careful interpretation.

• People approach the text with preconceived ideas, trying to make it fit their own beliefs.

But the greatest reason for misunderstanding is trying to interpret Scripture apart from Jesus and without the Holy Spirit.

4. THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE REVELATION OF CHRIST

Jesus promised:

“When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth…”

— John 16:13

The Holy Spirit is the One who reveals Jesus in all of Scripture. On the road to Emmaus, Jesus “beginning with Moses and all the Prophets… explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself” (Luke 24:27).

This shows us two essential facts:

1. The entire Bible is about Jesus.

2. Only the Spirit can open our eyes to see Him there.

With the Spirit’s guidance, the Scriptures become a living revelation of the Lord, and people no longer see them as a closed, confusing book.

5. HOW TO READ THE BIBLE WITH JESUS AS THE KEY

• Pray for the Spirit’s guidance before and during your reading, asking Him to open your eyes to see Christ in the Scriptures.

• Read in full context — never build doctrine or conviction on an isolated verse apart from the surrounding passage, chapter, and the whole counsel of God.

• Look for Christ — ask in every text how it reveals His character, His work, and His Kingdom.

• Compare Scripture with Scripture — consider the Bible to interpret itself, using related passages to bring clarity and unity to your understanding.

• Study the historical and cultural background so you can grasp how the original audience would have understood the message.

• Approach with humility — come willing to be corrected, instructed, and transformed by the Word.

• Seek to understand the Bible in its original languages — or at least learn how to research and study the Scriptures in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek through reliable tools and resources, so you can get closer to the meaning as God inspired it.

The problem is not that the Bible is too difficult; the problem comes when we read it without the Holy Spirit and without recognizing Jesus as the cornerstone. With the Spirit’s guidance, every book, chapter, and verse aligns into one consistent message — the revelation of Christ and His Kingdom.

“Cornerstone” is a strong biblical image (Ephesians 2:20; 1 Peter 2:6), meaning the foundational stone upon which the entire structure is aligned — which fits perfectly here.

Jesus is not just the main character of the Bible — He is the key to its interpretation. Remove Him, and Scripture becomes a book of disconnected sayings. See Him, and the whole Word of God comes alive in power, clarity, and truth.

#ASONE

The Key to Transformation: Do You Understand What You’re Reading?

The Key to Transformation: Do You Understand What You’re Reading?

By Dr. Josimar Salum

   One of the biggest challenges for anyone studying the Bible is understanding it. This is captured in Philip’s question to the Ethiopian man in Acts 8:30:

“Do you understand what you are reading?”

   All throughout history, how we interpret Scripture has shaped the Church—its beliefs, identity, and behavior. But many interpretations have been influenced by traditions, cultural values, personal experiences, and theological bias rather than Scripture itself.

   True understanding doesn’t just come from knowledge. It comes from a relationship with God—a love for Him and for others, demonstrated by how we live, love, and serve daily as followers of Jesus.

   Going Beyond Tradition

   The Holy Spirit still asks us: Do you truly understand what you believe? Have you tested your beliefs beyond what was handed down to you?

   Many believers eventually realize they’ve accepted myths or traditions that aren’t actually biblical. Much of what we call “truth” is often just human interpretation.

   Personally, I’ve questioned many of my own beliefs—and I’ve never feared that doing so would take me away from Jesus. In fact, seeking truth has drawn me closer to Him.

   This is where transformation begins—by having the courage to question, learn, and renew our thinking. As Romans 12:2 says:

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so you can know God’s will—His good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

   What Blocks Transformation?

   Many resist change because they’re attached to routine or afraid to question tradition. Here are 10 common excuses that often prevent growth:

1. “This isn’t how we do things here.”

Many churches follow old patterns without asking if they please God or reflect true worship. In trying to attract people, we often end up entertaining them instead of transforming them.

2. “We tried that before, and it didn’t work.”

This mindset kills creativity. But the gospel is about new beginnings—God is always doing something new (Revelation 21:5).

3. “We have to follow the Bible.”

True—but whose interpretation are we following? If we keep doing the same things and seeing no change, we should re-examine our methods.

4. “I’ll pray about it.”

Prayer is vital—but this phrase often hides indecision or inaction.

5. “I’ll ask the pastor.”

The Bible says every believer is a priest (1 Peter 2:9). Leaders should equip, not control.

6. “Is this from the original Greek?”

Many ask this to avoid uncomfortable truths, even without understanding Greek—or even their own language.

7. “This might offend someone.”

Real change always challenges the comfortable. Jesus often offended the religious establishment.

8. “We have to follow the rules.”

Rules matter—but when they matter more than people, they block God’s work. Jesus always prioritized love and truth.

9. “That’s just your opinion.”

Dismissing insights from others shuts down healthy conversation. God can speak through anyone.

10. “This will cost too much.”

Fear of lack limits vision. But Jesus said if we seek His Kingdom first, everything else will follow (Matthew 6:33).

   Ministry Beyond the Church Walls

   Another major misunderstanding is the idea that only pastors are in ministry. The Bible teaches that every believer is a full-time minister—whether you’re a teacher, farmer, artist, engineer, a housewife.

   Jesus and His disciples did most of their ministry in homes, on streets, and in the workplace, not inside religious buildings. The early church transformed the world because they lived out the gospel everywhere, not just on Sundays.

   There is no biblical divide between “clergy” and “laity.” We are all called to bring God’s Kingdom into business, education, media, politics, arts, and family.

   How God Provides for His Mission

   God funds His Kingdom through the work of His people—not only through miracles. From the tabernacle to Solomon’s Temple, God used skilled workers and faithful givers.

   Proverbs 13:22 says, “The wealth of the wicked is stored up for the righteous.” But that wealth comes through diligence, wisdom, and righteous living, not by wishing for it.

   The marketplace is not secular. It’s a mission field.

   A New Kind of Church Is Rising

   Around the world, God is raising a new model of “church”—not focused on buildings or services, but on believers living the gospel in daily life. True transformation is happening as disciples of Jesus bring His Kingdom into homes, workplaces, and communities.

   This will continue until Acts 3:20–21 is fulfilled:

“Heaven must receive [Jesus] until the time comes for God to restore everything, as He promised through His holy prophets.”

   So the question remains:

Do you understand what you’re reading?

The answer will determine whether you stay in religion or step into real transformation.

   #ASONE

HOW UNDERSTANDING AND ACCEPTING WHO WE ARE GIVES US FREEDOM AND POWER TO FOLLOW JESUS By Josimar Salum

HOW UNDERSTANDING AND ACCEPTING WHO WE ARE GIVES US FREEDOM AND POWER TO FOLLOW JESUS By Josimar Salum

‭‭Romans‬ ‭3:10‭-‬12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

[10] As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; [11] there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. [12] All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.”

What does this text really say? Is it still like this after the coming of Jesus? Is there not even one righteous man to be found?

Brother, sister, there are millions and millions of righteous people on Earth.

‭‭Romans‬ ‭5:1, 19‬ ‭NIV‬‬

[1] Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 

[19] For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

[21] God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Yes! We were made in His image.

God gave us the power to be children of God. Exactly how Jesus is. This is why we are called to live in holiness as He is. We are not second-rate children. When we are born again, we become children of God.

‭‭1 John‬ ‭3:1‭-‬2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

[1] See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. [2] Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 

‭‭1 John‬ ‭4:17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

[17] This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 

‭‭1 John‬ ‭3:9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

[9] No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God.

HEARING THE VOICE OF THE ENEMY

Many hear a doctrine of demons that says that we will continue sinning until Christ comes and that on this Earth no one is good, except God alone.

They make reference to what Jesus said:

‭‭Mark‬ ‭10:18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

[18]  “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 

How is Jesus not good if He is God? When Jesus said this it was to give that person an opportunity to recognize that He is God. So He is good!

It is a fact that we commit sin! 

‭‭1 John‬ ‭1:8‭-‬10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

[8] If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. [9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. [10] If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

But it doesn't mean we will do so until Christ comes. What doctrine of the devil is this? You are holy and righteous!

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭22:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

[11] Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy.”

"The one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy."

The righteous and the saints are warned by the Word! The unjust and wicked have no ability to obey the Word. Anyone who hears this Word and tries to obey without the Holy Spirit fails. When you hear that you must obey, never think that you will do so alone.

THE HOLY AND JUST HEAR THE VOICE OF THE SPIRIT

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:25, 27-32‬ ‭NIV‬‬

[25] Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 

[27] and do not give the devil a foothold. [28] Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. [29] Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. [30] And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. [31] Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. [32] Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

No one does this by trying to imitate Jesus or by his own effort

No one can imitate Jesus if he has not been born again. Imitation is not copying, but transformation. It is the Holy Spirit who transforms.

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭3:17‭-‬18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

[17] Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. [18] And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:28‭-‬30‬ ‭NIV‬‬

[28] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. [29] For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. [30] And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. (Transformed into glory.)

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:51‭-‬54‬ ‭NIV‬‬

[51] Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— [52] in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. [53] For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. [54] When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:41‭-‬43‬, 49, 50‭ NIV‬‬

[41] The sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendor. [42] So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; [43] it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 

[49] And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man. [50] I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 

Our final destination is not heaven. God has not destined us for heaven. He destined us to be one with the Father. And only those who are equal to Jesus go to the Father.

GLORY! GLORY! GLORY!

‭‭John‬ ‭13:36‬ ‭NIV‬‬

[36] Simon Peter asked him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.”

John 14:4, 6, 9, 16-17, 23 ‭NIV‬‬

[4] You know the way to the place where I am going.”

[6] Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 

[9] Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

[16] And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— [17] the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 

[23] Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.

Now, are we the ones who go to Him or is it He who comes to us?

WE ARE ONE AND WILL BE ONE

According to my brother Marcos Sá, who understood these matters like few others I know, said:

“Eternity is: Us dwelling in the Father, and the Father dwelling in us! "WE ARE ONE", Hallelujah! This is Jesus’ request to the Father on our behalf, that we be one, just as He and the Father are one.”

John‬ ‭17:20‭-‬24‬ ‭NIV‬‬

[20]  “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, [21] that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. [22] I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— [23] I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. [24]  “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

We receive from Christ his glory, that we may be one. This is the glory for us. Hallelujah!

In fact the word unity does not appear in the text. It should have been translated so that they are taken to ONE. There is no way for ONE not to be complete. Jesus didn’t talk about unity! “Hear Israel, The Lord our God is ONE.” Deut 6:4. Jesus said that he was ONE with the Father. He did not say that they were united. Jesus said: “I and the Father are one.”

It is not unity, but ONE. In English there is a word - it is ONENESS, it is beyond “unity." "One" carries the idea of a "whole"; complete, perfect, needless to say that something is not missing, the possibility does not exist. GLORY! GLORY! It is something that ears have not heard, nor eyes seen, nor has it entered the heart of man.

This is the understanding, we are led to be ONE. ONENESS is unimaginable, but it is the reality of God's children by the revelation of the Spirit. Hallelujah!

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭2:9‭-‬10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

[9] However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him— [10] these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 

#ASONE

THE SWORD. By Marcos Simas Gouvea. This article was written by my 16 years old nephew. It is a pearl! Glory to the Lord Jesus! — Josimar Salum

The Sword

By Marcos Simas Gouvea

This article was written by my 16 years old nephew. It is a pearl! Glory to the Lord Jesus! — Josimar Salum

The Bible is one of the most important things for a Christian. When Jesus fasted in the desert for 40 days and Satan tempted Him with arguments, trying to create doubts in Him, Jesus didn’t argue back, He simply quoted Scripture. This shows us that Jesus knew Scripture like the back of His hand! He didn’t cite Scripture because God was His author, but because He knew them very well. Doesn’t the Bible say he grew(grew!) in grace and in wisdom?

As Christians, our objective is to mirror Christ, and to be like Him. If Jesus knew Scripture, why do most Christians not know how to find the passage the pastor uses in a sermon when handed a printed Bible? They can only do it on their phone and sometimes not even that!

“For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12. The Bible is the written word of God and the Word (Logos) is the living Word of God. We read the Bible (the written text) to know the Word of God. 

Christians refer themselves to the Bible as “the Sword”. This term comes from this verse: Hebrews 4:12. And I love this terminology! To me, there is no better way to exemplify what the Bible means to a Christian. The Bible is truly a Sword, something that accompanies us in the spiritual battles we face daily. Every Christian should know how to use their sword! Every Christian should know Scripture, the same way Jesus knew them!

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭15

In medieval times, in order for a boy to become a knight, this boy had start his training between ages 7-10 (this included training with a sword); this training occupied the lives of these boys, who would train day and night in order to achieve the most efficiency with their swords. And that’s how a Christian should be; he must study and meditate on the Bible day and night! Many people own Bibles and don’t read them, and many people read the Bible everyday, but treat it like a chore, and not like an opportunity to sharpen their blades and prepare for battle. 

Now, what use has a sword, if it is in the hands of someone who has no idea how to use it?

#ASONE