This summary comment came from a reader of one of our articles in which we stated that the Bible is inerrant in its original autographs… written by God and penned by man. A summary of the conversation follows, after a brief listing of terms used.

Definitions from Webster

Literal – Interestingly, the first definition listed the Bible as an example of this word. It states “literal” means, “according with the letter of the scriptures.” The next, broader definition, was “adhering to fact or to the ordinary construction or primary meaning of a term or expression.”

Allegory – “The expression by means of symbolic fictional figures and actions of truths or generalizations about human existence.”

Parable – “An usually short, fictitious story that illustrates a moral attitude or a religious principle.”

Our Reader Began by saying…

“You’re being too literal, much of scripture is analogies attempting to explain spiritual things with earthly comparisons. They are not absolute apples to apples. Jesus said how can you even begin to comprehend heavenly things if you can’t comprehend worldly comparisons? [The] books [of the Bible] aren’t literal, but a method of recording those [stories] that are God’s….”

I responded hoping I had misunderstood him by saying…

“The Bible is a mix of literal and allegories. The trick is to see where those differences are, and everyone sets that line in a different place. Some incorrectly believe the whole book of Revelation is allegorical. Respectfully, it is not clear to me where you are drawing that line in your comment. But if you are suggesting Satan and his fallen angels do not exist, that represents a very narrow and unpopular view within the domain of Christianity, and would hold within it other elements (Hell, etc) that further isolate one from a Biblical Christian worldview. So, I’m going to assume I have misunderstood your comment.”

But he confirmed my concern by saying…

Jeff, you are correct. Indeed, I hold those things you mentioned as very real. As to what is seen and experienced may be different than our imagination. Literally doesn’t mean “as I envision it!” That is part of why Jesus used parables in his teaching as his followers simply could not envision the deeper truth.

My Conclusion

The Bible is not a parable, but there are parables in the Bible, something our reader correctly understood. It is true that Jesus used parables to help communicate Christianity to His listeners, and some of those parables are in the Bible. However, Scripture also contains core theology that is clear from an open reading of a unified text. Regardless of how mankind may feel about it, Satan, his demons, and Hell are real, whether or not one has a personal relationship with Christ.

A study done by Pew Reseach in late 2023, documented that only 61% of respondents believe there is a literal Hell, while 71% believed in a literal Heaven (details here).

One either has faith that the Bible was written and protected by the Creator and penned by man, or he/she doesn’t. Further, we have a choice to treat verses we find offensive as stories or allegories that hold no credibility in our day-to-day lives.

Can we reject Satan, Hell, and, the negative side of the supernatural, and still believe we are in perfect alignment with the Trinity? Can Christians hold a belief that one can remain faithful to the objectives of God’s written Word, yet not be held to any of its judgments and commandments? The answer is no.

Matthew 25:46 – And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

We have an eternal choice while we remain on this earth. One needs to choose wisely.

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words

Please Read/Respond to Comments – on Medium