Some people claim that using “human reasoning” is wrong and that one should only rely on God’s Word. They claim that if it is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, then it must be false. You have to produce the verse and the chapter or else, it’s not the “truth” according to Scriptures.

It is important that we understand what is implied truth and what is explicit truth found in the Bible. If we are not careful, we may think that all truths in the Bible are all only those explicitly stated. But that’s not the case at all. The Bible is not written neatly like a catalog or a list of clearly defined doctrines. We may have to dig deeper to mine the truths here and there in Scripture.

Here’s an example: Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” What is explicit in this statement? Well, clearly that “God created the heavens and the earth” as explicitly stated. God created the whole universe. That’s clear.

But is there something implied in this statement? Yes there is—that God is Creator as clearly implied by that same statement.

How did we arrive at such a conclusion that God is Creator in Genesis 1:1? Well, by using our God-given human reasoning power! It is not wrong to use it.

Of course, it goes without saying that if we rely only and solely on our own human reasoning power without God’s guidance through the Holy Spirit, then we may go astray from the right path.

But clearly, we have to use reason and both the implied and the explicit statements should be considered. We have to consider the immediate context and the larger context of the passage under discussion if we are to arrive at a correct understanding of what God is truly saying in that particular passage of Scripture. Many truths in the Bible can be derived and deduced from what is implied aside from explicit statements.

Updated: 8/5/17