Hello XXXXX

 PASTOR SHEILA:  There are 4 levels of understanding the Scripture: 

1. The surface level, Bible stories, which are uplifting and build faith.
2. The moralistic understanding, from which we learn the spiritual and social values of God.
3. The third level is called “hints, or inferences.” This level of understanding, which is the beginning of maturity in Christ, challenges us to draw logical and Godly conclusions from two or more statements that we read in the Scripture. For example:
   1. Matt 2:16, Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. KJV
   2. Matt 2:13, And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. KJV.

These two Scriptures tell us two things:

1.-  Herod was killing children under the age of two, and

2.-  An angel told Joseph to flee with the young child. 

What logical conclusion can we draw from these two statements? 

CONCLUSION: It was possible that the young child could be destroyed.

 What? But, Jesus was born perfect, without sin, and a sinless man cannot die! …says the tradition of men. Do you dare to believe that Jesus was not perfect at birth, but that He matured into that perfection through obedience to God? 

Heb 2:10 

10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.  KJV 

Heb 5:8-9

8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;  KJV 

4. The last level is called “the mysteries.” This is the spiritual understanding of the Scripture, which can only be understood by the Mind of Christ, and only when permission is granted by the Lord Jesus. We know that we have received permission to understand the Scripture on this level when we begin to understand it. If we cannot understand it, we have the option of asking the Lord Jesus for that permission.

 God bless you.

Sincerely In Christ,
Sheila R. Vitale, Pastor, Teacher & Founder
Living Epistles Ministries