Cherry Picking Christianity: What Is It and Why Should We Avoid Doing It?

Part 1: Studying Scripture as a Whole.

Photo by T Steele on Unsplash

This article begins a new series in which we will be examining and discussing the concept of “cherry-picking” certain verses of the Bible and the danger of doing so.

We will be looking at specific verses throughout our series, but this article will serve as an introduction to our study.

Defining Terms

We want to begin by defining our terms. What do we mean by “cherry picking?” “Cherry Picking” refers to the practice of selectively presenting data or evidence that supports a particular argument while ignoring data that may contradict it.

When someone “cherry picks” certain verses of the Bible and ignores the context and original meaning, there is danger in looking for the answer they want instead of examining what the verse actually says or teaches.

Why is this harmful? What does the Bible say about the importance of honestly searching the Scriptures to arrive at truth rather than having one’s mind made up prior to an examination?

Let’s look at four things in particular.

All of Scripture is God’s Word

First, all of God’s Word is inspired by Him:

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

Since all of God’s Word is inspired by Him, what authority or right do we have to determine something in His Word as not being important?

He has given us His mind in written form, and we have all the information we need for this life and life beyond the grave in His Word (1 Cor. 2:9-13; 2 Pet. 1:3).

All of God’s Word is Truth

Second, all of God’s Word is truth:

“The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever” (Psa. 119:160).

Notice that the entirety of God’s Word is truth, not just bits and pieces. For man to determine what is truth and what doesn’t apply is the height of arrogance and ignorance!

Jesus prayed that the apostles would be “sanctified by the truth” and said to His Father, “Your Word is truth” (John 17:17).

We Must Be Open to the Truth

Third, all of us have the responsibility to “study to show ourselves approved unto God” (2 Tim. 2:15; cf. Ezra 7:10; Acts 17:11). We are to properly discern and “rightly divide” the Word of Truth.

If I already have my mind made up about something and read into the text what I want it to say, how can I obey this command to study? Instead of changing the Word to fit what I want it to say, I must change the way I think by applying what the Word says if the two do not match up!

Peter says, “unlearned and untaught people twist the Scripture to their own destruction” (2 Pet. 3:16). I do not want to be guilty of that, do you?

We Must Not Add To or Take Away From Scripture

Fourth and finally, the Scriptures warn us not to add or take away from what God has said. Consider the following passages:

“You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you” (Deut. 4:2).

Notice that in order for them to keep the commandments, they were not to add or take away from what God had said.

“Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar” (Prov. 30:6).

The Proverbs writer equates adding to God’s Word with lying!

“I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed” (Gal. 1:6-9).

There is only one true Gospel, but many strive to pervert it by teaching false doctrine. This happens when one “cherry picks” verses that fit their beliefs.

“For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book” (Rev. 22:18-19).

Once again, we see the serious implications of adding and/or taking away from God’s revelation.

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We have noticed that all of God’s Word is inspired truth and that we have a responsibility to study it properly, not adding to or taking away from it.

It is extremely important that we read and study the Bible in the proper context and allow the truth to speak for itself.

In the coming weeks, we will examine specific verses that have been “cherry-picked” out of their context and defeat the false doctrines that come from the practice.

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Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.

Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life.