Seeking and Understanding the Bible

"The truth of the matter is that the central affirmations of the Bible are not self-evident; the Word of God... is not immediately obvious... the truth of the Word must be sought precisely, in order to be understood in its deep simplicity" (Barth, 1963, p.35).

I've been reading Karl Barth for some time now at a very leisurely pace. It seems to me that Barth had an uncanny ability to state what should be obvious in such a way that makes a reader feel like they were let in on a secret. The quote above is a perfect example. It would seem that anyone who has at least a passing knowledge of the Bible would realize that it is not set up as an answer book nor does it come with an abstract or easily readable lists of the most important statements that the Bible makes.
Even though this is true, the Bible still has managed to change the lives of its readers for millenia, in ways that no other work can possibly claim. Why is this? Could it be that the Bible is able to bypass and circumvent conventional wisdom in order to give people what they need rather than what they want?
For the 21st century, Western reader, books tend to be declarative and clear in intention and purpose. The Bible tends to take a different path. The Bible is largely narrative in nature. Much truth is given in the form of story and application. This means that a reader must do as Barth states. A reader must be willing to SEARCH for answers. For what it is worth, I believe that the Bible is in the form that it is in because its form has served to reach the most people in the most areas in the most times most effectively. It would be presumptuous and wrong to believe that the Bible was intended solely for our American sensibilities.
Due to the need for a search in order to begin to understand the themes and offerings of the Bible, it must first be able to be understood. This was the whole reason that the New Testament was largely written in what is called "koine" Greek. This is common Greek. It was the Greek that was spoken by the people. Interestingly, most works that were written in that era were written in a more formal style of Greek. Remember, books were all but unavailable to the common person. Scrolls weren't super common, either. That may be one reason why formal language was used in writings.
By using a common and understandable language, it may be ascertained that the Bible has always meant to be understood. For what it is worth, I believe this principle applies to today. That is one reason why I strenuously object with those people who declare that the King James Version is the only true Bible. As it was written in 1611, the KJV employs a style of text, that although rich, is quite archaic and not easily understood almost 400 years later. More modern translations not only benefit from employing more modern and more easily understood language, they also benefit from the vital archaeological finds of such things as the Dead Sea Scrolls, which have helped to revolutionize Biblical understandings. This is one reason why when asked what version of the Bible I endorse, I will always say whatever version you will read. Remember, the Bible is meant to be understood!
The Bible must be sought after, much like a relationship with Jesus. Even though it is the work of the Holy Spirit that brings us to Christ, we must still be willing to search and to strengthen our walks with him. In other words, the life of a Christian is never meant to be passive. If we are to truly be disciples of Christ, we must continually be willing to search, to grow, to be challenged and to exhort others to do the same. This is something that ALL are intended to do, not just preachers and "supersaints".
As Barth says, the Bible is simple. Yet, ironically, it can be quite difficult. I believe that although I might know more about the Bible now than I did ten years ago, I still don't understand the Bible as well as I would like or maybe even should. It always seems that the most profound truths are the ones that seem on the surface to be most simple. The Bible is an extraordinary example of this. Men and women have devoted their entire lives to one aspect of the Bible and still have only scratched the surface of understanding in that area. What this means is the more you might come to "know" about the Bible, the more you might realize that you know less than you thought. The Bible is so deep in truth that one must search in order to find it.
I would urge you then to search, to dig and to contemplate what it is that you are looking for in the Bible. Are you looking for an answer book to everyone's questions about meanings? Are you trying to find ways to either justify or condemn certain behaviors? In other words, are you actually trying to use the Bible for something other than what it was intended for? The Bible is meant to draw us into a deeper relationship with Christ. By making the reader dig for truth, by making the reader spend time in its words, the Bible "forces" the reader into a closer walk with God, if only the reader intends to do this.
Seek truth, not answers. Let the Holy Spirit speak to you through the Bible. By focusing on what the Bible wants rather than what you or I want, you will find a much more rewarding experience and life in Christ then we could ever have dreamt possible!