The Bible’s existence can be traced back to ancient times, with the oldest parts dating back to over 2700 years ago. An occasional reader might think that the Bible, being a reliable source of wisdom and guidance, contains all the answers. Yet, it still leaves many questions unanswered.
The Essence of Questions in the Bible
A person who asks many questions is often curious and eager to learn. These questions in the Bible make us want to understand God’s words deeply. They encourage us to think critically to develop new insights about our lives and the broader mysteries of existence.
Why Some Questions Remain Unanswered
Unanswered questions are there to remind us that not everything is within our grasp and that some mysteries are beyond human understanding. Let us go through 15 important questions the bible leaves unanswered and explore how these mysteries can deepen our faith and understanding of God’s plan.
When is Jesus’ Real Birthday?
While most Christians believe and celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25, Christmas Day, there is no direct mention of this date in the Bible. Some scholars believe He was born between 6 BC and 4 BC. This theory is based on the story of King Herod the Great and the timing of certain events described in the Bible.
How Did Jesus Spend His Teenage Years?
Aside from the story of Jesus visiting the temple in Jerusalem when He was 12 years old (Luke 2:41-52), there are no other accounts of how He spent His early years. This gap invites speculation about His activities, education, and development, sparking curiosity about His formative years.
When Did Jesus Die?
The exact date and year of Jesus’ death are not explicitly mentioned in the Bible. However, scholars narrowed it down to Friday, April 3, AD 33, based on historical records of Passover dates. However, the Bible does not specify an exact date, leaving this crucial event’s timing somewhat uncertain.
Where Did Evil Really Come From?
Apart from mentioning the existence of evil, the Bible does not provide a comprehensive explanation of how evil entered the world. Some people associate it with the figure of Satan, while others speculate that the story of Adam and Eve’s disobedience served as the entry point for sin and evil.
How Long Did the Creation Process Take?
We have been taught that the creation process in Genesis 1 happened over a 6-day period, where each day is marked by the phrase “And there was evening, and there was morning.” Some view the “days” as literal 24-hour periods, while others see them as symbolic. The Bible does not provide a definitive answer, leaving it up for interpretation.
How Far Did the Waters Reach During the Great Flood?
“They rose greatly on the earth, and all the high mountains under the entire heavens were covered. The waters rose and covered the mountains to a depth of more than fifteen cubits.” – Genesis 7:19-20 NIV
This verse only tells us how high the water was during the Great Flood but does not provide the extent of the water’s reach. It could have covered the entire planet or affected only a specific area; no one knows exactly.
Why Was Job Tested?
The story of Job gives us a major lesson on the importance of maintaining faith in God despite suffering. However, it does not exactly tell us a clear reason for his trials. This leaves the ultimate purpose of his suffering open to interpretation.
What Happens Immediately After Death?
Even though the Bible talks about life after death in general terms, it does not say much about what happens when one dies. Various accounts in the Bible mention concepts such as heaven and hell, but the specifics about the afterlife remain unclear.
When Will the Second Coming Occur?
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” – Matthew 24:36 NIV
Even Jesus Himself, through this verse, expressed that there is no certainty of the timing of the second coming. There may be passages in the New Testament that provide some clue such as 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 and Revelation 19:11-16, however, these passages are often symbolic and open to interpretation.
What Does 666 Symbolize?
In Revelation 13:18, the number 666 is referred to as the “number of the beast.” But, as to the reason why the number 666 was chosen or the symbolism it represents, it does not clearly say so. This invites various interpretations and deeper study into its symbolic significance.
What Happens to People Who Never Hear the Gospel?
The Bible does not provide a thorough explanation of what would happen to those who never hear the Gospel. This leads to more complex theological discussions about God’s justice and mercy and whether faith in Christ is required for salvation.
What Does Eternal Punishment Look Like?
Jesus’ description of hell, as depicted in various passages such as Matthew 8:12, 22:13, and Revelation 20:10, is often symbolic. It does illustrate the severity and cruelty of these punishments but does not provide a literal depiction.
How Did Humanity Multiply After Adam and Eve?
Genesis mentions Adam and Eve had sons, Cain, Abel, and Seth. It was also mentioned that Adam had other sons and daughters. The Bible, however, does not provide specifics on how their descendants intermarried and populated the earth, leaving a lot of speculations about early human relationships and societal development.
What Was the Nature of the Forbidden Fruit?
The fruit from the Tree of Knowledge is the forbidden fruit as depicted in the Bible, but its exact nature was not mentioned, despite being commonly thought of as an apple. This lack of detail leaves room for interpretation, symbolizing the complexities of temptation and the consequences of disobedience.
Where is the Garden of Eden?
Many scholars suggest that the Garden of Eden may have been located in ancient Mesopotamia, while others suggest that it might be a symbolic rather than a physical place. The lack of specific details about the location of the Garden of Eden remains a subject of intrigue and debate to this day.
More From Hope No Matter What
15 Misconceptions About Jesus Christ That the Bible Addresses
14 Indicators You’re Experiencing a Spiritual Attack and How to Overcome It
10 Misconceptions About Prayer: What Many Christians Get Wrong
16 Remarkable Ways God Has Shaped History
Vidivir is a dedicated high school teacher and a loving mother of three. With over a decade of experience as a blogger and article writer, she has honed her craft in storytelling. As a devoted church lector and servant of God, she combines her passion for writing with her faith, aiming to inspire others through her words.