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📖 The Importance of Reading the Bible in ContextMany people unknowingly make a common mistake when studying Scripture: they read God's later commands back into earlier events.Consider Abraham and Sarah.In Genesis 20:12, Abraham explains that Sarah was his half-sister—the daughter of his father, but not of his mother. Despite this, God chose Sarah to be the mother of the covenant and promised that Isaac—not Ishmael—would be the child through whom His covenant would continue (Genesis 17:15–21).Centuries later, under the Law given through Moses, God prohibited marriages between close relatives (Leviticus 18 and Leviticus 20).Some ask, "Doesn't that mean God blessed incest?"The answer is found by reading the Bible as it unfolds historically.The Mosaic Law had not yet been given in Abraham's day. God's covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai introduced many commands and prohibitions that were not yet in force during the time of the patriarchs.This is why we should never force later laws onto earlier biblical events. Doing so creates apparent contradictions that disappear when Scripture is read in its proper context.📖 Key Scriptures• Genesis 17:15–21• Genesis 20:12• Leviticus 18:9• Leviticus 20:17• 2 Timothy 2:15The Bible is a progressive revelation of God's plan. Read each passage in its historical context, and let Scripture interpret Scripture."Study to shew thyself approved unto God... rightly dividing the word of truth." — 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)🙏 May the Holy Spirit guide us into all truth as we faithfully study God's Word.