Interpreting Scripture

Before reading most of the articles on the site, it seems there should be something said about how we interpret the bible. To many people this may seem strange. You read it, and you try to live it. That’s good and it would be great if that’s all there was to it, but as you know, there are some passages that can be confusing, which lead to differences in the way people interpret them. Who is the best interpreter of scripture? The Holy Spirit, of course. The Spirit of Truth searches the deep things of God. And the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God because they are spiritually discerned. Wouldn’t it be great if we could all agree on everything? But we don’t. Hopefully this section will help to clear up some issues.

The Bible is a unique book. Written over a period of 1600 years by over 40 different authors on three continents. It contains several literary styles. Historical narrative, including the history of creation, the history of Israel, the epistles, parables etc. Then Poetry, including the Psalms, wisdom books and lamentations. And also the Prophets and all prophetic content, including apocalyptic literature. These are broad categories but need to be taken into consideration when interpreting a text. Prophecy and apocalyptic literature being the most difficult.

Hermeneutics is the word people use to describe “The art and science of interpreting scripture”. We can glean how a person comes to their conclusions by their hermeneutics. In other words, the way you interpret scripture is based on your underlying hermeneutical principles.

Some of the primary “hermeneutical principals” are these:

1. All scripture is inspired by God…(God breathed and therefore Truth)

2. Scripture interprets scripture. A cohesive set of 66 books with one supernatural author.

3. Interpret the hazy verses in the light of the clear ones on any subject.

From there, several other rules follow:

• Context is king. “A text without a context is a pretext”.
• Reading the text in the original languages can be beneficial.
• Word studies make for more precise meanings and seeing how the words are used in various circumstances.
• Parallel passages about the same subject can shed light and meaning.

All help in discovering “what the author meant by what he said” (this is the goal of hermeneutics).

And sometimes, even after all the best efforts have been put forth, there is still confusion over the meaning of certain passages. Many times, it boils down to a person’s hermeneutics. What lens you are looking through. See appendix 1

Reformed Theology’s foundational hermeneutic revolves around Jesus and the gospel. Every word should be interpreted in the light of what Jesus said, and what He did. From St. Augustine until today, “The Old Testament is the New Testament concealed, The New Testament is the Old Testament revealed”. A guiding light to the church for 1500 years. Then, along came Darby.

Darby’s dispensationalists believe in a literal (as literal as possible) interpretation of the whole bible. No consideration for historical narrative, poetry or prophecy. That’s their foundational hermeneutic. “The bible says what it means and means what it says”. Every word in every genre of literature must be understood as literally as possible (can you see cracks in this already?). If Revelation says “A great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea” then that’s what is going to happen!

The Dispensational belief that old covenant prophecy should be interpreted as literally as possible conflicts with many New Testament passages, but they choose to deny the obvious, to protect, defend and promote the prophetic promises of the old covenant to be fulfilled literally, in the future.

Jesus said “Lo, the volume of the book, it is written of Me” (Heb.10:7).

The Bottom Line

• One church, our dispensational brothers, is teaching that “any day now, you’ll be going home” (rapture doctrine). Also telling you that a thousand years from now a supernatural, evil power will deceive all non-believers and cause them to violently and relentlessly persecute the church in every corner of the world.
• The church next door, teaching Reformed Theology, is telling their people that this unprecedented world delusion has begun in this age (yes 2025), and we aren’t going anywhere until it’s all over and we have overcome (through life or through death).

They both believe in Jesus, but they both can’t be right. Do you think (for the sake of your family and loved ones) this is something maybe worth looking into? I’m hoping your answer is YES. First, see for yourself. Look at the origin, the history, the whole doctrine and the reasons for the dispensational view. Do you believe them? Enough to bet your life on them? Second, look at the traditional interpretation of scripture. Why would you trade 1700 years of reliable church doctrine for an ‘easy way out’? When you begin to realize the devastating consequences of not being prepared for what’s coming, my prayer is that you begin to prepare. Draw closer to God, learn your bible, develop your gifts, join a group you trust with your life. Be ready to give an answer now to those who have questions and save them from delusion. Be a light (all things we should be doing anyway).