SIX KEYS TO INTERPRETING SCRIPTURE

 

These are surprisingly simple and logical, but it is amazing how often we do not follow these classic guidelines for interpreting scripture.

 

1.      The most important "key" is, first of all, to have the right attitude.  We don’t explain the Bible as much at it explains us. We don’t interpret and judge it near as much as it judges and interprets life to us.

  One of the key purposes of the Bible is the transforming of our minds. (Rom. 12:1)

2.      Let the New Testament interpret the Old and let the Old shed light on the New. The Old Testament is the foundation upon which the New is based, but the fuller and more complete revelation of God is in Christ and therefore the New Testament must be the lens through which we view all of scripture.

3.      The whole must interpret the parts. In other words, the whole Bible interprets the testament, the testament interprets the book, the book interprets a chapter, etc., in this order:

            Bible > testament > book > chapter > verse > phrase > word

4.      Longer passages on a particular topic should interpret briefer passages which touch on the same subject.

5.      Similarly, topic-specific passages should interpret side comments found elsewhere. You should give more weight to a passage that specifically addresses the subject you are investigating, as opposed to a side comment stuck in the middle of a discussion on a different topic.   

6.      Theological passages should be used to interpret passages which relate stories or events, but not vice versa.  

In other words, get your doctrine from doctrinal passages (not from stories, parables, and events).You can get ideas, inspiration, enlightenment, and illustrations of doctrinal truths from anywhere in scripture, but get your doctrine from the passages geared toward doctrine.

--From an Institute on Biblical Studies at Cornel University, sponsored by Campus Crusade for Christ.

www.theshorterword.com
Laurie J. White