Get Yourself Saved NOW !!!

We have looked (coming soon)at how the Bible sets itself up for being disproved historically and prophetically like no other religious text and we have seen that every time it is challenged, it is proved 100% accurate.

We have looked (coming soon)at the accuracy of the original Scriptures that have been used for the present day Bible translations (especially those using the “Textus Receptus” notably the KJV).

We have also looked (coming soon) also at the standards that have been employed in ensuring that what was actually given by God to be written, is what has been written and copied throughout the ages and we have seen that from a doctrinal perspective we are now reading what was originally given for us to read.

We can therefore be assured that we are reading the correct and inerrant Word of God.

So how should we read and interpret this inerrant Word?

The theory and method of Bible interpretation is known as “Hermeneutics” and the resultant interpretation that comes from using the methods of hermeneutics is your “Exegesis”.

The Golden Rule of Interpretation is:

“When the plain sense of scripture makes common sense, seek no other sense; therefore, take every word at its primary, ordinary, usual, literal meaning unless the facts of the immediate context, studied in the light of related passages and axiomatic (self evident) and fundamental truths, indicate clearly otherwise.”

The Bible is not meant to be complicated or understandable only to scholars; quite the opposite in fact, “it giveth understanding unto the simple.” Ps 119:130 “For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding” Pro 2:6. The Bible: the Word of God, is meant to be understood. “For God is not the author of confusion” (1 Cor 14:33)

As we have seen from the “Golden Rule” When the plain sense of scripture makes common sense, seek no other sense. Therefore always start with the most literal meaning of the word or verse: God says what He means.

If this does not clarify things immediately, then look at the Historical, Grammatical and Contextual information that can be gleaned from that part of the Scripture we are reading.

The history and the grammar used at that point in history is important. It should not be used as an excuse to alter the meaning of God’s Word just so as “to fit” with modern day liberalism or secular thought, but should be used to put into context what is being said.

The context of a passage of Scripture is an often overlooked practice with the novice interpreter. To take a passage out of context and make it mean what you want it to mean is called eisegesis and should always be avoided.

We are called to be “RIGHTLY DIVIDING the Word of Truth” ( 2 Tim 2:15)

This brings us to what I think is one of the most important things to remember when reading and interpreting Scripture, namely: to take the plainest and most obvious Scripture, of which there can be no argument; it is as plain as day, and use that Scripture to interpret and ponder upon other more difficult Scripture that form the many debates that we hear and read about in the different denominations of “Christianity”.

Also remember that the Bible cannot contradict itself because “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God…” (2 Tim 3:16) and God does not contradict Himself, because“God…. cannot lie” (Tit 1:2)

Therefore if something is said “as plain as day” in one part of Scripture and yet another seems to contradict it, we know this cannot be so. There is an internal consistency to the entire Bible and consequently it can only be our present understanding of the more difficult Scripture that is at fault and not the Scripture itself.

There are many other principles and rules in the study of Hermeneutics that are the subject of many books, but just using the ones mentioned will get you off to a good start and solve most of the issues faced.

Finally however…

With all the Hermeneutical methodology in the world and, as I would suggest you invest in, a good Concordance and possibly a Christian written book on Bible History, one will NEVER, EVER understand one jot of Scripture without the help of God Himself.

At all times before reading Scripture or just at the beginning of each day, I always ask for God to help me with His Word and also to help me properly discern any commentary I may use and I would advise you to do the same.

It is God’s Holy Spirit who wrote the Bible “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Pet 1:21) and therefore it is God’s Holy Spirit that ultimately illuminates its truths “the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned “ (1 cor 2:14)

We should regularly read God’s Word as “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim 3:16) and follow King David’s attitude when he said“I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.” (Ps 119:15). Daily exposure to God’s Word in the Bible is the sustenance every soul yearns for. “My meditation of Him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord.” Psa 104:34

We should make it our aim to really get to know the Bible and “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15) so that “the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Tim 3:17)

God wants you to ask for His help: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (Jam 1:5); as Jesus told us “Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and ye shall find…” (Matt 7:7)

God’s Word is God’s Word to YOU. Make sure that you are hearing or reading it every day and meditate upon it, considering God’s ways.

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding” Proverbs 3:5