All Scripture interprets itself:
- In the verse:
- Right where it is written.
- A word or words must be interpreted
according to Biblical usage.
- The words must be in harmony
with the verse as well as with all the scriptures
relating to the subject.
- Scripture buildup; narrative
development.
- In the context.
- Used before.
Biblical truths we must adhere to as
workmen:
- It is necessary to identify to
whom a Scripture is addressed and to be aware of the
administration in which or about which they are written.
- We must make a distinction where
God makes a difference.
- Difficult verses must be understood
in light of the clear verses.
- Interpretation and application
must always take into account "to whom" it is addressed.
- When we do not know how a verse
interprets itself without being contradictory to other
verses, we must admit it and hold that verse in abeyance
until such a time as we can understand how it fits with
the rest of the Scripture.
Seven steps to Biblical accuracy:
- The individual word must be understood.
- The words must fit in the verse.
- The verse must fit with the immediate
context.
- The immediate context must flow
with the remote context.
- The words must be understood in
light of to whom it is written.
- The words must be understood in
light of orientalisms, customs, and mannerisms.
- The words must be understood in
light of figures of speech.
Reading for understanding:
Ask yourself, "What is this verse
saying?" To better understand what it is saying,
ask yourself five other questions.
- What is it not saying?
- What is the opposite of what it
is saying?
- What is unusual about the way
in which it is said?
- What did it mean to the believers
"to whom" it is addressed?
- What does it mean to the believers
today?