UNDERSTANDING THE WORD (Part I)
According to the Apostle Paul, “ALL
SCRIPTURE is given by INSPIRATION
OF GOD.” (II Timothy 3:16) It is vitally important to note that
the SUBSTANCE OF SCRIPTURE is DIVINE since the SOURCE OF SCRIPTURE is GOD.
The Apostle Peter confirms this: “Knowing this first, that no PROPHECY OF SCRIPTURE is of any
private interpretation, for PROPHECY never
came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the
Holy Spirit.” (II Peter 1:20-21) In this instance, the word “PROPHECY” both means to FORETELL and to FORTH-TELL, i.e. to disclose the future
while proclaiming God’s present and perfect will for us.
Since the will of God is manifested through His Word, we may
accurately state that GOD’S WILL IS
GOD’S WORD. As HIS
WILL, the WRITTEN WORD OF
GOD is the DIVINE AND
FINAL TESTAMENT OF OUR CREATOR, which accurately discloses THE MIND OF GOD, i.e. His past, present
and future plan concerning us.
That being the case, THE
HOLY BIBLE is not only the best-selling book in human history, it
is THE MOST IMPORTANT BOOK IN HUMAN
HISTORY. Therefore, it is a matter of life and death that we
master the principles of interpreting its life-giving message, thus
understanding its important implications for our existence and welfare.
Any accurate interpretation of Scripture involves
“HERMENEUTICS” [hur-muh-NOO-tiks], which may be defined as “the
science of interpretation, especially of the Scriptures” (or) “the branch of
theology that deals with the principles of Biblical exegesis.”
(Dictionary.com) “EXEGESIS” [ek-sah-GEE-sis] is
“the critical interpretation of the biblical text to discover its intended
meaning.” (Encyclopedia Britannica)
The underlying miracle of THE
HOLY BIBLE is simply this: IT
WAS WRITTEN OVER A TIME SPAN OF 1,500 YEARS BY 40 CULTURALLY DIVERSE AUTHORS, yet it provides a seamless and unified view of the nature of a
loving God and His gracious purpose concerning us. That, in and of
itself, is simply amazing!
However, even though THE
HOLY BIBLE is an awesome phenomenon, there are three primary reasons
why people find it challenging to interpret the biblical text. First, we
are far distant (in time) from the historical events written about in the
Bible. Secondly, our modern-day cultures are quite different from the
ones in which the scriptures were originally written. Thirdly, the
biblical texts were originally written in languages that are quite foreign to
most of us. These three reasons offer clear evidence that we need an objective
and systematic method to examine the Scriptures, firstly to glean their
original intent and meaning, and secondly to apply them accurately and
appropriately today. In the absence of such methods, it is rather easy to
misappropriate and misapply the Scriptures.
Will this be an easy task? Certainly not! The
Scriptures, themselves, disclose that there are certain MYSTERIES which will only be completely disclosed in the
future presence of God. Moses, the lawgiver, wrote, “The SECRET THINGS belong to the Lord
our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children
forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” (Deuteronomy 29:29) Paul,
the apostle, wrote, “now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face:
now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” (I
Corinthians 13:12) Even so, the Scriptures present this clear mandate to
every believer: “Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that need
not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (II Timothy 2:15)
Over the next few days, we will present TEN PRINCIPLES OF BIBLICAL HERMENEUTICS.
These may be used as a substantive starting point, from which all may glean
greater comprehension of the biblical record. Before starting this
process, however, we should note that scriptural interpretation is not an exact
science. Admittedly, we come to the WORD-TABLE with
certain PREJUDICES (prior
‘knowledge’ and prior ‘beliefs’) that potentially color our interpretation and acceptance
of divine truth. As we begin, we must own up to these limitations; and,
we must recognize that the human mind can never fully apprehend the things of
God.
The following premise is mission-critical to our understanding: GOD’S
WORD IS LIVING! (Hebrews 4:12) That is, GOD’S WORD IS SPIRIT-BREATHED, and to
truly appreciate and apprehend its message, GOD’S WORD MUST BE
SPIRIT-RECEIVED. His Word can never be
fully understood by the natural man, utilizing only the natural or carnal
mind. Rather, one must be “BORN AGAIN” to
“SEE” (to perceive and to receive) “THE KINGDOM OF GOD.” (John 3:3) Jesus
Christ declared, “To you [all born again believers] it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of God.” (Luke
8:10) So while you are reading the scriptures, make sure that you are in a
genuine and intimate relationship with “the author and finisher of our faith.”
(Hebrews 12:2) Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow!
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