LESSON 5
Bible – Interpretation
2 Timothy 2:14-19
Galatians 1:6-9
2Timothy 1:10-11
Inspiration: Fulfilled Prophecy
Interpretation
Consecration
INTRODUCTION
In 2 Timothy 3:16 - Four things that Paul emphasizes are [a] Study, unremitting study with application to life; [b] Prove yourself by action or be deemed unapproved, [c] You become a worker with a tool of trade in the form of God's Word; [d] Rightly dividing the Word of truth.
Rightly dividing is a present active participle of the word "orthotomeo" which means to plough a straight furrow or to cut a straight line. Both the farmer and military engineer are in view here. Consistency and order is the key concept, and this applies directly to the way we handle the Word of God.
The study of the principles of interpretation is called hermeneutics by many Colleges, but we reject this system because Hermes is the false god of order and reason and is linked to freemasonry and other satanic cults. Analysis of a passage is called exegesis.
Interpretation must cut a straight line, an accurate consistent interpretation of the text. It is like the farmer who ploughs the field all the same way to the same depth and the same basic line. You need to be consistent and persistent. Our attitude towards inspiration, revelation and inerrancy is vital in our attitude towards interpretation. We are not to be careless, flippant or casual with our interpretation, nor change our methodology to suit our beliefs, but let the text speak to us consistently and directly, with the context being the guide.
Preaching is accurately undertaking interpretation of the Word and teaching it, Galatians 1:6-9. You can be cursed if you handle the Word of God lightly and erroneously.
You are in danger of divine discipline if you share the ignorance that you have wrongly deduced by your faulty study, with others.
WHAT WE MUST DO?
[a] Walk consistently in the Spirit and in prayer.
[b] Consistent hard study of the Word is called for the pastor- teacher or teacher.
[c] Thirdly prayerfully prepare your study.
[d] Finally you should teach it with authority.
INTERPRETATION
There are four methods of interpretation – [a] Literal, [b] Allegorical [c] Semi Allegorical [d] Theological
[a] Literal - The Bible is to be taken, using the normal rules of grammar, literally. Literal interpretation means that where the Scripture is obviously an allegory it should be taken in that form e.g. John 10:7-10. Where it is not, it should be taken as a true story, Luke 16:19-31. Some things are recorded as lies, some as pictures, some as parables and some as normal narrative. Each passage is to be interpreted in the way that the context indicates it is to be taken. We have a literal interpretation. This type of interpretation will have theological significance. Amongst other things, it will cause the person to believe in a literal Millennium and distinguish between Israel and the Church.
The Principle: "When common sense makes plain sense take no other sense”. Usually this form of interpretation goes hand in hand with acceptance of a verbally inspired Bible.
[b] Allegorical - This method which uses symbols makes Scripture say something other than its obvious meaning. Once you start to allegorize you should ask why?
Perhaps it is because you do not wish to take it literally. Many within the Roman Catholic Church ascribe to this method. Many of the denominations such as some within the:
Reformed Movement, Anglicans, some Baptists and Methodists follow this format. They make spiritual word pictures from the text rather than take a literal interpretation.
This method came to a peak with Origen in Egypt during the 3rd century who used a combination of Greek and Jewish philosophy including the works of Plato and Philo.
If used consistently this type of interpretation would reduce the Bible to near fiction for the normal meaning of the words would be replaced by whatever meaning the interpreter gives to the symbols.
[c] Semi literal. - This is, as is the case of Allegorical approach, an inconsistent approach where the interpretation is often coloured by preconceived ideas and concepts.
Very few evangelicals use the full allegorical method. Evangelicals who use the semi literal method usually treat prophecy by allegory and the rest of the Bible literally. This tends towards A-millennialism.
[d] Theological – This method is allied to the semi allegorical method and is controlled by the Theological framework applied by the interpreter.
REASONS FOR SUPPORT OF THE LITERAL METHOD
[a] The purpose of language. God is the author of language as it is the means of communication. If the Bible does not communicate there is something wrong with the author but as the author is God the Holy Spirit there is nothing wrong with the Scriptures. The Scriptures are therefore to be taken in a literal and objective manner.
[b] Objectivity – switching from literal to other forms of interpretation, unless the context directs, will give different messages from the Bible.
[c] Prophecy - There are about 300 prophecies of the Old Testament referring to the Lord. It can be shown that the Lord fulfilled all but 7 of them literally at His first advent vindicating the literalists position. Micah 5:2, Malachi 3:1, Isaiah 9:1-2, 42:1, 53:5, 61:1, Psalm 16:9-10, 22:1, 15-16, 18, 31:5, 34:20, 68:18, Zechariah 13:7.
PRINCIPLES OF INTERPRETATION
[a] Grammatical – study the grammar.
[b] Context – Study the context.
[c] Scripture with Scripture - Compare with other areas of the Bible.
[d] Progressive Revelation – God may add to or change. – The Lamb, Pork – 1 Timothy 4:3
Examples Matthew 10:5-7, 28:18-20, Luke 9:3 22:36, Genesis 17:10, Galatians 5:2, Exodus 26:8 Acts 20:7, John 1:17 16:24 2 Corinthians 3:7-11
Summary - It is God who desired to give man His Word, it was God who gave the language so that we could understand and communicate. He gave the Bible to communicate to us and not confuse us. He gave us the communication plainly as this is the way that people communicate.
God is behind man's thinking; and is not going to write His book of revelation and inspiration in such a way that the very rules of language; that He uses is going to be broken.
SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF BIBLE INTERPRETATION.
[a] Consider the Bible as a whole, it is God's unfolding drama of redemption. Your interpretation should be on the basis of God's Word having a redemptive theme.
[b] Consider each book distinctively. You need to understand the different characteristics of each book.
[c] Consider to whom the book or the passage was written.
[d] Consider the bigger context, the historical and geographical context.
[e] Consider other biblical passages with the same subject. Because the Bible is God's Word, He has got it right and got it all together. Consider like with like and if the different passages tie together with the same interpretation you probably have got it right.
[f] Discover the exact meanings of the original words used. Textural variations do not affect one doctrine.
[g] Beware of personal prejudice, do not read your own preconceptions into any passages, let the Holy Spirit correct your theology as you study.
[h] One old saint also asked these questions. Does your interpretation make you love the Lord more, desire the salvation of the lost more, desire to assist your brethren more, make you keen in your desire to serve the church? If you answer “YES!” to each of these questions then your interpretation is probably correct.
DOCTRINES
INSPIRATION: FULFILLED PROPHECY PROOF OF INSPIRATION
All scripture is inspired by God (2 Peter 1:19-21) Therefore all Biblical prophecies must come true.
This is demonstrated in prophecies already fulfilled.
1. Reuben would be unstable and lose his rights as firstborn. Prophecy (Genesis 49:3-4) - Fulfilment (Numbers 26:5-11)
2. Simeon would not have land allotted in the Promised Land. Prophecy (Genesis 49:5-7) - Fulfilment (Joshua 19:1-9)
3. Levi would not have land allotted in the Promised Land. Prophecy (Genesis 49:5-7) - Fulfilment (Joshua 21:4-7)
4. Judah would become the ruler over the nation of Israel. Prophecy (Genesis 49:8-12) - Fulfilment (Numbers 10:14, Joshua 15:1 Revelation 5:5)
5. Zebulun would receive an allotment of land on the coast and it would reach down to Sidon. Prophecy (Genesis 49:13) - Fulfilment (Joshua 19:10-16) as well as history when they took the land to the south of their area previously allocated to Asher and their influence reached right down to Sidon.
6. Issachar would be given a fertile area between two mountains and would be a servant. Prophecy (Genesis 49:14-15) - Fulfilment (Joshua 19:17-22)
7. Dan would be a full member of Israel but would lead the nation away in idolatry. Prophecy (Genesis 49:16-18) - Fulfilment (Joshua 19:40-48) and the fact that idolatry in the nation was led by this tribe. It is also of interest that his tribe is not mentioned as having any part in the 144,000 witnesses in (Revelation 7).
8. Gad would be a warrior tribe. Prophecy (Genesis 49:19) - Fulfilment (1 Chronicles 5:18-20, 12:8)
9. Asher would have a rich and fertile land. Prophecy (Genesis 49:20, Deuteronomy 33:24-25) - Fulfilment - History - Asher enjoyed a rich and fertile area together in more recent times successful oil exploration.
10. Naphtali would be quick to spread good news Prophecy (Genesis 49:21) - Fulfilment (Matthew 4:13-15) as Jesus began his ministry in Naphtali and most of the disciples who gave the good news came from that region.
11. Joseph would receive great blessing. Prophecy (Genesis 49:22-26) - Fulfilment (Deut 33:13-17)
12. Benjamin would be a ferocious group Prophecy. (Genesis 49:27) - Fulfilment (Judges 19, 20:21-47)
13. Joshua and Caleb to enter into the Promised Land after 40 years wandering. Prophecy (Numbers 14:24, 30) - Fulfilment (Joshua 3:7,17 14:6-12)
14. Sisera would be defeated by a woman. Prophecy (Judges 4:9) - Fulfilment (Judges 4:21)
15. Hophni and Phineas would die on the same day. Prophecy (1 Samuel 2:34) - Fulfilment (1 Samuel 4:11)
16. The priesthood would be removed from the family of Eli. Prophecy (1 Samuel 2:27-36, 3:11-14) - Fulfilment (1 Kings 2:26-27)
17. Saul was to be the first king of Israel and would save the nation from the Philistines. Prophecy (1 Samuel 9:15-16) - Fulfilment (1 Samuel 11;14)
18. Saul's kingdom would not continue. Prophecy (1 Samuel 13:14, 15:28, 24:20) - Fulfilment (2 Samuel 3:1, 5:1-3)
19. Saul to die in battle on a certain day. Prophecy (1 Samuel 28:19) - Fulfilment (1 Samuel 31:1-6)
20. Solomon to build the Temple not David. Prophecy (1 Chronicles 17:1-12) - Fulfilment (1 Kings 7:51)
21. The sword not to depart from David's house because of sin. Prophecy (2 Samuel 12:10-12) - Fulfilment (2 Samuel 13:28-29, 16:21-22)
22. The bones of Jeroboam's pagan priests to be burnt upon the false altar that Jeroboam had constructed. Prophecy (1 Kings 13:1-3) - Fulfilment (2 Kings 23:4-6)
23. Jeroboam's dynasty to be destroyed. Prophecy (1 Kings 14:10-11) - Fulfilment (1 Kings 15:27-28)
24. Ahab to be victorious over the Syrians. Prophecy (1 Kings 20:28) - Fulfilment (1 Kings 20:29-30)
25. Ahab to die in battle for causing Naboths death. Prophecy (1 Kings 21:19, 22:17) - Fulfilment (1 Kings 22:37)
26. The dogs would then lick his blood from his chariot. Prophecy (1 Kings 21:19) - Fulfilment (1 Kings 22:38)
27. Jezebel to be eaten by wild dogs. Prophecy (1 Kings 21:23, 2 Kings 9:10) - Fulfilment (2 Kings 9:30-37)
28. Elisha to receive a double portion of Elijah's spirit. Prophecy (2 Kings 2:9) - Fulfilment demonstrated by the fact that the Bible records that Elisha performed twice as many miracles as Elijah.
29. Naaman to recover from his leprosy. Prophecy (2 Kings 5:3, 8,10) - Fulfilment (2 Kings 5:14)
30. The starving inhabitants of Samaria to receive an abundance of food in twenty four hours. Prophecy (2 Kings 7:1) - Fulfilment (2 Kings 7:16-17)
31. An arrogant aide to the king to see the miracle but not to eat of the food. Prophecy (2 Kings 7:2, 19) - Fulfilment (2 Kings 7:17, 20)
32. Beb-Hadad, a Syrian king to recover from his sickness, but die anyway. Prophecy (2 Kings 8:10) - Fulfilment (2 Kings 8:15)
33. Jehu to have four generations on the throne of northern kingdom. Prophecy (2 Kings 10:30) - Fulfilment (2 Kings 15:12)
34. Jehu's dynasty to then be destroyed. Prophecy (Hosea 1:4) - Fulfilment (2 Kings 15:8-12)
35. Joash to defeat the Syrians on three occasions. Prophecy (2 Kings 13:18-19) - Fulfilment (2 Kings 13:25)
36. Jehoram to suffer with a disease because of sin. Prophecy (2 Chronicles 21:15) - Fulfilment (2 Chronicles 21:18-19)
37. Amaziah to die because of his idolatry. Prophecy (2 Chronicles 25:16) - Fulfilment (2 Chronicles 25:20-27)
38. Sennacherib to be assassinated in his own land. Prophecy (Isaiah 37:7) - Fulfilment (Isaiah 37:37-38)
39. Sennacherib's attempt to invade Jerusalem not to be successful. Prophecy (Isaiah 37:33-35) - Fulfilment (Isaiah 37:36-37)
40. Hezekiah to be healed of a terminal disease. Prophecy (Isaiah 38:5) - Fulfilment (Isaiah 38:9)
41. Cyrus to allow the Jews to go back to Jerusalem. Prophecy (Isaiah 44:28) - Fulfilment (Ezra 1:1-2)
42. Zedekiah to be captured by Nebuchadnezzar. Prophecy (Jeremiah 21:7) - Fulfilment (Jeremiah 52:8-11)
43. Jehoahaz to die in Egyptian captivity and not return to Judah. Prophecy (Jeremiah 22:10-12) - Fulfilment (2 Kings 23:33-34)
44. Jehoiachin to be captured by Nebuchadnezzar. Prophecy (Jeremiah 22:25) - Fulfilment (2 Kings 24:15)
45. Coniah was told that no seed of his would sit on the throne of David. Prophecy (Jeremiah 22:28-30) - Fulfilment - historical. This prophecy is in apparent contradiction to the Davidic Covenant of (2 Samuel 7:8-16) where David was promised a "son" who would reign forever on his throne. This apparent contradiction is solved by the virgin birth of the Lord Jesus Christ as Mary was descended from David via Nathan. (Luke 3:23-31)
46. Hananiah, a false prophet to die within a year. Prophecy (Jeremiah 28:15-16) - Fulfilment (Jeremiah 28:17)
47. Nebuchadnezzar to invade Egypt. Prophecy (Jeremiah 43:9-13) - Fulfilment - history
48. Nebuchadnezzar to defeat the Egyptians at Carchemish. Prophecy (Jeremiah 46) - Fulfilment - history.
49. Nebuchadnezzar to be given the mind of an animal because of pride. Prophecy (Daniel 4:19-27) - Fulfilment (Daniel 4:28-37)
50. Belshazzer to have his kingdom removed from him. Prophecy (Daniel 5:5, 25-28) - Fulfilment (Daniel 5:30)
51. Alexander the Great to establish a world empire in a very short time. Prophecy (Daniel 2:32-39, 7:6, 8:5-8, 21, 11:3) - Fulfilment - history.
52. Alexander to defeat the Persians - Prophecy (Daniel 8:5-8) - Fulfilment - history
53. Alexander to die at the height of his power and his kingdom to be divided into four parts. Prophecy (Daniel 8:8, 22, 11:4) - Fulfilment - history tells us that at the height of his power Alexander died of a fever in Babylon at the age of 33.
After a period of some twenty years of internal struggle and fighting the eleven generals of the Greek army who had survived Alexander were reduced to four called in Scripture the four winds of heaven, Ptolemy, Seluchus, Cassander and Lysimachus.
54. Antiochus Epiphanes persecuted the Jews and desecrated their Temple. Prophecy found in (Daniel 8:11-25) - Fulfilment - history. The whole of (Daniel 11) represents historical prophecies of the Greek dynasties based on Ptolemy and Seluchus which lasted until the time of Julius Caesar with Cleopatra being the last Greek ruler of Egypt. [SEE Prophecy: Prophecy and History Fulfilled]
55. Zacharias would be mute until the birth of John the Baptist. Prophecy (Luke 1:20) - Fulfilment (Luke 1:57-64)
56. John the Baptist to be the herald for the Lord Jesus Christ. Prophecy (Luke 1:76-77) - Fulfilment (Matthew 3:1-11, Luke 3:2-6)
57. Simeon to live until he had seen the Messiah. Prophecy (Luke 2:25-26) - Fulfilment (Luke 2:28-30)
58. Peter would deny Jesus Christ. Prophecy (John 13:38) - Fulfilment (John 18:24-27)
59. Peter to die as a martyr. Prophecy (John 21:18-19, 2 Peter 1 :12-14) - Fulfilment - history
60. Judas to give himself over to Satan. Prophecy (John 6:70) - Fulfilment (John 13:27)
61. Judas to betray Jesus. Prophecy (John 13:21) - Fulfilment (John 18:2-5)
62. Paul would suffer a lot for the Lord Jesus Christ. Prophecy (Acts 9:16) - Fulfilment (2 Corinthians 11:23-28, 12:7-10, Philippians 1:29-30)
63. Paul would be a minister to the Gentiles. Prophecy (Acts 9:15) - Fulfilment (Romans 11:13, Ephesians 3:1)
64. Paul would preach before kings. Prophecy (Acts 9:15) - Fulfilment (Acts 24-26)
65. Paul would go to Rome. Prophecy (Acts 23:11) - Fulfilment (Acts 28:16)
INTERPRETATION
In receiving revelation which comes through the Holy Spirit as He teaches the Word of God to a believer in Christ certain basic rules are necessary in order to understand the Word of God. The science of interpretation is called hermeneutics. Interpretation should be undertaken using the following concepts.
1. The purpose of the Bible as a whole: - each text must be interpreted in the light of the total content of Scripture as the Bible does not contradict but complements itself.
2. The particular message of each book of the Bible: - the interpretation of a book must be in conformity with its purpose. In this way Ecclesiastes will need to be interpreted in a different way to Psalms or the Revelation.
3. To whom addressed: - while all Scripture is equally inspired not all Scripture is equally applicable. As an example in David’s day, one could plead with the Lord that the Holy Spirit would not be taken away from you (Psalm 51:11). However since Pentecost the Holy Spirit has been permanently in all believers and therefore cannot be removed thus such a prayer is no longer valid today. (John 14:16, 17).
4. The context: - review the surrounding text as to the context and interpret in relation to that context.
5. Similar teachings elsewhere in the Bible where study of one book may help interpretation in a related book for instance Daniel and Revelation.
6. Accurate exegesis from the original languages.
7. Literal Interpretation: - unless otherwise guided the person should assume a literal interpretation rather than a symbolic.
8. Guard against prejudice: - each passage must be allowed to say what it does even if it fails to immediately resolve apparent lack of harmonization with other passages in the Bible.
CONSECRATION
1. Consecration means full surrender of self to God. (Romans 6:13)
2. This is the attitude of "denying self" and "not my will, but yours be done" (Matthew 16:24, 26:39, Galatians 2:20).
3. This is the only acceptable gift to God. (Romans 12:1,2)
4. The consecration of the Temple is a picture of the believer's life: the Outer Court (the body), the Holy Place (the soul) and the Holy of Holies (spirit)
5. You are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and therefore must be set apart as a holy vessel (Romans 12:1-2 cf 1 Kings 8:1-11)
Bible – Interpretation
2 Timothy 2:14-19
Galatians 1:6-9
2Timothy 1:10-11
Inspiration: Fulfilled Prophecy
Interpretation
Consecration
INTRODUCTION
In 2 Timothy 3:16 - Four things that Paul emphasizes are [a] Study, unremitting study with application to life; [b] Prove yourself by action or be deemed unapproved, [c] You become a worker with a tool of trade in the form of God's Word; [d] Rightly dividing the Word of truth.
Rightly dividing is a present active participle of the word "orthotomeo" which means to plough a straight furrow or to cut a straight line. Both the farmer and military engineer are in view here. Consistency and order is the key concept, and this applies directly to the way we handle the Word of God.
The study of the principles of interpretation is called hermeneutics by many Colleges, but we reject this system because Hermes is the false god of order and reason and is linked to freemasonry and other satanic cults. Analysis of a passage is called exegesis.
Interpretation must cut a straight line, an accurate consistent interpretation of the text. It is like the farmer who ploughs the field all the same way to the same depth and the same basic line. You need to be consistent and persistent. Our attitude towards inspiration, revelation and inerrancy is vital in our attitude towards interpretation. We are not to be careless, flippant or casual with our interpretation, nor change our methodology to suit our beliefs, but let the text speak to us consistently and directly, with the context being the guide.
Preaching is accurately undertaking interpretation of the Word and teaching it, Galatians 1:6-9. You can be cursed if you handle the Word of God lightly and erroneously.
You are in danger of divine discipline if you share the ignorance that you have wrongly deduced by your faulty study, with others.
WHAT WE MUST DO?
[a] Walk consistently in the Spirit and in prayer.
[b] Consistent hard study of the Word is called for the pastor- teacher or teacher.
[c] Thirdly prayerfully prepare your study.
[d] Finally you should teach it with authority.
INTERPRETATION
There are four methods of interpretation – [a] Literal, [b] Allegorical [c] Semi Allegorical [d] Theological
[a] Literal - The Bible is to be taken, using the normal rules of grammar, literally. Literal interpretation means that where the Scripture is obviously an allegory it should be taken in that form e.g. John 10:7-10. Where it is not, it should be taken as a true story, Luke 16:19-31. Some things are recorded as lies, some as pictures, some as parables and some as normal narrative. Each passage is to be interpreted in the way that the context indicates it is to be taken. We have a literal interpretation. This type of interpretation will have theological significance. Amongst other things, it will cause the person to believe in a literal Millennium and distinguish between Israel and the Church.
The Principle: "When common sense makes plain sense take no other sense”. Usually this form of interpretation goes hand in hand with acceptance of a verbally inspired Bible.
[b] Allegorical - This method which uses symbols makes Scripture say something other than its obvious meaning. Once you start to allegorize you should ask why?
Perhaps it is because you do not wish to take it literally. Many within the Roman Catholic Church ascribe to this method. Many of the denominations such as some within the:
Reformed Movement, Anglicans, some Baptists and Methodists follow this format. They make spiritual word pictures from the text rather than take a literal interpretation.
This method came to a peak with Origen in Egypt during the 3rd century who used a combination of Greek and Jewish philosophy including the works of Plato and Philo.
If used consistently this type of interpretation would reduce the Bible to near fiction for the normal meaning of the words would be replaced by whatever meaning the interpreter gives to the symbols.
[c] Semi literal. - This is, as is the case of Allegorical approach, an inconsistent approach where the interpretation is often coloured by preconceived ideas and concepts.
Very few evangelicals use the full allegorical method. Evangelicals who use the semi literal method usually treat prophecy by allegory and the rest of the Bible literally. This tends towards A-millennialism.
[d] Theological – This method is allied to the semi allegorical method and is controlled by the Theological framework applied by the interpreter.
REASONS FOR SUPPORT OF THE LITERAL METHOD
[a] The purpose of language. God is the author of language as it is the means of communication. If the Bible does not communicate there is something wrong with the author but as the author is God the Holy Spirit there is nothing wrong with the Scriptures. The Scriptures are therefore to be taken in a literal and objective manner.
[b] Objectivity – switching from literal to other forms of interpretation, unless the context directs, will give different messages from the Bible.
[c] Prophecy - There are about 300 prophecies of the Old Testament referring to the Lord. It can be shown that the Lord fulfilled all but 7 of them literally at His first advent vindicating the literalists position. Micah 5:2, Malachi 3:1, Isaiah 9:1-2, 42:1, 53:5, 61:1, Psalm 16:9-10, 22:1, 15-16, 18, 31:5, 34:20, 68:18, Zechariah 13:7.
PRINCIPLES OF INTERPRETATION
[a] Grammatical – study the grammar.
[b] Context – Study the context.
[c] Scripture with Scripture - Compare with other areas of the Bible.
[d] Progressive Revelation – God may add to or change. – The Lamb, Pork – 1 Timothy 4:3
Examples Matthew 10:5-7, 28:18-20, Luke 9:3 22:36, Genesis 17:10, Galatians 5:2, Exodus 26:8 Acts 20:7, John 1:17 16:24 2 Corinthians 3:7-11
Summary - It is God who desired to give man His Word, it was God who gave the language so that we could understand and communicate. He gave the Bible to communicate to us and not confuse us. He gave us the communication plainly as this is the way that people communicate.
God is behind man's thinking; and is not going to write His book of revelation and inspiration in such a way that the very rules of language; that He uses is going to be broken.
SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF BIBLE INTERPRETATION.
[a] Consider the Bible as a whole, it is God's unfolding drama of redemption. Your interpretation should be on the basis of God's Word having a redemptive theme.
[b] Consider each book distinctively. You need to understand the different characteristics of each book.
[c] Consider to whom the book or the passage was written.
[d] Consider the bigger context, the historical and geographical context.
[e] Consider other biblical passages with the same subject. Because the Bible is God's Word, He has got it right and got it all together. Consider like with like and if the different passages tie together with the same interpretation you probably have got it right.
[f] Discover the exact meanings of the original words used. Textural variations do not affect one doctrine.
[g] Beware of personal prejudice, do not read your own preconceptions into any passages, let the Holy Spirit correct your theology as you study.
[h] One old saint also asked these questions. Does your interpretation make you love the Lord more, desire the salvation of the lost more, desire to assist your brethren more, make you keen in your desire to serve the church? If you answer “YES!” to each of these questions then your interpretation is probably correct.
DOCTRINES
INSPIRATION: FULFILLED PROPHECY PROOF OF INSPIRATION
All scripture is inspired by God (2 Peter 1:19-21) Therefore all Biblical prophecies must come true.
This is demonstrated in prophecies already fulfilled.
1. Reuben would be unstable and lose his rights as firstborn. Prophecy (Genesis 49:3-4) - Fulfilment (Numbers 26:5-11)
2. Simeon would not have land allotted in the Promised Land. Prophecy (Genesis 49:5-7) - Fulfilment (Joshua 19:1-9)
3. Levi would not have land allotted in the Promised Land. Prophecy (Genesis 49:5-7) - Fulfilment (Joshua 21:4-7)
4. Judah would become the ruler over the nation of Israel. Prophecy (Genesis 49:8-12) - Fulfilment (Numbers 10:14, Joshua 15:1 Revelation 5:5)
5. Zebulun would receive an allotment of land on the coast and it would reach down to Sidon. Prophecy (Genesis 49:13) - Fulfilment (Joshua 19:10-16) as well as history when they took the land to the south of their area previously allocated to Asher and their influence reached right down to Sidon.
6. Issachar would be given a fertile area between two mountains and would be a servant. Prophecy (Genesis 49:14-15) - Fulfilment (Joshua 19:17-22)
7. Dan would be a full member of Israel but would lead the nation away in idolatry. Prophecy (Genesis 49:16-18) - Fulfilment (Joshua 19:40-48) and the fact that idolatry in the nation was led by this tribe. It is also of interest that his tribe is not mentioned as having any part in the 144,000 witnesses in (Revelation 7).
8. Gad would be a warrior tribe. Prophecy (Genesis 49:19) - Fulfilment (1 Chronicles 5:18-20, 12:8)
9. Asher would have a rich and fertile land. Prophecy (Genesis 49:20, Deuteronomy 33:24-25) - Fulfilment - History - Asher enjoyed a rich and fertile area together in more recent times successful oil exploration.
10. Naphtali would be quick to spread good news Prophecy (Genesis 49:21) - Fulfilment (Matthew 4:13-15) as Jesus began his ministry in Naphtali and most of the disciples who gave the good news came from that region.
11. Joseph would receive great blessing. Prophecy (Genesis 49:22-26) - Fulfilment (Deut 33:13-17)
12. Benjamin would be a ferocious group Prophecy. (Genesis 49:27) - Fulfilment (Judges 19, 20:21-47)
13. Joshua and Caleb to enter into the Promised Land after 40 years wandering. Prophecy (Numbers 14:24, 30) - Fulfilment (Joshua 3:7,17 14:6-12)
14. Sisera would be defeated by a woman. Prophecy (Judges 4:9) - Fulfilment (Judges 4:21)
15. Hophni and Phineas would die on the same day. Prophecy (1 Samuel 2:34) - Fulfilment (1 Samuel 4:11)
16. The priesthood would be removed from the family of Eli. Prophecy (1 Samuel 2:27-36, 3:11-14) - Fulfilment (1 Kings 2:26-27)
17. Saul was to be the first king of Israel and would save the nation from the Philistines. Prophecy (1 Samuel 9:15-16) - Fulfilment (1 Samuel 11;14)
18. Saul's kingdom would not continue. Prophecy (1 Samuel 13:14, 15:28, 24:20) - Fulfilment (2 Samuel 3:1, 5:1-3)
19. Saul to die in battle on a certain day. Prophecy (1 Samuel 28:19) - Fulfilment (1 Samuel 31:1-6)
20. Solomon to build the Temple not David. Prophecy (1 Chronicles 17:1-12) - Fulfilment (1 Kings 7:51)
21. The sword not to depart from David's house because of sin. Prophecy (2 Samuel 12:10-12) - Fulfilment (2 Samuel 13:28-29, 16:21-22)
22. The bones of Jeroboam's pagan priests to be burnt upon the false altar that Jeroboam had constructed. Prophecy (1 Kings 13:1-3) - Fulfilment (2 Kings 23:4-6)
23. Jeroboam's dynasty to be destroyed. Prophecy (1 Kings 14:10-11) - Fulfilment (1 Kings 15:27-28)
24. Ahab to be victorious over the Syrians. Prophecy (1 Kings 20:28) - Fulfilment (1 Kings 20:29-30)
25. Ahab to die in battle for causing Naboths death. Prophecy (1 Kings 21:19, 22:17) - Fulfilment (1 Kings 22:37)
26. The dogs would then lick his blood from his chariot. Prophecy (1 Kings 21:19) - Fulfilment (1 Kings 22:38)
27. Jezebel to be eaten by wild dogs. Prophecy (1 Kings 21:23, 2 Kings 9:10) - Fulfilment (2 Kings 9:30-37)
28. Elisha to receive a double portion of Elijah's spirit. Prophecy (2 Kings 2:9) - Fulfilment demonstrated by the fact that the Bible records that Elisha performed twice as many miracles as Elijah.
29. Naaman to recover from his leprosy. Prophecy (2 Kings 5:3, 8,10) - Fulfilment (2 Kings 5:14)
30. The starving inhabitants of Samaria to receive an abundance of food in twenty four hours. Prophecy (2 Kings 7:1) - Fulfilment (2 Kings 7:16-17)
31. An arrogant aide to the king to see the miracle but not to eat of the food. Prophecy (2 Kings 7:2, 19) - Fulfilment (2 Kings 7:17, 20)
32. Beb-Hadad, a Syrian king to recover from his sickness, but die anyway. Prophecy (2 Kings 8:10) - Fulfilment (2 Kings 8:15)
33. Jehu to have four generations on the throne of northern kingdom. Prophecy (2 Kings 10:30) - Fulfilment (2 Kings 15:12)
34. Jehu's dynasty to then be destroyed. Prophecy (Hosea 1:4) - Fulfilment (2 Kings 15:8-12)
35. Joash to defeat the Syrians on three occasions. Prophecy (2 Kings 13:18-19) - Fulfilment (2 Kings 13:25)
36. Jehoram to suffer with a disease because of sin. Prophecy (2 Chronicles 21:15) - Fulfilment (2 Chronicles 21:18-19)
37. Amaziah to die because of his idolatry. Prophecy (2 Chronicles 25:16) - Fulfilment (2 Chronicles 25:20-27)
38. Sennacherib to be assassinated in his own land. Prophecy (Isaiah 37:7) - Fulfilment (Isaiah 37:37-38)
39. Sennacherib's attempt to invade Jerusalem not to be successful. Prophecy (Isaiah 37:33-35) - Fulfilment (Isaiah 37:36-37)
40. Hezekiah to be healed of a terminal disease. Prophecy (Isaiah 38:5) - Fulfilment (Isaiah 38:9)
41. Cyrus to allow the Jews to go back to Jerusalem. Prophecy (Isaiah 44:28) - Fulfilment (Ezra 1:1-2)
42. Zedekiah to be captured by Nebuchadnezzar. Prophecy (Jeremiah 21:7) - Fulfilment (Jeremiah 52:8-11)
43. Jehoahaz to die in Egyptian captivity and not return to Judah. Prophecy (Jeremiah 22:10-12) - Fulfilment (2 Kings 23:33-34)
44. Jehoiachin to be captured by Nebuchadnezzar. Prophecy (Jeremiah 22:25) - Fulfilment (2 Kings 24:15)
45. Coniah was told that no seed of his would sit on the throne of David. Prophecy (Jeremiah 22:28-30) - Fulfilment - historical. This prophecy is in apparent contradiction to the Davidic Covenant of (2 Samuel 7:8-16) where David was promised a "son" who would reign forever on his throne. This apparent contradiction is solved by the virgin birth of the Lord Jesus Christ as Mary was descended from David via Nathan. (Luke 3:23-31)
46. Hananiah, a false prophet to die within a year. Prophecy (Jeremiah 28:15-16) - Fulfilment (Jeremiah 28:17)
47. Nebuchadnezzar to invade Egypt. Prophecy (Jeremiah 43:9-13) - Fulfilment - history
48. Nebuchadnezzar to defeat the Egyptians at Carchemish. Prophecy (Jeremiah 46) - Fulfilment - history.
49. Nebuchadnezzar to be given the mind of an animal because of pride. Prophecy (Daniel 4:19-27) - Fulfilment (Daniel 4:28-37)
50. Belshazzer to have his kingdom removed from him. Prophecy (Daniel 5:5, 25-28) - Fulfilment (Daniel 5:30)
51. Alexander the Great to establish a world empire in a very short time. Prophecy (Daniel 2:32-39, 7:6, 8:5-8, 21, 11:3) - Fulfilment - history.
52. Alexander to defeat the Persians - Prophecy (Daniel 8:5-8) - Fulfilment - history
53. Alexander to die at the height of his power and his kingdom to be divided into four parts. Prophecy (Daniel 8:8, 22, 11:4) - Fulfilment - history tells us that at the height of his power Alexander died of a fever in Babylon at the age of 33.
After a period of some twenty years of internal struggle and fighting the eleven generals of the Greek army who had survived Alexander were reduced to four called in Scripture the four winds of heaven, Ptolemy, Seluchus, Cassander and Lysimachus.
54. Antiochus Epiphanes persecuted the Jews and desecrated their Temple. Prophecy found in (Daniel 8:11-25) - Fulfilment - history. The whole of (Daniel 11) represents historical prophecies of the Greek dynasties based on Ptolemy and Seluchus which lasted until the time of Julius Caesar with Cleopatra being the last Greek ruler of Egypt. [SEE Prophecy: Prophecy and History Fulfilled]
55. Zacharias would be mute until the birth of John the Baptist. Prophecy (Luke 1:20) - Fulfilment (Luke 1:57-64)
56. John the Baptist to be the herald for the Lord Jesus Christ. Prophecy (Luke 1:76-77) - Fulfilment (Matthew 3:1-11, Luke 3:2-6)
57. Simeon to live until he had seen the Messiah. Prophecy (Luke 2:25-26) - Fulfilment (Luke 2:28-30)
58. Peter would deny Jesus Christ. Prophecy (John 13:38) - Fulfilment (John 18:24-27)
59. Peter to die as a martyr. Prophecy (John 21:18-19, 2 Peter 1 :12-14) - Fulfilment - history
60. Judas to give himself over to Satan. Prophecy (John 6:70) - Fulfilment (John 13:27)
61. Judas to betray Jesus. Prophecy (John 13:21) - Fulfilment (John 18:2-5)
62. Paul would suffer a lot for the Lord Jesus Christ. Prophecy (Acts 9:16) - Fulfilment (2 Corinthians 11:23-28, 12:7-10, Philippians 1:29-30)
63. Paul would be a minister to the Gentiles. Prophecy (Acts 9:15) - Fulfilment (Romans 11:13, Ephesians 3:1)
64. Paul would preach before kings. Prophecy (Acts 9:15) - Fulfilment (Acts 24-26)
65. Paul would go to Rome. Prophecy (Acts 23:11) - Fulfilment (Acts 28:16)
INTERPRETATION
In receiving revelation which comes through the Holy Spirit as He teaches the Word of God to a believer in Christ certain basic rules are necessary in order to understand the Word of God. The science of interpretation is called hermeneutics. Interpretation should be undertaken using the following concepts.
1. The purpose of the Bible as a whole: - each text must be interpreted in the light of the total content of Scripture as the Bible does not contradict but complements itself.
2. The particular message of each book of the Bible: - the interpretation of a book must be in conformity with its purpose. In this way Ecclesiastes will need to be interpreted in a different way to Psalms or the Revelation.
3. To whom addressed: - while all Scripture is equally inspired not all Scripture is equally applicable. As an example in David’s day, one could plead with the Lord that the Holy Spirit would not be taken away from you (Psalm 51:11). However since Pentecost the Holy Spirit has been permanently in all believers and therefore cannot be removed thus such a prayer is no longer valid today. (John 14:16, 17).
4. The context: - review the surrounding text as to the context and interpret in relation to that context.
5. Similar teachings elsewhere in the Bible where study of one book may help interpretation in a related book for instance Daniel and Revelation.
6. Accurate exegesis from the original languages.
7. Literal Interpretation: - unless otherwise guided the person should assume a literal interpretation rather than a symbolic.
8. Guard against prejudice: - each passage must be allowed to say what it does even if it fails to immediately resolve apparent lack of harmonization with other passages in the Bible.
CONSECRATION
1. Consecration means full surrender of self to God. (Romans 6:13)
2. This is the attitude of "denying self" and "not my will, but yours be done" (Matthew 16:24, 26:39, Galatians 2:20).
3. This is the only acceptable gift to God. (Romans 12:1,2)
4. The consecration of the Temple is a picture of the believer's life: the Outer Court (the body), the Holy Place (the soul) and the Holy of Holies (spirit)
5. You are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and therefore must be set apart as a holy vessel (Romans 12:1-2 cf 1 Kings 8:1-11)
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