Rules for interpretation

Rules for interpretation [∞]

File:Rules pt.0.mp4

File:Rules pt.1.mp4 Rules for Interpretation [∞]

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The Rules of Interpretation [∞]

Introduction

The prophets of old concealed the mystery of Christ within their writings, embedding prophetic riddles in literal history. While they recorded real events, God wove in deeper meanings, foreshadowing Christ through double entendre.

Modern prophets, guided by the Spirit, unpack these hidden prophecies. However, their insights must be validated through established interpretative principles.

What is the second book?

"It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter." (Proverbs 25:2)

What are prophetic riddles?

"I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old." (Psalm 78:2)

"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." (John 5:39)

"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation." (2 Peter 1:20)

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Rule: Divine Meaning [∞]

Since God’s word is eternal, a metaphor or shadow carries the same meaning consistently throughout Scripture.

• If a donkey symbolizes a prophet, then every instance of a donkey in Scripture carries this metaphorical meaning.
• This rule prevents human fabrication, as it requires seamless integration of meaning across all Scripture.

Unlike arbitrary allegory, which lacks verification, divine meaning ensures that every metaphor aligns with the overarching picture of Christ. This makes interpretation an act of discovery rather than invention.

Consequence of ignoring this rule: Interpretation becomes subjective, leading to free-for-all allegory and eisegesis.

"And now, O LORD God, the word that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant, and concerning his house, establish it forever, and do as thou hast said." (2 Samuel 7:25)

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Rule: Christocentric Focus [∞]

Samson’s riddle teaches that Christ is the answer to all prophetic riddles. If a shadow doesn’t resemble Christ, it isn’t a valid shadow.

• Jesus explained on the road to Emmaus that all Scripture testifies of Him.
• He rebuked the scribes and Pharisees for searching Scripture for life while failing to see that it pointed to Him.

If we do not see Christ in Scripture, we have missed its primary purpose. This rule distinguishes the true mystery of Christ from speculative traditions like Gnosticism, Kabbalah, and Midrash.

Consequence of ignoring this rule: The true purpose of Scripture—revealing God through Christ—is lost.

"What is sweeter than honey? And what is stronger than a lion?" (Judges 14:18)

"Search the scriptures... they testify of me." (John 5:39)

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Rule: Self-Contained Interpretation [∞]

"Let God be true, but every man a liar." (Romans 3:4)

Interpretation must rely solely on Scripture itself, without requiring external sources such as:

1. Historians – Accepting historical traditions (e.g., the "Eye of the Needle" gate) risks misinterpreting Jesus' words.
2. Document Critics – God's word is self-authenticating, and textual variations can be resolved by discerning the hidden mystery.
3. Scholars – Scholarship is often driven by the need for novelty, whereas pastors have a greater duty to teach truth.

While outside sources may add color, they should never dictate doctrine.

Consequence of ignoring this rule: Authority shifts from Scripture to external human interpretations.

"Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." (Matthew 5:18)

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Rule: Self-Examination [∞]

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9)

Our assumptions shape our interpretations. To prevent personal biases from distorting Scripture, we must evaluate our own interpretative framework:

1. The Bible is infallible – Every jot and tittle is divinely preserved.
2. Textual variations exist – The hidden mystery acts as “security paper” to discern authentic texts.
3. Multiple layers of meaning – Literal and spiritual meanings are in harmony.
4. Apostolic methods – The spiritual layer (the "meat") is understood through principles taught in the New Testament.

Consequence of ignoring this rule: Interpretation becomes subjective, adjusting Scripture to personal goals rather than submitting to its authority.

"Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." (Matthew 5:18)

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Rule: Humility [∞]

"Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." (Matthew 5:18)

Since God’s word is complete, full understanding remains elusive until every jot and tittle is accounted for.

• Humility means listening to others' observations and testing all things by Scripture.
• Arrogance manifests in rigid dogmatism, using out-of-context proof texts without engaging in honest discussion.
• Deciding a matter before hearing all perspectives is shameful behavior.

Consequence of ignoring this rule: Scripture is twisted to fit personal agendas.

"He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him." (Proverbs 18:13)

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Rule: Complete Doctrine [∞]

"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4)

A doctrine is not sound until it accounts for everything God has said on the subject, both in the literal and hidden layers.

• True interpretation acknowledges the depth of Scripture.
• A superficial approach, using a handful of verses to force a conclusion, is inadequate.
• The search for truth is ongoing and should remain open to further insight.

Consequence of ignoring this rule: Premature conclusions may lead to incomplete or distorted doctrine.

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Summary of Consequences

Rule	Consequence of Ignoring
Divine Meaning	Free-for-all allegory and eisegesis.
Christocentric Focus	Missing the purpose of Scripture.
Self-Contained	Dependence on external authorities.
Self-Examination	Interpretation shaped by personal bias.
Humility	Twisting Scripture to fit an agenda.
Complete Doctrine	Incomplete or premature conclusions.

By following these principles, interpretation remains faithful to God’s intended meaning, revealing the mystery of Christ hidden in Scripture.