Rules for interpretation

Rules for interpretation [∞]

File:Rules pt.0.mp4

File:Rules pt.1.mp4Rules for Interpretation [∞]

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Introduction

The prophets of old concealed the mystery within their writings. As they recorded history, God embedded prophecies of Christ through prophetic riddles.

• They documented literal events, while God simultaneously wove in deeper meanings that foretold Christ.
• Modern interpreters, guided by the Spirit, unpack these prophecies by solving prophetic riddles.
• Validation of these insights is achieved through these interpretive rules.

Key Scriptures:

• Proverbs 25:2 — It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter.
• Psalm 78:2 — I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings [riddles] of old.
• John 5:39 — Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
• 2 Peter 1:20 — Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

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Rule: Divine Meaning [∞]

God’s word is eternally established. A metaphor or shadow maintains the same meaning across all of scripture.

• If a donkey symbolizes a prophet in one instance, it represents a prophet in every instance.
• This consistency ensures that metaphors are not human fabrications, as their intricate interweaving throughout scripture defies human capability.
• Unlike unverified allegorical interpretations, this rule demands scriptural validation for metaphors.

Key Scripture:

• 2 Samuel 7:25 — And now, O LORD God, the word that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant, and concerning his house, establish it for ever, and do as thou hast said.

Consequence of Ignoring This Rule:

Interpretations become arbitrary and lead to eisegesis (reading into the text instead of drawing from it).

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Rule: Christocentric Focus [∞]

Since Christ is the answer to all prophetic riddles, interpretations must reveal Him.

• Jesus affirmed on the road to Emmaus that all scripture speaks of Him.
• Any interpretation that does not reflect Christ is to be rejected.
• This principle distinguishes biblical mystery from Gnosticism, Kabbalah, and Midrash.

Key Scriptures:

• Judges 14:18 — *Samson's riddle: "What is sweeter than honey? What is stronger than a lion?"
• John 5:39 — Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
• John 15:26 — The Spirit of truth shall testify of me.

Consequence of Ignoring This Rule:

The primary purpose of scripture—revealing God through Christ—is missed.

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Rule: Self-Contained Interpretation [∞]

Scripture is its own interpreter. Outside sources are not required to unlock its meanings.

• Extra-biblical texts, historical commentary, and scholarly opinions are not authoritative.
• Historians, document critics, and scholars are not apostles; their work can supplement but not dictate interpretation.
• Apparent textual variations are resolved through the security of the hidden narrative.

Key Scriptures:

• Romans 3:4 — Let God be true, but every man a liar.
• Matthew 5:18 — Not one jot or tittle shall pass from the law until all is fulfilled.
• Matthew 19:24 — It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.

Consequence of Ignoring This Rule:

Interpretation is placed in human hands, subject to external influence rather than divine revelation.

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Rule: Self-Examination [∞]

Personal biases and assumptions must be tested to ensure they align with scripture.

Assumptions:

1. The Bible is divinely preserved and infallible in every jot and tittle.
2. Variant manuscripts exist, but the true text can be discerned using proper interpretive methods.
3. Scripture contains multiple layers—literal and spiritual—which are in perfect agreement.
4. The spiritual layer is accessed through apostolic methods; it is the "meat" of the gospel, while the literal is the "milk."
5. Interpretive rules are discerned using the same method as the mystery itself and must be internally consistent.

Key Scriptures:

• Jeremiah 17:9 — The heart is deceitful above all things.
• Matthew 5:18 — Till heaven and earth pass, not one jot or tittle shall pass from the law.

Consequence of Ignoring This Rule:

Truth becomes subjective, and interpretations are molded to fit personal agendas.

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Rule: Humility [∞]

Until every jot and tittle is understood, full comprehension remains incomplete.

• True humility listens to scriptural insights and tests all things.
• Arrogance insists on one's own opinion without regard for scriptural context.
• Deciding matters before fully hearing them leads to error.

Key Scriptures:

• Proverbs 18:13 — He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:21 — Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

Consequence of Ignoring This Rule:

Scripture is twisted to fit preconceived ideas rather than being allowed to speak for itself.