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=== '''Introduction''' ===
=== The Rules of Interpretation [∞] ===
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.
==== Introduction ====
* Modern interpreters, guided by the Spirit, unpack these prophecies by solving prophetic riddles.
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.
* Validation of these insights is achieved through these interpretive rules.


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


* Proverbs 25:2 — ''It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter.''
'''What is the second book?'''
* 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.''


''"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 [∞]''' ===
=== Rule: '''Divine Meaning''' [∞] ===
God’s word is eternally established. A metaphor or shadow maintains the same meaning across all of scripture.
Since God’s word is eternal, a metaphor or shadow carries the same meaning consistently throughout Scripture.


* If a donkey symbolizes a prophet in one instance, it represents a prophet in every instance.
* If a donkey symbolizes a prophet, then every instance of a donkey in Scripture carries this metaphorical meaning.
* This consistency ensures that metaphors are not human fabrications, as their intricate interweaving throughout scripture defies human capability.
* This rule prevents human fabrication, as it requires seamless integration of meaning across all Scripture.
* Unlike unverified allegorical interpretations, this rule demands scriptural validation for metaphors.


'''Key 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.


* 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:''' Interpretation becomes subjective, leading to free-for-all allegory and eisegesis.


'''Consequence of Ignoring This Rule:'''
''"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)
 
Interpretations become arbitrary and lead to eisegesis (reading into the text instead of drawing from it).
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=== '''Rule: Christocentric Focus [∞]''' ===
=== Rule: '''Christocentric Focus''' [∞] ===
Since Christ is the answer to all prophetic riddles, interpretations must reveal Him.
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 affirmed on the road to Emmaus that all scripture speaks of Him.
* Jesus explained on the road to Emmaus that all Scripture testifies of Him.
* Any interpretation that does not reflect Christ is to be rejected.
* He rebuked the scribes and Pharisees for searching Scripture for life while failing to see that it pointed to Him.
* This principle distinguishes biblical mystery from Gnosticism, Kabbalah, and Midrash.


'''Key Scriptures:'''
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.


* Judges 14:18 — *Samson's riddle: "What is sweeter than honey? What is stronger than a lion?"
'''Consequence of ignoring this rule:''' The true purpose of Scripture—revealing God through Christ—is lost.
* 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:'''
''"What is sweeter than honey? And what is stronger than a lion?"'' (Judges 14:18)


The primary purpose of scripture—revealing God through Christ—is missed.
''"Search the scriptures... they testify of me."'' (John 5:39)
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=== '''Rule: Self-Contained Interpretation [∞]''' ===
=== Rule: '''Self-Contained Interpretation''' [∞] ===
Scripture is its own interpreter. Outside sources are not required to unlock its meanings.
''"Let God be true, but every man a liar."'' (Romans 3:4)


* Extra-biblical texts, historical commentary, and scholarly opinions are not authoritative.
Interpretation must rely solely on Scripture itself, without requiring external sources such as:
* 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:'''
# '''Historians''' – Accepting historical traditions (e.g., the "Eye of the Needle" gate) risks misinterpreting Jesus' words.
# '''Document Critics''' – God's word is self-authenticating, and textual variations can be resolved by discerning the hidden mystery.
# '''Scholars''' – Scholarship is often driven by the need for novelty, whereas pastors have a greater duty to teach truth.


* Romans 3:4 — ''Let God be true, but every man a liar.''
While outside sources may add color, they should never dictate doctrine.
* 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:'''
'''Consequence of ignoring this rule:''' Authority shifts from Scripture to external human interpretations.


Interpretation is placed in human hands, subject to external influence rather than divine revelation.
''"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 [∞]''' ===
=== Rule: '''Self-Examination''' [∞] ===
Personal biases and assumptions must be tested to ensure they align with scripture.
''"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"'' (Jeremiah 17:9)


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


# The Bible is divinely preserved and infallible in every jot and tittle.
# '''The Bible is infallible''' – Every jot and tittle is divinely preserved.
# Variant manuscripts exist, but the true text can be discerned using proper interpretive methods.
# '''Textual variations exist''' – The hidden mystery acts as “security paper” to discern authentic texts.
# Scripture contains multiple layers—literal and spiritual—which are in perfect agreement.
# '''Multiple layers of meaning''' – Literal and spiritual meanings are in harmony.
# The spiritual layer is accessed through apostolic methods; it is the "meat" of the gospel, while the literal is the "milk."
# '''Apostolic methods''' – The spiritual layer (the "meat") is understood through principles taught in the New Testament.
# Interpretive rules are discerned using the same method as the mystery itself and must be internally consistent.


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


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


'''Consequence of Ignoring This Rule:'''
=== 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)


Truth becomes subjective, and interpretations are molded to fit personal agendas.
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: Humility [∞]''' ===
=== Rule: '''Complete Doctrine''' [∞] ===
Until every jot and tittle is understood, full comprehension remains incomplete.
''"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."'' (Matthew 4:4)


* True humility listens to scriptural insights and tests all things.
A doctrine is not sound until it accounts for everything God has said on the subject, both in the literal and hidden layers.
* Arrogance insists on one's own opinion without regard for scriptural context.
* Deciding matters before fully hearing them leads to error.


'''Key Scriptures:'''
* 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.


* Proverbs 18:13 — ''He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.''
'''Consequence of ignoring this rule:''' Premature conclusions may lead to incomplete or distorted doctrine.
* 1 Thessalonians 5:21 — ''Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.''
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'''Consequence of Ignoring This Rule:'''


Scripture is twisted to fit preconceived ideas rather than being allowed to speak for itself.
=== Summary of Consequences ===
{| class="wikitable"
!'''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.

Latest revision as of 13:59, 6 March 2025

Rules for interpretation [∞]

File:Rules pt.0.mp4

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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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.

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.

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