Rules for interpretation
File:Rules pt.1.mp4Rules for Interpretation [∞]
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.
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).
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.
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.
Rule: Self-Examination [∞]
Personal biases and assumptions must be tested to ensure they align with scripture.
Assumptions:
- The Bible is divinely preserved and infallible in every jot and tittle.
- Variant manuscripts exist, but the true text can be discerned using proper interpretive methods.
- Scripture contains multiple layers—literal and spiritual—which are in perfect agreement.
- The spiritual layer is accessed through apostolic methods; it is the "meat" of the gospel, while the literal is the "milk."
- 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.
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.
