Grace Institute: Systematic Theology: Bibliology: Understanding

Bibliology Grace Institute for Biblical Leadership Winter 2006

[Previous: Transmission]

V. Understanding

A. Interpretation

While the scripture may be inspired and trustworthy, that does not mean we always understand what the bible means. There are many roadblocks to understanding the scripture

• The bible was written in archaic, foreign languages.
• The literary nature of the bible is strange to us, using forms which seem repetitive or unstructured.
• The bible was written into ancient cultures which have little resembles to modern life.
• The bible deals with peoples, places and times of which we have little understanding.
• The precepts of the bible can not be confirmed through any modern scientific means.

Therefore, the bible needs to be interpreted so we can bring the meaning of the Bible into a modern understand. Interpretation is the process of determining the true meaning of the Bible.

1. Methods of Interpretation [1]

Today there are several ways bible scholars approach studying the bible. These approaches are based on presuppositions regarding the nature of the scriptures. That is, those who believe the bible to be inspired by God approach the scriptures much differently than those who don't. Likewise, there are those who believe the scriptures to have multiple layers beyond its obvious message. This has given rise to at least four primary academic approaches to Scriptures:

• Allegory – Interpreting the Scriptures to have a mystical or spiritual interpretation beyond the literal meaning of a passage.
• Liberal – Interpreting the Scriptures from an academic perspective which rejects the possibility of the supernatural or transcendental inspiration.
• Neo-Orthodox – Interpreting the Scripture from a perspective that believes the Bible can only imperfectly point us to the true Word of God, Jesus Christ.
• Literal or “Plain” – Accepting the literally rendering of the Scriptures unless the text specifically gives us reason not to.

2. Rationale for “Plain” Interpretation

We have already demonstrated the inspiration of the scriptures. Therefore, the liberal and neo-orthodox approaches are not appropriate. Furthermore, the allegorical approach does not have any valid basis in the scriptures:

• Jesus never made an allegorical interpretation of the Old Testament. Paul only used allegorical interpretation on very rare occasions, and then only in a restrained manner [2].
• Old Testament prophecies have been fulfilled literally, indicating that these prophecies were not meant to be considered as allegories. [3]
• 1 John 2:27 rejects the idea that there are multiple layers of meaning beyond the simple message of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
• Only the “plain” interpretation can be objective. If we use an allegorical approach, then interpretation becomes an exercise in creative thinking rather than an object attempt to discover truth. [4]
• Language, which was given by God, is intended to provide communication in a normal, plain manner. [5]

3. Principles of “Plain” Interpretation

• Words are to be understood in their normal literal meanings. This does not mean figures of speech should be interpreted literally. If the text plainly reveals a figure of speech, simile, or other normal literary device, it should be interpreted as such. Furthermore, recognize that passages often discuss items as they appear to the observer rather than in scientific terms (e.g. the rising of the sun). [6]
• Words are to be understood according to their grammatical relationships.
• The passage is to be understood according to its literary style of the passage. Is it prose or poetry? Is it a legal dictate, epistle, or history?
• The passage should be understood in their historical and cultural context. [7] Ask to whom the original texts were addressed and how they would have interpreted the meaning.
• The passage is to be understood in the context of a passage. Compare the passage to nearby passages, to the entire book, and to other passages in Scripture.
• Understand the priority of scriptures. Give greater weight to clear passages than unclear passages. Understanding of the progression of revelation in the Bible (i.e. Old Testament defers to the New Testament).

B. Illumination

To the unbeliever, the Word of God is foolishness and a stumbling block. But to the believer, it is the power and wisdom of God. According to the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:14-16, the unregenerate person can not accept the Word of God, because it is foolishness:

But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:14-16)

God's wisdom is only revealed by the Spirit of God (2:10). So the natural man who does not have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit can not understand God's wisdom (2:14). No one can know the mind of God. But because believers have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, believers have the mind of Christ (2:16), and therefore we can know and understand things of God.

Therefore the first prerequisite for doing theology is that a person needs to be a believer. Those who are not Christians will not understand or accept the Word of God. Indeed, no one can know the mind of the Lord, for He is so far above us that we can not comprehend Him or His precepts. But those who have believed in Jesus as the Christ and as their Savior have received the mind of Christ. Those with the mind of Christ are able now to comprehend the mind of God, and are able to comprehend the Word of God.

This is the doctrine of illumination. Illumination is the supernatural enabling allowing one to understand the meaning of the Bible. Illumination is God's Word coming to us. It is a work of the Holy Spirit who convicts us and calls on us to change while reading inspired scripture. If, in reading, hearing or studying the scripture, God reveals something of His nature, you gain a new spiritual insight, or you sense that God is calling you to change, that is illumination.

C. Application

So what use is a truthful book? It depends on what the content and purpose of the book is. A truthful book about photography is only useful in learning about taking pictures. Its truthfulness doesn't serve us much except beyond its scope. To determine the usefulness of this truthful book, we must ask what its purpose is.

King David, in the Psalm 19, we have already looked at describes the usefulness of the Scriptures, showing how this perfect book “restores the soul” and “makes wise the simple” (v. 7), “rejoicing the heart” and “enlightening the eyes” (v. 8). David then sums up the value of scripture stating:

(Psalm 19:10-13 NIV) (The Lord's judgments) are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. 11 By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. 12 Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. 13 Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.

The Bible gives us wisdom and enlightenment, refreshment and joy. It warns us, corrects us, and keeps us from sin. This is consistent with 2 Timothy, which states that the Bible is “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16 NASB).

This is the doctrinal principal of application. Application is not a statement of principles in the bible. Application is not a feeling of conviction or blessing that comes from the bible. Application is not a broad generalization of how we should live. Application is to put into practice the things scripture reveals. Application asks, "How do we live life differently in light of this?"

The bible is God's revealed word. It is inspired, inerrant, and trustworthy, even in its modern English form. Therefore, we should read it, study it, memorize it, and meditate on it. We must make it the basis and proof text for all we believe and think. Finally, as it changes our beliefs and our thinking it should change our behavior and how we live.

Footnotes

1. Bernard Ramm, Protestant Biblical Interpretation , (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1970), 23-92.
2. Michael Fink. “Allegory.” Holman Bible Dictionary , (Parsons Technology CD-ROM, 1994)
3. Ryrie, 113.
4. Ibid.
5. Ibid.
6. Charles C. Ryrie, A Survey of Bible Doctrine , (Chicago: Moody Press, 1972), 49.
7. Chafer, 34.

[Next: Bibliogprahy]