Most of Christendom mixes all of Scripture together. They pick and choose verses to build a doctrine, and out comes a denomination. No way! The days of man-made theology are over. We, as individual members of the body of Christ, and as a whole, must make Bible study priority number one above all. We must diligently study every day, several times a day, especially with the unprecedented tsunami of false teaching running rampant in churches. We will be held accountable for how we used the Word, not for what our denomination or creed says. 

In a previous post, we discussed the importance of rightly dividing the word of truth, which is to cut straight the teachings of the Bible. It is crucial to identify what is written to us and what is for us, as not all Scripture is directed to Gentiles. The apostle Paul exhorts us in 2 Timothy 2:15 to “study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

We can find further support for this admonition in Romans 15:4, which states, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” This tells us that the Old Testament is valuable for teaching and understanding, but it must be interpreted as building blocks to what is directed to us Gentiles today.

In 2 Timothy 3:16, we read that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” Again this verse reinforces the importance of using the entire Bible to understand all of what is taught by God, but it also reminds us that we must use it correctly, with wisdom and discernment.

As we continue to study the Bible and seek to grow in our knowledge of God’s truth, let us remember the importance of rightly dividing the word of truth. Let us study the Bible with diligence, seeking to understand the context and meaning of each passage, so that we may be workmen approved by God.

Context, Context, Context

Most problems in interpreting Bible passages arise from neglecting a passage’s context. The guiding principle of sound interpretation is to take a passage literally. Not maintaining this discipline, interpreting Scripture becomes made up, man’s idea, fantasy, and the passage can mean almost anything. The result is erroneous and ridiculous interpretations.

Another important principle to sound Bible interpretation is to read Scripture “in time”. In other words, we have to read and study the Bible as a progressive revelation. Not getting ahead of God’s revelation.

God’s plan of redemption for mankind wasn’t revealed all at once to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Isaiah, or any of the other old testament prophets. Not even Peter and the eleven were given the full counsel of God. The Lord revealed to each of the aforementioned what they needed at their particular time in Biblical history. A hermeneutical method that does not approach Scripture as a progressive revelation leads to erroneous interpretations.

To be a good bible student one must maintain a literal, grammatical, and historical (in-time) hermeneutic. There has been much too much of man’s theology governing Scripture when it is God’s Word alone that reigns over theology.