Theme: Principles of Bible interpretation

In this first message of the series, Mr. Crawford examines the groundwork for applying the scriptures to our practice.

“So they read in the book in the law of God, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading” Neh 8:8

The Bible itself gives us principles of its own understanding. The following list of principles is how the Bible interprets itself when references are made to other scriptures.

Law of Context

No scripture should be taken out of its location. Some examples of quoted verses include Hebrews 2:6-9; Psalm 8:4-6; Hebrews 10:5-10; Psalm 40:6-8

Law of Relevance

The Word of God is revealed once for all time (Jude 3). The Word given to the early church applies for believers throughout the church age including today.

There is nothing lacking in the scriptures. “…the man of God may be perfect…” (2 Tim 3:16-17).

Law of Positive Pattern

Positive facts are given for an example. Silence of scripture does not condone a practice. A pattern is like a blueprint. If the final product matches the original pattern, then the product is right.

Law of Total Mention

Any subject that occupies a lot of space in the scripture must be important to God. The church is one of the major themes in the New Testament.

Law of Plain Sense

Plain sense could also be called the law of common sense. The literal meaning of words is the most logical way that God could use to reveal himself to us. The New Testament interprets the Old Testament literally. See Matthew 1:22; Matthew 2:6 for examples.

The most clearly understood verses should be used to understand other verses of similar teaching that are difficult to understand by themselves, not the other way around.

Law of Grammar

Proper sentence structure and understanding of Greek and Hebrew may sometimes help with understanding a verse. Galatians 3:16-18 is an example where the scripture makes special notice of the number of a noun.

Law of First Mention

The first mention of a subject in the Bible is the seed or embryo, which will develop further in other scriptures. Of course, not everything about a single subject can be taught in a single verse. Matthew 16:18 is the first mention of the body of Christ. Matthew 18:20 is the first mention of a local church.

Law of Progressive Mention

God makes the revelation of truth increasingly clear as the word proceeds to its consummation.

Law of Distinction

Distinctions between unequal meanings of truths of scripture will avoid a wrong view of one’s entire doctrinal beliefs