How Can I Understand The Bible

HOW CAN I
UNDERSTAND
CONTENTS THE BIBLE?
I
f scholars disagree about
How To Make The how to interpret the Bible,
Bible Say Anything. . . . . . 2
how can we hope to make
One Rule To Study sense of the Scriptures? While
The Bible With
Confidence . . . . . . . . . . . 4 such a question can seem
Four Essentials overwhelming, it doesn’t need
For Finding Truth to be. What can be understood
In Context . . . . . . . . . . 21 by the average layman is far
The Inductive more important than what
Study Method . . . . . . . . 22 scholars disagree about.
Guidelines Most important, the Author
For Interpreting of the Bible has not left the
Prophecy . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 reader alone. God’s commitment
The Bible Student’s to help us was signaled by Paul
One-Shelf Library . . . . . 26 when he wrote, “Reflect on
How To Use what I am saying, for the Lord
A Commentary. . . . . . . 28
will give you insight into all
“The Bible Is Ours” . . . 30 this” (2 Tim. 2:7 NIV). With
Bible-Study Checklist . . 32 this confidence, we offer in the
following pages a simple rule
that can provide focus for a
lifetime of study and discovery.
Martin R. De Haan II
Managing Editor: David Sper Cover Photo: Michael Forrest
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas
Nelson, Inc. Used by permission.All rights reserved.
© 1985,1995,2003,2005 RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, Michigan Printed in USA
© RBC Ministries. All rights reserved.
HOW TO MAKE stand for liberty. The context
makes all the difference, for
THE BIBLE SAY it tells us exactly what Abe
ANYTHING meant to say.
A
n American President But did you know
once said he would that though Lincoln hated
rather live in Russia slavery, the Bible condones
than in America. What it? The Bible tells slaves to
President would make such obey their masters (Eph.
a remark? It was said by the 6:5). It even appears to
Great Emancipator himself, encourage us to view
Abraham Lincoln. Africans differently than
But he’s being quoted out we view other people when
of context. He actually said, it says, “Can the Ethiopian
“I shall prefer emigrating to change his skin, or the
some country where they leopard its spots?” (Jer.
make no pretense of loving 13:23). Why would the
liberty––to Russia, for Ethiopian want to change
instance.” Lincoln wrote his skin unless it were a less
these words while expressing than desirable condition,
regret about a dangerous and why would the author
trend he saw in America. He link Ethiopians to leopards
feared that many wanted to unless he wanted his readers
change “all men are created to think of black people in
equal” to “all men are less than human terms?
created equal, except non- Again, these words have
whites.” Lincoln suggested been twisted out of their
that if that happened, he original setting and intent.
would be more comfortable Quoted in context, Jeremiah
in a land where the was not putting dark skin in
government didn’t pretend to an unfavorable light, any
2
more than he was being Yes, and his comments must
critical of the beauty and once again be understood in
distinctive design of a light of the times and spirit
leopard’s coat. Jeremiah’s in which the apostle wrote.
message is that if the Slavery in Roman days was
leopard could change often the result of war or
his own spots, and if an unpaid debts. Paul taught
Ethiopian could change the Christians to be free if they
color of his skin, then “may could (1 Cor. 7:21). If that
you also do good who are was not possible, he
accustomed to do evil” encouraged them to show
(Jer. 13:23). The immediate by their behavior that their
well-being was not in the
hands of human masters
Ripped from but in the hands of God,
context, noble even in bad circumstances
words can be filled (1 Cor. 7:20-24). When
with an evil spirit. two Christians found
themselves in a master-slave
relationship, Paul appealed
context shows that Jeremiah to them to treat each other
was saying we cannot as equals and as brothers
change our own hearts any who were both accountable
more than we can change to God for the way they
the color of our skin. Any treated each other (Eph. 6:5-
changes we make are merely 9; Phile. 15-16).
cosmetic. The context shows Context. If the immediate
exactly what Jeremiah meant and wider contexts are not
to say. considered, a person can
But did Paul encourage make the Bible say anything
slaves to obey their masters? he wants it to say.
3
ONE RULE can begin immediately to
spend a lifetime looking
TO STUDY THE for and discovering the
BIBLE WITH treasures of the Bible. Let’s
CONFIDENCE begin by seeing how this
O
ne basic rule of Bible pursuit of context will
study underlies all lead naturally into a
others. It is the law careful consideration of
of context. In what setting (1) immediate setting,
and with what intent (2) normal usage of words,
were the words written? (3) the Bible as a whole,
Equipped with this one and (4) foundational truths
➡
basic principle, a student of sound doctrine.
DEPENDENCE A GOOD
ON GOD CONSCIENCE
Context Of
Immediate
Setting
➡
➡
Foundational
Context Of
Context Of
Normal
Usage
Truths
TEXT
Context Of
The Whole
KNOWLEDGE
OF GIFTED
TEACHERS
➡ Bible
SELF-STUDY
4
opening up the meaning
of the text in question.
To discover the flow
of ideas streaming through
a passage, good Bible
students become childlike
CONTEXT OF and at the same time
IMMEDIATE SETTING scientific in asking
Even experienced Bible questions: Who is the
students are often surprised author? To whom is he
to see what a familiar Bible writing? Why? When?
quotation means when Where? How? Wherefore?
understood in light of its
immediate setting. Difficult Imagination and
problems of understanding
often evaporate simply by
curiosity are
determining how a text is powerful tools of
framed by the main idea the Bible student
running through that as long as they are
section of Scripture.
Behind every statement
tied to the text.
of Scripture is an immediate
setting. This provides clues Careful students
as to what was on the interrogate the page to
author’s mind. In every expose its logic and flow of
immediate setting there ideas. They don’t assume
are similar or recurring that the author is saying
ideas and words that help to what they think he is
signal the main idea. Once saying, until they have
that main idea is identified, done their spade work. They
it becomes the key to don’t try to plant an idea in
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“unworked ground.” They who had saved them.
dig and turn over the soil If we don’t consider the
of the biblical environment immediate context, we
until they discover the might conclude that we are
growing, living, life-changing saved by admitting our sins
ideas that God has planted. rather than by believing the
Let’s look at some gospel of Christ.
examples of specific texts MISQUOTE #2:
whose immediate contexts “The Bible says that
have been ignored. it’s wrong to wear
MISQUOTE #1: jewelry.” The actual
“The Bible says that if quote is: “Do not let your
you confess your sins adornment be merely
you’ll be saved.” It really outward—arranging the hair,
says, “If we confess our wearing gold, or putting on
sins, He is faithful and fine apparel” (1 Pet. 3:3).
just to forgive us our sins” Some have used these words
(1 Jn. 1:9). These familiar to say that godly women
words are often quoted as should not style their hair,
a formula for salvation. But use cosmetics, or wear
the presence of the word we jewelry. But if we read on,
in the immediate context we find the words, “rather
makes it clear that John let it be the hidden person
was not addressing the of the heart” (v.4). By these
unsaved. Rather, he was additional words we see that
talking to people who were the apostle’s main purpose
already believers in Christ was not to tell women that
(vv.6,7,8,10), and was they either should or should
showing them how to be not style their hair or wear
restored to a right family jewelry. He was saying that
relationship with the God they should focus on the
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beauty of a gentle and quiet
circumstances test our faith.
spirit rather than relying on
James’ promise is not that
outward appearance. we can be successful
To focus on whether or without effort, but rather
not jewelry or cosmetics are
that God does not leave
permissible can cause us tous alone when He allows
miss issues of the heart that
trouble or temptation to
Peter was concerned about. come into our lives. James
MISQUOTE #3: assured us that if we don’t
“The Bible says that know how to let God do His
studying for knowledge work in us, we can have
isn’t necessary.” It wisdom for the asking.
actually says, “If any of Later in the same letter,
you lacks wisdom, let him James told his readers how to
ask of God, who gives to recognize this wisdom when
all liberally and without it comes. He said it is not
reproach, and it will be marked by envy or selfish
given to him” (Jas. 1:5). ambition, but is “pure, then
These words have been seen peaceable, gentle, willing to
by some as a promise that yield, full of mercy and good
we can receive unlearned fruits, without partiality and
skills and knowledge if we without hypocrisy” (Jas.
just pray. More than a few 3:17). This is the kind of
college students have wisdom James had in mind.
claimed this promise MISQUOTE #4:
before taking an exam “The Bible says that
they had not prepared for. I can do anything with
The immediate context, God’s strength.” More
however, is describing a specifically it says, “I can do
reason for the joy we all things through Christ who
can have when difficult strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13).
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This optimistic comment is
e
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iv
ad ile
o
un
h
ct
often taken to mean that if
verb
ap
sim
je
no
et
our faith is strong enough m
we can do anything we set

our mind to do. But the
immediate setting in which CONTEXT OF
Paul said this is important. PLAIN AND
The apostle was talking NORMAL MEANING
specifically about his ability The second rule of context
to live by God’s strength in says that the language of the
times of great poverty as well Bible can be taken at face
as in times of plenty. Paul value. The Word of God
wanted us to know that the does not have to be decoded
person whose confidence is to find deeper, hidden
in the strength God supplies meanings. When studied
can live and thrive in all and interpreted in context,
kinds of situations. the authors of Scripture say
These are just a few what they mean and mean
examples to show that what they say.
misinterpretations of Bible Take for instance the
texts can often be avoided account of Balaam and the
if the immediate setting is talking donkey recorded in
taken into account. Looking Numbers 22. According
at the verses that precede to this familiar account,
and follow a passage is a the donkey on which a
natural and logical first step disobedient prophet was
in understanding the Bible. riding became frightened
It is a way of giving God the when she saw an angel with
same consideration we want a drawn sword. The donkey
for ourselves. No one wants lurched sideways, crushed
to be quoted out of context. the foot of her owner
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against a rock, refused to go our plans, startles our
any farther, and complained troubled mind, and talks
to her rider in complete to us from a different level
sentences. of consciousness.
Because donkeys don’t
talk, some might say this
is simply a parable meant The trouble with
to show that even dumb “spiritualizing” is
animals sometimes make
more sense than their human
that it can cause us
owners. Others, however, to miss what God is
could claim deeper truths. really saying to us.
For example, someone
might point out that the story
of Balaam and the donkey is The trouble with the
actually a visualization of above interpretation is
what happens when we that it says far more about
find ourselves faced with the imagination of the
the pains of self-conflict. interpreter than about the
To illustrate this internal text. More seriously, such
struggle, the crushed foot imagination, as spiritual
represents the physical pain as it may sound, actually
we often incur in the process twists, ignores, and
of acting against our own denies the real meaning
conscience. The talking of the Word of God.
donkey depicts how our own Emptying words of their
stubborn thoughts can turn plain meaning and filling
around and talk back to us. them with spiritual content
Then there’s the angel. That’s doesn’t honor the words nor
our human spirit. At the right the Author of the Bible.
moment, it intervenes with The story of Balaam and
9
the donkey isn’t treated other pair of socks,” it would
by the text as a parable. have a literal meaning. But
Neither is it about personal if someone were to say these
internal conflict, even words a couple of days
though that is in the text. before signing papers for
The plain, normal language a home mortgage, we
of the text calls for us to could probably assume that
interpret it as a real something else was in view,
historical narrative. It especially if the person then
presents a record of real said, “I’m going to refigure
events that show God’s our budget.”
miraculous ability not only
to deal with a rebel prophet
but, more important, His We use figures
ability to miraculously bless of speech
and preserve His chosen because, even
people Israel.
The normal in a conversation,
meaning of figures a picture is worth
of speech. We use a thousand words.
word pictures in everyday
conversation not to hide
our ideas but to express Christ often used figures
them. Take for example the of speech with plain and
expression, “I’m getting cold obvious meaning. On one
feet.” Context and normal occasion He said to the
usage make its meaning apostle Peter, “I will give you
obvious. If a person were to the keys of the kingdom of
make this statement while heaven, and whatever you
ice fishing, and just before bind on earth will be bound
saying, “I wish I’d worn that in heaven, and whatever
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you loose on earth will the door to all nations to
be loosed in heaven” (Mt. receive Jesus as Savior and
16:19). No one needs to King. No one would ever
question whether Jesus was again be able to “bind”
talking about real physical a Jew or a Gentile who
keys or keys as a figure of believes in Christ from
speech. The kingdom of coming into the kingdom
heaven is not enclosed of God.
within a material wall with a When read in context,
door that requires an actual there is usually a plain and
key. Neither was Christ ordinary sense to figurative
promising, as some have and symbolic language. In
imagined, that Peter and the many cases, the Bible even
disciples would be able to immediately explains its
bind anything they wanted own symbolism. But what
to bind (including Satan). if the intent of the author
In time, the “keys” would is not clear? What if it’s not
have a specific meaning for clear whether the Bible is
Peter. In Matthew 16, Christ using words in a plain or
gave Peter authority to open figurative sense? Then the
the doors of Christendom. safest rule is to go with the
He used that authority literal meaning of the text
for Jews on the Day of in its immediate context.
Pentecost (Acts 2), for Because of the integrity
Samaritans when he laid of Scripture, we can be
hands on the people who confident that the ultimate
believed the message of truth in view will correspond
Philip (Acts 8), and for to the plain and ordinary
Gentiles when he preached sense of the words. “Good
in the house of Cornelius fruit” won’t mean “bad
(Acts 10). Peter had opened results.”
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balance our understanding
of individual passages with
complementing perspectives.
The Lord Himself showed
CONTEXT OF THE how important it is to be able
BIBLE AS A WHOLE to see one passage in light
A third rule of contextual of another. On the occasion
interpretation is to consider of His temptation in the
the passage in its relation to wilderness, He skillfully
the whole Bible. Because quoted from the Old
the 39 books of the Old Testament to offset the devil’s
Testament and the 27 books own use of Scripture. The
of the New Testament are devil first challenged the Lord
all “chapters” of one Book, to prove that He was the Son
those who want to live by of God by turning stones into
the whole counsel of God bread. Jesus refused, and
need increasingly to be able quoted Deuteronomy 8:3
to see each individual part to make it clear that He was
in light of the whole. determined to live by His
The many perspectives Father’s provisions rather
of the whole Bible cannot be than His own. Satan then
quickly mastered. Gathering transported Jesus to the
and combining the insights highest point of the temple
of the whole Bible is the and again challenged Him
process of a lifetime. This to prove that He was the Son
is one reason the Bible says of God. Satan quoted from a
that God gives pastors and messianic section of Psalm
teachers to His people. 91, which says, “He shall
Those who know more give His angels charge over
than we do about the you,” and “In their hands
Bible can help us to they shall bear you up, lest
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you dash your foot against There is a time to
a stone” (vv.11-12; Mt. 4:6). forgive. Paul wrote that we
But Jesus replied by saying, are to forgive others as God
“It is also written: ‘Do not has forgiven us (Eph. 4:32).
put the Lord your God to Jesus said that if we don’t
the test’” (Mt. 4:7 NIV). By forgive others, God will
quoting Moses (Dt. 6:16), withhold forgiveness from us
Jesus indicated that it (Mt. 6:14-15). And from the
was not right for a man to cross, Jesus freely forgave
willfully put God to the test. those who applauded His
Something Moses wrote as death when He said,
many as 1,500 years earlier “Father, forgive them,
allowed Jesus to show that for they do not know what
it is not our right to arrange they do” (Lk. 23:34). If you
circumstances in such a way read only these passages,
as to attempt to force God’s you might conclude that
hand of provision. Christlike people will always
Let’s look at a few and immediately forgive any
examples that show why harm done to them. But
the context of the whole these passages represent
Bible is so important. only part of the picture.
EXAMPLE #1:What There is a time not to
is “also written” about forgive. “It is also written”
forgiveness? While that God forgives us in
individual sections of the response to our repentance
Bible might lead you to (Lk. 18:9-14). In the
conclude that it is never right process of extending “family
to withhold forgiveness, the forgiveness,” which renews
counsel of the whole Bible is and restores children of
that there is a time to forgive God who have sinned, God
and a time not to forgive. forgives when we confess our
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sins (1 Jn. 1:9). Forgiveness they not be held
is not unconditional. It accountable for being
depends on the willingness of chosen by time and
sinners to acknowledge and circumstance to be the
believe what God says about hands of the whole fallen
their sin. Many passages of human race.
Scripture show that we
should not freely forgive
those who have knowingly
Forgiveness is
sinned against us but have not unconditional.
not shown any remorse It depends on
(Mt. 18:15-18; 1 Cor. 5:7-13). the willingness
But what about Jesus’
words from the cross,
of sinners to
“Father, forgive them”? acknowledge and
Didn’t He freely forgive believe what God
those who had carried out says about their sin.
His execution? Yes, but the
key to understanding His
words is found in the The key to forgiveness
immediate context. He went is found in the following
on to say, “Father, forgive questions: What do love
them, for they do not know and truth require? What
what they do.” This was not would Jesus do in this
a request for their salvation, situation? (For more help
but rather a plea for on this subject, see the RBC
individuals who didn’t know booklet When Forgiveness
that their hands had lifted Seems Impossible CB941).
the Creator of the universe EXAMPLE #2:What is
onto an executioner’s cross. “also written” about
Jesus mercifully asked that our spiritual enemy?
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While some sections of over the devil. It is “also
the Bible seem to leave the written” that while we have
impression that Satan is no power to resist Satan, we
longer a threat to us, other don’t have authority over
parts of Scripture show us him. God has not yet
that in some ways we have “bound the dragon” (Rev.
power over him, and in 20:2), who is still prowling
some ways we don’t. like a roaring lion (1 Pet.
We have power over 5:8). Neither has God given
the devil. Some passages us authority to bind the
of Scripture picture Satan enemy ourselves. Instead,
as a defeated enemy. The the Scriptures encourage
apostle James made it clear us to have a healthy
that those who are in Christ respect for the one who
can resist the efforts of the still troubles the world.
devil and by so doing The New Testament writer
cause him to flee from Jude reminded us that even
them. James said, “Submit Michael the archangel did
to God. Resist the devil and not presume to act as if he
he will flee from you” (Jas. had authority over Satan,
4:7). The apostle John told but instead said, “The Lord
the Lord’s children that rebuke you!” (Jude 9). And
the One who is in them is while Jesus had at one point
greater than their spiritual sent His apostles to cast out
enemy (1 Jn. 4:4). And demons and heal all kinds
even Jesus verified this of sicknesses (Mt. 10:1),
truth when He sent out He showed on a later
His disciples to cast out occasion that the terms
demons and to heal all of their assignment and
kinds of sickness (Mt. 10:1). authority were subject to
We don’t have power change (Lk. 22:35-38).
15
EXAMPLE #3:What is (1 Jn. 3:4-9). Throughout
“also written” about the whole of Scripture there
real Christians? While is a consistent theme that
individual passages of the God expects His children to
Bible might lead you to live in a manner that shows
believe that real Christians their relation to Him.
will always prove by their Real Christians will
actions that their faith is disappoint us. It is “also
genuine, the whole counsel written” that real Christians
of God shows that real can behave in ways that
Christians often live far are demonic (Jas. 3:13-16).
below their potential in The same James who wrote
Christ. that “faith without works
Real Christians will act is dead” also described the
in a Christlike way. Many dark side that remains in
sections of the Bible give us true Christians. He warned
reason to expect new and about the dangers of
consistent behavior from prejudice (2:1-7), careless
genuine Christians. James conversation (3:1-12), and
said simply, “Faith without warned the people of God
works is dead” (Jas. 2:20). about the desires that cause
Paul said that anyone believers not only to harm
who is in Christ is a “new one another (4:1-4) but also
creation.” He said that old to act like enemies of God.
things have passed away In a similar way, the apostle
and that all things were Paul acknowledged that
new (2 Cor. 5:17). The most Christians are still
apostle John agreed that preoccupied with their own
true children of God have interests rather than with
a new nature that does not the interests of God (Phil.
express itself in a sinful life 2:21). Paul confronted
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so much out-of-character
behavior among those who
claimed to be believers that
he took comfort in this
truth: “‘The Lord knows
those who are His,’ and, CONTEXT OF
‘Let everyone who names FOUNDATIONAL
the name of Christ depart TRUTHS
from iniquity’” (2 Tim. 2:19). This fourth rule of context,
Reading one passage like the third, calls for a
in the Bible by itself can wide view of Scripture.
be like looking at a piece There are some basic,
of a jigsaw puzzle. As you foundational truths in
analyze it, you see elements Scripture that when
of form and color, but you understood can help
understand that it is only to provide orientation,
one essential part of the background, and backdrop
bigger picture. for the interpretation of
But there is another many individual passages.
basic and essential element These truths can be
of context. There are some discovered by self-study.
truths in the Bible so basic But the sooner they are
that new believers need to understood, the sooner a
be quickly oriented to them. child of God can begin to
Without a grasp of these see where individual ideas
foundational truths, the fit in the whole picture of
Bible can be especially what God has revealed.
difficult to understand. Law And Grace. In
one sense “the law of God”
refers to the commandments
of Moses. In a broader
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sense, however, law is God. Without grace, no child
any statement that describes of God has ever grown in
the high standards of God. Christlikeness. Grace is God’s
Some of these laws are offer of relationship and help.
social. Some are moral. It is His way of living His life
Some are spiritual through all who will humble
regulations for worship. themselves enough to call
If anyone could keep out and surrender to Him.
all of God’s laws, that person Justification
could be assured of heaven And Sanctification.
and of continuous Christlike Justification is the legal
spirituality. But in reality, act by which God declares
no one has ever qualified righteous all who trust His
for eternal life by keeping Son for salvation. The only
the law. Neither has anyone thing we can do to qualify
ever grown to spiritual for this status is to believe
maturity by trying to keep in Christ. To be justified is
the commandments of God a free act of God’s grace. We
(Gal. 3:1-5). Both salvation cannot earn it (Rom. 3:24).
and spirituality occur not Because of His life,
by trying to keep the perfect death, and resurrection on
principles of God but by our behalf, Christ our Savior
believing what God has said. can justify every wicked and
The grace of God, ungodly person who comes
which is offered to those to Him for grace (Rom. 4:5).
who believe, is a system of Sanctification is the
mercy and undeserved help. process by which God
Without grace, no one has continues to set apart and
ever been saved. Without distinguish those who have
grace, no one has ever taken believed in His Son. A first
the smallest step toward act of saving sanctification
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“sets apart” a believer there is a fundamental
for God forever. That act distinction.
is followed by a planned, Israel is a nation
progressive process of being of individuals who can
set apart from sin to God. trace their ethnic, blood
If the ideas of justification
relationship back to
and sanctification are Abraham through Isaac
confused, we might make and Jacob. Israel gave us the
the mistake of thinking that Law of Moses, the Prophets,
our salvation has never been and the Messiah. Israel is
secured. Some who lean a nation with whom God
toward a law rather than a made specific covenants
grace view of God will for time and eternity. It is
never have the assurance the nation that was set
of sins forgiven and of full aside shortly after Jesus’
acceptance and adoption appearance and rejection as
into the family of heaven. A Messiah. It is the nation, of
right view of the distinction all the nations on earth, that
between justification and has been chosen by God to
sanctification allows us to show Himself to the whole
see that a believer in Christ world. Israel is the nation,
is born into the family of according to the Scriptures,
God, fully justified, and that will be in the center of
ready for the lifelong processworld events in the last days.
of practical sanctification. The church has no single
Israel And The ethnic identification. It is
Church. Much confusion made up of men and women
can be avoided by seeing of every nation who confess
the clear distinction between Christ as Savior and Lord.
Israel and the church. While Beginning at Pentecost, the
both worship the same God, church will remain on earth
19
until supernaturally removed for His church (1 Th. 4:16-
in an event often called “the 17). The second phase will
rapture” (1 Th. 4:14-17; occur at the end of the
Jn. 14:1-3). tribulation when Christ
Two Phases Of returns to the earth to
Christ’s Return. Among save Israel from worldwide
the Lord’s people, there is persecution, and to
disagreement about when establish on earth His
Jesus will return. On one long-awaited political
hand, the Bible tells us to kingdom (Isa. 2:1-4;
be ready because “the Son Acts 1:6).
of Man is coming at an These two phases
hour you do not expect” of Christ’s return are not
(Mt. 24:44). But the spelled out by the New
Scriptures also say that Testament any more than
Christ will return to the the Old Testament spelled
earth at the end of a terrible out two main comings of
time of cosmic and world Christ. Rather, it is a way
tribulation (Zech. 14:4-5; to make sense of (1) the
Mt. 24:29-31). distinct missions of Israel
These differences can and the church, (2) two
be explained by a two- different descriptions of
phase return. Just as two Christ’s return, (3) the
comings are commingled absence of the church in
by Old Testament prophets, Revelation 4–18, (4) the
so two phases of His return warning that Christ is
are intermingled in the coming at a time we
New Testament. do not expect, and
In the first phase, which (5) the need for people in
could occur at any moment, nonglorified bodies to enter
Christ comes in the clouds the millennial kingdom.
20
FOUR ESSENTIALS therefore something to
hide, are predisposed to
FOR FINDING avoid the truth. They are
TRUTH IN out of step with God, who
CONTEXT has promised understanding
W
hile interpreting to those who, by obedience,
the Bible keep a good conscience
according to the (Mt. 5:8; Jn. 14:21).
rule of context, there are Self-study. Christians
some timeless considerations of the New Testament
that need to be kept in mind. community of Berea
Dependence On are an example for all
God. The author of Psalm of us. They searched the
119 reminded us of the role Scriptures to make sure that
God can have in our Bible what the apostle Paul was
study. He prayed, “Open telling them was true (Acts
my eyes, that I may see 17:11). Without personal
wondrous things from Your involvement, the Scriptures
law” (v.18). His confidence remain second-hand, pre-
in God’s ability to help is digested, and subject to the
similar to what the apostle accuracy of the teacher.
Paul expressed when he Use Of Gifted
wrote, “Consider what I Teachers. Teachers are a
say, and may the Lord give gift from God (Eph. 4:11).
you understanding in all Along with self-study, they
things” (2 Tim. 2:7). can provide a depth and
A Good Conscience. breadth of contextual
A bad conscience creates a knowledge. They provide
conflict of interest for the orientation for new believers
Bible student. Those with and reminders to those who
unconfessed sin, and are mature (2 Pet. 1:12-13).
21
THE INDUCTIVE than gold (Prov. 3:13-18).
The overall strategy
STUDY METHOD of the inductive student
YOU CAN DO is: (1) observation,
W
hile God’s plan (2) interpretation, and (3)
has been to give application—in that order.
His people pastors STEP #1:
and teachers, there is no OBSERVATION: What
substitute for personal study does the context say?
of the Scriptures. Many have The primary purpose of this
found that they get more stage is to collect as many
from their teachers when facts as possible about the
they become personally context. Inductive students
involved in regular and are curious. They don’t
systematic Bible study. take anything for granted.
One method of personal They ask and list as many
Bible study is called the questions as possible: Who?
inductive method. This What? Why? Where? When?
method challenges the How? Wherefore? What
student to form conclusions words need to be looked
only after observing and up to determine a range of
analyzing the elements of possible meanings? What
immediate context and logic indicators can be found
normal word meanings. and marked in words such as
After asking the Author of therefore, then, and, also, but,
Scripture for insight, the however, or nevertheless?
inductive student explores What is the main point of
the inspired page with pencil the section? What recurring
in hand and the curiosity of words indicate a main idea?
a prospector looking for What elements, arguments,
something more precious or illustrations does the
22
author use to support the Although word forms,
main point? definitions, and a range of
At this stage, a chapter possible meanings may have
might be outlined or a been noted in the step of
sentence diagrammed to observation, it is at the point
see how the ideas of the of interpreting in context that
author relate to one another. a word is best understood
The purpose of this stage is in the way the author was
to discover the context. using it. Now the Scriptures
STEP #2: come alive with the pulse
INTERPRETATION: and throb of the author’s
What does the text own heart and intent.
mean? Only after doing STEP #3:
the spade work of careful APPLICATION:
observation should the What does this text
inductive student ask, mean to my life? Only
“What, then, does the author after discovering the
mean by these words as they meaning of a text in its
relate to the words that own biblical time and place
precede and follow?” Not is the student encouraged to
“What do these words mean ask, “What does this mean
to me?” but “What did they to me?” Care is given to
mean when they flowed distinguish between
from the pen of the original cultural facts and timeless
author? What was his principles. Focus is put on
intent?” While we can the main idea. What are the
assume that he said what primary issues of the heart?
he meant and meant what he What does this say about
said, the only way to discover my relationship to God?
what he really meant is by The Bible can now explode
observing the context. in significance.
23
GUIDELINES FOR preach the gospel to the
poor; He has sent Me to
INTERPRETING heal the brokenhearted,
PROPHECY to proclaim liberty to the
T
o understand captives and recovery of
prophetic portions of sight to the blind, to set
Scripture, a Christian at liberty those who are
must be aware of one basic oppressed; to proclaim
principle and follow six the acceptable year of
rules of interpretation. the Lord (Lk. 4:18-19).
THE PRINCIPLE Then Jesus rolled up the
OF PROPHETIC scroll. People familiar with
PERSPECTIVE Isaiah 61:1-2 must have
The prophets often described wondered why Jesus stopped
future events in one picture in the middle of the second
without indicating that they verse. He did not read on
would be separated by because the last part of
periods of time. This has verse 2, “And the day of
been compared to seeing vengeance of our God; to
mountain peaks in one view comfort all who mourn,”
without seeing the valleys speaks of the great
between them. tribulation. Jesus said
Jesus used the principle He fulfilled the first part of
of prophetic perspective Isaiah’s prophecy (Lk. 4:21).
when He read the Scriptures The last part is about His
in a Nazareth synagogue. second coming. The prophet,
He opened the scroll to seeing it all in one look, did
Isaiah and read: not know that at least 2,000
The Spirit of the Lord years would separate those
is upon Me, because two phases of his prophecy.
He has anointed Me to The prophecy of Joel
24
2:28-32 also has a double earthquake of Revelation
fulfillment. The first part 6:12-17 is exactly that; it
came to pass at Pentecost, does not represent the
as indicated by Peter in his breakup of society.
sermon (Acts 2:17-21). But
the second part, referring to
the moon turning to blood Don’t interpret
and other supernatural prophecy
signs, will be fulfilled in
the tribulation.
symbolically when a
SIX RULES FOR literal interpretation
INTERPRETING makes sense.
PROPHECY
1. Interpret in
context. As with all Bible 4. Look for
passages, consider the immediate fulfillment.
speaker, the situation, the Look first for the elements
people addressed, and the of a prophecy that were
subject of the prophecy. fulfilled within a few years,
2. Interpret literally. then consider fulfillments
Give words their normal during Christ’s first and
meaning, recognizing figures second comings.
of speech. When prophets 5. Be consistent.
specify numbers of days or Don’t treat Christ’s
years, take them literally. predictions in a different
3. Be careful with way from Old Testament
symbols. Don’t give a prophecies.
prophetic passage a symbolic 6. Don’t go too
or spiritual meaning when far. Some questions about
literal interpretation makes endtime events must remain
sense. For example, the unanswered.
25
THE BIBLE A Bible Handbook
gives detailed information
STUDENT’S ONE- about the individual books
SHELF LIBRARY of the Bible, such as the
A Study Bible background of the author of
provides introductions and a book, the book’s purpose
outlines for each book of and destination, and the
the Bible, footnotes, maps, important ideas that the
cross-references, doctrinal book presents. A Bible
summaries, historical handbook also provides
and cultural background, historical and cultural
time charts, and a basic information pertinent to
commentary on the text. the book, appropriate maps,
An Exhaustive and a detailed outline of its
Concordance offers an message and themes.
alphabetical listing of every A Bible Dictionary
word of the Bible and every provides definitions and
place where that word is general background
found. Make sure you information for the people,
choose a concordance places, things, and ideas
that matches the translation of the Bible.
of the Bible you use. The A One- Or Two-
standard concordance for Volume Commentary
the King James Version, offers helpful explanations
Strong’s Exhaustive that can show the student
Concordance, has a how others have interpreted
helpful numbering system a passage of Scripture.
that provides a number Computer Bible-
connecting words to their Study Software is by
root words in the original far the most revolutionary
languages. recent breakthrough in Bible
26
study. The whole Bible available in electronic form.
can be searched instantly Ages Software, for example,
for words or phrases. Word offers collections of classic
studies, cross-references, Christian works and the
topical studies, original writings of Spurgeon, Luther,
language works, and and other Reformation
commentaries are all built leaders.
into easy-to-use study Bible software has
software programs that are come a long way in the
available in both Macintosh last 10 years. It enables
and PC platforms. Bible students to be good
Comprehensive Bible- stewards of their time and
study programs include money. Imagine being able
several Bible translations, to purchase hundreds of
commentaries, language and books on a single CD-ROM
reference tools, and other and then using the power
study aids—sometimes of a computer to quickly
focusing on the writings of search through and access
particular Bible teachers or the information you need.
pastors. Examples of Bible- These computer programs
study programs include have become a wonderful
Online Bible for Macintosh, asset to pastors, Sunday
and PC Study Bible, school teachers, and Bible
QuickVerse, and Logos students of every level of
Bible Study Library for spiritual growth.
PC. The Expositor’s Bible Online Study Helps.
Commentary (12 volumes in One example of many sites
book form) is available on a on the Internet that provide
single CD in either platform. Bible-study helps is:
Entire libraries with www.crosssearch.com/
hundreds of books are also Reference/
27
HOW TO USE A you will short-circuit your
thinking. If you evaluate only
COMMENTARY what others have written,
C
ommentaries are you are robbing yourself of
books that analyze the thrill of discovery and
and explain the text the joy of creative, Spirit-led
of the Bible. The better ones Bible study.
deal with every verse––
giving the meaning of the
words, explaining the setting, Commentaries are
and offering light from other
places in the Bible. Many
indispensable to
of them are the product effective Bible study,
of careful, prayerful, and but only after you
diligent scholarship. Some have carefully
are published in one or two worked through the
volumes, others in entire
sets. Commentaries are passage yourself.
indispensable to effective
Bible study, but they
must be used properly. We What will the effective
recommend that you consult use of good commentaries
them only after you have do for you as you study the
carefully worked through Bible? Here are some results
the passage yourself. you might expect.
After you have done 1. Sometimes
your best to understand a they will confirm your
passage, then consult three understanding of the
or four good commentaries. passage. When you find
If you use them before you that all of the commentaries
have done your own work, you consult interpret the
28
passage essentially the select an interpretation quite
way you did, you can be different from the one you
confident that you are on had when you started.
target in your conclusions.
2. Sometimes
they will refine your If you use
understanding of commentaries
the passage. The
commentators may present before you have
insights that didn’t come to done your own
your mind, thus deepening work, you will
and enriching your short-circuit your
understanding of
the passage.
own thinking.
3. Sometimes
they will lead you
to reconsider your 4. Sometimes they
interpretations. will show you that
Occasionally you will your understanding
find that the commentaries of the passage was
present conclusions almost entirely wrong.
somewhat different from Reading the commentaries
your interpretation. You may give you information
may also discover that the that will make you realize
commentators differ from you have overlooked
one another. When this or misunderstood an
happens, you’ll be glad you important element in the
did your own spade work. passage or verse you have
It will help you evaluate been studying. When this
the views expressed. After happens, go back to the text
careful thought, you may and think it through again.
29
“THE BIBLE IS Savior. We began attending
a Bible-preaching church
OURS” and hearing the Word of
M
any people God proclaimed. Gradually
feel they won’t we realized that the Bible is
be able to ours and that we can read
understand the Bible, no and study it for ourselves.”
matter how hard they try.
Bill and Gwen Petroski felt
that way—till something
happened that opened Gradually we
God’s way for them. realized that the
Here’s their story: Bible is ours and
“One of the greatest
blessings in our lives has
that we can read
been the discovery that we and study it for
can read and understand ourselves.
the Bible for ourselves. You
see, both of us were raised
in a religion that did not
emphasize the Bible. Gwen: “I still remember
“After we were married, vividly the first time I read
we began a spiritual quest. the book of Hebrews. One
We felt vaguely dissatisfied. Sunday morning I read it
We wanted our children through in one sitting. Tears
to know God and to have flowed then, and still do
Christian values. So we now as I realize that all
began to search. barriers between God and
“Then the day came me are broken down, and
when both of us received that I have access to God.”
Jesus Christ as personal Bill: “When I first read
30
Ephesians 2:8-9 and wife who came to know
understood salvation by Christ this way. They began
grace through faith alone, reading the book of Romans
I was filled with gratitude out of the old family Bible
to God. This passage will just to while away the
always be one of my evening hours. After some
favorites. time, the man said, “Wife,
“We now know that if this book is right, we are
the Bible is ours. As we guilty sinners before God.
continue to read and study We are condemned.” At
it, it means more to us than the conclusion of their
ever before. We are trying reading a few days later,
to put its teachings into he exclaimed, “Wife, if this
practice so that our four book is right, we need not
girls will see that it can be remain condemned. A man
real to them.” called Jesus Christ took our
These testimonies of punishment by dying for
Bill and Gwen highlight us. He’s alive again, and
the thrill of discovering He wants us to believe
rich spiritual truth through on Him.”
personal Bible study. The Although these people
Holy Spirit ministers to had very little education,
believers in a special way they were able to gather
through the Word, but He from the Scriptures the
also brings understanding basic truths necessary
to non-Christians who read for salvation. When they
it with a sincere desire to began reading the Bible,
know God. they found that it was for
Carl Armerding told them.
about an Australian The Bible is for you—it’s
sheepherder and his for everyone.
31
BIBLE-STUDY ❏ Have I used a Bible
dictionary to identify
CHECKLIST the people and places
H
ere are some named?
questions to ask ❏ Have I used a study
yourself when Bible to identify and
studying the Bible: read parallel passages?
❏ Have I asked God for ❏ Have I checked cross-
insight into His Word? references in a study
❏ Am I studying for Bible to see what else
relationship with Him? the Bible says about this
❏ Have I read the verses subject?
immediately preceding ❏ Have I avoided the trap
and following the of focusing on the details
passage? while missing main
❏ Have I scanned the ideas?
surrounding chapters? ❏ Have I double-checked
❏ Have I looked up words my interpretation with
I don’t understand to reliable commentaries?
discover the range of ❏ Have I asked what this
possible meaning? passage tells me about
❏ Have I asked the God, myself, and others?
questions who, what, ❏ Are there any sins to be
where, when, why, how, avoided?
wherefore? ❏ Are there commands to
❏ Have I looked for logic be obeyed?
indicators such as then, ❏ Have I thanked God for
therefore, but, also? the privilege of studying
❏ Have I identified any Old His Word?
Testament quotes and
checked their context?
32
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Resources catalog!
Discovery Series
booklets can be
valuable guides to
help you learn what
the Bible says about a
broad range of topics.
Each 32-page booklet
can be used in your
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