Some Fundamental Principles of Scripture Interpretation.
By Editor
[THE following is from a little tract which came to us signed W. E. S., published in Philadelphia at Faith Tabernacle. It presents some good principles.] 1. We should approach the Bible with common sense.
"Come now, let us reason together, saith Jehovah." Isa. 1:18.
To reason means to consider intelligently and sensibly. We should expect to find in the Bible a plain statement of truths which are capable of being understood by common people. To create an air of mystery about it, or to seek some other meaning than that which is obviously conveyed by the plain statement of facts, is neither sensible nor just. 2. We must have the teaching and enlightenment of the Holy Spirit.
"Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He shall guide you into all the truth: for He shall not speak from Himself; but what things soever He shall hear, these shall He speak: and He shall declare unto you the things that are to come." John 16:13.
He who inspired its sacred utterances is surely the best interpreter; and only as we depend upon Him will we rightly comprehend God's word. 1 Cor. 2:10-12; 1 John 2:27. 3. We should lay aside our preconceived ideas, and accept the word as it is written.
"As new-born babes, long for the spiritual milk which is without guile, that ye may grow thereby unto salvation." 1 Peter 2:2.
We should believe and obey literally where it speaks plainly upon any subject. This will cause us to discard many denominational traditions that conflict with its sacred truths. 4. Never spiritualize unless plainly indicated in the passage, or clearly shown by connecting passages of Scripture that it is not intended to be interpreted literally. This practise of spiritualizing literal truths has been the cause of much erroneous teaching, and of explaining away the real truth of the Bible. 5. Try to ascertain the meaning intended by the author: (a) By using various translations. Especially helpful is the American Revised Version. It enables the reader to grasp many truths that are not so plainly brought out in the old style English which prevailed 300 years ago when the Authorized Version was translated. (b) By accepting the most obvious sense. Many seemingly prefer to accept a strained or far-fetched meaning rather than that which is plainly indicated by the Scripture. The words of a little child are very appropriate in this connection: "If Jesus didn't mean what He said, why didn't He say what He meant?" (c) By interpreting in the light of the context. Many passages can not be properly understood unless taken in connection with surrounding scriptures. (d) Comparing scripture with scripture. Scripture is its own best commentary; and by looking up parallel passages with the aid of the marginal references and a concordance, we are better able to ascertain God's full meaning. 6. Distinguish between inference and fact. Great loss has resulted to the professed people of God through laying aside plain statements and fundamental teachings, for mere inferences. One plain Scriptural statement outweighs a score of inferences. . . . Theology is the science of inferences, while the Bible is a statement of facts. 7. Give due weight to each truth or doctrine presented. "Rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Tim. 2:15. Satan will seek to get us to exalt a non-essential, and neglect a vital truth if he can.
For instance, repentance, pardon, and cleansing from sin, divine healing, consecration, sanctification, temporal trust, divine guidance, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the second coming of Christ, etc., are taught in the word with considerable emphasis; and yet the adversary has blinded the great majority of Christians to one or more of these essential truths. 8. Regard the Bible as a harmonious whole, expecting each passage or doctrine to fit into its proper place in the beautiful temple of truth, without conflicting with, or supplanting, any other passage or doctrine. We have found this to be the case when the blessed word is properly interpreted and understood.