How to Correctly Interpret the Bible Using Scripture

When differing conclusions arise from the same Bible, the correct interpretation is determined by allowing the Scriptures to be their own expositor, faithfully comparing scripture with scripture until a complete, harmonious truth emergesTEd 115.1. It is a joy to share the perfect, infallible methods God has given us to understand His Word and to know with absolute certainty what He teaches.

By applying the following divine principles of biblical interpretation, we can effortlessly resolve any theological conflict and arrive at the pure truth of God's Word.

The Supreme Rule: The Bible Interprets Itself

The foundation of all true biblical exegesis is the undeniable fact that the Bible is its own expositorTEd 115.1. Scripture can only be correctly interpreted by Scripture12LtMs, Ms 107, 1897, par. 10. By comparing various portions of the Divine Word that embrace the same subject, we adopt a construction that completely harmonizes the testimony of all the inspired witnessesHST April 10, 1844, page 73.12. This requires students of the Word to view the Bible as a whole and to clearly understand the grand central themes and the relationship of all its partsTEd 115.1.

When encountering difficult texts, clear passages must always be used to illuminate obscure onesBDOC 3.3. It is a perfect and unbreakable rule at all times to use what is plain to throw light upon what is dark, and to hold fast to the plain truth even if some obscure details remain temporarily hiddenHST December 1, 1840, page 131.1.

The Literal and Obvious Meaning

We are on the firmest ground when we affirm the literal sense of the text as the only true oneSBBS 84.1. There is but one identical method of interpretation for all books of the Bible, guided by sound grammatical principles and preceptsSBBS 84.1. We must be simple enough to accept the obvious Scripture meaning exactly as it is explained by the Scriptures themselvesSITI April 1, 1889, page 186.83. Substituting mystical, hidden, or allegorical senses in place of the literal force and import of the sacred writers leads directly into the devious wilds of fancy and delusionSITI January 6, 1887, page 7.7.

A great cause of failure in understanding the Bible is failing to hold to first principles and consistent Bible definitionsSITI April 1, 1889, page 186.83. When men attempt to define terms according to their prior theological training rather than adhering consistently to the Bible's own definitions, the result is nothing but confusionBEST January 15, 1892, par. 3.

Context and a "Thus Saith the Lord"

False teachings invariably arise when a few words of Scripture are separated from their context, which would otherwise show their meaning to be exactly opposite to the false interpretationGC 539.1. Such disjointed, out-of-context passages are routinely perverted to prove doctrines that have absolutely no foundation in the Word of GodGC 539.1.

To determine the truth, we must demand a plain "Thus saith the Lord" and "It is written" for every single belief we cherish18MR 174.2+1. Guesses, inferences, and private interpretations hold no value; no person has any right to declare anything from the Bible which they cannot conclusively prove by the BibleSITI May 25, 1888, page 320.8. We must lay hold resolutely upon the plain Word and let our only argument be what is written20LtMs, Ms 124, 1905, par. 8.

The Proper Use of Parables and Figures

When dealing with parables and symbolic language, we must remember that parables may never be made the first sources of doctrineMND 148.5. Doctrines that are already securely grounded upon plain, literal texts may be beautifully illustrated and further confirmed by parables, but we must never establish a doctrine primarily by their aidMND 148.5. The eternal law of Scripture interpretation moves from the literal to the figurative, and from the clearer to the more obscureMND 148.5.

The Guidance of the Holy Spirit

Ultimately, we must remember the true object of our Bible study and be deeply impressed with the thought that the Lord alone can teach usGCDB February 2, 1893, page 95.1. When our minds seem locked to the understanding of the Word, earnest prayer and reliance upon the Holy Spirit will seamlessly instruct us in the true relation of scripture to scripture3SM 38.2. We must have the Spirit of Christ and sit at the feet of Jesus, receiving instruction directly from Him, as all Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is perfectly profitable for doctrine and instruction in righteousness 2 Timothy 3:16GCDB February 2, 1893, page 95.1. The pure in heart shall see God, and they will perceive His flawless truth without any corrupting principles Matthew 5:813LtMs, Lt 117, 1898, par. 3.

Summary

In conclusion, the only way to resolve conflicting interpretations is to let the Bible speak for itself, relying on its plain reading, and comparing scripture with scripture under the direct guidance of the Holy SpiritTEd 115.1+1. By reading and searching out scripture references in their proper context, we see the unbreakable chain of truth and are completely fortified against the deceptive interpretations of menAPYO 79.2.