Bible Interpretation, Student Workbook, SW05

/ 4 9

B I B L E I N T E R P R E T A T I O N

The following concepts summarize the critical truths we have discussed and reflected upon in this lesson on the origins, authority, and inspiration of the Scriptures. Before we can critically and reasonably lay out our own hermeneutic for understanding the Bible, we must be completely confident that the Scriptures are the Word of God, and that they merit the kind of attention, seriousness, and rigorous study that his inspired text deserves and demands. The truths listed below offer you a great opportunity to review the insights covered in your lesson. Hermeneutics is that discipline and branch of knowledge which focuses on interpretation, especially the interpretation of texts. Biblical hermeneutics focuses specifically on the methods and science of interpreting the Bible. By all accounts the Bible must be interpreted as both a divine and human book, and both dimensions of the divine and human must be appreciated to fully understand the nature of Scripture. Since the beginning orthodox Christian faith has held to certain fundamental presuppositions regarding the nature of Scripture, including its divine origin, the necessity of Scripture to interpret Scripture, the idea of progressive revelation which culminates in the revelation of God in the person of Christ, and the necessity of the working of the Holy Spirit in order to understand God’s Word. The Three-Step Model of biblical interpretation, which seeks to take seriously the historical and linguistic difference between the world of the text and our modern world, includes efforts to understand the message in light of its original situation, discovering biblical principles from the text, and finally applying the meaning of Scripture to our lives. In order to rightly interpret the Word of God, we must prepare our hearts, minds, and our wills to humbly and rigorously study it, carefully analyze it, and heartily obey it, all to God’s glory. We prepare our hearts through humility and prayer, diligence and determination, and rigorous engagement of the Bible as a workman. We prepare our minds as we embrace the roles of explorer, detective, and scientist, seeking the Word diligently, following up on clues, and weighing the evidence carefully before making judgments. We prepare our wills by obeying the Word, not merely hearing it, and embracing the truth that wisdom comes from responding to God’s Word, not merely reflecting upon it.

1