Bible Interpretation, Student Workbook, SW05

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

C. Elements

1. It corresponds to the grammatical-historical method : determine the meaning of the text in its original setting before applying its meaning to another time and place.

2. This model looks for the plain sense of the text.

3. This model affirms progressive revelation .

a. The Bible shows that God unfolds the meaning and method of his purpose, culminating (i.e., “summing up”) in Jesus Christ, Heb. 1.1-3.

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b. Jesus surpasses and fulfills the meaning of all that God communicated before (i.e., John 1.14-18; Matt. 5.17-18; John 5.39-40; Luke 24.27, 44-48).

4. It affirms the unity of the Scriptures .

a. The Bible is a single canon (collection, library) of texts, written by a single author, 2 Tim. 3.16-17; 2 Pet. 1.20-21.

b. The explicit subject of the Scriptures is Jesus Christ and his Kingdom , Acts 28.23,31; Col. 1.25-27; Eph. 3.3-11; Rom. 16.25-27.