Cornerstone Curriculum, Official Certification Edition

LESSON 2 | BIBLE INTERPRETATION: THE THREE-STEP MODEL / 125

The Three-Step Model is an effective method of biblical interpretation designed to help us understand the truth of Scripture and bridge the gap between our ancient and contemporary worlds. The Three-Step Model defined is “to so understand the meaning of the original situation that we may discover general principles of truth which may be applied in our personal lives in the Spirit’s freedom.” This method corresponds to the grammatical-historical method of Scripture interpretation, affirms the plain sense of the Bible’s meaning, and respects the integrity of the text as it communicates to us in different genres and forms. The Bible’s central message of salvation in Jesus Christ must take precedence over all study of individual words, phrases, paragraphs, chapters, sections, and books of the Scriptures. All study demands a spirit of humility, diligent thoroughness, and a love for Christ’s liberty as we seek to be transformed by the life-giving message of Scripture. All study of the Word of God begins with our submission to the Holy Spirit, who alone is the author of the Scriptures and the only one sufficient to instruct us in its meaning and significance for our lives today. Our dependence on the Holy Spirit enhances our diligent study of the Word and is not meant to be a substitute for it . The steps of the Three-Step Model are simple and clear. First, we observe the details of the text, establishing the background of the book, its author and audience, its purpose for being written, as well as its rendering in different translations. Next, we discover general principles which summarize our findings about what the text meant in its original setting , and what the text now means to us in our lives today . Finally, we apply the spiritual principles in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we express our heart obedience to God, we ought to remain mindful of the common themes emphasized throughout the Scriptures which underlie his will for all believers in both Old and New Testaments – loving God and loving neighbor through faith in Christ, all for the glory of God. If you are interested in pursuing some of the ideas of Bible Interpretation: The Three-Step Model , you might want to give these books a try: Fee, Gordon D. New Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors . 3rd ed. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2002. Grenz, Stanley J., and Roger E. Olson. Who Needs Theology?: An Invitation to the Study of God . Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1996. Grenz, Stanley J., and John R. Franke. Beyond Foundationalism: Shaping Theology in a Postmodern Context . Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2000.

Restatement of the Lesson’s Thesis

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B i b l i ca l S tud i e s

Resources and Bibliographies