Dear Ones, simply put, the Bible is the basic handbook for the church. We have commentaries, manuals, etc., that can be very helpful in the study of the Bible, however, they are study aids that in no way replace the Bible. The Bible is a love-letter from God to humanity. It is the revelation of the mind of God with salvation as its end. Here are some rules for reading the Bible.
- Put yourself, as it were, in the times, places and circumstances of the sacred writers.
- Ascertain, as far as it is possible, the plain, literal and primary meaning of scripture. Exercise sound common sense. A right use of reason will supersede much criticism, and prove a valuable substitute for it.
- Seek the literal before the spiritual meaning.
- Carefully consider the context before you draw a conclusion from a separate passage.
- The true spiritual sense of a passage is that which is to be most highly esteemed.
- Avoid ingenious conceits and far-fetched interpretations.
- Always distinguish between plain and figurative language.
- Never press a metaphor too far.
- Compare spiritual things with spiritual. Never be weary of referring to what are called parallel passages; that is, to illustrate passages; for scripture is the best interpreter of scripture.
- Explain what is difficult by what is plain and easy.
- When words and phrases are of doubtful meaning consider them well.
- Negatives are often put for a strong affirmation of the contrary as “not guiltless” i.e., exceedingly guilty and “shall not be moved” i.e., shall be firmly established.
Stay in the Word!
Pastor J. Amos Jones
Pastor J. Amos Jones
