Unlocking the Ultimate Guide to Christian Bible Interpretation

Is There a Universal Way Christians Should Interpret the Bible?

When it comes to interpreting the Bible, Christians often wonder if there is a universal method that should be followed. This question becomes especially important when discussing contentious topics like the age of the earth or theistic evolution. In order to understand the issue at hand, we need to first examine what the Bible says about interpretation.

The Basics

To be a Christian means to follow Jesus Christ and accept His teachings. This includes acknowledging that we are sinners in need of salvation and that Jesus died and rose again for our sins. This knowledge is given to us through the Holy Scriptures. However, if we cannot take the words in the Bible at face value, there would be no way to verify this information and no way to truly know who Jesus is and what He taught. Therefore, it is crucial for Christians to have a clear and consistent method of interpreting Scripture.

Methods of Interpretation

The foundation of theological studies is hermeneutics, which is the science of interpretation. Hermeneutics involves employing certain principles and methods to understand the intended meaning of biblical texts. One important distinction to make is between exegesis and eisegesis. Exegesis is an interpretation that seeks to understand the original meaning of a text, while eisegesis involves reading one's own ideas or bias into the text.

A method of interpretation that allows for allegory or personal interpretations can be problematic because it lacks verifiability and consistency. Each person's allegorical interpretation can differ greatly, leading to a multitude of conflicting interpretations. Therefore, it is important to rely on objective principles and methods when interpreting Scripture.

Does the Bible Provide Guidance?

The Bible does provide clear principles for interpretation. For example, 2 Corinthians 4:2 states that we should not distort the word of God but set forth the truth plainly. Proverbs 8:8-9 emphasizes the importance of straightforwardness and righteousness in the words of God. These passages indicate that the Bible should be taken as plainly written.

If the Bible were to explicitly state that it should not be taken as plainly written, it would create a self-refuting statement. Therefore, anyone claiming that the Bible need not be taken as plainly written is undermining its authority.

Furthermore, Paul instructed Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:15-17 that all Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. This passage affirms the authority and usefulness of Scripture in guiding our lives.

Do We Always Take It as 'Plainly Written'?

Some may argue that certain passages in the Bible, such as parables or poetic language, require a different approach than the plain reading. However, this is a misunderstanding of the grammatical-historical method of interpretation. When someone uses poetry or parables to teach, we still interpret their words as plainly stated in context to understand their intended meaning. For example, when someone says they are so hungry they could eat a horse, we understand that they mean they are very hungry, not that they literally want to eat a horse.

While there are undoubtedly challenging passages in Scripture, we cannot use them to undermine our ability to understand passages that are more straightforward. The existence of difficult passages does not negate the truth of passages that are easily understood.

That's Just Your Interpretation

Some Christians may argue for different interpretations of Genesis or other biblical topics by relying on sources outside of Scripture. They may claim that science has shown the plain reading of the Bible to be incorrect and therefore modify the meaning of Scripture to align with scientific views.

This approach is problematic because it leads to inconsistency. If Christians can dismiss parts of Scripture based on scientific evidence, then they must also dismiss other miraculous events recorded in the Bible, such as the virgin birth or the resurrection of Christ. In doing so, they undermine the authority and truth of Scripture itself.

What Does Genesis Mean?

When it comes to the interpretation of Genesis, it is important to rely on a plain reading of the text. The Bible clearly states that God created the earth recently and that it is around 6,000 years old. This interpretation is consistent with a grammatical-historical approach to Scripture.

While there are various compromise positions on Genesis, such as theistic evolution or progressive creation, these positions often rely on sources outside of Scripture to justify their views. It is essential for Christians to adhere to a method of interpretation that is consistent with the authority and truth of Scripture.

Conclusion

The debate about the interpretation of Scripture is not merely a battle over scientific evidence; it is ultimately about sound exegetical principles. Christians must recognize the importance of interpreting Scripture according to a consistent method, such as the grammatical-historical approach. By doing so, they can intelligently defend their faith and engage with others in a respectful and informed manner. It is crucial for Christians to remember that the Bible's history should have ultimate authority and that the interpretation of Scripture is not determined by personal preferences or external sources like science.