There are rules for chess and there are rules for interpreting the Bible. In Michigan we knew a man who said he had reached sinless perfection. He had some quote from I John to back him up (perhaps 2:1: "My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin.") but obviously he was absent when the rules for the game were explained.
My favorite professor at Reformed Bible College said that Biblical Interpretation was one of the most important courses offered at the school. The book Un' der stand' A straightforward approach to interpreting the Bible by Walter A. Hendrichsen (Navpress) offers such a pithy, concise course in a mere 107 pages. It has 24 rules for interpreting the Bible. For example: Rule two: The Bible interprets itself; Scripture best explains Scripture.
If our friend in Michigan has learned that, he would have balanced his verse with an earlier one: 1:10: "If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." Similarly, the prosperity gospel's love for "Give and it shall be given unto you." needs to be tempered with a love for "Through many tribulations shall you enter the kingdom."
I want to read this book to our children this year. I plan to read one rule a day aloud and discuss it. Is there a more important subject?
Thursday, August 19, 2010
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