| A study on Hermeneutics.
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. The term Hermeneutics: Can be very difficult to define in understandable terminology. But for the sake of simplicity let us define it as: The science that teaches us the principles, methods, and laws of interpretation. In other words the means by which we obtain a proper understanding, interpretation and application of the scriptures in relation to their contextual usage. There are 3 points of consideration in rightly dividing the word. 1. Understanding and interpretation: It is essential that we have a proper understanding of scripture before we attempt to apply the scriptures. What is needed is the illumination and assistance of the Holy Spirit. 1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you.. as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost.. he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. This is why college professors, bible historians, Christian psychologist and some so called theologians can have an excellent knowledge of the historicity and concepts of the bible. Yet they lack any real biblical insight or revelation. Due to the missing ingredient in their lives, called the Holy Ghost. So until man has a born again redemptive experience he will remain in spiritual darkness unable to understand spiritual matters or concepts. However this does not mean man will not be able to understand the message or principles of salvation for this message is clear to all unlike the doctrinal and theological concepts which takes some efforts at study and research 2. Application and interpretation: We must learn to rightly apply Gods word to our lives first and primarily before we can attempt to apply it to others. There is only 1 interpretation but many applications. Jews/bondage-promise land. Church/ world-Heaven. We must also realize that all the bible is not written to and for the Church. Now that may surprise some of you ? Lets clarify that with this statement, The bible is written to 3 groups of people. This is called the Ethnic division principle. 1. To The Jews. 2. To the saints. 3. To the aint’s or sinners sometimes known as Gentiles 3. Context: It is very important that we read the scriptures in the context of their setting. * man is not given the opportunity to interpret scripture as he pleases or reasons? for the word interprets itself (Analogy of scripture) and does not have various meanings other than what is stated. *Another point to consider is that the bible is not always written in chronological order? we must at times read it bearing this in mind. We must remember the scriptures were written in the context of what is known as time dispensations and theological covenants. This is crucial to rightly understanding and applying scripture. Here we will try to explain the various dispensations and covenants. 1. First let us define the term dispensation or Dispensationalism: A particular way in which God deals with mankind in regards to salvation, sin, and responsibility, (otherwise known as Soteriology) usually within the context if a certain time frame. Biblically there are 7 dispensations wherein man is given opportunity to know and relate to God in a specific way, each which ends in some form of judgment with mans refusal to obey God. The first dispensation known as the Dispensation innocence. A time dealing with the creation and fall of man, in their innocent state where man had no knowledge of sin and evil. Man had certain responsibilities in the garden and personal communion with God which sin broke and thus brought separation.for sin (Satan) always separates! but mercy and love (God) always restores. ”John 10:10-1, Gen.1:26, 2:25 “for the devil comes not but for to steal, kill and destroy but I am come that you might have life and life more abundant 2. The Dispensation of conscience: Dealing with man after his fall, through his awakened conscience? man having lost spiritual life as derived from communion with God, he then became subject to the law of sin and death ”for the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is life..” “for the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death.” Rom 6:23, 8:2-3, It was because of this spiritual death that man became controlled or guided by the soulish or selfish nature, the mind, will, emotions, hence where he was once led and directed by the spirit he was now under the influence of the carnal nature. He was in need of restoration of his relationship and communion with the divine where he could once again be given spiritual life and power over the forces of darkness. That spiritual life came in the form of the Holy spirit on the day of Pentecost as found in the book of Acts 2:1-4, 36-39, and as promised in John 10:9-11, and 14:1-3, 16-18, 26, whereby man was given back the authority to exercise his dominion, but until then he would have to be governed and guided by the conscience thus the Dispensation of Conscience. This period ended with the flood due to judgment because of mans sin and rebellion, with this end came the Noahic covenant. ‘where God promised that he would never flood the earth again’ and gave man the rainbow in the sky as a symbol and reminder of his promise, protection and concern for him.(mankind) 3. The Dispensation of Human Government: After the flood this is the period in which God began to deal with man on a more general basis, whereas in the time of conscience it was on a individual level, with human government it included both, while still using the conscience, God chose to organize man individually and nationally despite the fact that mans conscience was becoming more evil and insensitive to Gods leading and correction. It was Gods desire for man to be governed by a theocracy a God centered relationship & leadership vs. democracy man centered relationship & leadership. This period ended in judgment as God confused the peoples language and scattered them abroad, the very command they refused to obey? as found in Genesis 9:1-16, 11: 1-8 4. The Dispensation of Promise: From the call of Abraham to the exodus some 430 years are covered, here God dealt directly with the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, whereby giving them specific promises and commandments from which would come the Abrahamic covenant, Davidic covenant, Palestinian covenant. see Genesis 11:10, 12:1-3,13:14-17,15:6, 26:2-3, Exodus 15:21, Here is where we must realize we cannot take a bible promise from one dispensation or covenant and try to place it in another time or covenant, or to another group of people this is unbiblical and is called Anachronizing we must read and apply scripture in context of proper biblical hermeneutics and in its literal sense. This period ended in Gods judgment with the nation of Israel in slavery under the oppressive Egyptians. The Dispensation of the Law: From the time of Sinai to Calvery, after God delivered Israel out of slavery and gave them the law or Ten Commandments, of which in reality consisted of 613 commandments? This law was given specifically to the Jews not us or others? it was a covenant (the Mosaic covenant) given to the Jews specifically to distinguish, separate, guide and keep them from the ungodly nations around them. This does not mean that the law is not applicable to us? For there were within it some inherent eternal principles that apply to all peoples and were established before the giving of the law, for instance thou “ shalt not murder” as commanded to the sons of Adam. The law ended when it was fulfilled in and by Jesus Christ, for the law was never intended to bring righteousness, “ for what the law could not do in that it was weak thru the flesh..” it was only meant to point out our weakness as humans and inability to measure up thus needing help from a greater source! the law was a school master ( Pedigagos ) meant to lead us to God. The law was somewhat temporal whereas Jesus is eternal. Yet their are principles inherent in the law which predated it and are still to be obeyed by all, and beneficial for all. Exodus 19, Matt 5:17-18, John 19: 30, Galatians 3:15-19, this time ended with judgment and the temple being destroyed the Jews scattered and temporal loss of their homeland, which was prophetically promised that one day they would return and retain their land back as a nation. (1948?) Jerusalem being their capital? for more information read these; Daniel, Ezekiel, Zechariah, Isaiah. The Dispensation of Grace: This began from the Day of Pentecost as found in book of Acts chapter two, and extends to the 2nd coming of Christ at the end of the Great Tribulation. The benefit and advantage of this Covenant of Grace as compared to that of the law is that we are no longer subject to the harsh requirements of the law as they pertain to salvation.“ ye are saved by grace not of works ”for by grace through faith you are saved & not of yourselves” We are now under grace but this does not mean that we are to live in sin for where sin abounds grace does much more abound! It is during this time era of Grace that the rapture (removal of the church) will take place at an unknown time prior to the tribulation and before the 2nd coming of Christ. (read) 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17, 11Thess. 2:1-7, The Dispensation of the Millennium: Here is where all the unfulfilled promises (covenants) of the bible to the Jews will be fulfilled after Jesus returns, the nations are judged, the beast and false prophet cast into the lake of fire, Satan bound 1000 years, and Jesus rules upon the throne on the earth for 1,000 years. This program is specifically for the Jewish nation but will include to some extent other peoples. Then we have what are called the Theological Covenants: 1.Adamic. 2. Edenic. 3. Noahic. 4.Abrahamic. 5. Mosaic 6. Deuteronomic. 7. Davidic. Some scripture is written in reference to and conditioned on these various covenants. So we must read and apply them in light of that. METHODS OF INTERPRETATION: 1. The Allegorical: denies the literal meaning of scripture for a hidden meaning not apparent on the surface. this method can lead to miss application/ miss interpretation if not used in its proper context or with restraint. 2. The Mystical: it also looks for a hidden meanings but with emphasis on the mystical or magical . 3. The Devotional: with emphasis on the edifying aspects of scripture looking for inspiration and encouragement. 4. The Rationalistic: trying to ration or reason the scriptures thru mans logic or reason? denies miracles, the literal meaning of interpretation and that the word is inspired of God. 5. The literal: gives the scripture the actual or literal meaning that is implied thru normal usage unless otherwise indicated. Some vital principles to consider in bible interpretation: 1. The first mention principle: looking at the full meaning of the first mention of a subject or event, and staying within that consistency. 2.The Double reference principle: when an event may be partially fulfill at one time and then again in greater detail at another time. For instance the spirit & presence of Anti-Christ as.. in Antochus Epiphanes. 3. The Ethnic Division principle: dealing with applying the word correctly to the 3 different groups of individuals addressed in scripture. For instance Jews, saints and sinners. 4.The progressive mention principle: sometimes the bible builds on a progressive basis, adding more and more detail with each mention of it. For instance Grace ultimate culmination in the person of Christ. 5. The Gap principle: where certain periods of time are ignored leaping over years or centuries without comment about that era. For instance Daniel’s 70 weeks.. 6. The type principle: where typology is used as a divinely appointed illustration of some truth, where one thing, institution or person actually represents or points to another. For instance our body as a temple or tabernacle wherein dwells Christ. Or Isaac as a type of Christ. The 6 types in scripture: (1) persons Joseph/ Isaac as a type of Christ (3) Offices (Priesthood/kingship) (5) actions (Judgement/Salvation) (2) institutions Church/Temple/Theocracy (4)events (Rapture/ 2nd coming) (6) things (Rock/water type of Jesus) 7. The parabolic principle where truth is revealed to some while concealed to others; A.. A parable is a comparison between the natural realm and the spiritual realm. B. every parable is designed to conceal and reveal one fundamental spiritual truth. C. It is essential that one determines whether a passage is a parable or a literal real event or story? D. All parables should be interpreted in light of their historical and cultural background including the manners, and customs. ( For those who wish to do a more in depth scholarly study thus more qualified exegesis. I recommend you do an Etymological word study and research in the time context of the verse’s in question, this is essential to correct application and interpretation. Word meanings change over time? ) 8. The literal principle: Where scripture is taken and interpreted literally unless otherwise expressed through typology, context, analogy or symbolism etc. But these are never to supercede the literal method. 1. The basis of salvation in every age is the death of Christ. “for as much as you know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold, from.. vain conversation received by traditions from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ..” 2. The requirement for salvation in every age is Faith “for without faith it is impossible to please God” 3. The object of faith is God. “have faith in God” “for who so ever shall call upon the name of the lord shall be saved..” 4. The content of faith ( or the way faith is expressed) changes in the various dispensations. thru the law, sacrifices, Grace etc. Prepared by : Rev. George R. Nava - 2170 e. Market St. Stockton, Ca. phone 209-46-59731 Addendum : Recommended Study Helps. (asterisk is a must) *Concordance: *New American Standard Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible with Greek and Hebrew. Another good concordance is Young’s. Bible Dictionary: Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary. Halley’s Bible Handbook. good for historical background knowledge. *Commentaries: Everyman’s bible Commentary series. Mathew Henry complete Bible Commentary. *William Barclay’s Commentaries.. good for Greek and historical background info. Study helps suggested Bible: King James version Thompson Chain Reference study bible. Greek helps: An expository Dictionary of New Testament Words. by W. E. Vine A Greek Hebrew lexicon: for more studious research and cognate word knowledge. *Thayer’s Greek/ Hebrew Lexicon or Kittel’s. Bible software. Bible explorer Epiphany Software: 888333.2425 *Quickverse Parson’s Technology: 319.395.0115 |