The Need for a Method of Interpretation

If one is going to arrive at the correct message of the Bible, he must use a systematic plan or procedure in his study of it. He must have a method in his approach to Scripture. Lack of method can only result in a puzzling, chaotic application of the word. The one who rejects a methodic study of God’s word either has ulterior motives in his study or has been duped into thinking he can find truth without it.

Why People Prefer Not to Have a Method

1. Some are afraid of the truth. They are afraid of what it may expose in their lives or their teaching and practice.

2. Some claim to possess extra knowledge. They think they have special enlightenment that somehow overrides the Bible and its message.

3. Some think the Bible is not to be understood as other intelligent writings. They believe it is mystical in its teaching and, therefore, cannot be studied as other writings and disciplines.

4. Some think the Bible is some sort of riddle. They believe that it has no one real meaning. They think it can mean different things at different times. They subscribe to the notion that one opinion of its meaning is as good as another.

5. Some think the Bible is like a box of assorted chocolates. They believe one can go to the Bible and just pick out what he likes and leave what he does not like. This could also be called “The Smorgasbord Theory” because one can select only what he wants and, as usual at a smorgasbord, “overeat” on a few chosen items that he especially likes.

The Need for a Method

1. The Bible is a normal message and should be interpreted in the same manner as any book.
2. There is original thought in the message—the thoughts of God.
3. God has revealed that thought to man through the Scriptures.
4. This message is written in ordinary human language.
5. The word of God must be interpreted, i.e., its proper message must be derived.
6. The Bible must never be misinterpreted.
7. One must apply the same scientific principles to interpreting the Bible that he uses in his normal, intelligent communications with man.