Return to Basic DoctrinesChristadelphian Beliefs
A Methodology for Reading the Bible Effectively
1. Guiding Principles
Set out below is a methodology for reading the Bible effectively. The Bible is like no other book. We believe that it is, what it claims to be, namely a revelation direct from God. It is essential therefore that we come to it with the right attitude of mind, in faith seeking guidance, through the power of prayer, from God himself. We also believe that the Bible is "one" and that the old and new testaments are an integral part of a "whole".
2 Develop the right attitude of mind
We should approach the word of God with the right attitude of mind. It is the revelation of the mind of Almighty God and he has chosen his word to call out a people for his name.
"....but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word." (Isaiah 66:2)
"For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it to bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." (Isaiah 55 : 10 - 11) See also1 Peter 2:2.
3 Prayer essential before reading the word of God
We should ask God through prayer to open our hearts and minds so that we might understand his word.
"Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." (Ps 119 : 18)
4 Daily Reading of the Word of God
By the daily reading of the word of God we should develop and cultivate a working knowledge of it. This is important because there are many linkages and cross references between different passages of scripture which explain, interpret and enhance our understanding. Without knowledge of these links, cross references and parallel accounts we will not be able to bring the whole counsel of God to bear on any passage or matter we wish to enquire thereof.
5 Establish the Context.
Establishing the context to a passage of scripture under consideration is of vital importance. In other words, who is speaking? who is the audience? how do these events fit into the overall plan and purpose of God? is there a particular issue or problem which is being addressed? what are the particular circumstances prevailing at the time? are the customs, culture, values and practices relevant to our understanding of what is going on? Use the questions what? when? where? and why?
[Remember the Bible is essentially a book about the Jews and it is concerned with spiritual Israel's hope and aspirations which centre on (1) the Land promised for everlasting inheritance and (2) the Messiah or promised seed. This is illustrated by Philip the evangelist "who preached the things concerning (1) the kingdom of God and (2) the Name of Jesus Christ" see Acts of the Apostles Ch 8:12.]
6 Use of Parallel Accounts
Is there a parallel account? If so what additional information does it provide? Are there direct cross references? if so look them up and consider if relevant? There are a number of parallel accounts throughout scripture. These are given by God to provide further information.
7 Cross References and Quotes
Is a passage of scripture being quoted? If so why? Does it directly refer to the day in question - i.e. is it a prophecy fulfilled? or is it highlighting a scriptural principle? Go back to the scripture quoted and read it in its entirety. Does it have an immediate application in the day the prophet spoke those words? If so, is there a parallel and direct comparison to be made?
8 The Law of Moses - A School Master to bring us Unto Christ
Is the matter under discussion the subject of the Law of Moses as delivered by God - i.e. is it set out in one of the first five books of the Bible? If so, we need to understand that law and how it works in practice and what the spiritual principle is that underpins it. The Law of Moses no longer applies today as it has been replaced by the new covenant. Nevertheless the Law of Moses is a school master which should bring us unto Christ (see Galatians 3:24).
9 Let scripture interpret scripture.
Some of the most important passages in the Old Testament are explained in the New Testament. In other words the new testament provides a commentary on the old testament and gives us clear guidance as to their meaning. Remember "all scripture is given by inspiration of God" (II Tim 3:16)
10 Establishing fundamental doctrines and beliefs
All key doctrinal matters should be established by many simple, unequivocal passages of scriptures. An example would be "the wages of sin is death" (Rom 6: 23)
11 Do not add or subtract from the Word of God
Do not read into the word of God additional information as a result of "received wisdom" or due to our own preconceived ideas or due to literary traditions. Likewise do not subtract from the word of God. The Western European cultural values are very different from Jewish cultural values. The Word of God is essentially a Jewish book. Those who are being saved are of spiritual Israel. We Gentiles have been grafted into the "good olive" tree which is essentially Jewish (i.e. the root and stock is made up of Abraham and David - see Romans Ch 11). If we mix these cultural values we can expect to get the wrong meaning and understanding.
"To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. " (Isaiah 8 : 20)
12 Literal or Symbolic?
Is the passage of scripture speaking of literal things or is it symbolic/ figurative? It is essential to discern correctly between the two.
13 Etymology
Give particular attention to the definition of words, especially key words used frequently throughout the word of God.
14 Types and Shadows
Scripture makes use of "types" and "anti-types". Their scope and meaning are very precise and defined by scripture. An example of a "type" is the priest and king Melchizedek of Genesis Ch 14. This is established as a type by Psalm 110. The "anti-type" is Christ as explained in the epistle to the Hebrews Chapters 5, 6 and 7. In other words Melchizedek, and the way he was presented in scripture has become prophetic of Christ. The point to note however is that scripture itself establishes this position.
15 Parts of Speech and Shadows
Scripture also uses other parts of speech, including "shadows". The latter are like types and anti-types but have not been defined as such. Examples abound in the Old Testament. They include the following which have all been taken from the prophet Jeremiah to illustrate the point:
Aspect of Jeremiah's Life that were prophetic through "shadow" of Jesus Christ:
|
Experiences Shared by Jesus and Jeremiah |
|
Christ |
|
Known of God before birth |
|
|
|
A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief |
|
|
|
Commenced ministry 40 years before the temple was destroyed and proclaimed it a den of thieves |
|
Mark 11:17 |
|
Predicted the temple's destruction |
|
|
|
God's word was in his mouth |
|
|
|
Bore the reproach of men |
|
|
|
Yet under Divine protection |
|
|
|
Travelled through Judah, proclaimed the message, condemned religious leaders, and taught a new covenant |
|
|
|
Was disclaimed by false prophets |
|
|
|
Described himself as a lamb |
|
|
|
Called the people to repentance |
|
|
|
Was hated by his own countrymen |
|
|
|
Mocked |
|
|
|
Scourged by chief priests |
|
|
|
Rejected by his family |
|
|
|
Spoke of Jerusalem's destruction |
|
|
|
Weeps for them |
|
|
|
Warned people to flee the City of Jerusalem |
|
|
|
Predicted City's coming glory |
|
|
|
The leaders try to find fault in him |
|
|
|
Given into the hands of people |
|
|
|
Condemned to die by prophets, priests and people |
|
|
|
But found to be not worthy of death |
|
|
|
Suffered a symbolic death and resurrection |
|
|
|
Trusted that Yahweh would save him |
|
|
The sufferings and experiences of Jeremiah taught him of the future life and sufferings of Christ. They were recorded in such a way as to be prophetic in "shadow" of the experiences of Jesus. The Apostle Peter explains it this way:
"Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: searching what, or what manner of time the spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow." (1Peter 1: 10 - 11)
16 Bible Echoes
Look out for bible echoes. These are indirect comparisons and allusions which are useful to highlight certain principles and their effects.
17 Difficult Passages of Scripture
Strategies for dealing with difficult passages should include the following approaches: