Bible "study" Rules!

[GRACE ambassador]

Grace And Peace, Precious friend(s). For your Encouragement and help:

Bible “study” Rules :

(1) “Let All things be done Decently and In Order!”

(1 Corinthians 14:40 AV)​

(2) Study All Scripture Rightly Divided! :

“Study to shew thyself Approved unto God, a workman that​

needeth not to be ashamed, Rightly Dividing The Word Of Truth!”​

(2 Timothy 2:15 AV)​

(3) Never Ever add to, Or take away From, God’s Pure And Holy Word!

Keep everything in Context - immediate, chapter, book, Whole Bible!​

{ Including "God's Contexts!," [ Prophecy ] Rightly Divided from [ MYSTERY! ] }​

(Deuteronomy 4:2, 12:32; Proverbs 30:5-6; Revelation 22:18,19 AV)​

(4) Be noble students:

“These ( in Berea ) were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in​

that they received The Word with all readiness of mind, and​

searched The Scriptures daily, Whether Those Things Were So!”​

(Acts 17:11 AV)​

(5) Build Sound Doctrine, God’s Way! :

(a) "For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept;​

line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:"​

(Isaiah 28:10, 13 AV)​

(b) Find All Related Scriptures For A Specific doctrine! :​

”All Scripture Is Given By Inspiration Of God, And Is Profitable For Doctrine,​

for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness : that the man of​

God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto ALL good works!”​

(2 Timothy 3:16-17 AV)​

​

(c) Compare All Related Scriptures to learn and know a​

Specific doctrine! :​

“Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s​

wisdom teacheth, but Which The Holy Ghost Teacheth;​

comparing spiritual things with spiritual!”​

(1 Corinthians 2:13 AV)​

{ Comparing Scripture With Scripture! }​

“Simplicity” in Christ! (2 Corinthians 11:3 AV) Amen?

(6) The Best "Interpretive" Commentary On The Bible Is :

The BIBLE Itself!​

Never ever interpret The Many Plain Scriptures by the
"few" difficult verses, But, Always Always Interpret the
few Obscure/Difficult/Dubious verses By All Of The Many
Plain and Clear Passages Of God’s Pure And Holy Word!
+
One Final Excellent Rule for Knowledgeable Bible study! :

(7) In order to Honor The Father And The SON (John 5:22-23 AV),

in Preparation For Judgment, Always keep {Uppermost} in mind:​

”Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do,​

do All to The Glory Of God!” (1 Corinthians 10:31 AV)​

-------------------------------
And then we All, who are "Called Into Fellowship With
God's SON, The Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 1:9 AV),
And,

"Endeavouring For The Unity Of God's Spirit In The Bond Of​

Peace!..." (Ephesians 4:3 AV), can obey God's Exhortations! :​

”...speak...the things which become Sound Doctrine!”​

(Titus 2:1 cp "same mind And judgment!" 1 Corinthians_1:10 AV)​

Amen?

Would the Results of following All of God’s Rules Above Be:

“That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in​

love, and unto all Riches of the Full Assurance Of Understanding,​

to the acknowledgement of The Mystery Of God, and of the Father,​

and of Christ!” (Colossians 2:2 AV)?​

---------------------

Precious friend(s), Please:

Please Be Very Richly Encouraged, Enlightened, Exhorted, And Edified In
The Lord Jesus Christ, And In His Word Of Truth, Rightly
Divided! (+ I and II!)

Grace, Peace, And JOY!

 

[Mayflower]

My youversion stuff may be better under devotionals

Oh! But fuess there really isnt one of those on here, so it is Bible study too.

 

[GRACE ambassador]

Thank you, Mayflower, Precious friend, see you
In God's Great GloryLand!! ♫ :) ↑

 

[WalterandDebbie]

Grace And Peace, Precious friend(s). For your Encouragement and help:

Bible “study” Rules :

(1) “Let ALL things be done Decently and In Order!”
(1_Corinthians_14:40 KJB!)

(2) Study ALL Scripture Rightly Divided! :

“Study to shew thyself Approved unto God, a workman that
needeth not to be ashamed, Rightly Dividing The Word Of Truth!”
(2_Timothy_2:15 KJB!)

(3) Never Ever add to, Or take away From, God’s PURE And Holy Word!
{ Including "God's Contexts!," [Prophecy] Rightly Divided from [MYSTERY!] }
(Deuteronomy_4:2, 12:32; Proverbs_30:5-6; Revelation_22:18,19 KJB!)

(4) Be noble students :

“These (in Berea) were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in
that they received The Word with all readiness of mind, and
searched The Scriptures daily, Whether Those Things Were So!”
(Acts_17:11 KJB!)

(5) Build Sound Doctrine, God’s Way! :

(5a) "For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept;
line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:"
(Isaiah_28:10, 13 KJB!)

(5b) Find ALL Related Scriptures For A Specific doctrine! :

”ALL Scripture Is Given By Inspiration Of God, And Is
Profitable For Doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness : that the man of God may
be perfect, throughly furnished unto ALL good works!”
(2_Timothy_3:16-17 KJB!)

(5c) Compare ALL Related Scriptures to learn and know a
Specific doctrine! :

“Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s
wisdom teacheth, but Which The Holy Ghost Teacheth;
comparing spiritual things with spiritual!”
(1_Corinthians_2:13 KJB!)
{Comparing Scripture With Scripture!}

“Simplicity” in CHRIST! (2_Corinthians_11:3 KJB!) Amen?

(6) The Best "Interpretive" Commentary On The Bible Is :
The BIBLE Itself!

NEVER ever interpret The Many Plain Scriptures
by the "few" difficult verses, But, ALWAYS Always
Interpret the few Obscure/Difficult/Dubious verses
By ALL Of The MANY Plain and Clear Passages Of
God’s Pure And Holy Word!
+
ONE Final Excellent Rule for Knowledgeable Bible study! :

(7) In order to Honor The Father And The SON (John_5:22-23 KJB!),
in Preparation For Judgment, Always keep {Uppermost} in mind:

”Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do,
do ALL to The Glory Of God!” (1_Corinthians_10:31 KJB!)
-------------------------------
And then we ALL, who are "Called Into Fellowship With
God's SON, The LORD JESUS CHRIST" (1_Corinthians_1:9 KJB!),
And,

"Endeavouring For The Unity Of God's Spirit In The Bond Of
PEACE!..." (Ephesians_4:3 KJB!), can obey God's Exhortations! :

”...speak...the things which become Sound Doctrine!”
(Titus_2:1 cp "SAME mind And judgment!" 1_Corinthians_1:10 KJB!)
Amen?

Would the Results of following All of God’s Rules Above Be:

“That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in
love, and unto all Riches of the Full Assurance Of Understanding,
to the acknowledgement of The Mystery Of God, and of the Father,
and of CHRIST!” (Colossians_2:2 KJB!)?
---------------------

Precious friend(s), Please:

Be Very RICHLY Encouraged, Enlightened, Exhorted, and Edified
In The LORD JESUS CHRIST, And, His Word Of Truth, Rightly
Divided! (2 Timothy 2:15)

Interesting.

Love, Walter

 

[Robert Gwin]

Grace And Peace, Precious friend(s). For your Encouragement and help:

Bible “study” Rules :

(1) “Let ALL things be done Decently and In Order!”
(1_Corinthians_14:40 KJB!)

(2) Study ALL Scripture Rightly Divided! :

“Study to shew thyself Approved unto God, a workman that
needeth not to be ashamed, Rightly Dividing The Word Of Truth!”
(2_Timothy_2:15 KJB!)

(3) Never Ever add to, Or take away From, God’s PURE And Holy Word!
{ Including "God's Contexts!," [Prophecy] Rightly Divided from [MYSTERY!] }
(Deuteronomy_4:2, 12:32; Proverbs_30:5-6; Revelation_22:18,19 KJB!)

(4) Be noble students :

“These (in Berea) were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in
that they received The Word with all readiness of mind, and
searched The Scriptures daily, Whether Those Things Were So!”
(Acts_17:11 KJB!)

(5) Build Sound Doctrine, God’s Way! :

(5a) "For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept;
line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:"
(Isaiah_28:10, 13 KJB!)

(5b) Find ALL Related Scriptures For A Specific doctrine! :

”ALL Scripture Is Given By Inspiration Of God, And Is
Profitable For Doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness : that the man of God may
be perfect, throughly furnished unto ALL good works!”
(2_Timothy_3:16-17 KJB!)

(5c) Compare ALL Related Scriptures to learn and know a
Specific doctrine! :

“Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s
wisdom teacheth, but Which The Holy Ghost Teacheth;
comparing spiritual things with spiritual!”
(1_Corinthians_2:13 KJB!)
{Comparing Scripture With Scripture!}

“Simplicity” in CHRIST! (2_Corinthians_11:3 KJB!) Amen?

(6) The Best "Interpretive" Commentary On The Bible Is :
The BIBLE Itself!

NEVER ever interpret The Many Plain Scriptures
by the "few" difficult verses, But, ALWAYS Always
Interpret the few Obscure/Difficult/Dubious verses
By ALL Of The MANY Plain and Clear Passages Of
God’s Pure And Holy Word!
+
ONE Final Excellent Rule for Knowledgeable Bible study! :

(7) In order to Honor The Father And The SON (John_5:22-23 KJB!),
in Preparation For Judgment, Always keep {Uppermost} in mind:

”Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do,
do ALL to The Glory Of God!” (1_Corinthians_10:31 KJB!)
-------------------------------
And then we ALL, who are "Called Into Fellowship With
God's SON, The LORD JESUS CHRIST" (1_Corinthians_1:9 KJB!),
And,

"Endeavouring For The Unity Of God's Spirit In The Bond Of
PEACE!..." (Ephesians_4:3 KJB!), can obey God's Exhortations! :

”...speak...the things which become Sound Doctrine!”
(Titus_2:1 cp "SAME mind And judgment!" 1_Corinthians_1:10 KJB!)
Amen?

Would the Results of following All of God’s Rules Above Be:

“That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in
love, and unto all Riches of the Full Assurance Of Understanding,
to the acknowledgement of The Mystery Of God, and of the Father,
and of CHRIST!” (Colossians_2:2 KJB!)?
---------------------

Precious friend(s), Please:

Be Very RICHLY Encouraged, Enlightened, Exhorted, and Edified
In The LORD JESUS CHRIST, And, His Word Of Truth, Rightly
Divided! (2 Timothy 2:15)

Good post Grace. Jehovah has always educated His people, and expect them to educate their children as well. Today in these last days He has given us the faithful slave to feed us, and we go to His house to receive that education, so we can walk in His paths. Mat 24:45-47; Isa 2:2,3

So Bible study is very critical, may I ask what is one of the first things you share with others when speaking about God sir?

 

[grafted branch]

Grace And Peace, Precious friend(s). For your Encouragement and help:

Bible “study” Rules :

(1) “Let All things be done Decently and In Order!”

(1 Corinthians 14:40 AV)​

(2) Study All Scripture Rightly Divided! :

“Study to shew thyself Approved unto God, a workman that​

needeth not to be ashamed, Rightly Dividing The Word Of Truth!”​

(2 Timothy 2:15 AV)​

(3) Never Ever add to, Or take away From, God’s Pure And Holy Word!

Keep everything in Context - immediate, chapter, book, Whole Bible!​

{ Including "God's Contexts!," [ Prophecy ] Rightly Divided from [ MYSTERY! ] }​

(Deuteronomy 4:2, 12:32; Proverbs 30:5-6; Revelation 22:18,19 AV)​

(4) Be noble students:

“These ( in Berea ) were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in​

that they received The Word with all readiness of mind, and​

searched The Scriptures daily, Whether Those Things Were So!”​

(Acts 17:11 AV)​

(5) Build Sound Doctrine, God’s Way! :

(a) "For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept;​

line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:"​

(Isaiah 28:10, 13 AV)​

(b) Find All Related Scriptures For A Specific doctrine! :​

”All Scripture Is Given By Inspiration Of God, And Is Profitable For Doctrine,​

for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness : that the man of​

God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto ALL good works!”​

(2 Timothy 3:16-17 AV)​

​

(c) Compare All Related Scriptures to learn and know a​

Specific doctrine! :​

“Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s​

wisdom teacheth, but Which The Holy Ghost Teacheth;​

comparing spiritual things with spiritual!”​

(1 Corinthians 2:13 AV)​

{ Comparing Scripture With Scripture! }​

“Simplicity” in Christ! (2 Corinthians 11:3 AV) Amen?

(6) The Best "Interpretive" Commentary On The Bible Is :

The BIBLE Itself!​

Never ever interpret The Many Plain Scriptures by the
"few" difficult verses, But, Always Always Interpret the
few Obscure/Difficult/Dubious verses By All Of The Many
Plain and Clear Passages Of God’s Pure And Holy Word!
+
One Final Excellent Rule for Knowledgeable Bible study! :

(7) In order to Honor The Father And The SON (John 5:22-23 AV),

in Preparation For Judgment, Always keep {Uppermost} in mind:​

”Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do,​

do All to The Glory Of God!” (1 Corinthians 10:31 AV)​

-------------------------------
And then we All, who are "Called Into Fellowship With
God's SON, The Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 1:9 AV),
And,

"Endeavouring For The Unity Of God's Spirit In The Bond Of​

Peace!..." (Ephesians 4:3 AV), can obey God's Exhortations! :​

”...speak...the things which become Sound Doctrine!”​

(Titus 2:1 cp "same mind And judgment!" 1 Corinthians_1:10 AV)​

Amen?

Would the Results of following All of God’s Rules Above Be:

“That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in​

love, and unto all Riches of the Full Assurance Of Understanding,​

to the acknowledgement of The Mystery Of God, and of the Father,​

and of Christ!” (Colossians 2:2 AV)?​

---------------------

Precious friend(s), Please:

Please Be Very Richly Encouraged, Enlightened, Exhorted, And Edified In
The Lord Jesus Christ, And In His Word Of Truth, Rightly
Divided! (+ I and II!)

Grace, Peace, And JOY!

I saw you linked this post on the eschatology forum and would like to get your opinion. I agree with your assessment of Bible study rules but I don’t see anything on how to determine if something is fulfilled or not, which is often debated when discussing eschatology.

One reference that shows how to determine if something is fulfilled is found in Matthew 11:3. Here, John the Baptist sent two of his disciples to ask Jesus if he was the one that should come or if they should look for another. In vs 4 Jesus says to show John again the things you hear and see. So based on this example it seems we should examine our historical records and documents to see if an event that was seen and heard qualifies as a fulfillment. The writings of Josephus are often brought up and debated as to whether they should be used when studying eschatology.

One of the Bible study rules is not to add to scripture, meaning the canon is complete, which I completely agree with. But, we need to look at secular records and documents and compare them to scripture to determine if a prophesied event has been fulfilled. That is an event that was prophesied to occur after the canon was completed.

What would the Bible study rules be for determining if something is fulfilled or not?

 

[GRACE ambassador]

What would the Bible study rules be for determining if something is fulfilled or not?

Precious friend @grafted branch, thank you for the great question. imho, I believe the
Following Scriptures Are Why I do not have a 'rule' for determining "fulfillment":

1) God's Instruction For The Body Of Christ { Grace } In His "Revelation Of The Mystery":

"...we walk by faith, not by sight..." (2 Corinthians 5:7​

cp Philippians 3:20; Colossians 3:1-3; Titus 2:13 AV)​

Rightly Divided (2 Timothy 2:15 AV) From “Things That Differ!" (BBS)

2) In God's Prophetic Program ( Covenants / Law ) For Israel?:

"And said unto Him, Art Thou He that should come, or do we look for another?​

Jesus Answered and Said unto them, Go and shew John again those things​

which ye do hear and see:" (Matthew 11:3-4 AV)​

​

Thus, should the question now be: "Which way should we walk" Today, Under Grace?:

"By faith" In God's Preserved Word, or by:

Hearing and seeing { searching man's fallible documents/writings? } to "determine if prophecy is fulfilled"?

Precious friend, what think ye? And, thanks / appreciation for this kind and humble interesting discussion...

-------------
And, precious friend(s), Please Be Very Richly Encouraged and Edified
In The Lord Jesus Christ and In His Precious Word Of Truth, Rightly
Divided:

The Bible: The BIG Picture

Amen.

 

[ScottA]

Grace And Peace, Precious friend(s). For your Encouragement and help:

Bible “study” Rules :

(1) “Let All things be done Decently and In Order!”

(1 Corinthians 14:40 AV)​

(2) Study All Scripture Rightly Divided! :

“Study to shew thyself Approved unto God, a workman that​

needeth not to be ashamed, Rightly Dividing The Word Of Truth!”​

(2 Timothy 2:15 AV)​

(3) Never Ever add to, Or take away From, God’s Pure And Holy Word!

Keep everything in Context - immediate, chapter, book, Whole Bible!​

{ Including "God's Contexts!," [ Prophecy ] Rightly Divided from [ MYSTERY! ] }​

(Deuteronomy 4:2, 12:32; Proverbs 30:5-6; Revelation 22:18,19 AV)​

(4) Be noble students:

“These ( in Berea ) were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in​

that they received The Word with all readiness of mind, and​

searched The Scriptures daily, Whether Those Things Were So!”​

(Acts 17:11 AV)​

(5) Build Sound Doctrine, God’s Way! :

(a) "For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept;​

line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:"​

(Isaiah 28:10, 13 AV)​

(b) Find All Related Scriptures For A Specific doctrine! :​

”All Scripture Is Given By Inspiration Of God, And Is Profitable For Doctrine,​

for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness : that the man of​

God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto ALL good works!”​

(2 Timothy 3:16-17 AV)​

​

(c) Compare All Related Scriptures to learn and know a​

Specific doctrine! :​

“Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s​

wisdom teacheth, but Which The Holy Ghost Teacheth;​

comparing spiritual things with spiritual!”​

(1 Corinthians 2:13 AV)​

{ Comparing Scripture With Scripture! }​

“Simplicity” in Christ! (2 Corinthians 11:3 AV) Amen?

(6) The Best "Interpretive" Commentary On The Bible Is :

The BIBLE Itself!​

Never ever interpret The Many Plain Scriptures by the
"few" difficult verses, But, Always Always Interpret the
few Obscure/Difficult/Dubious verses By All Of The Many
Plain and Clear Passages Of God’s Pure And Holy Word!
+
One Final Excellent Rule for Knowledgeable Bible study! :

(7) In order to Honor The Father And The SON (John 5:22-23 AV),

in Preparation For Judgment, Always keep {Uppermost} in mind:​

”Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do,​

do All to The Glory Of God!” (1 Corinthians 10:31 AV)​

-------------------------------
And then we All, who are "Called Into Fellowship With
God's SON, The Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 1:9 AV),
And,

"Endeavouring For The Unity Of God's Spirit In The Bond Of​

Peace!..." (Ephesians 4:3 AV), can obey God's Exhortations! :​

”...speak...the things which become Sound Doctrine!”​

(Titus 2:1 cp "same mind And judgment!" 1 Corinthians_1:10 AV)​

Amen?

Would the Results of following All of God’s Rules Above Be:

“That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in​

love, and unto all Riches of the Full Assurance Of Understanding,​

to the acknowledgement of The Mystery Of God, and of the Father,​

and of Christ!” (Colossians 2:2 AV)?​

---------------------

Precious friend(s), Please:

Please Be Very Richly Encouraged, Enlightened, Exhorted, And Edified In
The Lord Jesus Christ, And In His Word Of Truth, Rightly
Divided! (+ I and II!)

Grace, Peace, And JOY!

Great job, except #3 regarding context...which lacks honor for the Son (#7).

Context should be considered God's alone, to do as He wills. Which He has done, and this too is written.

I am sure there are many others, but two good examples are 1) Jesus claiming context for Himself from the Psalms out of the context of David's real and actual words of his own suffering. In this case, the common rule of context was broken by God, as prophecy.

And 2), Paul, who's authority was only then being established, plucked "by the mouth of two or three witnesses, shall every word be established" claiming those words--not even by two or three different witnesses--made his own two or three visits to the Corinthians authorative.

It should even be considered that the first context was not even mostimportant, but was merely arranged by God that way to confirm the latter context. In each case, we should be asking (as Jesus sometimes did), "Which is greater" the former or the latter context?

 

[grafted branch]

Precious friend, what think ye? And, thanks / appreciation for this kind and humble interesting discussion...

Well, let’s take a look at a verse such as Matthew 24:33, So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. If these “things” are physical events that are to be physically seen then compared to scripture, then we aren’t comparing scripture with scripture to come to the knowledge of when “it” is near. We might be looking at a secular news channel to get information.

We could say this verse means when all these “things” are seen in a spiritual sense then a person will know “it” is near. We can then interpret scripture with scripture only and assign spiritual meaning to all the various “things” that Matthew 24:33 is referring back to in the previous verses. We could then claim that no extra Biblical sources of information are needed to know when “it” is near.

All the commentaries I’ve looked at place the “it” as the future coming of Christ and or His kingdom.

Now, if scripture only is the method of interpretation we use then we would have to conclude that the second coming was just as near in the second century as it is today. The Bible itself doesn’t change so once a person sees the Matthew 24:33 “things” they know “it” is near, whether that person was living in the second century or today. If we continued down this method of interpretation then the word “near” doesn’t relate to time as we know it, which would mean those who think the second coming is near time-wise are incorrect.

Personally I would say it’s very difficult to maintain the position of scripture only being used to interpret scripture when it comes to fulfillment because a person has to continually spiritualize everything. But for doctrine, which is a totally different subject, I think it’s essential to use scripture only and not use secular information.

Ok, that’s my two cents.

 

[ScottA]

Well, let’s take a look at a verse such as Matthew 24:33, So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. If these “things” are physical events that are to be physically seen then compared to scripture, then we aren’t comparing scripture with scripture to come to the knowledge of when “it” is near. We might be looking at a secular news channel to get information.

We could say this verse means when all these “things” are seen in a spiritual sense then a person will know “it” is near. We can then interpret scripture with scripture only and assign spiritual meaning to all the various “things” that Matthew 24:33 is referring back to in the previous verses. We could then claim that no extra Biblical sources of information are needed to know when “it” is near.

All the commentaries I’ve looked at place the “it” as the future coming of Christ and or His kingdom.

Now, if scripture only is the method of interpretation we use then we would have to conclude that the second coming was just as near in the second century as it is today. The Bible itself doesn’t change so once a person sees the Matthew 24:33 “things” they know “it” is near, whether that person was living in the second century or today. If we continued down this method of interpretation then the word “near” doesn’t relate to time as we know it, which would mean those who think the second coming is near time-wise are incorrect.

Personally I would say it’s very difficult to maintain the position of scripture only being used to interpret scripture when it comes to fulfillment because a person has to continually spiritualize everything. But for doctrine, which is a totally different subject, I think it’s essential to use scripture only and not use secular information.

Ok, that’s my two cents.

Bravo!

But don't be fearful of "over spiritualizing"--that should be considered an oxymoron, as God is spirit. To the contrary, Satan loves it when we insist on being "real" according to the ways of "this world."

 

[grafted branch]

Bravo!

But don't be fearful of "over spiritualizing"--that should be considered an oxymoron, as God is spirit. To the contrary, Satan loves it when we insist on being "real" according to the ways of "this world."

What are your thoughts on how to spiritualize scripture? I think a majority of the Bible can be spiritualized, types, antitypes, metaphors, figures and so on.

For example, Noah and the ark. I think most people would take that as a literal event that happened. Yet it is often seen as having a spiritual meaning of a transition from the Old Testament to the New Testament, God giving a way to escape judgment and the ark being a type of His Church or new covenant.

If I were to spiritualize incorrectly I might say Noah preached a new world order that was to come and the ark represents an underground bunker or compound where believers should live which is key to escaping our current world order.

It seems easy to find an incorrect spiritual meaning if we don’t have a correct understanding of the scriptures to begin with. Then the incorrect spiritualization can be used to justify the initial incorrect interpretation. Line upon line and precept upon precept, the same as we do with the truth.

Are there any Biblical rules for the spiritualizing of the scriptures?

 

[ScottA]

What are your thoughts on how to spiritualize scripture? I think a majority of the Bible can be spiritualized, types, antitypes, metaphors, figures and so on.

For example, Noah and the ark. I think most people would take that as a literal event that happened. Yet it is often seen as having a spiritual meaning of a transition from the Old Testament to the New Testament, God giving a way to escape judgment and the ark being a type of His Church or new covenant.

If I were to spiritualize incorrectly I might say Noah preached a new world order that was to come and the ark represents an underground bunker or compound where believers should live which is key to escaping our current world order.

It seems easy to find an incorrect spiritual meaning if we don’t have a correct understanding of the scriptures to begin with. Then the incorrect spiritualization can be used to justify the initial incorrect interpretation. Line upon line and precept upon precept, the same as we do with the truth.

Are there any Biblical rules for the spiritualizing of the scriptures?

Jesus said two things that sum it all up:

"The words that I speak to you are spirit..." John 6:63 and "We speak what We know..." John 3:11​

In other words (or to explain), since Jesus is the Word of God, every word of scripture is spirit--even the historic and chronicle accounts, etc. And those who the Holy Spirit actually speaks through speak the words of God in spirit; while the natural man, though he may have the Holy Spirit, if not appointed or sent, speaks not from God, but from his worldly understanding. For that is what each knows and has knowledge of. Meaning that all "speak what we know", but not all know from God what is actually true.

Incidentally, this is the very method by which Jesus said He would build His church: Not by what the natural man imagines or believes is true--"not" by "flesh and blood"--but only by what is given "to you, but My Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 16:17). This does present a problem however, because many only imagine that what they believe has come from the Father. However, the passage and prophecy of God pouring out His spirit upon all flesh--includes everyone ("all"), whether good or evil. Which then makes every claim like every thing else in the world (including the scriptures), as it can all be used or twisted to sound rational or believable. But God has His own methods, and has set before us all both "life and death, blessing and cursing" telling us to "choose life, that both you and our children may live"--but all do not choose rightly. For "many are called, but few are chosen", and thus many called only hear and speak what they want to hear and believe. Unfortunately.

So, we are told not to "believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God." Which doesn't work if "the light which is in you is not darkness", or if you are like the thief on the cross and must make a quick choice (which the other thief also was presented with and failed). Still, "A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps", so we can relax and have faith in God, not demanding to know everything, nor believing that we do. God still finishes what He started and His methods do not stop until the end--as He says, "For I am the Lord, I do not change..." We are yet, well in His faithful hands.

 

[GRACE ambassador]

Personally I would say it’s very difficult to maintain the position of scripture only being used to interpret scripture when it comes to fulfillment because a person has to continually spiritualize everything. But for doctrine, which is a totally different subject, I think it’s essential to use scripture only and not use secular information.

Ok, that’s my two cents.

Precious friend, appreciate your '2-cents' input. Although I have studied some and learned from "Prophetic"
Scriptures, I tend to stay away from the lengthy debates of those experts who disagree with each other
about "fulfillment today and in the future." I see a lot of speculation and guessing of dates and also of
"biting an devouring one another" about the differences they have. How sad.

imho, I believe God would have us, Today, In His Dispensation Of Grace, to be, as Paul puts it:

"Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of The ​

Mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful."​

(1 Corinthians 4:1-2 AV)​

​

Praying hopefully I am 'faithfully' obeying this:

"And to make all men see what is the fellowship of The Mystery, which from the​

beginning of the world hath been hid in God, Who created all things by Jesus Christ:"​

(Ephesians 3:9 AV)​

Thus I have a couple of studies you may be interested to see what this is about:

Kind of an introduction:
"Distinctions" of [ earthly ] Prophecy vs [ Heavenly ] MYSTERY
+
imho, I don't believe any of Israel's prophecies are coming to "pass today", Under Grace.
but I believe This From Paul, Will be End of This Dispensation at our pre-trib rapture To Heaven:

God's Great GRACE Departure!

After which, imho, I believe God Will Resume His [ Currently ''On Hold' ] Prophetic Program,
Where All The Rest Of Prophetic Scriptures Will Be Completed 100%!

---------
Precious friend @grafted branch, I pray that you will be Richly Encouraged
and Edified In Christ on your own "Grace journey" With Him. Amen.

Thanks again for this Great discussion...

 

[grafted branch]

Jesus said two things that sum it all up:

"The words that I speak to you are spirit..." John 6:63 and "We speak what We know..." John 3:11​

In other words (or to explain), since Jesus is the Word of God, every word of scripture is spirit--even the historic and chronicle accounts, etc. And those who the Holy Spirit actually speaks through speak the words of God in spirit; while the natural man, though he may have the Holy Spirit, if not appointed or sent, speaks not from God, but from his worldly understanding. For that is what each knows and has knowledge of. Meaning that all "speak what we know", but not all know from God what is actually true.

Incidentally, this is the very method by which Jesus said He would build His church: Not by what the natural man imagines or believes is true--"not" by "flesh and blood"--but only by what is given "to you, but My Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 16:17). This does present a problem however, because many only imagine that what they believe has come from the Father. However, the passage and prophecy of God pouring out His spirit upon all flesh--includes everyone ("all"), whether good or evil. Which then makes every claim like every thing else in the world (including the scriptures), as it can all be used or twisted to sound rational or believable. But God has His own methods, and has set before us all both "life and death, blessing and cursing" telling us to "choose life, that both you and our children may live"--but all do not choose rightly. For "many are called, but few are chosen", and thus many called only hear and speak what they want to hear and believe. Unfortunately.

So, we are told not to "believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God." Which doesn't work if "the light which is in you is not darkness", or if you are like the thief on the cross and must make a quick choice (which the other thief also was presented with and failed). Still, "A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps", so we can relax and have faith in God, not demanding to know everything, nor believing that we do. God still finishes what He started and His methods do not stop until the end--as He says, "For I am the Lord, I do not change..." We are yet, well in His faithful hands.

Ok, thanks for the response. I think basically what you’re saying is a correct interpretation of the Bible only comes from God and our ability to believe that correct interpretation only comes from God. Since there probably aren’t two believers that agree 100% on every verse and no true believer willingly believes something that isn’t true, it would seem this leads to a free will issue.

I don’t want to debate free will but wouldn’t a true believer’s will be to have the truth? I would say yes, but since there are differences between true believers on interpretations and Biblical beliefs we would have to conclude that free will by itself can’t be used to obtain truth, which makes me wonder if free will exists.

If there are two believers and they both use their free will to make the decision that they will only believe the truth, then they would agree on everything. Since there are no real-life examples of this, I would draw the conclusion that a person can’t make that kind of free will decision even though the will of every believer should be to have only the truth.

Ok, I guess I’m just thinking out loud and working through this but if you’re saying the truth only comes from God and we can’t always obtain or believe that truth, even when using our free will, then I would agree.

 

[Angelina]

This thread has been removed from the Bible Study forum and moved to the Theology forum. The reason:

Bible Study: A focused examination of a passage, chapter, book, or specific biblical subject, with Scripture as the primary focus of the discussion.

Theology: The interpretation of doctrine, principles of biblical interpretation, and how different passages are understood in relation to one another.

 

[ScottA]

Ok, thanks for the response. I think basically what you’re saying is a correct interpretation of the Bible only comes from God and our ability to believe that correct interpretation only comes from God. Since there probably aren’t two believers that agree 100% on every verse and no true believer willingly believes something that isn’t true, it would seem this leads to a free will issue.

I don’t want to debate free will but wouldn’t a true believer’s will be to have the truth? I would say yes, but since there are differences between true believers on interpretations and Biblical beliefs we would have to conclude that free will by itself can’t be used to obtain truth, which makes me wonder if free will exists.

If there are two believers and they both use their free will to make the decision that they will only believe the truth, then they would agree on everything. Since there are no real-life examples of this, I would draw the conclusion that a person can’t make that kind of free will decision even though the will of every believer should be to have only the truth.

Ok, I guess I’m just thinking out loud and working through this but if you’re saying the truth only comes from God and we can’t always obtain or believe that truth, even when using our free will, then I would agree.

Yes, even those with only part of what is true want to believe what is actually true. The problem then is that they only have 'part' and not "all truth", which in many cases is no better than a lie.

The issue then, is one of humility, where no one with only part of the information should take a stand beyond the part they know. But many extrapolate and form 'opinions' of conjecture and what they do not actually know but merely 'beleve' causing themselves and many to leave the path of truth set before us. The result of which is "strong delusion."

As for freewill--truth be known--freewill was "before the foundation of the world", before the world began. And this--this is that freewill being made manifest in real time--as it is written, the presenting of evidence before the Judgment.