HERMENEUTICS #5
#1 = Interpret LITERALLY.
#2 = Understand the HISTORICAL-CULTURAL background.
#3 = Analyze the GRAMMATICAL structure.
The FOURTH major principle of sound hermeneutics goes by several different names. The reformers coined two Latin phrases to describe this principle -- "Scriptura scripturam interpretatur" and "Analogia Scriptura" . Some have called it the SYNTHESIS principle.
What does this mean? Even though the Bible was written over a period of 1500 years, by over 40 authors, it is still one unified revelation from God . This means that the Bible will NOT contradict itself. In practical terms, it means that if we derive an interpretation from a particular passage that is in conflict with another passage, then wecan be sure that one of the interpretations is wrong -- in fact, maybe both are!
The scripture will not contradict itself -- rather, it will interpret itself. For example, HEB. 11:6 states that without FAITH it is impossible to please God. Now -- how do we know what that passage means by the word FAITH? Well -- the Bible defines, describes, and illustrates FAITH again and again -- and, in fact, that very verse explains what it means. FAITH is nothing more -- and nothing less -- than believing God -- trusting what God has said.
Another implication of this principle is that we should derive our doctrine from the general tenor of the scripture, as put forth in the large number of passages that speak clearly about a topic, rather than turning to obscure or difficult passages for our understanding. We should be grateful that all the major doctrines are supported by a multitude of different passages. So the difficult or obscure passages should be interpreted in the light of the clear ones, and not vice versa.
For example, there are well over a hundred passages in the NT attesting to the fact that salvation is based on faith alone in Christ alone, with no other conditions whatsoever. So any passage that seems to be adding other conditions should be examined carefully, for the scripture will not contradict itself. It is a characteristic of cults and false teachers that they tend to derive doctrines from a small handful of obscure and difficult passages that they have interpreted apart from the analogy of scripture, and then they impose those questionable interpretations on the much larger number of much clearer passages, twisting the clear scriptures to make them appear to agree with the group's peculiar interpretation.
For example -- we have mentioned Bill Gothard in here occasionally. Gothard has committed this exact error with regard to the subject of circumcision. He has concluded, from his reading of certain OT passages written to OT Jews, that circumcision is a spiritual and moral duty for the NT Christian -- and then he imposes that view on the NT in DEFIANCE of the many NT passages that plainly teach the exact opposite.
If the Bible really is God's revelation to us, then it must remain internally self-consistent. The synthesis principle puts scripture together with scripture to arrive at a clear, consistent meaning. Beware of any teacher who makes too much out of his own peculiar interpretation of a passage that ignores the analogy of scripture, or who does not show the whole spectrum of passages concerning a particular topic.
Ezzo uses a lot of scripture references in his teaching, but if you will follow up on his references, you will find that, shockingly often, the passages cited are not really speaking about the topic at hand, or they are not saying what he SAYS they are saying. That is a clear warning sign that he is imposing his own views ON the scriptures, rather than deriving his ideas FROM the scriptures. A discerning Christian who understands the importance of the analogy of scripture would recognize this fallacy.
The synthesis principle is crucial in detecting false teachings, and in learning to gain an understanding of the overall meaning and purpose of God's revelation. I will say more about CONTEXT in a later post.
#1 = Interpret LITERALLY.
#2 = Understand the HISTORICAL-CULTURAL background.
#3 = Analyze the GRAMMATICAL structure.
#4 = Use SYNTHESIS .