STUDYING THE BIBLE TO DISCOVER THE TRUTH - THE FIVE ESSENTIALS
Bible study which has the aim of discovering THE TRUTH
of its saving doctrines depends on five clear, essential rules:
THE FIRST:
Interpret scripture language in its normal linguistic sense,
having regard to:
- Grammatical
construction
- Semantic content and
history
- Usage
- Figures of
speech
THE SECOND:
Adhere to the Bible’s inspired logic, ensuring that each
interpretive step is:
- Necessary
- Consecutive
- Free
from assumptions
THE THIRD:
Check the validity of your interpretations:
- By their agreement/disagreement with the
immediate, surrounding context
THE FORTH:
Check the validity of your interpretations:
- By their agreement/disagreement with the
relevant context of the whole Bible
THE FIFTH:
Apply each rule rigorously:
- So as to reinforce, not to cancel, the effect of
the other rules
