Hermeneutics refers to the study of how to interpret the Bible. This is a vital topic because it involves learning how to properly handle the Scriptures that have been given to us by God. Paul spoke of how important this is when he wrote to Timothy:
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
In that verse, the apostle explained that it requires effort to learn how to handle God’s word accurately. Handling it accurately necessarily requires us to interpret it properly.
However, many believe that we can interpret the Bible however we please, and that no one can say that one person’s interpretation is to be preferred over another. Others may recognize the necessity of interpreting the Bible accurately but do not understand the proper approach for doing so. As a result, there are widely different interpretations of the Bible, even on seemingly plain passages.
The Lord expects us to understand His word. Paul wrote, “By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ” (Ephesians 3:4). By saying they would “understand,” he did not mean that he would understand the will of God one way and they might hold to conflicting opinions about it. Instead, they could have the same “insight” as the apostle.
Paul explained to the Corinthians that they could have unity based on a common understanding of the will of God: “Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10). In fact, this was Jesus’ prayer before He was crucified:
“I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me” (John 17:20-21).
In order to have the type of unity that Jesus prayed for, we need to have a proper understanding of hermeneutics so we can accurately interpret the Scriptures He has given us.
So as we begin this series, let us approach the word of God with an open mind, seek a common understanding, and draw the conclusions that God intended when He revealed His word to us.
The following is a list of the articles that will be included in this series:
- The Need for Authority
- How Authority Is Established
- Generic and Specific Authority
- The Silence of the Scriptures
- The New Testament Pattern
- What Has Been Bound and Loosed
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