KNOW AND UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE

Is there a right way to read the Bible? What about the many interpretations that are out there to interpret the Bible? Nevertheless, the Bible can be interpreted in many different ways but the truth is, is it what God has revealed and therefore intended? Most of all, what God has revealed should be taken seriously and hand with care.

Most importantly, the Bible is perfect and without any error. When one deals with the content of the Bible they should consider who the author is. 

Firstly, we need to establish who the Bible is about and what is the central message?

Secondly, we use a simple approach to read and interpret the Bible correctly. This approach to interpreting the Bible is a faithful method to understand what God has revealed for eternal life and godliness.

Who is the Bible about? 

And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. Luke 24:27

Just after His resurrection, couple of His disciples listened to the greatest Bible study from the author Himself. Jesus interpreted the scriptures rightly to them, teaching how to read and understand the Bible. Amazingly, this was the Old Testament scriptures that Jesus taught them about Himself.

The ceremonial, judicial and moral law were about Jesus. Every story or system that were revealed in the Bible is pointing the reader to the Son of God. Therefore, all of Scripture is about the Person and work of Jesus Christ. The message of the Bible is the gospel of God’s Son. He came to save sinners and grant them eternal life.

Importantly, the Bible was inspired by a holy God and it’s without any error. This can be a reality when the reader search the scriptures as revealed by God. It’s important that Christians read and interpret the Bible correctly (John 5:39-40).

How to read and interpret the Bible accurately?

If the Bible is about God then it should be read theological. Theology is the study of God. As we read the Bible the focus should be His being, character, words and works. Three questions to consider or to use as a lens when reading the Bible theological. What does it say about God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit? What are they doing, or have done and will do in God’s world, His church and children.

Secondly, what does the passage shown about the fallen world. Thirdly, how does the passage guide one’s living? (ESV study Bible). Reading the Bible theologically puts God at the centre rather than man. So this is the foundation for a Bible reading but then there’s the technical part of rightly interpreting a passage of scripture.

"The grammatico-historical method, on the other hand, refers to studying the biblical text, or any other text, in its original historical context, and seeking the meaning it’s author(s) most likely intended for its original audience(s) or addresses based on the grammar and syntax" Craig L Blomberg, (Biblical Hermeneutics, page 27). The grammatico-historical method, is the standard rule to rightly handle scriptures.

Therefore, there’s a simple principle to interpret and understand a passage or verse correctly. Three Cs to consider, Core, Culture and Cross - reference. In regards to Core, the reader need to consider the central or the core message of the chapter and the book.

For example, Malachi 3:10; is often interpreted as a verse for Christian’s to give. However, the core message of the book of Malachi is God's judgment on Israel for their ongoing sin.

But then there's a promise of hope when they repent. Ultimately, the Messiah will be the fulfilment of God's covenant promises. If you put this core message of Malachi in line with Malachi 3:10, then it can be understood correctly. In truth, the Israelites were rebellious in that they were robbing God and need to repent. Hence, If you read from Malachi 3:1-16, you’ll see the bigger picture that was communicated to the nation of Israel.

Secondly, Culture, consider the cultural background or historical context. According to the verses, Israel has been rebellious and in verse five we see a list of their sinful behaviours. Occult practices, adultery, perjury, extortion and oppression. However, Tithing was part of sustaining the nation and Temple in an agricultural society.

Sadly, they were robbing their true King and in disobedience towards Him. But God through the Prophet Malachi called them to repentance before they are judged.

The question we should ask is this, is tithing a universal command or was it just for ancient Israel of the Bible? The answer is, it's definitely not a universal command to Christians but was for only ancient Israel.

Lastly, through Cross-reference, a Bible verse can be examined to determine any inconsistencies to a particular biblical teaching with other Bible verses. If it contradicts then there’s a problem. For instance, there's no corresponding scripture in the New Testament for Christians to tithe. All the New Testament verses are descriptive of tithing and not prescriptive (Matthew 23:23, Hebrews 7:4-10).

In conclusion of the three Cs principle from Malachi 3:10, it is clear that tithing was for the nation of Israel with the old covenant. However, the lesson for new covenant believers is obedience to God’s commands and specifically that of faithful generosity. However, the New Testament corresponding verses are (2 Corinthians 8:1-24, 9:1-15). 

In addition, the Bible is a complex book but also easy if the rules of interpretation are applied correctly. Most importantly, there are generally two types of passages, Descriptive and Prescriptive. Descriptive verses are describing something that have happened and are normally historical narratives.

Therefore, in historical narratives there are lessons to be learned and applied appropriately. In the case of prescriptive books or verses, they consist of teachings or doctrines that needs to be understood and obeyed.

They are often commands from God to be obeyed. They are mainly didactic books such as New Testament letters. Evidently, the New Testament has historical narratives such as the four gospel accounts of Jesus. Also, the epistles from the Apostles are prescriptive books that revealed doctrines of Christ. For instance, if a descriptive text is interpreted as prescriptive it leads to all sorts of errors. Sadly, it's like taking a medication a doctor never prescribed for you.

Most importantly, historical narratives can have prescriptive verses, whilst didactic books can sometimes describe things. Be careful with metaphors and words. Don’t allegorise parables and historical narratives. Proverbial saying don’t carry the same weight as a moral absolute. Proverbs are wisdom for daily living and to be applied to a specific situation. Whilst moral commands are to be obeyed. 

Why you should read and interpret the Bible correctly?

Firstly, wrong interpretations, put heavy burdens and often destroy a person's life. Also, it misrepresents God and His Word. For example, tithing has been a burden on many professing Christians and a tool many ministries used to manipulate people. This teaching is a blatant misinterpretation of an old covenant passage.

However, the New Testament encourages radical generosity from a cheerful heart (2 Corinthians 8-9). Do not blindly follow and believe just any person. They are fallible, especially the countless warnings in the Bible against false teachings ( Matthew 16:11-12, 2 Timothy 4:3-4). Be discerning like the Bereans (Acts 17:11). 

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. John 17:17 ESV 

Secondly, It’s only the truth that can grant salvation and spiritual growth. Right understanding leads to right worship and living. Ultimately, God demand that we know his word for our spiritual growth ( 2 Peter 3:17-18). The Word of God should be our desire as it deepens our love and affections for God (Psalm 119).

Knowledge and understanding of God’s Word transforms a person’s life. Amazingly, the person will discover the beauty and perfection of the Bible and Jesus Christ. Jesus will truly be the centre and foundation of your theology rather than yourself. Finally God will get the glory and you will receive joy.