Over the years many Christians have claimed they find
biblical interpretation to come rather easy, after all, Jesus did say he would send a Helper who would teach us all things (John 14:26). But when we apply hermeneutics (fancy word for Biblical Interpretation) and dive a little deeper we find that this verse is to a particular people for a particular purpose.
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But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
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This particular passage speaks to the twelve disciples who would soon become Apostles. The key word here is "rememberance". If we as Christians have the Holy Spirit residing in us, how will He bring to rememberance
"all that I have said" if we have not yet read a certain book, chapter or verse in the Bible?
One example you will learn about in our
introductory video of Biblical Interpretation is that of Matthew 5:13-16. Some may argue that the verse affirms you can lose salvation. However when we understand that salt in itself can never cease from being salt, it can only be mixed with other minerals to lose its effectiveness. We then understand the passage in like manner that the Christian who is "polluted" by the world can lose their effectiveness in both testimony and ministry. This is a call to be set apart from the world, and not to be conformed (Romans 12:2).
A common misunderstanding of the Holy Spirit is that He teaches us directly without any need for any level of training. While it is true, formal scholastic training is not required, we must still be taught how to rightly divide the scriptures. If the Holy Spirit's duty was to teach us directly and personally, there would be no need of the spiritual gift of teaching (Romans 12:7; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Eph. 4:12).
What we find in scripture is that the Holy Spirit does in fact teach us, but He does so through the faithful men and women with the gift of teaching.
The
textbook we use for the CC412
Biblical Interpretation course gives a great example:
"The need for such principles becomes more obvious when one is in an unfamiliar domain - such as a lecture on astrophysics or with a highly technical legal document. Terms, allusions, and concepts are strange and perhaps incomprehensible".
We can't properly understand astrophysics without learning the science, we can't understand how to build a car without first learning the mechanics of each part involved. Likewise, we can't fully understand scripture without first understanding more of its historical, cultural and contextual purpose.
Biblical Interpretation is essential for an accurate interpretation of the Bible. We must practice correct principles and methods of interpretation if we are to rightly understand the Word of God.
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Preserving Original Intent: The Bible was written thousands of years ago in different languages and cultural contexts. Biblical hermeneutics ensures that we interpret texts in light of their original meaning and purpose, preserving the integrity of God's message to humanity.
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Avoiding Misinterpretation: Without a proper understanding of hermeneutical principles, biblical texts can be misinterpreted or distorted. Hermeneutics provides guidelines that help readers avoid imposing modern biases or preconceived notions onto ancient texts.
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Promoting Contextual Understanding: Every passage in the Bible is embedded within a specific historical and cultural context. Hermeneutics equips readers to grasp these contexts, enhancing their understanding of the Bible's teachings and narratives.
Biblical hermeneutics is not just an academic pursuit but a vital skill for anyone who desires to understand and apply the Bible's teachings accurately and responsibly. It serves as a bridge between ancient wisdom and contemporary life, offering profound insights that resonate across time and cultures. As we engage in the study of biblical hermeneutics, we embark on a journey of discovery, seeking to uncover the riches of God's Word and its transformative power in our lives today.
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