The Science of Interpretation

By Jeffrey William Barnes

The Science of Understanding Bible Doctrine and Prophecy.

Dedicated to my loving daughter Naomi who spent endless hours helping me put my thoughts into words.

Introduction

A short while ago, I got into a friendly debate with a good friend over the interpretation of a certain parable:

"And again he [Jesus] said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened." Luke 13:20-21

As a result of that debate I have finished this book that was started over ten years ago. Since I was first converted to Jesus Christ, I have had an intense love for the Sacred Scriptures. Yet, I soon discovered that the Christian community was divided over many points of doctrine and Bible interpretation. My original study was to try to find out why we, the Christian community, disagree on so many points of doctrine. To find the solution, I looked at scriptures the Christian community was divided over. Then I tried to find a principle of sound reason that was violated, by one or both sides, thus causing the erroneous interpretation. The purpose in writing What is the Leaven? is not to interpret the Bible for you, there are enough books trying to do that already. The reason for this book is to give the believer sound guidelines so that he can understand the Bible for himself.

The truth is, the Christian community agrees on most of the fundamentals of salvation (or they would not be Christian), but there are many major disagreements on doctrine, prophecy and the interpretation of various Bible passages. How can we know which interpretations are correct and which are fables? This is the science of hermeneutics. If we with a pure heart use sound guidelines and diligently study the Scriptures, then as we seek, we will find, and as we knock, our Lord will open.

Of course, before you start on your quest to understand the Bible you must be a Christian. As the Scriptures says:

"But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away"
2^nd Corinthians 3:15-16

"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1^st Corinthians 2:14

If a person reads the Bible with an open heart he will come to know the Lord, yet he will still have much growing and learning to do. The new believer in Jesus should share his newfound faith, but he is not yet qualified to teach because he does not have a basic understanding of the Scriptures. Paul, talking about appointing elders in the church, said:

"Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil." I Timothy 3:6

"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." II Timothy 2:15

Unless otherwise noted, all quotes are from the King James Version of the Bible.

All bold print is my own emphasis.

If you have any questions or comments about something in this book, e-mail me at:

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Introduction

Does the Sun Rotate Around the Earth?

Is the earth the center of the universe? Is the earth suspended on pillars?

You may say the obvious answer is: No, the world is not flat. It is a round sphere suspended nothing. Yes, both science and scripture (Isaiah 40.22 and Job 26:7) concur on this point. Yet, until recently, most people (including Christians) have had wrong understanding of these facts.

For a case in point, lets look at the life of Galileo, one of the great minds of his time. He concluded in his studies that the earth orbited the sun. This was not a popular belief in his time. As a mater of fact, the church made him recant his belief.

Here is an English translation of his apology to the church:

I, Galileo, son of the late Galilei of Florence, being 70 years old [...], swear that I have always believed, believe now and, with God's help, will in the future believe all that the Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church doth hold, preach and teach. But since, after having been admonished by this Holy Office entirely to abandon the false opinion that the sun is the centre of the Universe and immovable, and that the Earth is not the centre of the same and that it moves, and that I was neither to hold, defend, nor teach in any manner whatsoever, either orally or in writing, the said false doctrine; and after having received a notification that the said doctrine is contrary to Holy Writ, I wrote and published a book in which I treat this condemned doctrine and bring forward very persuasive arguments in its favour without answering them: I have been judged vehemently suspected of heresy, that is of having held and believed that the Sun is at the centre of the Universe and immovable, and that the Earth is not at the centre and that it moves. Therefore, wishing to remove from the minds of your Eminences and all faithful Christians this vehement suspicion reasonably conceived against me, I abjure with a sincere heart and unfeigned faith these errors and heresies, and I curse and detest them as well as any other error, heresy or sect contrary to the Holy Catholic Church. And I swear that for the future I shall neither say nor assert orally or in writing such things as may bring upon me similar suspicions; and if I know any heretic, or one suspected of heresy, I will denounce him to this Holy Office, or to the Inquisitor or Ordinary of the place in which I may be.

We all know that the above heresy has turned out to be in fact true. There are very few today, who believe the sun rotates around the earth. However, there are still many false doctrines still being taught, some even more ridiculous. Many of these doctrines claim to have a basis in Scripture.

	Why did everyone believe the Sun orbited the earth?
	Did making Galileo recant his knowledge forward the Christian faith?

The Sacred Scriptures will not contradict truth. Nor will a Christian ever be faced with the choice of one or the other. Let us study to show ourselves approved unto God. Otherwise, our Lord may be ashamed of us, and our place in history may be along side Galileo’s adversaries.

If you believe the Bible (in the book of Joshua) teaches that the sun rotates around the earth we will discuss it in the chapter Is the Earth Suspended on Pillars?

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The Purpose of this Book

If you learn from this book some sound principles that will help you rightly interpret the Scriptures, then I have succeeded.

When I give my interpretation on a particular verse, my interpretation is not what is important. I use these examples to teach the principles necessary for developing sound doctrine. When we have learned how to study the Bible the proper interpretation will come.

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2^nd Timothy 2:15

I will give many examples of how professing Christians have misinterpreted Scripture. Although you may see me accusing a certain denomination of misinterpreting Scriptures, I am not trying to attack anyone's beliefs. I have, therefore, made an effort to use examples from all popular denominations. My intention isn't to offend; I simply desire that each of us see our own errors, if we wish to do so. Jesus said:

"And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?" Matthew 7:3 (This is the verse that saved me as I realized he was talking to me.)

If it seems that I have created a straw man, and then knocked him over, please forgive me. All my examples of erroneous interpretations are real. Don't conclude that the erroneous interpretation I expose is the only one (or the best one) for defending a particular doctrine. Don't preoccupy yourself with the straw man. Rather, try to understand the principles that lead to sound Bible doctrine.

Again, all examples used in this book are true ones, if an example seems silly, honest I didn't make it up. Some errors may seem so obvious that you do not need to learn the underlying principle. However, it is not the errors we are studying it is principals. These principles once learned should be applied universally to all Scripture.

In addition, the titles chosen for each section may cause some readers to pass over them. For instance, the title Beware of Cults seems to explain it all, and thereby tempt some not to bother reading the chapter. Yet, there are millions of people, even some Christians, in cults. Some Christian churches have cultic practices without even knowing it. Nevertheless, read the sections that have obvious titles and I am sure you will glean something from them also.

It is not important that you see all scriptural interpretations the way I do. I simply ask that you try to understand the principle I am trying to convey. If the principles I share makes sense, don't be stubborn and say: "My mind is already made up, don't confuse me with the facts." If we would have a heart open to learning, our understanding will become more like Jesus', and we will grow in his likeness.

"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." Joshua 1:8

"But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night." Psalm 1:2

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You Must Be Born Again

Jesus is clear on the need of being born again.

"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3

The way to the kingdom is clear. To be born again, (receive His Holy Spirit) we must believe in Jesus. There are no other good works involved. Jesus paid the price for our sins in full, it cost him his life. He made an atonement for us with his own blood. Three days later he rose from the dead.

"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:" John 1:12

"But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified." John 7:39

"But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." John 20:31

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9

"For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified." I Corinthians 2:2

"Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." Hebrews 9:12

What hinders our belief?

"And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved." John 3:19-20

To him that overcomes, God has given many promises, including:

"If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." John 14:23

"If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." John" 14:15-17

"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come." John 16:13

"But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him." I John 2:27

So the very first requirement to understand the Bible is to be 'born again' and pray for the Lord to "guide you into all truth". Peter talked of unbelievers as they tried to interpret the writings of Paul and other Scripture. His words were harsh.

"As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction." II Peter 3:16

Without the Holy Spirit, no system of interpretation will help you understand the Bible. Your pride will hide the truth from you, lest you should stop sinning. If you do not believe these things or you believe salvation is through some good work you must perform, then you do not have the basic Christian faith. Perhaps reading this book will help you find where you are in error. I do not say this because I am proud. I say it because I care more about how you will stand on the Judgment Day then what you may think of me. If you are on the 'wide path' the destination is destruction.

Of course we all would like to understand the Bible. That is why there are so many 'best sellers' interpreting it for us. We must be careful however, that we are not following someone's false doctrines. If we are being really stubborn, we can't expect Jesus to bail us out. For He said:

"Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch." Matthew 15:14

Yet if we seek the Lord in all our studying, he will direct our steps.

John continues the same thought in another letter:

Many Christian leaders stress the importance of going to a seminary and getting a degree in your education. Some stress the importance of learning Hebrew and Greek. I agree that there is a benefit in studying the Scriptures in their original tongue. However, Jesus didn't stress the need for a fine education, rather he stressed the importance of being led by the Spirit.

"And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself."
John 7:15-17

"Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived? Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him? But this people [Speaking of those who followed Jesus.] who knoweth not the law are cursed."
John 7:47-49

[Speaking of the wicked] "Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." 2^nd Timothy 3:7

It is all-important that we walk with the Lord and follow his leading in order to understand spiritual things. A while back I was studying the Bible with a good friend. We came across a verse that read:

"Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:" Matthew 24:29

As an amillennialist my friend was certain this passage was not to be taken literally but rather poetically. He believed the lights went out for Israel in 70 AD and thereby fulfilled this verse. So I asked him: "If you were standing before the Lord's face right now, would you honestly be able to say: 'The sun and the moon will not go dark' and this verse, and all the ones like it, are not be taken literally?" He answered me honestly and said that he wasn't sure. Like my friend we must bring all our scriptural interpretations before the Lord, otherwise our hearts will deceive us.

If you are not certain you have a relationship with Jesus, answering The Question will get you started.

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Humility

Many times throughout this book I will point out the need for humility. If you would like to see what the Bible says about proud people, look up all the verses with the word 'proud' and 'humble' in them. See how to look up these verses in the section Use a Concordance, Not a Commentary.

"Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:" 1Peter 5:5-6

" . . . Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." James 4:6

There are no passages in the Bible extolling the virtues of a 'proud' person. Conversely, there are many passages praising the truly humble one. In the Epistle to the Galatians, Paul points out something most of us have found to be true.

"But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:" Galatians 2:6

Paul's opinion of the teachers that thought they were important wasn't very complimentary. Did you hear about the fellow who became a legend in his own mind? A proud person who professes to be a Christian may be worse than useless. In his Epistle to Timothy, Paul is discussing false doctrine taught by certain teachers. Note that the very first attribute he mentions is pride.

"If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself."
1^st Timothy 6:3-5

As Paul suggests, let's withdraw ourselves from such people. The Apostle John noted that the pride of the rulers and Pharisees kept them from recognizing their Messiah even though they claimed to be familiar with the scripture.

“Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived? Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him? But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.” John 7:47-49

The problem with pride is simple, it keeps us from admitting or seeing when we are wrong. In the childhood story The Emperor’s New Clothes the emperor’s pride kept him walking in the parade even when everyone knew the secret of his new clothes. Though the story is a fable, foolish behavior brought on by pride is real.

The most important thing is to examine our own hearts for pride. We must get down on our knees, do what it takes to overcome this fault and learn humility.

"…And the common people heard him gladly.” Mark 12:37

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Patients

The Book of Revelation offers us a blessing for reading, hearing and keeping its words.

"Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand." Revelation 1:3

In another place in the Bible, Ezekiel warned about the people saying:

"Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not..." Ezekiel 12:2

These and other verses should warn us of the importance of properly understanding the Bible. Our Father in Heaven knows the meaning of every verse in the Bible. He knows if a verse is to be taken literally, or as an allegory, and His is the only interpretation and understanding we should seek after. When you first start reading the Bible, there will be many passages you won't understand. This is normal and reading this book or any other book won't change that. It only becomes a problem when we pretend to understand certain Scripture verses when we don't.

Since understanding Bible prophecy is a Spiritual undertaking, the first thing we should do is pray for our Lord to give us His understanding. After that, we need to wait on the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Peter stresses this as he writes:

"We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." II Peter 1:19-21

As anxious as we are, we must wait for the 'day star' to arise in our hearts. In other words, it's ok to say that we don't understand a Bible verse. It is better to not understand a verse than to twist the Scriptures to our own destruction. God will teach the humble in His time, but he resists the proud.

"Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD . . ." Proverbs 16:5

"But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." James 4:6

Many Bible teachers speak with authority on verses they know little or nothing about. Many denominations fight with, and denounce each other. Christianity has lost a lot of credibility because of this. If a verse is not absolutely clear we should speak humbly using words like "I think" or "maybe" as we try to expound it to others, being open to correction ourselves. Save speaking with authority for the Scriptures we are positively sure of, and then beware, as Jesus said: "unless you fall." Remember, someday we will all give an account to God.

"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;"
2^nd Timothy 2:15-17

God will never force us to believe the truth. Many professing Christians are too proud to ever change their opinions.

"Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch" Matthew 15:14

Good understanding is a gift we can hope for, if we seek it with all our hearts. In conclusion, we have need of patience not pride.

"Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God." Proverbs 2:3-5

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The Bible is not Amusing

The word muse means to think, ponder cogitate. By adding the prefix 'a' to it we change the meaning to not-think. We turn on the TV so we will not have to think. Most of us spend too much time trying to amuse ourselves.

With this attitude you will not enjoy the Bible. If you are looking to be entertained, you will only be board. The Bible is for those who seek understanding.

"My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, [and] apply thine heart to understanding;

"Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, [and] liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as [for] hid treasures;

"Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth [cometh] knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: [he is] a buckler to them that walk uprightly. He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.

"Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; [yea], every good path. When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;

"Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil [man], from the man that speaketh froward things; Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; Who rejoice to do evil, [and] delight in the frowardness of the wicked;" Proverbs 2:2-14

I am not saying that a collage education is important in the Christian walk, it isn't. I am saying that if you don't like to think, if you don't 'apply thine heart to understanding' you will not get much from your Bible studies.

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Desire Truth; Anybody can Prove Themselves Right

This is one of those titles that sound obvious, but how is false doctrine formed? Don't you first come up with a premise, and then look for Bible verses to prove it.

For example, suppose I have decided the doctrine of 'Hell' is too harsh. Perhaps I feel as many do that it keeps people from turning to God. If our God were a loving God, he would not have a hell. Now all I need is a few scripture verses to prove it, right? How about this one:

"For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten." Ecclesiastes 9:5

"For the wages of sin is death..." Romans 6:23

There are plenty more just like these, anybody could find them if they looked. Now, if I just wanted to prove myself right, I would only look up Scripture verses that prove my pet doctrine. I would try to ignore, if I couldn't ignore I would try to explain away, and certainly I would never teach the following Scripture verses:

"And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:" Mark 9:43

"The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name." Revelation 14:10-11

"And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD. And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh." Isaiah 66:23-24

Find a church that does not believe in a real ‘hell’ and you will find a place where these verses will not be expounded on but explained away. To sum it up, if I were just trying to prove my doctrine when I read the Bible, I would not be learning. Instead, it would be like trying to put words in God's mouth. When the "...unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, [they do it] unto their own destruction." 2^nd Peter 3:16

We all have a natural desire to try to prove ourselves right. This stubbornness must be overcome if we are ever to rightly understand scripture. The sad fact is that unless we humble ourselves and are willing to admit that we are wrong, we can never receive the things of the Spirit.

"That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God." Psalm 78:7-8

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Preconceived Ideas

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD." Isaiah 55:8

Another obstacle we must overcome if we are to understand Scripture, is approaching it with our preconceived ideas. If we are honest, we know that we have them. One reason of this bias is the beliefs that we form when growing up in a particular Christian denomination. Though most church founders may be God-fearing men, they are simply men and still subject to errors. A sad fact is that the spiritual growth of countless Christians will never exceed that of their pastors. Their denominational creeds will always determine their understanding of the Bible. There are many divisions in Christianity. If you are content to believe things without studying them for yourself, how can you know for sure you are not part of the problem instead of the solution.

This happens all the time. I show a verse to a Christian brother, he uses the doctrine he already holds to interpret a verse.

For example if you believe in eternal security, how would you interpret these verses.

"But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end." Hebrews 3:6

"For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;" Hebrews 3:14

If you believe in eternal security this verse does not mean; "For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end"

If you receive this verse as a little child then it would mean; "For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end"

Our security in Christ started out as a good doctrine. However some have become so infatuated with this idea that they ignore everything the Bible teaches on our responsibility as saints to persevere.

Lets look at another verse.

"And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet [are], and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever." Revelation 20:10

Ask someone who doesn't believe in Hell fire what this verse means. He won't see 'a lake of fire', 'torment', or 'for ever and ever'. The most plain teachings of scripture, the ones children understand, cannot be received by religious leaders who don't hold their personal bias in a headlock. One of the greatest deceptions there is, is the belief that our biases are actually the teachings of scripture. It was this very thing that kept the religious leaders from recognizing Jesus though He fulfilled the scriptures and raised people from the dead. The only cure is that we recognize we are biased. LISTEN you are biased, I am biased! Ask God questions like: What would this verse mean to a child? Am I expounding this verse, or explaining away it's meaning? What would the verse mean if I didn't believe it was impossible for it to mean that?

A second reason someone may come to the Scriptures with their preconceived ideas is that they learned their doctrine from the person that led them to the Lord. It is right that we should hold the person that first showed us the narrow path in high esteem. Yet even Paul didn't expect people to just believe what he taught. He was pleased with the Bereans, calling them "more noble", when they searched the Scriptures to see if the things he taught were correct.

"And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." Acts 17:11

If someone tried to show you a Biblical truth, different from what you already believe, could you receive it? For countless Christians, the honest answer is 'No'. And why? They have held their beliefs their whole life, or at least their Christian life. The tragic fact is that most people have too much energy, time and pride invested in their beliefs to change.

A third reason that many people can't change the way they believe is because they want to remain in good standing with their church. Sometimes even our families will shun us if we brake with our denominational beliefs. I am not talking about beliefs held by all fundamental Christians, rather beliefs that are held only by some denominations. Yet, aren't we told to submit ourselves to the church? What else does the Bible say?

"His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself. These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue." John 9:20-22

If we are building a solid foundation, we will build with truth. We must hold to it, even if we are excommunicated from our church. If, after a proper study of the Scriptures, you were thrown out of your church for believing what you perceived to be truth, you would be in good company. Remember Jesus was nearly murdered by his church for His interpretation of the Scripture.

"And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son? And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country. And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country. But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land; But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian. And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong. But he passing through the midst of them went his way," Luke 4:16-30

The Pharisees also had their preconceived ideas on the Messiah. Unfortunately, even though they were the religious leaders (Jesus said in Mat 23:2 "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat"), Jesus did not fit their ideas.

Jesus has called all people to repent. This is a continual process. If you are a true believer you know that we have no reason to be proud. Let us always be learning, always growing spiritually. An example is found in the Sermon on the Mount.

"Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire." Matthew 5:21-22

These people were already educated ("Ye have heard that"), yet here Jesus was teaching new things ("But I say unto you") that he expected his followers to receive. We too must be willing and able to receive new teachings.

"Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old." Matthew 13:52

This does not mean we should believe every new thing. For the Bible also says:

"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." I Thessalonians 5:21

So, let's imitate the noble Bereans and have readiness of mind. Let us recognize that we have biased opinions and preconceived ideas that hinder us from hearing what our Lord is teaching us. Then search all the Scriptures diligently to see if what we are being taught is true.

Don't you find it frustrating talking to know-it-alls who won't listen, because their minds are made up before they have heard all the facts?

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Beware of Cults

A cult is a religious group that is separated from orthodox Christianity by false doctrine. This may seem obvious, to understand the Bible properly we must avoid cultic influences.

When a cult member knocks on an atheist’s door, most likely the atheist will not be interested. However, if that same person should start to think seriously about the things of God and then a cult member knocks - watch out! Now the victim may be snared by words like "We believe the Bible is the word of God" and the cult presenting evidence that they are the 'True and faithful church'. A victim can also be snared by the cult, as members take an interest in his life. Jesus said:

"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." Matthew 7:15-20

Not only must you beware of cults, but unfortunately some Christian denominations have cultic practices. But, how can a new believer, before he is founded in the God’s word, recognize a cult? Here are some tips.

Ø Cults usually believe that they and they alone, are the one true church. It is surprising how many believe they are the 144,000 mentioned in The Book of Revelation. Often they will teach you have to be in their membership to go to Heaven.

Ø The individual person is not allowed to think for himself. Therefore, everyone believes exactly the same thing. In other words, if it is in their catechism, they can't question it. If it isn't, they can't believe it.

Ø Pride causes them to look down on people who are not members. Since they view nonmembers as heretics they can't learn anything from them. Cult members are at the complete mercy of the 'anointed' cult leader. Have you ever been corrected by anyone outside of your church or group? A ‘no’ answer could be a bad sign.

Ø Members are trying to work their way into Heaven. Ask the member how he is going to Heaven. Compare it to;

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9

Some cult members claim that they are saved by grace, but later you will find in reality the cult teaches differently.

Ø Cults will often have other sacred writings that are needed to understand the Bible. Some have books that they claim to be equal to the Holy Bible. At the same time, cults will discourage or forbid members from reading anything that has not been approved by their leaders.

Ø Cults will have leaders or prophets that are only recognized by them. The leader or leaders are not accountable to anyone. Often these prophets are given equal or more authority then the Bible. Without their prophets interpreting for them, they believe you cannot properly understand the Bible.

Ø Cults often have secret doctrines. Only after you are a member will you find out what your cult really believes. Compare this to Jesus who taught openly. Christianity has doctrines that are foolish to the unbeliever, not secret from the unbeliever.

Ø Members are taught to separate from family members. The leaders use Luke 14:26 “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.” They are not taught. Matthew 15:6 “And honor not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.”

Those who love God may have their family turn on them, however they do not neglect to honor their parents!

Ø They all have some form of legalism. The more cultic the church, the more legalistic. See Acts 15.

Ø Sermons are preoccupied with the doctrines that separate them from other Christians, rather than being preoccupied in lifting up and becoming like Jesus.

The more of the above characteristics a church has, the more cultic it is. If a church has most of these characteristics, it is a cult and may not even be Christian at all.

The wolves are a real and serious problem to new believers, as well as to old believers who have not learned sound doctrine. The first step in protecting yourself from these wolves is to recognize that Satan goes about seeking whom he may devour and that the wolves mentioned at the beginning of this chapter do exist. The solution is to become established in sound doctrine. Perhaps some of the principles taught in this book may help.

At the very least let us build with gold.

"For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire." I Corinthians 3:11-15

Surely, some members of errant denominations are brothers in the Lord. Nevertheless, as members of a wayward church they are building with wood hay and stubble, unless of course, they are trying to correct their church from within.

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Interpretations That are Abominable

We need to be very careful that our walk with God, including our studies of His word, bring Him glory. It should be obvious that the Scriptures will never lead us to find fault with the things God.

I have a friend who, at the time of this story, was not working. He has a large family to support, yet he felt the Lord did not want him to work. Instead, he was devoting his time to what he felt was serving God. I thought he was in error and should be a provider for his family, so one day I quoted him the following Scripture verse:

"But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel." I Timothy 5:8

My friend was not concerned. He told me that the 'spiritual' interpretation was: "If God did not provide for his own he was worse than an infidel." I warned him to avoid any interpretation that may imply our Lord is worse than an infidel. The Scripture says:

"God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar . . ." Romans 3:4

Since that time I have heard other doctrines that were also abominable. One person compared the Law of God to witchcraft in his teaching about Law and Grace. However, Jesus said he did not come to destroy the law see Matthew 5:17. Run from any teaching that accuses our God of practicing sorcery!

I heard another say that if the temple of God were rebuilt in Israel it would be an abomination to God. Again however, the time Jesus was the angriest was when they turned his Fathers house in to a den of thieves (Matthew 21:12). If you think the temple will not be rebuilt you are entitled to your opinion, however I would run from anybody that says the House of God is an abomination!

I would rather a millstone were about my neck and I were cast into the sea, than to be rightly accused of calling the Holy things of God evil. A little prayer and a little thoughtfulness would avoid these disrespectful errors.

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Twisting a Words Meaning

The fact that it is wrong to twist a words meaning should be obvious, yet it is done so often that apparently it isn't. Often people will twist the meaning of a word on purpose. Others do it without even trying. Some will twist words to promote their evil doctrines. If you have to knowingly twist a word's meaning to prove a doctrine, the doctrine is evil. Some people twist words out of mere laziness. How serious should you take a scholar who can't be bothered to use a dictionary?

One example is from a passage we read earlier. The writer was quoting from Revelation chapter 17, which says:

"And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH." Revelation 17:4-5

In his book, the author erringly taught that Israel was Mystery Babylon. I will take only one example out of his book (there were many) to show how he twisted the meaning of words. Look at the word 'reigneth' in verse 18:

"And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth." Revelation 17:18

This writer said, "The word 'reigneth' doesn't mean reign in its normal sense". He said it meant "covenantal priority over the kingdoms of the earth." No dictionary defines the word 'reign' or 'reigneth' to mean anything close to 'covenantal priority'. Actually, this word 'reigneth' in the Book of Revelation comes from two Greek words meaning control and kingdom. Any honest study will show the word always meant 'control-kingdom' and nothing else.

In addition, we see that the woman in Revelation is a great city that reigns over the kings of the earth. Israel never reigned over the kings of the earth. After Solomon's death she didn't even control Judah. Since John penned these words, Israel has spent most of her time as a wasteland trampled by her enemies. Before that time Israel was abused by the Babylonian, Mede-Persian, Greek, and Roman world empires. Again, we can safely conclude that Israel is not the woman in Revelation 17.

Actually, this author twisted the meaning of many words creating arbitrary definitions for them all. I must warn that anyone who arbitrarily changes the meaning of any word is changing the meaning of the Scripture, and thereby twisting the Scripture to his own destruction.

"For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." Revelation 22:18-19

Unfortunately, he is not the only writer who has twisted a words meaning to spread false teachings throughout Christianity.

When you interpret a parable, you can't interpret words arbitrarily. For example, many Christians believe the word 'bread' in a certain parable represents the 'church'. The parable seems to make sense to them with this interpretation. I don't understand their hermeneutics.

	Is there a dictionary or lexicon (Greek, Hebrew or English) that defines 'bread' as the church?
	Did Jesus or any other prophet use the word bread and then interpret it as 'the church' in any other parable of the Bible?
	Why can't I define the bread to mean anything I want, and thereby make the parable mean anything I want?

I am sure our Lord knows what he wanted every word in every parable and every Scripture to mean. Let us prayerfully and carefully seek for that meaning.

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." II Timothy 4:3-4

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The Spirit Won't Contradict the Literal Meaning

When certain Christians say that they see a 'Spiritual meaning' in a passage of Scripture, what they are really saying is that they see an allegory or parable in the passage. The real ‘Spiritual meaning’ is what God thinks the verse means. If He just meant it to be a literal interpretation, with no allegory intended, then that is the true 'Spiritual meaning' of the passage.

The important point of this chapter is that the spiritual meaning of a parable or allegory will not negate the plain or literal meaning. As in an example I used earlier:

"But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel." I Timothy 5:8

The plain teaching is to provide for your family. The Spiritual meaning will not remove the responsibility from a believer to provide for his family. For more examples see the chapter Interpretations That are Abominable.

"And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye." Mark 7:9-13

In another example, I recently heard a Christian brother teaching about hell and the torment all unbelievers will receive. Since he was using Luke 12 in his teaching, I will quote part of it here.

"And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes." Luke 12:47-48

It is not uncommon for Christians to hold (at least one of) these two doctrines.

Doctrine 1: Once a person has sincerely said the 'sinner's prayer' he is truly saved, and his salvation can never be lost.

This would be the case of the servant (and Jesus did call him a servant) in the parable above. Though he disobeyed, many believe he is still saved, even though Jesus said that of the two, he would receive the more severe punishment: "[He] shall be beaten with many stripes".

Doctrine 2: If a person has never heard the Gospel he is not saved, and will burn in horrible torment forever.

In the passage above it does not say he will burn in horrible torment forever. Rather, Jesus said this person "shall be beaten with few stripes." or a lesser punishment than the servant or 'saved person'.

Jesus condemned the sin of "… reject[ing] the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition." What I am trying too say here is that sometimes our preconceived doctrines keep us from seeing the obvious truth in a scripture that is staring us in the face.

Let me conclude that I fully believe in Spiritual Interpretations. However, our interpretations of the scripture are not by His Spirit if they negate the plain meaning of the same scripture.

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Do You Need a Pastor to Understand the Bible?

No, actually, you don't. Instead, the scriptural admonition is to avoid a pastor (or anyone for that matter) who says you need them or their organization to explain God's word to you. Don't misunderstand me, pastors and other Christians are a big help in understanding the Scripture. But those who would elevate themselves over you are not following the Lord as they should, if they are following Him at all. So, what does the Bible say?

"But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:" Galatians 2:6

"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth ..." John 16:13

"But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him." I John 2:27

"Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." Matthew 23:10-12

The Greek word translated 'master', in Matthew 23, is kath-ayg-ay-tace. Its definition is 'guide or teacher'. Also interesting is that the word 'minister' in the Bible means a servant. Today in many churches (and in my thesaurus) the word has been redefined to mean 'leader or senior church member'.

The person who exalts himself, God will humble. We are all brothers. The Scripture exhorts us to lift up and encourage one another. This would include teaching. The brother who is leading a Bible study should also have a teachable spirit.

"Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old." Mathew 13:52

I know many faithful pastors. I am not speaking against them. Yet the warning in Scripture is clear: Avoid those leaders or teachers who say that you need them or their organization to lead you. They would have you believe that if you rebel against them you are rebelling against God.

Be especially careful of those pastors or leaders who have a vested interest in their doctrine. Just as it is hopeless to wake a man who is pretending to sleep, the pastor whose job depends on a certain doctrine will be (nearly) impossible to persuade of his error.

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Bait and Switch

Bait and switching is where a salesman advertises one thing (bait) to get you into his store. When you show up he tries to sell you another product (switch). If he is doing this on purpose, it is false advertising. In many places this is illegal.

The ‘Bait and Switch’, is a common tactic in cults. Even so, I have seen respected Christian leaders do this same thing when teaching.

Let’s look at an example. Jesus warned about being cast “into the fire that never shall be quenched”. Some teach the fire will go out anyway and to prove it they will quote:

“…I kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched.” Jeremiah 17:27

Since the fire went out after the palaces and gates were burnt to the ground, this proves that the fire Jesus talked about will go out also.

Did you notice the switch? The word Jesus used was never. The word Jeremiah used was not. Do these sentences mean the same thing?

	I will not come over.................................I will never come over.
	I did not lie..............................................I have never lied.
	I did not start a fire..................................I have never started a fire.
	The fire shall not be quenched.................The fire that never shall be quenched.

Here is another example. In describing the words ‘for ever and ever’ in Revelation 14:11 and 20:10. I have heard several teachers (neither of them believe in eternal punishment) talking about the word ‘ever’. They both said: “Let the Bible define the Bible,” sounds good so far. Then they used passages (the switch) out of the Old Testament like Exodus 21:6 or Samuel 1:22 to define the New Testament word ‘ever’.

It is wrong to switch the definition of the Greek word ahee-ohn' used in The Book of Revelation with definition of the Hebrew word o-lawm' used in the Old Testament. If these teachers had really used the Bible to define the Bible, they would have concluded that since in every place the words ‘for ever and ever’ mean just that, it is reasonable to believe that ‘for ever and ever’ means the same thing here too.

Let me give one more example of bait and switch; I have heard some charismatic teachers who sound something like this: “But what does God say? What does the Bible teach? . . .". Then they proceed to teach something unscriptural, without even bothering to quote a scripture verse. This is a classic example of switching the word of God, for man’s opinion.

In concluding, be careful that you don’t ‘bait and switch’ by accident when you teach, and avoid any teacher who would use the 'bait and switch tactic' on purpose.

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Line Upon Line

The opposite of using Two or Three Witnesses before you decide your doctrine may be the technique of learning ‘Precept upon precept or line upon line’. This is where the teacher doesn’t produce all the evidence at once, rather he shows one scripture verse and draws a conclusion. Then he shows another scripture verse and builds on that conclusion. Line upon line.

Sometimes these teachers even quote the following verse.

“For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:” Isaiah 28:10

But they never quote Isaiah 28:13.

"But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken." Isaiah 28:13

Should we look at all the verses we can find before we decide the doctrine? Or, should we let teachers expound to us ‘line upon line’?

"Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing." John 18:20

Teaching line upon line does not mean someone is teaching false doctrine, however, if a teacher cannot be up front about all his doctrine from the beginning, he is not teaching the Gospel of Christ.

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Legalistic Interpretations

Some interpretations of Scripture are more to the letter of the law then the Medes and the Persians. The one that I believe is the funniest is:

"Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." I Peter 3:3-4

I know of several denominations that will not wear jewelry, not even a wedding band because of this verse. When I got married, I wanted my wife to wear a wedding band, not to adorn herself and look worldly. I just wanted to let the other young men know she was mine.

Recently a man was condemning me because I let my daughters braid (plait) their hair. I told him he was being too legalistic. He got angry and couldn't understand how I would transgress the scriptures so blatantly. Here is where I had fun, I said: "If this verse condemns braiding of hair and if this verse condemns wearing of gold, then Peter also condemns women who wear clothing." He stopped being angry, his jaw dropped, then he stammered as he desperately tried to prove otherwise. He is still a very legalistic person. I think the New Testament is nothing more to him than another version of the Hammurabi Code.

One safeguard to help keep from being too preoccupied with erroneous doctrines, is to see if Jesus talked about them in the Gospels. If it wasn't important enough for Jesus to expounded on, than it wasn't important enough for Jesus to expound on.

Now let us read the passage again.

"Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." I Peter 3:3-4

Actually, this verse is not even talking to all women. If you take out your Bible and read the passage in context, Peter was talking to wives who are trying to convert their husbands to Christianity. Peter was not condemning "the putting on of apparel" or anything else. He is saying that you can more effectively win your husband by putting on the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. To loosely paraphrase Peter: 'Its more important to adorn the inside then the outside'.

It is true that Paul also mentions how women who profess godliness should dress. The theme is the same; its more important to adorn the inside then the outside.

Some Christian sects believe it is a sin for a Christian to play a musical instrument. They point out that the New Testament never mentions a musical instrument anywhere. Never have I seen so much doctrine from so few verses. I wonder if it pleases our Lord to make such rules, especially after he said.

"Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Mark 7:7

Is your Church very legalistic on certain beliefs, dress codes or on other practices that Jesus never commanded nor forbade?

Another example of a legalistic interpretation is when Roman Catholics, and some protestants, believe that our Lord was speaking literally when He held up the matzos during His last supper and said: "This is my body". They believe that their priest can literally turn bread into the physical presence of our Lord. If they are right, there is no problem. If they are wrong, they are worshiping a piece of bread, not God.

Jesus also said He is the door (John 10:7). He is the vine (John 15:1-5). He is the corner stone (Matthew 21:42, Mark 12:10, Luke 20:17). He is the rock (Romans 9:33, I Peter 2:8). I thank God that Christians don't go around trying to turn doors or rocks into … well you get my point. Why don’t we take these other passages as literally?

Another quick example, then we will move on. One time on the Radio, a pastor interpreting a passage of Scripture said something like "The word three (3) is not to be taken literally here. Let me give you an example . . .". Then he proceeded to show somewhere in the Bible where some Israelite rounded off a number somewhere. (I don't remember where or what number, but someone did round off a number somewhere.) Using this as a preface, he created a rule that went something like, 'Someone rounded off a number and this proves the Jews always round off numbers, therefore their numbers can never to be taken precisely'.

In my limited experience on earth, I have both rounded numbers and have used them to mean something exact. To keep from interpreting Scripture too legalistically, we must not only pray, study and meditate on them, but also test them against the other Scriptures.

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Then there is Overkill

I have attended a few Bible studies where the teacher worked every word to death. The spring before I wrote this, I attended a Bible study for about six weeks where we looked for synonyms of each word, we looked for relationships between words, between thoughts. We looked at connectives, and every other partial of speech. During the whole six weeks we never got out of Colossians chapter 1, nor did we ever read two verses together. Though we looked up many words in six different dictionaries, many of us never came away feeling edified or remembering any sound doctrine. I did get some ideas for this book though.

When Paul wrote the letter to the Colossians he expected them to just read it. I mean isn't that what you do when you write a letter?

Col 4:16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the [epistle] from Laodicea.

Don't dissect the scripture passage until it loses its God given inspiration. Pastors often give lengthy sermons on one or two verses of the Gospel. How these churches would come to life if they weren't starving for the word.

Now some commentary is ok. For instance, explaining an archaic word or some Hebrew tradition to make the text more clear is always welcome. It is the overkill that kills.

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Don't Assume Chronological Order

Let's look at couple of fulfilled prophecies to see some examples why we can't assume chronological order of scripture passages. Apparently eastern thought does not automatically assume chronological order. I will use this passage is in Ezekiel 26 demonstrate my point:

"And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the first day of the month, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, because that Tyrus hath said against Jerusalem, Aha, she is broken that was the gates of the people: she is turned unto me: I shall be replenished, now she is laid waste:" Ezekiel 26:1-2

"Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Tyrus, and will cause many nations to come up against thee, as the sea causeth his waves to come up. And they shall destroy the walls of Tyrus, and break down her towers:" Ezekiel 26:3-4a

"I will also scrape her dust from her, and make her like the top of a rock. It shall be a place for the spreading of nets in the midst of the sea: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD: and it shall become a spoil to the nations. And her daughters which are in the field shall be slain by the sword; and they shall know that I am the LORD." Ezekiel 26:4b-7

"For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will bring upon Tyrus Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, a king of kings, from the north, with horses, and with chariots, and with horsemen, and companies, and much people. He shall slay with the sword thy daughters in the field: and he shall make a fort against thee, and cast a mount against thee, and lift up the buckler against thee. And he shall set engines of war against thy walls, and with his axes he shall break down thy towers. By reason of the abundance of his horses their dust shall cover thee: thy walls shall shake at the noise of the horsemen, and of the wheels, and of the chariots, when he shall enter into thy gates, as men enter into a city wherein is made a breach. With the hoofs of his horses shall he tread down all thy streets: he shall slay thy people by the sword, and thy strong garrisons shall go down to the ground." Ezekiel 26:8-11

"And they shall make a spoil of thy riches, and make a prey of thy merchandise: and they shall break down thy walls, and destroy thy pleasant houses: and they shall lay thy stones and thy timber and thy dust in the midst of the water. And I will cause the noise of thy songs to cease; and the sound of thy harps shall be no more heard." Ezekiel 26:12-13

"And I will make thee like the top of a rock: thou shalt be a place to spread nets upon; thou shalt be built no more: for I the LORD have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD." Ezekiel 26:14

Shortly after the Babylonians invaded Israel, the prophet Ezekiel prophesied against the city of Tyrus because she helped spoil Jerusalem. In verses 8 through 11, Ezekiel prophesied that Nebuchadrezzar would come and take the city. This is now an historical event. However, did he 'scrape her dust from her and make her like the top of a rock' (last half of verse 4)? No! That happened centuries later when Alexander the Great came and finished the job. He took the city on the mainland and used the stones for a causeway he needed to capture the island 1,200 yards off her coast. When he ran out of stones, he continued by scraping the dirt off, right down to the bedrock! Today, thousands of years later, fishermen are spreading their nets on the rocks that used to be Tyrus (Verse 14).

Here in our present time we see this prophecy fulfilled completely and accurately. Yet we must understand that as God describes future events, he may not do it in chronological order and that, as in Ezekiel 26:4, centuries can be spanned in a single verse. We also see that the events in verse 8 (Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon's time), happened centuries before the events in verse 4b (Alexander the Great's time).

Let's look at another example from the prophet Isaiah:

"The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

"And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations. And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers. But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves." Isaiah 61:1-6

Jesus stood up in his synagogue and quoted a portion of this passage:

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

"And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." Luke 4:18-21

Jesus said this Scripture was fulfilled. Yet, was the whole prophecy of Isaiah chapter 61 fulfilled at that time? What about the next two verses.

I think we all know these events in the prophecy have not happened yet.

The point is, the Bible can talk about events that are hundreds or thousands of years apart in the same verse or prophecy without having to draw this to our attention. Why? Because the chronological order of events are not assumed by the inspired writers (see Prophecy is a Jigsaw Puzzle).

Table of Contents

Words May Suffer In Their Translation

Some Rabbis have opposed translating the Sacred Scripture from Hebrew into other languages for this very reason. Yet we can understand some of these harder verses with a little help. What kind of help? My favorite Bible study aids that I use for most of my studies are:

	A Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, (Strong's ECB). This tool enables you to find any verse in the Bible in minutes. It also gives a simple definition and shows you all other places where the word is used.
	*The Interlinear Bible* by Jay P. Green, Sr. from Baker Book House. This is the Bible written in the origional Greek and Hebrew (Old Testament reads from right to left.) written with the corresponding English word underneath. It also uses the *Strong'sECB* numbers to help you speedily find more complete definitions of the words.
	A decent dictionary (lexicon) for the original Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic is also be helpful, as it will give a more detailed definition than the *Strong's ECB.*

For example, let's look at a commonly misunderstood verse in The Book of Revelation. Has anyone ever tried to prove to you that Jesus is a ‘created being’? If so, you are probably familiar with the following verse.

"And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;" Revelation 3:14

To those who believe Jesus is a created being, this verse seems to imply just that. Yet Micah 5:2 and Isaiah 9:6 teach that Jesus is from eternity. Since we are in the habit of taking Two or Three Witnesses, lets study the above verse a little deeper before making a decision.

First let's look up the word 'beginning' in a lexicon and try to find the meaning intended by John. A better way is to see how the word is used in other Bible passages. Then there is no possibility of bias from the scholars who composed the lexicon.

Since words change their definition over time, the serious Bible student is concerned only with the meaning intended by the original authors. Going back to Revelation 3:14 the word 'beginning' in the Greek is ar-khay'. According to the Strong'sECB it means "A commencement, or chief (in various applications of order, time, place or rank.)"

It's true, one translation of ar-khay' is 'beginning'. Let us see some of the other ways ar-khay' is translated in the New Testament. It is the highlighted word in the following verses.

"Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power." I Corinthians 15:24

"For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:" Colossians 2:9-10

"And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor." Luke 20:20

After studying how people defined the word ar-khay' in the first century, we see that Jesus was not the first person created by God. In truth, Revelation 3:14 describes Jesus as the "faithful and true witness, the rule, principality and power of the creation of God." This lines up with what is taught in the other Scriptures. In this case, understanding what the controversial word really meant kept us from denying the Lord that bought us. (See II Peter 2:1)

The Science of Understanding Bible Doctrine and Prophecy.

Attitude

Things to Watch For

Simple but Common Mistakes

Important Principals of Understanding

Spiritual Considerations

Conclusions