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GENERAL RULES OF BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION

The interpreter must be saved and dependent on the HolySpirit (1 Cor. 2:13-16).

Assume the Bible is authoritative and inerrant

The Bible interprets itself; Scripture best explainsScripture

Interpret experience in light of Scripture; not the otherway around

Biblical examples are authoritative only when supportedby a command

Church history is important but not decisive ininterpretation

GRAMMATICAL RULES OF BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION

Scripture has only one meaning

Take Scripture as normal language; plain sense of the

language

Interpret words in harmony with their meaning in times ofthe author

Interpret according to the context

If an inanimate object describes a living being -- then it'sfigurative

If an expression is out of character with thing described --

its figurative

Dont make a parable walk on all fours -- it has only onepoint

Prophetic statements are to be taken normally -- unlessthe context compels otherwise

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HISTORICAL RULES OF BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION

Interpret in light of biblical historical context

Revelation is progressive; later revelation explains earlier

Events of history become spiritual truths only if Scripturedesignates

THEOLOGICAL RULES OF BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION

Scripture must be understood grammatically before

theologically

A doctrine is not biblical unless it sums up all thatScripture says

No contradictions in Scripture: e.g. sovereignty andresponsibility

An implied teaching must have support in anotherpassage