The term Hermeneutics: Can be very difficult to define in understandable terminology.
But for the sake of simplicity let us define it as:
To understand fully the Science that teaches us the principles, methods, and laws of interpretation. ( Doctrinal teaching is fundamental to biblical revelation and understanding)
In other words, the means by which we obtain a proper understanding, interpretation, and application of the scriptures in relation to their contextual usage.
The following are some causes as to why many misinterpret the bible:
A failure to recognize the COMMUNICATION GAPS existing between the modern reader
and the ancient peoples of the scripture. ( word meanings change through time )
A lack of qualification on the part of the INTERPRETER / READER…
A failure to distinguish between the DISPENSATIONS.
A failure to recognize the differing covenants.
A failure to distinguish between the 3 ETHNIC GROUPS addressed in scripture.
A failure to look at CONTEXT.
A failure to understand and take into consideration the significance of PROPHETIC GAPS in the mist of a passage.
A failure to understand the purpose and meaning of parables, analogies, symbolism, and types.
There are 3 points of consideration in rightly dividing the word:
1. Understanding and Interpretation:
It is essential that we have a proper understanding of scripture before we attempt to apply the scriptures. What is needed is the illumination and assistance of the Holy Spirit.
1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you..as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is the truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost.. he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
This is why college professors, bible historians, Christian psychologist and some so-called theologians can have an excellent knowledge of the historicity and concepts of the bible.
Yet they lack any real biblical insight or revelation.
Due to the missing ingredient in their lives, called the illumination of the Holy Spirit INDWELT PRESENCE?.
So until man has a born-again redemptive experience he will remain in spiritual darkness unable to understand spiritual matters or concepts.
However, this does not mean man will not be able to understand the message or principles of salvation.
For this message is clear to all unlike the doctrinal and theological concepts which take some efforts at study and research
2. Application and interpretation:
We must learn to rightly apply God’s word to our lives first and primarily before we can attempt to apply it to others.
“ Be not only hearers of the word but doers..” “Judgment begins first at the house of God”
‘‘ BY THE SAME MEASURE THAT YE JUDGE YE SHALL BE JUDGED”
In other words, before you use the word to judge others judge yourself by it.
There is only 1 interpretation but many applications.
Per example: (Interpretation) Where bible speaks of delivering the Jews from bondage to the promised land the underlying principle or typology (Application) can be applied to the Church is taken out of the world and to Heaven.
We must also realize that all the bible is not written to and for the Church.
Now that may surprise some of you? Let’s clarify that with this statement.
The bible is written for 3 groups of people.
This is called the Ethnic division principle.
1. To The Jews.
2. To the saints.
3. To the saints or sinners sometimes referred to as Gentiles
3. Context: It is very important that we read the scriptures in the context of their setting.
* man is not given the opportunity to interpret scripture as he pleases or reasons?
for the word interprets itself (Analogy of scripture) and does not have various meanings other than what is stated.
*Another point to consider is that the bible is not always written in chronological order?
We must at times read it bearing this in mind. Avoid Anachronizing scripture.
We must remember the scriptures were written in the context of what is known as time dispensations and theological covenants.
This is crucial to rightly understanding and applying scripture.
Bear in mind that some covenants were conditional and some unconditional.
Learn the difference between Exegesis and Eisegesis.
To practice, Exegesis is to take out of the scriptures what is its literal meaning and interpretation within the context of proper biblical methodology.
To practice, Eisegesis is to place into scripture other supposedly intended meanings or self-induced concepts.
Next, we will look at the various dispensations and covenants.
1. First, let us define the term dispensation or Dispensationalism:
A particular way in which God deals with mankind in regards to salvation, sin, and responsibility, (otherwise known as Soteriology and Haematology) usually within the context if a certain time frame.
Biblically there are 7 dispensations wherein man is given an opportunity to know and relate to God in a specific way, each which ends in some form of judgment with man’s refusal to obey God.
The first dispensation was known as the Dispensation of innocence.
A time dealing with the creation and fall of man, the innocent state where a man had no knowledge of sin and evil.
A man had certain responsibilities in the garden and personal communion with God which sin broke and thus brought separation. For sin (Satan) always separates! But mercy and love (God) always restores John 10:10-1, Gen.1:26, 2:25 “for the devil comes not but for to steal, kill and destroy but I have come that you might have life and life more abundantly”
2. The Dispensation of conscience:
Dealing with a man after his fall, through his awakened conscience? man having lost spiritual life as derived from communion with God, he then became subject to the law of sin and death ”for the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is life..“ for the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death.Rom 6:23, 8:2-3,
It was because of this spiritual death that man became controlled or guided by the soulish or selfish nature, the flesh, the mind, will, and emotions.
Hence where he was once led and directed by the Spirit he was now under the influence of the carnal nature.
He was in need of restoration of his relationship and communion with the divine.
Where he could once again be given spiritual life and power over the forces of darkness.
That spiritual life came in the form of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost as found in the book of Acts 2:1-4, 36-39, and as promised in John 10:9-11, and chapter. 14:1
