How to study the Bible - Part 1

4. We should open His
Word, as we would enter
His presence with Holy
awe
MCP _ Chpt 11

5. The fact needs to be emphasized, and often repeated, that
the mysteries of the Bible are not such because God has
sought to conceal truth, but because our own weakness or
ignorance makes us incapable of comprehending or
appropriating truth. The limitation is not in His purpose, but in
our capacity. Of those very portions of Scriptures often
passed by as impossible to be understood, God desires us
to understand as much as our minds are capable of
receiving. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,” that
we may be “throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Tim.
3:16, 17. SC 106
What About Deuteronomy 29 : 29 ?

6. Principles of Biblical Interpretation
1. Analogy of Scripture Principle
a. Understand obscure texts
b. Understand the deeper meaning of the text
c. Correct misinterpretations
d. Solve controversies and disagreements
2. Typological Principle
3. General Principles of Interpretation
4. Aim for the Obvious Meaning
5. Understand the Context
6. Understanding Words and Texts
7. Understanding Subjects
8. Understanding Books and Writers
9. Understanding the Scriptures as a Whole

7. 1.Analogy of Scripture Principle
(Scripture principle)
“Make the Bible its own expositor, bringing
together all that is said concerning a given subject
at different times and under varied circumstances”
“Search the Scriptures” in RH (October 9, 1883), 625
“It should be emphasized that the texts to be
compared must deal with the same subject matter”
FE 187; CT 437; 4T 499.

8. Making it Practical

9. 2. Understand obscure texts
“This principle was used throughout the Reformation.” {GC 173, 203.}
Study the difficult passages, comparing verse with
verse, and you will find that Scripture is the key
which unlocks Scripture. {UL 52.5}
..to understand the passages whose meanings do not
appear on the surface. {CE 59 ; SC 90, 91}
“The Holy Scriptures ought to be explained by other
and clearer texts.” {GC 203}

10. Making it Practical
Choose a difficult
passage

11. 3. Understand the deeper meaning of the text
“The Bible is its own expositor. One passage of Scripture will prove to be a
key that will unlock other passages, and in this way light will be shed upon the
hidden meaning of the Word. By comparing different texts treating on the
same subject, viewing their bearing on every side, the true meaning of the
Scriptures will be made evident.”
{ FE 187; cf. CT 437}
“You must dig in the mine of truth till you find its greatest treasure, and by
comparing Scripture with Scripture you may find the true meaning of the
text.”.. “Bible Study” in ST (September 26, 1895), 602
“The Bible is its own interpreter, one passage explaining another. By
comparing Scriptures referring to the same subjects, you will see beauty
and harmony of which you have never dreamed.. {4T 499}

12. 3. Solve controversies and disagreements
“If there is a point of truth that you do not understand, upon which
you do not agree, investigate, compare Scripture with Scripture,
sink the shaft of truth down deep into the mine of God’s Word,”
adding that “You must lay yourselves and your opinions on the
altar of God, put away your preconceived ideas, and let the Spirit
of heaven guide into all truth” {TM 476}

13. 1. Analogy of Scripture Principle
a. Understand obscure texts
b. Understand the deeper meaning of the text
c. Correct misinterpretations
d. Solve controversies and disagreements
Summary
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

14. 2. The Typological Principle
The second major application of the principle of the Bible and the Bible only, applies
the analogy of Scripture principle to the type and anti-type relationship
“Important truths concerning the atonement are taught by the
typical service” .. GC 420
it was necessary for them to understand the witness borne to
Him by the types and prophecies of the Old Testament. DA 799
In that ancient ritual which is the gospel in symbol.. {CSA 56.5}

15. 2.1 Aim for the Obvious Meaning
“the truths most plainly revealed in the Bible have been involved in doubt and
darkness by learned men, who, with a pretense of great wisdom, teach that
the Scriptures have a mystical, a secret, spiritual meaning not apparent in the
language employed.” PP 594
should be explained according to its obvious meaning, unless a symbol or a
figure is employed.. 6BC 1095
We must be careful lest we misinterpret the Scriptures. The plain
teachings of the Word of God are not to be so spiritualized that the reality
is lost sight of. Do not overstrain the meaning of sentences in the Bible in
an effort to bring forth something odd in order to please the fancy. Take the
Scriptures as they read…{1SM 170.2}

16. 2.3 Understand the Context
1. (Exegesis) - What the text meant to the original hearer
Making It Practical
Mark 1:15
15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of
God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

17. 2.3 Understand the Context
1. (Exegesis) - What the text meant to the original hearer
2. Homiletical – How the text is applicable today
Making It Practical
Mark 1:15
15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand;
repent and believe in the gospel.”
any teaching or doctrine of Scripture must be based on a careful exegesis of the text as a foundation

18. “understanding what the words of Jesus
meant to those who heard them, we may
discern in them a new vividness and beauty,
and may also gather for ourselves their
deeper lessons
GC 521

19. 2.3 Understanding Subjects
in order to arrive at the true understanding of a certain topic it is crucial that the
researcher should study and compare all texts dealing with the same subject
matter throughout different time periods and in various life situations
Make the Bible its own expositor, bringing together all that
is said concerning a given subject at different times and
under varied circumstances…MB 1

20. Making it Practical

22. Methods of Interpretation
1.Historic Interpretation
2.Futurism
3.Preterism

23. Francisco Ribera

24. Cardinal Bellarmino
Daniel 7:25 And he shall speak great words against the most
High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think
to change times (prophecies) and laws:

25. Types of Prophesies
Apocalyptic
Prophecies
Classical
1. Signs
2. Speaking
1. Messianic
1. Unconditional
2. Conditional
3. Kingdom Promises(Geo)
4. Type
1. Non Apocalyptic
2. Apocalyptic