01. Introduction

1. Introduction 1.1 Hermeneutics given less and less attention 1.2 Human Reason-Col 2:8 1.3 Subjective Feeling-Col 2:18 1.4 Objective Revelation-2Ti 4:1-4 1.5 Biblical Authority-2Ti 3:16-17 1.5.1 The origin & flow of Bibhcai authority 1.5.11 God inhered authority

1.5.12 Christ 1.5.13 Holy Spirit

1.5.14 Apostle 1.5.15 Bible
1.5.16 Things man is forbidden to do to God’s complete revelation 1.5.16.1 Cannot add to the Bible 1.5.16.2 Cannot subtract from the Bible 1.5.16.3 Cannot change the Bible Introduction to Hermeneutics The interpretation of Scripture is a stewardship which we have from God. It is a part of the "ministry of the Word" (Act 6:4). After His resurrection, Christ "interpreted" the Scriptures for the apostles in reference to Himself as Messiah (Luk 24:27). We are to "cut a straight line" down the word of truth (2Ti 2:15). Hermeneutics is the science of correctly interpreting God’s Word, of observing principles whereby the Scriptures are devoutly and profoundly read. It is a process of meaning-extraction, of bringing out the sense of the Bible by means of principles supplied by Scripture itself. The task is never done, for God has yet more light and truth to give from His Holy Word. Our hermeneutics is never exhaustive and never infallible. It can always be enlarged with new insight and improved by sharper insight. Just because we listen to Scripture from a different setting in time and space than our fathers, our perspective is unique and we notice things not seen before. As Berkouwer has taught, "Listening, unlike remembering, is always a thing of the present moment" (G. C. Berkouwer, Faith and Justification, 1954, p. 9). Thus we would be "hearers" of God’s Word, charged with the interpretation and proclamation of this message among the nations. This involves determining exactly what the biblical text means to say (exegesis), assessing the results of exegetical study in light of the whole Bible (theology), and directing the message to men’s lives for correction and instruction (application).

“Man can weary himself in any secular affair, but diligently to search the Scriptures is to him tedious and burdensome.”

Few covet to be mighty in the Scriptures; though convinced their great concern is enveloped in “them”. Locke

If one believes the inspiration and authority of the Bible, then there are certain “self-evidencing” rules that should govern his interpretation and when applied lead to a consistent interpretation. Rules which make the truths of God’s Word plain; which enable all believers to interpret individually; which result in spiritual edification.

Because He is the originator of the universe - Gen 1:1

Delegated authority from God - Mat 28:18, 1Co 15:27

Guided & guarded apostles - Joh 14:26; John 16:13, 1Co 2:10-13

Delegated authority from Christ - Joh 13:20; John 17:8; John 20:21, Gal 1:11-12

Written by the apostles and the prophets - Eph 3:3-5 They wrote all of God’s message to man - Joh 16:13, 2Ti 3:16-17, 2Pe 1:3, Jud 1:3

1Co 4:6, 2Jn 1:9, Rev 22:18

Rev 22:19

Gal 1:6-9 The above forbids man from doing anything with the Bible except to use it as the sole absolute authority and to obey the Bible.