22. The Double Reference Principle

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO The Double Reference Principle a. Definition.

It is that peculiarity of the writings of the Holy Spirit, by which a passage applying primarily to a person or event near at hand, is used by Him at a later time as applying to the Person of Christ, or the affairs of f hatred of His kingdom. Human writers may not have had this in mind, but the Spirit knew. b. Examples.

1. Hosea 11:1 – "Out of Egypt have I called my son." The Holy Spirit applies it to the experience of Christ when taken into Egypt and brought out – Matthew 2:14-15. It also refers to Israel. Israel nationally, was a son, but Christ was a greater "Son."

2. 2 Samuel 7:12-16 – Davidic covenant. It has to do with Solomon in one sentence, and the very next verse goes beyond to Christ.

3. Deuteronomy 18:15 – Statement concerning a prophet to follow him. The reference here is to Joshua and yet it looks forward to Christ also – Acts 3:22-23.

4. Jeremiah 50, 51

Predicted judgment on Babylon. It has not yet been minutely fulfilled. There is reference here to a future Babylon that will be destroyed – Revelation 18:9-21.