Presuppositions about Biblical Interpretation; A Portion of an ABC Lecture delivered by myself

[Rev D Andrew Sands]

Presuppositions about the Task of the Interpreter:

1.     The preaching and teaching of the Word of God, correctly interpreted, is crucial to maintaining a biblically sound church.

2.     There are universally accepted laws of understanding communication that apply to the interpretation of the Bible as well.

3.     The ONLY valid interpretation and application of the BIble passage must be consistent with the writer's original intent.

4.     All principles and applications of a BIble passage must be consistent with the writer's original intent.

Presuppositions about the Interpreter

1.     Only a believer can fully understand the Word of God.

2.     A believer's obedience to the Word directly affects his capacity to interpret the Word of God accurately.

3.     Illumination enlightens the interpreter's mind and transforms his or her attitudes to receive the Word but does not reveal new truth.

4.     While illumination is the Spirit's gift, the gift comes only as the interpreter engages in his or her task.

Presuppositions about the Bible

1.     The Bible is the ONLY rule for faith and conduct that the believer has.

2.     The Bible is God's revelation to humankind, and it is inspired in its eternity to the level of it's individual words.

3.     Because the Holy Spirit uses the personality and circumstances of the human author, these are important to consider in interpreting the Scriptures.