by Lordy Salunga
Synopsis: By emphasizing basic principles of Bible study, brother Salunga helps us fulfill the mandate, "So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (Eph. 5:17).
God has planned and executed His plan to save man from sin. He has revealed this through the Bible. For us to access the grace which God has given to us, we need to understand the Bible to be able to comprehend His will. We must spend time and effort to be able to handle the word of truth correctly. It is not automatic to understand God's will. This endeavor to understand the Bible is called hermeneutics. Let us study some of the basic principles.
First, let us understand that we are no longer under the Law of Moses, but under the Law of Christ. Much error has arisen from a failure to recognize this fact: tithing, instrumental music, observance of the Sabbath, to name a few. The Law of Moses has been taken out of the way, being nailed to the cross (Eph. 2:14-15; Col. 2:14). In writing to the Corinthians, Paul spoke of being under the Law of Christ (1 Cor. 9:21). Christ alone has the authority in the spiritual realm (Matt. 28:18), and He is the head of all things to the church (Eph. 1:22-23). One who seeks to be justified by the Law is severed from Christ and His grace (Gal. 5:4).
We need to appreciate the context properly. Context simply means "with the text." We understand specific passages of Scripture by considering the text where it is found. Many difficult passages can only be properly understood if the context is considered. 1 Corinthians 15:29 is a problem for many. How do we understand this passage? By its context. In verse 12, Paul said that there are brethren in Corinth who teach that there is no resurrection. Considering 1 Corinthians 15:29 in this light, it becomes clear. If there is no resurrection, why would one be baptized if he will remain with the dead? It is futile to be baptized if there is no resurrection from the dead.
Institutional brethren teach that a local church may help not only needy saints but needy non-saints as well. They use several passages of the Scriptures in an attempt to prove this teaching like Galatians 6:10 and James 1:26-27. But a careful look at these verses will indicate that these are not teaching the obligation of the church in benevolence, but instead, focus on individual obligations. In the sixth chapter of Galatians, Paul used terms that refer to individuals rather than the local church (man, anyone, each one, he, himself, him, us, we) The same is true in the context of James 1:26-27. James used words that pertain to individuals (anyone, his, one, oneself). These passages point to the obligations of individuals rather than that of the local church.
To correctly understand the truth on various topics in the Scriptures, we need a complete view. In other words, we should gather all (or at least the majority of) verses regarding an issue to arrive at a correct conclusion. A partial view is always dangerous, but by considering all that is said on a subject, we can arrive at a correct understanding.
For instance, the truth about salvation cannot be read in a single verse in the Scriptures. There are verses on the necessity of faith (John 3:16; Heb. 11:6), the importance of repentance (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38), the essentiality of confessing one's faith in Christ (Acts 8:37; Rom. 10:9-10) and the indispensability of baptism (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 1 Pet. 3:21). Combining all these, we conclude that one needs to believe, repent, confess, and be baptized to be saved. Examining all the examples of conversion in the Book of Acts leads us to the same conclusion.
We must distinguish between passages that are literal and those that are figurative. When we say literal, we simply mean taking words in their usual or most basic sense. When we speak of figurative language, we refer to the common practice of using figures of speech to be more effective, persuasive, and impactful. Several kinds of figures are used in the Bible such as simile, metaphor, allegory, parables, personification, irony, etc. While a lack of space prevents a more detailed discussion, suffice it to say that much error is caused by failure to distinguish literal from figurative language.
One-cup brethren, for instance, misunderstand the figure of the cup to refer it to the container. In truth, the cup refers to the contents rather than the container. When one says, "Give me another cup of coffee," do we give him another cup, or do we refill his cup?
Certain brethren have been arguing over whether the church is the bride or wife of Christ. This language does not literally (or exclusively) demand one over the other, but merely points to the various facets of the relationship of Christ shared with the church. When the church is described as a bride, it emphasizes the need for it to be chaste and pure. When it is described as the wife of Christ, we are reminded that, just as a wife must obey her husband, the church must also submit to Christ.
All of God's Word is truth (Ps. 119:160; John 17:17). The truth will never contradict itself, so the words of God will always harmonize with one another. When Calvinists teach that a man is saved by faith alone, we know that this is wrong, because it contradicts James 2:24, Hebrews 5:9 and the teaching in Hebrews 11. Faith that is acceptable is obedient faith.
The Psalmist of old said, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments" (Ps. 111:10). When we respect someone, we are interested in what he has to say. When we have a reverential fear of the Lord, we have the same attitude. Reverence becomes an impetus to put forth our best effort to understand His will. It will give us a hunger and thirst for His Word (Matt. 5:6). As the Psalmist noted, those who do God's commandments have a good understanding of His will.
Many in the denominations, and even some among our very own brethren, have caused much confusion and error because of their failure to understand the will of the Lord correctly. When we fail to know the word of God, we let error have its way. When we diligently study God's word, we are better armed to fight against the wiles of the Devil.
Through a proper understanding of the Scriptures, we are better equipped, as teachers of truth, to help our brethren in the work and service of the Lord. Will it not also result in Christians being better able to live godly lives worthy of their calling? Will it not result in stronger churches of the Lord? Therefore, let us study to show ourselves approved unto God. May we also remember the condemnation of ancient Israel: "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." (Hos. 4:6)
Author Bio: Lordy Salunga preaches the gospel in Angeles City which is located in the Pampanga province of the Philippines. He can be reached at lsalunga2003@yahoo.com.
