5: Interpreting ScriptureHermeneutics 1

Doctrinal Interpretation

Doctrine: The basic body of Christian teaching or understanding.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Doctrinal Interpretation

“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” 2 Timothy 4:3

The Process of Doctrinal Interpretation

1. Admit Theological Bias.

– What is your theological point of view?

– Who has influenced this view?

– What is the bias of your sources for research?

The Process of Doctrinal Interpretation

2. Collect Biblical Materials.– Find major sections of teaching on the subject.– Find narratives related to the subject.– Concordance is fine, but Topical Concordance

is better.– Example: Study of Faith – Abraham’s test in

Genesis 22 does not contained word “faith”

The Process of Doctrinal Interpretation

3. Do Thorough Exegesis– Examine the material without applying a

meaning yet.– Allow the text to speak for itself.– Concentrate on the literal interpretation first.– Examine: Word Meanings, Literary Context,

Historical Context, etc.

The Process of Doctrinal Interpretation

4. Unify the Materials– Develop unifying statements on the doctrinal

theme.– What do all of the authors agree on? (stated,

implied or omitted)– Place a priority on the New Testament concepts

over the Old Testament concepts.

The Process of Doctrinal Interpretation

5. Analyze the meaning of the teachings.– What is really meant by this?

– How would I explain this to someone who is unchurched?

The Process of Doctrinal Interpretation

6. Compare your conclusions to those of other scholars, officials statements, creeds, etc.

7. State your conclusions with Biblical references (proof texts)– A doctrine cannot be built on proof texts. All

passages must be viewed in context.– A doctrine can be supported by proof texts.

Degrees of Authority of Theological Statements

1. Direct Statements of Scripture

-- Give the greatest weight.

“That if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” – Romans 10:9-10

Degrees of Authority of Theological Statements

2. Direct Implications

-- Give high priority

Example: Doctrine of the Trinity

1. One God: Deut. 6:4

2. Three Persons: Matt 28:19

3. Deity of Christ

4. Deity of the Holy Spirit

Degrees of Authority of Theological Statements

3. Probable Implications: Less Authoritative

Example: Calvinism or Arminianism

4. Inductive Conclusions: Vary in Degree of Authority

Give probabilities: Views of the Second Coming

5. Outright Speculation: Single statement of Scripture or Hint

Example: Peter was the first pope (Matt 16:18)

Doctrines Should Never be Based on:

1. Personal Experiences.

2. Texts other than Scripture

3. Textual Variants: Passages where authenticity is questioned.

Example: 1 John 5:7KJV: “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father,

the Word and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one.”

NASB: “And it is the Spirit who bears witness because the Spirit is the Truth.”