Hermeneutics Interpreting Inspired Writings Correctly What is Hermeneutics

Hermeneutics Interpreting Inspired Writings Correctly

What is “Hermeneutics”? From Greek word, “to interpret” n A method of interpreting correctly n 2 Tim. 2: 15: “rightly dividing [handling] the word of truth. ” n

Three Simple Rules Study the general teaching n Consider time and place n Discover the basic principles n

1. Study the General Teaching Get the “big picture” n Include all that the Bible or Mrs. White has said on the subject before drawing conclusions n EGW: “The testimonies themselves will be the key that will explain the messages given, as scripture is explained by scripture. ” 1 SM 42 n

1. Study the General Teaching Bible example: eternally-burning hell? n Rev. 14: 11, smoke of torment forever n But that’s not the whole story n n n Rom. 6: 23: Wages of sin is death Mal. 4: 1: Coming day will burn them up Rev. 20: 6, 14: Wicked die second death Jonah 2: 6: “Forever” is only three days! Jude 7: Sodom suffered “eternal fire”

1. Study the General Teaching Disputes in church if ignore this first rule n Some take one statement, ignore balancers n n 2 T 400: “Eggs should not appear on your table” 7 T 135: “In some cases the use of eggs is beneficial” 9 T 162: “Eggs contain properties that are remedial agencies in counteracting certain poisons”

1. Study the General Teaching Disputes in church if ignore this first rule n Some take one statement, ignore balancers n n Kneeling for prayer “is the proper position always. ” 2 SM 311 “Not always necessary” to kneel. 2 SM 316; MH 510, 511 It is best to kneel in private devotions and for the main prayer for church.

2. Consider Time and Place Context, literary and historical n EGW: “Regarding the testimonies, nothing is ignored; nothing is cast aside; but time and place must be considered” 1 SM 57 n

2. Consider Time and Place n Immediate context (paragraph, page, etc. ) n n n People “should never be taught to say, or feel, that they are saved” (COL 155) Context: Warning re: “once saved, never lost” Context: Peter’s self-confidence, denial of Christ

2. Consider Time and Place n Context: “Never can we safely put confidence in self, or feel, this side of heaven, that we are secure against temptation. . . But even when we give ourselves to Christ and know that He accepts us, we are not beyond the reach of temptation. . Our only safety is in constant distrust of self, and dependence on Christ. ” (COL 155)

2. Consider Time and Place n EGW understood basis of assurance: “Each one of you may know for yourself that you have a living Saviour, that He is your helper and your God. You need not stand where you say, ‘I do not know whether I am saved. ’ Do you believe in Christ as your personal Saviour? If you do, then rejoice” (General Conference Bulletin, April 10, 1901)

2. Consider Time and Place Historical setting: “Not one in twenty” Adventists ready for judgment (3 T 471, in 1875) n Prediction? No. Statement of condition n Today might be better, or worse! n

2. Consider Time and Place Customs may differ: take off shoes? n Place: quote EGW in public? n Historical setting: bicycles n

3. Discover the Basic Principles vs. policies: universal truth vs. application of universal truth n Example: teaching girls to harness and drive a horse (Ed 216, 217) n Example: bicycle craze (TM 393, 8 T 51, 52) n Example: flesh food vs. vegetarianism n

4. Use Common Sense n EGW: “God wants us all to have common sense, and He wants us to reason from common sense. Circumstances alter conditions. Circumstances change the relation of things. ” (3 SM 217) “We are to be guided by true theology and common sense. ” (1 MCP 148)