Bulletin Insert: "The Bible and its Critics, Part I" (5/31/20)

The Bible and its Critics (Part I)

(Pastor Terry L. Reese, Valley GBC, Armagh, PA, May 31, AD 2020)

The wicked always seek to destroy God’s Word (Jer. 36: 21-32)—but they only bring a curse upon themselves. The Word of God endures (Isa. 40:8)!

I. Critics of the Scripture see “error” throughout, and the Bible is always presumed “Guilty” without a fair hearing! But OUR assumption must be that while there are hard sayings & enigmas, there can be no errors. As a DIVINE Book, we presuppose it to be completely trustworthy! (Jn 17:17)

There are, however, things that are hard to understand (2 Pet. 3:15-16)— the reason behind our present study (I Pet. 3:15).

II. Today we address some basic principles & common misconceptions with regard to interpretation—often the real source of our difficulties!

A. Two mutually supporting pillars of hermeneutics (i.e., interpretation):

1. The Analogy of Scripture: The unclear or obscure passages should to be interpreted in the light of the clear.

2. The Analogy of Faith:  Bible doctrine is non-contradictory; e.g., one cannot come up with a doctrine of eternal punishment from one passage (Matt. 25:46), and a doctrine of annihilation from another (Eccl. 3:19-20). Revelation cannot be used to contradict revelation.

B. The importance of CONTEXT.  Context determines meaning!

1. What is the surrounding context in which a given word or statement appears (e.g., the meaning of “Justification” in Rom. 3-4 vs. James 2)?

2. Question: Should we always interpret “literally?”

Answer: The Bible, like Christ, is both human & Divine, and without sin or error. As a HUMAN book, the rules of normal literary interpretation apply. The Bible contains various types of literature (history, poetry, prophecy, doctrine, etc.) which should be read in accord with the author’s intent.  It can also make use of figurative language (Ps. 36:7).

3. Who said it (or did it), when, and under what circumstances?

Q. “If a certain statement or behavior is recorded in the Bible, is it always held as a model for us to follow?” 

A: Context! (e.g., Col. 2:21 is instruction offered by unbelievers; Jacob’s bigamy is not an example).

4. Which Dispensation?: the Theocracy of the Israel, or the Church Age? There are different “House Rules” for God’s People in different eras. For example: this is why we don’t wipe out the heathen in “Holy War!”