HOW TO STUDY YOUR BIBLE



HOW TO STUDY YOUR BIBLE

(INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE

ON HERMENEUTICS)

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

(The King James Bible is the only Bible in English which commands believers to study it!)

There are a number of ways to study your Bible. In this course we will attempt to look closely at several of those approaches. Of course a proper study of the Bible demands a proper understanding of the Bible. Therefore any legitimate study of the Scriptures includes i___________________.

According to the Encarta World English Dictionary, “Hermeneutics is the science and methodology of interpreting texts, especially the books of the Bible.” Someone has said that you can make the Bible t__________ anything. That may be true if you disregard proper hermeneutical principles and the purpose for which the Bible was written, its subjects, time element, and other important essentials. But a proper study of Scripture adheres to certain fixed e_________ which mandate strict rules to guarantee a correct c_________________.

A practical approach to the study of the Bible is a rule stated simply and succinctly: “If the plain sense makes good sense, seek no other sense or you will have nonsense.” If this rule was followed much c____________ regarding the clear teaching of Scripture would be avoided.

The Bible obviously includes certain metaphors, similes, figures of speech, word pictures, types, and hyperbole, as does most any document. However, as with any document, those images are usually explained or understood by s___________ carefully the context, colloquialisms, the setting, the time frame, the persons addressed, etc.

M__________ = an application of a word or phrase to somebody or something that is not meant literally but to make a comparison, e.g., saying that somebody is a snake or a dog.

S__________= a figure of speech that draws a comparison between two different things, especially a phrase containing the word “like” or “as,” e.g. “as white as a sheet.” From the Latin “simile” – a like thing. This is often done in Scripture.

S__________ = words of closely related meaning, e.g., huge, vast, immense, enormous, mammoth,

A__________ = a word so opposed in meaning to another word, its equal in breadth or range of application, that it negates or nullifies every single one of its applications. In other words an antonym is an exact opposite.

H__________ = a word with the same spelling or sound but has a different meaning, e.g., “fleet” (a group of vehicles) or “fleet” (swift), or the verb “sow” (plant seeds) and “sow” (female pig).

F__________________= and expression or use of language in a non-literal sense in order to achieve a particular effect, e.g., “it’s raining cats and dogs.” Metaphors, similes, and hyperbole are all common figures of speech.

H__________ = deliberate and obvious exaggeration used for effect, e.g., “I could eat a million of these.”

T________= a category of things or people whose members share some qualities, e.g., Joseph in the O.T. has no sin recorded of him, therefore in that respect he is a “type” of Christ.

S__________ = something that stands for or represents something else, e.g., a dragon represents Satan in the Bible.

C_____________: an informal word or phrase that is more common in conversation than in formal speech or writing. In Philadelphia “Yo” can mean “hello” or “hi there.”

A___________ = a work in which the characters and events are to be understood as representing other things and symbolically expressing a deeper, often spiritual, moral or political meaning.

All of the above forms of s___________ may be used at one time or another in the Bible. Therefore it is imperative that every word be studied in its c_________ and with an understanding of who is writing, to whom the passage is written, the historical setting, etc. to achieve a correct interpretation of a given verse or section of Scripture. This is often referred to as the g___________-h___________ interpretation approach to the study and interpretation of Scripture.

When Fundamentalists (or preferably “Bible believers) claim a l________ interpretation of the Bible, their critics accuse them of being literalists or Pharisees who “strain at a gnat and swallow a camel” (hyperbole). However the truth is that although we do in fact approach the study of Scripture using the l_________ method of i________________ we do make room for the above use of language. In other words we read and understand the Bible just as we do any other historical document. It is the way we read a newspaper, a novel or any other report, making allowance for grammatical m____________ which may enrich the report and/or deepen our understanding.

When a Bible believer reads “one thousand years” in the King James Bible, he takes that as a reference to 1000 years! That is the l__________ approach to studying the Scriptures. When others see that number used in Scripture they spiritualize it or call it an allegory to make it mean anything other than 1000 years. Thus they become Amillennialists, that is, those who do NOT believe in a literal 1000 year reign of Christ over the earth. In other words they take an a_____________ approach to the interpretation of the Scriptures. Thus, Adam and Eve in Eden is simply a m______ story; the people and place were not literal. The Flood of Noah’s day was simply a f______________ story to emphasize a spiritual point - it never really happened, or if it did it could not have been anything more than a local flood involving a few people and animals, not a worldwide cataclysmic event such as the Bible portrays it. And of course if that is true there will be no second worldwide cataclysmic event wherein the entire world will be c_________ by “fervent heat” and experience a global m___________. (Talk about global warming! – Oh, excuse me – that will be the second real “global warming” event. The first will be when the heat of the sun is turned up during the Tribulation Period. Something else those who allegorize the Scriptures do not believe in!)

So, as we launch this important study about studying your Bible, we will approach it with holy r_____________ knowing that God meant what He said and said what He meant. Our task will be to take a hermeneutical approach which will enable us to comprehend His words and His message to_____. Although we know the Scriptures were written over a period of over 1600 years, by many authors, in at least two major languages and that they were written in a historical context, to several different groups of people, we understand that every Scripture was written for o____ admonition and our learning as well. So, not only will we learn how to correctly i_______________ the Word and words of God, but we will also learn how to a________ them to our needs, circumstances and personal problems.

We serve a BIG God Who had us in mind when He wrote the Bible – and also when He sent His Son to die for us.

As with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus after the death and resurrection of our Savior, we need to listen to His words in every s__________ of the Scripture so we can find Him there.

“And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself…And He said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the pslams, concerning Me.” Luke 24:27 & 44

STUDY YOUR BIBLE USING HELPS:

What a wonderful day we live in for Bible study. No doubt with the many books in print and the many helps found that are computer friendly and user friendly, we live in the greatest and many would say the easiest time to dig deep into the rich resources available to believers today. But with all of that available there are probably fewer Christians studying their Bibles than ever before. That is why y_______interest in this class and this subject is so refreshing and important.

Obviously we will not be able to plumb the depths of the wealth of material available, but we will make a few suggestions for the serious student of God’s holy Word.

BIBLES: In this class we do not consider anything but a King James Bible worthy of your study, so in spite of the proliferation of Bible “versions” out there, the venerable KJB alone is r______________and endorsed. However, there are several excellent King James or AV1611 study Bibles which we do recommend.

1. The Defined King James Bible, The Bible for Today Press, Collingswood, NJ (This is an excellent King James text with annotations next to archaic or little used words with definitions on the same page. Excellent for devotional use.)

2. The One Year Bible, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL (This King James text is arranged in 365 daily readings to enable a believer to read through the Bible in a year.)

3. The Rainbow Study Bible, Rainbow Studies, Inc. , El Reno, CA (Every verse in this King James Bible is color coded to alert the reader of verses dealing with history, prophecy, family, God, Sin, etc. The code is somewhat subjective, but overall it is a good study Bible which will help the student consider the possible intent and/or subject of each verse of Scripture.)

4. The Defender’s Study Bible, World Publishing, Grand Rapids, MI (This is a very valuable resource for believers where the study notes are given from a creationist & scientific, as well as a devotional standpoint.)

5. The Chronological Bible, Regal Publishers, Inc., Nashville, TN (In this Bible the text is arranged according to the author’s [Edward Reese & Frank R. Klassen] understanding as to the sequence of events and history of Bible times and when those events were recorded. For example, the book of Revelation and the events recorded there are dated as to the time of their writing, not the time the events may occur in the future.)

6. The Scofield Reference Bible, New York Oxford University Press (This study Bible has become, for many, the classic reference work on the Scriptures and has proven a fairly reliable study resource over many years [original copyright 1909]. The notes have established the Dispensational approach to Bible study and interpretation for Bible believers.)

REFERENCE WORKS: The recommended reference works below are generally available in regular book form or can be obtained for computer use.

1. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance has become the standard for most Bible believers. A concordance is an absolute necessity for the serious Bible student. Otherwise you might spend a lot of wasted time searching for the reference or topic you need. There are several other concordances available, e.g., Young’s and Cruden’s, each with slightly different features and all excellent tools. Of course many Bibles come equipped with abbreviated concordances in them.

2. Bible Dictionaries: There are many available, some better than others, but all useful for the discerning Christian. No doubt you may have a favorite. Nelson’s and Unger’s are good.

3. Bible Encyclopedias: The standard is probably the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, but e_________________.

4. Bible Handbooks: By far the best and most exhaustive from a Bible standpoint is Willmington’s Guide to the Bible. Others include Unger’s Bible Handbook and Halley’s Bible Handook.

5. Commentaries: The classic conservative and complete Bible commentary is by Matthew Henry. It is exegetical and devotional and covers all the books of the Bible and most of the verses. Commentaries by others abound, and all have biases which must be recognized. While written many years ago, it is basically sound and very helpful. Everyone has their favorite authors and your p___________ is the best source for recommendations for you.

6. Bible Atlas: A good Bible Atlas is very helpful. It helps place the Bible in its geographical setting and provides reference points as to distance between places, location in relationship to sea ports, other countries, etc. Many Bibles contain limited maps of the areas mentioned in Scripture, but are usually inadequate.

As the wise writer of Ecclesiastes said: “…of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.” This statement seems to discourage serious study, but that is not the end of his comments. He further states: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”

While the average “Christian (read “religious”) bookstore” contains hundreds or thousands of books which are supposed to help the believer in his understanding and application of Scripture, in fact, very few are worthy of our time and effort. Every book authored by man contains erroneous and often dangerous information. Everything must be read with a d___________ mind and compared to the inerrant Scriptures.

STUDY YOUR BIBLE USING LOGIC:

There are two basic concepts of logic that must be employed whenever you study, debate or discuss anything. They are:

THE LAW OF A______________ = A thing is what it i_______. For example, a Bible is Bible. A boy is a boy.

THE LAW OF N___________ = A thing is not what it i____ n______. For example, a Bible is not a hotel. A boy is not a girl.

Without logic and its basic laws nothing has m___________. When studying your Bible it is important to remember that Israel is Israel, and Israel is not the church. Circumcision is circumcision. Circumcision is not baptism. A millennium, by definition, is 1000 years. A millennium is not a generation, nor does it refer to some unspecified time period.

Of course when the context implies a figure of speech is being used, or the words “_______” or “_____” are used, or the subject would be impossible if understood literally, then we must look somewhere in the passage to see if something else is in view. As we have taught above we do believe in figures of speech even though we interpret the Scriptures literally.

ILLUS.: Today in theology there is a move abroad to remove Israel’s future as a nation and apply the promises given to the nation of Israel to the Church. This is called R_____________ Theology, i.e., replacing Israel with the Church..

In some circles some have understood the 1000 year reign of Christ on the earth as taking place now during the church age, thus spiritualizing the 1000 years, or denying there is any reality to the Millennial teaching at all. This is known as A________________, i.e., “no millennium” - or one thousand year reign of Christ on the earth after the Tribulation Period.

Reformation or C_________ Theology teaches that Israel = the Church and circumcision = (infant) baptism. Covenant Theology steals the promises of God to Israel and applies them to the Church.

In all these systems a literal interpretation of Scripture must be abandoned and the Bible either has to be s___________ or its teachings disregarded. Either God has spoken and He meant what He said or He has spoken to c_________ us by using words without meaning.

The a___________ or s___________ approach to the Bible eliminates all logic and words no longer mean what they say.

ILLUS.: The Neo-E___________ approach to the Bible eliminates anything it cannot accept by faith by reinterpreting or spiritualizing the people and events in Scripture. Thus the miracles of our Savior were simply stories He used to illustrate a principle, not actual events. He didn’t walk on water – that would be impossible. If you can’t explain it – explain it away! The Ark of Noah couldn’t possibly handle representatives of all the creatures on earth, therefore the flood was just a story to teach a moral lesson; and since it would be “impossible” to have a worldwide flood, it must have been only a local phenomenon.

The Neo-O______________ approach to the Bible says that the Bible is Scripture if it speaks to you. So if you get a blessing out of reading Psalm 23 today, it is God’s Word, but if you read it tomorrow and you do not get something from the very same passage, it is NOT God’s Word.

The L____________ approach to the Bible simply views it as a religious curiosity and denies anything supernatural contained within. They deny the resurrection, Christ’s atonement for sinners, His sinless life, His miracles, etc. They are very close to being A___________ which deny God’s very existence and therefore the Bible as being inspired and preserved by Him. Realistically speaking Liberals are practical atheists.

The C___________ approach to the Bible ignores the principle of “rightly dividing the word of truth.” They may “believe” the Bible, but they distort its teachings by refusing to apply this principle of Bible study. “A cultist is a cultist because he does not recognize or simply refuses to accept God’s method of Bible study. By going to just any part of the Bible and ripping verses out of their context, the application of the truth becomes perverted.” - One Book Rightly Divided, Dr. Douglas D. Stauffer

The R_______________________ approach to the Bible makes the Scriptures subservient to the dictates and teachings of the “Church.” Tradition, church dogma, and the “magisterium” (continuing teaching ministry of Catholicism) takes precedence over the Bible. From the fifth to the fifteenth centuries the study and examination of Scripture was almost non-existent due to the authority of Catholicism. This period is known as The Dark Ages.

QUALITIES NEEDED TO STUDY YOUR BIBLE:

F_________: First there is the necessity of s__________ faith, i.e., you must be born-again to receive s__________ information. The “natural man” is at a decided disadvantage when approaching any understanding of the Scriptures. Paul says he cannot “know them” (“the things of the Spirit of God”) apart from the new birth. (1 Cor. 2:14) This is not to say that he cannot read or understand the h__________ record of the truth contained in the Bible, but that he is incapable of receiving spiritual understanding or benefit from it.

Next there is faith in the o_________ of Scripture, namely, that God is its Author. (A careful study of 1 Cor. 2 will demonstrate the Holy Spirit’s place in the Authorship and revelation of spiritual truth in the Word of God.) A believer must not only believe that God is the Author of His Word, but that He has p__________ and p___________ His Word (and words) as He promised. (Ps. 12:6,7) With these two prerequisites in faith the believer is motivated to study the Bible to discover its spiritual riches. In order to do so he must be careful to “rightly divide the Word of truth.” (2 Tim. 2:15) The term “workman” in this passage implies that mining the riches of Scripture requires d_________ study. The Bible is not like any other book – to be read once and then cast aside. It is a l__________ Book and speaks to the believer again and again no matter how many times it is read.

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible, by the Word of God which liveth and abideth for ever.” 1 Peter 1:23

I________________: It goes without saying that a person must be l_________ to begin with. A certain level of intelligence is needed to properly understand the Bible. A person must be able to make d___________ in things that differ, and c_______________ in things which are similar. He must be able to know d___________ (or be capable of looking them up). He has to apply and bring to bear on his study of Scripture all he has learned about nature, science, mathematics, geography, history, etc. The more “well read” a person is, the better equipped he is to engage himself in a rewarding study of the Bible.

ILLUS: It is surely helpful to know the history of Israel and the geography of the land as well as basic concepts of science and nature to get the most out of Bible study. The student needs to understand directions in Scripture since most references are related to the Land of Israel and often especially to Jerusalem. A little smattering of nature will aid in references to plants, animals, etc.

L__________: (See introductory notes) The student of God’s Word must make a d_________ between objects and subjects when the Bible requires it. For example, the New Testament classifies the h________________ into three basic units: “the Jew, the Gentile and the Church of God.” 1 Cor. 10:32 These are not to be c___________, nor are promises or judgments towards one to be automatically ascribed to another. The Bible further makes distinctions among b____________: babes, carnal, spiritual.

S______________: Salvation alone does not confer s___________ nor does it give immediate access to the great truths of Scripture. That is where diligent study comes in even for the spiritual Christian. The c_________ the believer walks with the Lord, the more likely he will be able to mine the spiritual nuggets that less spiritual believers miss.

ILLUS.: Often when under the teaching or preaching of God’s Word we are amazed when the speaker opens our understanding to a passage we have read again and again. We missed the truth he is expounding. There may be several primary reasons for this. 1. He has studied the passage in depth, 2. He is walking closer to the Savior, 3. He has the background and time to study more efficiently.

S__________: The person who truly desires to know the Word of God will not be h______________ or even c_________ of the Bible. He will approach it as it is indeed God’s holy Word and not man’s. He will allow the Bible to c__________ him instead of him correcting the Bible. He will open his heart and mind to the leadership and i____________ of the Holy Spirit and will bend his will to God’s will. He will come to the Word of God desiring that God conform him to the Bible and to the image of Christ. He will be not just a hearer of the Word of God, but a doer. The King James Bible translators approached the Bible with the utmost scholarship, intelligence, respect, reverence and sincerity.

“This Book will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this Book.”

DANGERS TO AVOID IN THE STUDY OF YOUR BIBLE:

DANGER #1: Beware forcing the Bible to say what you w_______ it to say. People often wish to avoid any passage of Scripture which is in conflict with their l__________. Many have abused and misused the passage where Paul advised Timothy to “use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake” to justify social drinking. Thus they change or force the meaning of a verse or passage. More often, in fundamentalist circles, there is a tendency to r_________ into the Bible something we want it to say. For example, some churches exert “standards” which are not biblical upon the church members and other preachers and churches and misuse a verse or passage to support their “conviction.”

DANGER #2: Beware reading someone else’s m______.* We have already spoken about the three classes of humanity designated by the Apostle Paul: the Jew, the Gentile and the Church of God. It is wrong to take something a___________ to one of these groups and apply it to the other. In the Bible we have several different classes of believers as well. The same danger applies.

O____ Testament Believers

N____ Testament Believers

T_____________ Believers

M_____________ Believers

When a writer of Scripture addresses one of these groups or individuals in a book of the Bible or an epistle, it is dangerous to apply whatever is written to another group. This is where the cultists get into trouble. But the danger is for a_______ of us.

Paul’s epistles (those in which the first word is “Paul” – Romans through Philemon) are letters which contain C_______________ doctrine. It becomes dangerous to attempt to read Church Age doctrine into the Gospels or even the book of Acts (which is t____________) or books like Hebrews and Revelation which deal primarily with saints in the Tribulation. Although we may make a___________ to the Church Age from these other books, we must be careful when “opening other people’s mail” and making the Bible say something t_____ us which was not meant f_______ us. (We may receive someone else’s mail, but we had better be careful applying the contents to ourselves as if it was meant for us.)

* One Book Rightly Divided, Dr. Douglas D. Stauffer

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TERMS USED IN THE STUDY OF YOUR BIBLE:

THE B__________: The English word “Bible” comes from the Greek words “Biblos” and “Biblion” which mean “the B__________.” It is named “The Book” in Ps. 40:7, and Heb. 10:7.

THE _________________: Of all the names given to the Bible this title is perhaps the most significant and impressive. It signifies Divine a__________ and it is used frequently in the O.T. and about 40 times in the N.T. (Heb. 4:12)

THE S_____________ or S______________: This term is used some 53 times in the Bible, but only one time in the O.T. (Dan. 10:21). It is N_________ used of the “original manuscripts” or the “autographs” – to the dismay of those who practically worship “the originals.” The word means “the writings.” 2 Tim. 3:15,16

THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS: The word “testament” means c______________, and God uses this term to stress the relationship between Him and His people.

THE O__________: Oracles originally meant the p__________ where the Word of God was kept and also has the thought of proclaiming the Bible. This term is used 17 times in the O.T. and 4 times in the N.T. where it refers to the Scriptures.

THE P_____________*: Literally = prescribed t____________. It means “placed in trust” and had to do with the conduct and conscience of man. Fulfilling the precepts (of God’s Word) brings e_______________ of its promises.

THE S_______________*: The root meaning is “to engrave.” These statutes are f__________ and engraved by the hand of God.

THE C____________*: God’s Word is given with authority and not to o______ the Word of God is seen in the Bible as an act of r_________________.

THE J______________*: God’s judgments are made in infinite wisdom. By them we must judge, and by them we must be judged.

THE L_________*: God’s Word is absolute and is that which is designed to g__________ man’s life and actions.

THE T_____________*: God’s Word testifies of His Being and His attributes.

NOTE: The asterisks (*) above are placed alongside the designations of God’s Word found in the 176 verses of Psalm 119. Out of 176 verses in that Psalm there are 175 references to the Scriptures! No mere human could have put together such a lengthy passage and end up with anything intelligible with such repetition. But God deliberately repeated Himself again and again to emphasize the importance of His Word and words and it all makes perfect sense to the believer.

C_______________: “By the canonicity of the Scriptures is meant that, according to certain and fixed standards, the books included in them are regarded as part of a complete and divine revelation, which is therefore authoritative and binding in relation to both faith and practice.” - Bancroft

There are 39 O.T. books (recognized and preserved by the p__________ of the Jewish Masorete scribes – see Romans 3:1,2) in the O.T. canon, and 27 books in the N.T. recognized as Scripture and preserved by the p_____________ of believers in the early church.

C________________: “By the credibility of the Scriptures is meant that their records are true and are thus to be relied upon as the statements of the facts.” - Bancroft

A book may be genuine as to its authorship, and yet not c___________ as to its contents. For example we may have positive evidence as to the authorship of the works of Shakespeare, but the contents of his works may not be f______________.

R_______________: (From God to m________) The revelation of Scripture begins in God’s mind and is transferred to man’s mind. God speaks to the heart/mind of man and gives him the exact revelation of His message to him. He uses the man’s personality and vocabulary, but the completed revelation is 100% without error and exactly what God wanted to communicate. 2 Pet. 1:21

I______________: (From man to p__________) “By the inspiration of the Scriptures is meant that the writers were so empowered and controlled by the Holy Spirit in the production of the Scriptures as to give them divine and infallible authority.” - Bancroft

The revelation is now committed to w___________. The word “scripture” (Greek: “graphe”) means “writings.” We believe in the verbal (words), plenary (complete) inspiration of Scripture.

I_________________: (From paper to the h________ As the Word of God is studied, read, preached or taught the Holy Spirit illuminates its truths to the heart of man. He gives the saved man the ability to comprehend the inspired revelation. One of the reasons there are so many interpretations of God’s Word and words is due to the fact that the people handling the Scriptures are u____________.

P______________: (From generation to g____________) Revelation and inspiration have no value without the doctrine of preservation. What sense would it make for God to reveal His mind and will to man and then l_______ that revelation? He obviously knew that not everyone would speak the original languages of Scripture, so He allowed the Bible to be copied and translated so all would have a___________ to His Word, not just those living at the time of the original revelation. Actually no one has ever seen all of the “original manuscripts” of Scripture in any one place at any one time. The “originals” have disappeared, but faithful and accurate copies and translations have been preserved by God through the priesthood of believers in both the O.T. and N.T. eras, just as He promised. Ps. 12:6,7, 2 Tim. 3:15,16 It is our duty as a priesthood of believers to pass on a pure text of God’s Word to the next generation.

I______________: We believe the Scriptures to be without error. Since God has promised to preserve His Word and words (“…every word” Mt. 4:4), we believe He has kept that promise in an English Bible today. We believe that Bible to be the King James Bible. It alone has been translated from the T_____________ Texts of the O.T. & N.T. passed down to us from the Jews (O.T.) and the early Church (N.T.), and accurately translated into the English language. We believe the King James Bible to be inerrant and infallible – critics notwithstanding.

NOW LET’S “STUDY TO SHEW (OURSELVES) APPROVED UNTO GOD…”

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THE D________________PRINCIPLE IN THE STUDY OF YOUR BIBLE:

D_______________: It is this writer’s opinion that it is absolutely necessary to u___________ the dispensations to properly u___________ and i__________ God’s Word correctly. We believe the dispensational approach to Bible study is implied in Paul’s command in 2 Tim. 2:15 to “rightly (divide) the word of truth.” This verse implies that although the Bible is one book there are obvious divisions that include not only books of the Bible, and chapters and verses, but also d__________ or “dispensations” where God deals differently with mankind in different times. Without the dispensational approach to the Scriptures the Bible becomes a Book of c__________ and c______________.

I. D______________:

A Dispensation is a period during which God deals in a particular way with man in respect to sin and man’s responsibility. The word “dispensation” means “a_____________” and is first found in 1 Cor. 9:17.

II. D______________:

QUOTE: “Time is an island in the sea of eternity, which is divided into different dispensations or periods of time.” - author unknown

1. I__________: (From the Creation to the Fall of Man) Time period: unknown

a. This is a clearly discernable division or dispensation; there has never been another time when man was innocent, i.e. without s__________.

b. The man associated with this dispensation is A___________.

c. The responsibility or test for man was to see if he would choose God’s word and will or to exert his o________ will and sin against his Creator – he failed the test!

2. C_____________: (From the Fall of Man to the Flood of Noah) Time period: 1656 years

a. Man is now outside the Garden of Eden in a fallen condition, having knowledge of good and evil and guided by his c_____________.

b. The man associated with this dispensation is C__________.

c. The responsibility or test for man was to see if he will c___________ good or evil – he fails the test.

3. H__________ G_____________: (From the Flood to the Confusion of Tongues at Babel) Time period: 427 years

a. Man is judged for his sinful choices during the previous dispensation.

b. The man associated with this dispensation is N________.

c. The responsibility or test for man was the same as that given to Adam, i.e., to see if he will g__________ for God and have “dominion over the earth” – he fails the test.

4. P__________: (From the Call of Abraham to the Exodus from Egypt) Time period: 430 years

a. A_________ is called by God out of Ur of the Chaldees and probably out of idolatry; but his journey of f__________ began when he heard God’s call and obeyed Him.

b. The man associated with this dispensation is A__________.

c. The responsibility or test for man was to stay in the l_______ which God gave to him, and not go down into Egypt (a type of the world) – he fails the test.

5. L__________: (From Mt. Sinai to Mt. Calvary) Time period: 1491 years

a. Man is now given God’s Law (including the moral [10 Commandments], civil and social law).

b. The man associated with this dispensation is M__________.

c. The responsibility or test for man was to k_______ God’s Law – he fails the test. (Jesus was the only One to keep the Law and they crucified Him!)

6. C____________: (From Pentecost to the Rapture) Time period: 2000 + years ???

a. Mankind is charged with believing on and r___________ the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior.

b. The man associated with this dispensation is the G__________, Christ Jesus as S_________.

c. The responsibility or test for man is to quit trying to achieve God’s favor by works or Law and simply a_______ what he doesn’t deserve, God’s grace and salvation – he fails the test.

7. M___________ or K___________ Age: (From Christ’s descent to earth to the Great White Throne Judgment) Time period: 1000 years

a. This age begins with only s______ people who make it through the Tribulation Period.

b. The man associated with this dispensation is Jesus Christ as K_________.

c. The responsibility or test for man is to see if he will willingly submit himself to the King’s a__________ while He is v___________ present on earth and reigning in righteousness, and Satan is bound – he fails the test.

FINAL NOTE: The Dispensational approach to the study of the Bible is the p__________ study tool to keep you on track and to keep you from d__________ error. Remember Church Age doctrine comes from Paul’s epistles (any epistle where the first word is “Paul”). Applications can be made from anywhere in the Bible, but to avoid false doctrine and aberrations, stay in those books to determine d___________ for this dispensation.

There are statements in the Bible which are apparently c___________, and the reason is that God deals with man in different ways in different dispensations. Certain rules need to be followed steadfastly:

1. One must never take truth that belongs to a past dispensation and apply it to the present, e.g., we do not sacrifice animals today.

2. Never take t______from a future dispensation and try to f_______ it to fit the present, e.g., Kingdom Age truth cannot be applied to the Church Age.

3. Do not put the present into the f_________, e.g., the Church is n______ going into the Tribulation – it is the “time of Jacob’s (Israel’s) trouble.)

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THE C___________ PRINCIPLE IN THE STUDY OF YOUR BIBLE:

DEFINITION: A c________ is an a_____________, promise or contract between men or between men and God. There are two kinds of covenants in the Bible:

1. C__________ – God’s agreement depends on man’s obedience. (God says “I will do this, if you will do that.”)

2. U______________ - Gods’ promise to do something regardless of man. (God says “I will do this.”)

Four Covenants are accompanied with a sign:

1. Noahic – the rainbow

2. Abrahamic – circumcision

3. Mosaic – the Sabbath

4. Davidic – God’s Son

DIVISIONS:

1. E___________ Covenant: (Gen. 1:26-30; 2:15-17)

a. God orders man’s life in the Garden of Eden and e______________ His relationship with man.

b. There are several c_____________ to this covenant:

1) Man is responsible to f________ the earth with his seed

2) He is to s__________ the earth to the needs of humanity

3) He is to have d___________ over the animals

4) He is to only e______ fruit and vegetables

5) He is to dress and k________ the garden (“k_______” implies to guard the garden against any enemy who might appear)

6) He is to a___________ from eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil

7) Failure to keep this last condition will result in d___________

c. Adam’s sinful failure means he is expelled from the garden and will d______ physically and spiritually

2. A____________ Covenant: (Gen. 3:14-19)

a. Made with Adam before his expulsion from the Garden

b. It is unconditional and consists of a c________ and a promise

1) The c__________ includes judgment on Satan as the serpent,

2) Judgment on the woman in multiplied conception and maternal sorrow, & s_____________ to the man,

3) Judgment on the man who will now have to w_____ in a sin-cursed world – tears & death,

4) Judgment on the earth which will make man’s work d_________ – thorns, thistles, etc.

c. This covenant and its curse continues until the r____________ of earth by fire

3. N___________ Covenant: (Gen. 8:20-9:17)

a. Made with Noah when he left the Ark

b. It is unconditional and the rainbow is its sign

1) God promises he will not a__________ curse the ground

2) He will not again d__________ all living by a flood

3) The natural order of the s________ will prevail

4) Man is commanded to be fruitful and r__________ the earth

5) Man is again given dominion over the animals, and animals will p________ on each other

6) Man is allowed to eat m___________– as bloodless as possible

7) C___________ punishment is established

4. A____________ Covenant: (Gen. 12:1-3)

a. Made after God chooses Abram to become the f__________ of a new people

b. It is unconditional and c____________ is the sign

1) Through Abraham will arise a great n__________ (although he is past child bearing age)

2) God p_____________ to bless all nations through Israel – the new nation

3) Abraham’s name will be made great

4) Other nations will be blessed or cursed depending on how they treat I_________

5) Other additions will be made to this covenant (see Gen. 13:14-17; 15:1-8; 17:1-8)

5. M_____________ Covenant: (Exodus – Deuteronomy)

a. Moses is called to be the f________ of a nation, not the f_________ of a nation

b. This is a conditional covenant; blessings are contingent on keeping the Law

1) God gives His Law to Israel: moral, ceremonial, social and s__________

2) The sign of this covenant is the S___________ for Israel

3) Failure to keep the Law was seen as open r_____________ to God – the Lawgiver - and the consequences were severe

6. D___________ Covenant: (2 Sam. 7:8-19) see also Ps. 89

a. Made with David 500 years after the days of Moses

b. This covenant provided for a Davidic house, throne, crown & r___________ or k__________

c. This covenant is unconditional: God said, “I will!” 2 Sam. 7:14

1) David is promised a perpetual throne and a perpetual s_____ for that throne

2) David’s son would have t____ thrones – heavenly and earthly (kingdom of God & kingdom of heaven)

7. P___________ Covenant: (Deut. 29:1- 30:1-10) [this covenant is seen by some as a continuation of the Mosaic covenant]

a. God promises His return as Israel’s King after their r__________ (thus a conditional covenant)

b. He promises a r___________ of His people from among the nations and restoration to their own land

c. He promises the c____________ of Israel

d. He promises j____________ upon nations which persecute Israel

e. He promises great blessing and p____________ for Israel

8. N________ Covenant: (Jeremiah 31:31; Hebrews 8:8)

a. This covenant was given to Jeremiah, the weeping prophet

b. This is an unconditional covenant in stark contrast to the Old Covenant or Mosaic Covenant

1) This covenant is made with I__________, as was the O_________ Covenant

2) The Old Covenant was made on Mt. Sinai, the second was sealed with Christ’s blood on Mt. Calvary

3) Israel has no p________, no temple and no sacrifice (blood), and has been p___________ for 19 centuries, because she does not understand that the Old Covenant (Law) has been s_________________

4) The Old Covenant was written on tables of stone; the New Covenant is written on the tables of theh__________

5) The Old Covenant gave no means of o___________; the New Covenant is a covenant of grace and enables obedience

6) The New Covenant was sealed with Christ’s blood and will run b_________ the Millennium to the new heavens and the new earth

THE D______________ PRINCIPLE IN THE STUDY OF YOUR BIBLE:

DEFINITION: To discriminate means “to be able to i________ subtle differences and appreciate good quality or taste.” Encarta World English Dictionary

The command to “rightly divide the word of truth” simply means to make a distinction where God makes a d___________. Failure to do so leads to confusion.

DIVISIONS:

NOTE: Beyond the above distinctions, there are many other differences in the Word of God which need to be recognized to avoid confusion.

1. The difference between the c_____________ of God and the children of God:

a. Failure to distinguish between the two leads to the preaching of the brotherhood of man and the Fatherhood of God. All men are not b__________, and God is not the F________ of all men. Jn. 8:39-44

b. All men are creatures of God, but all men are n______ children of God. Jn. 1:12

c. Men become children of God through the new birth; the first birth is f___________.

d. A creature of God is under sin and therefore under a curse and is ruled by the power of death.

e. A child of God is the o___________ of God and a partaker of His n___________.

f. Adam is the head of all creation; Christ is the head of the n__________ creation. 2 Cor. 5:17

h. When a creature becomes a child of God, he becomes a member of a b________ of faith. Gal. 6:10 This is a s___________ brotherhood.

2. The difference between being accepted and being a________________:

a. All believers are accepted by God, but not all believers are a______________ to God: Eph. 1:6; 2 Cor. 5:9

b. The difference is between p__________ and condition.

3. The difference between f__________ and w___________:

a. Without faith one is not a believer. Without works there is no e_________ of faith. Both are found in a true believer.

b. The difference between man-made religion (works) and faith in Jesus’ finished work is the difference between h_____ and h____________.

c. James says that “faith without works is dead, being alone.” Saving faith and living faith are two distinct things. You must have both to be pleasing and a____________ to God. Heb. 11:6

4. The difference between salvation and r___________:

a. Where we will be (heaven) is free (to us), what we will h_________ there must be earned.

b. Salvation means freedom from the power of sin and the w__________ of God.

c. Rewards are c______________ for faithfulness, labor and suffering.

d. Salvation is a gift of God and wholly of the Lord; rewards are up to us and must be e________. 1 Cor. 3: 11-15

5. The difference between the believer’s p___________ and his walk:

a. The believer’s position or standing in the sight of God is one of absolute p___________ in Christ. We are accepted in the Beloved and nothing can be added to or taken away from our position. It is unchangeable, irreversible, permanent, continuous and e______________.

b. It is not our perfection, but the perfection of Christ which is i_______ to us. (I_____________ means “to reckon over onto one’s account.” Philemon 18)

1) The doctrine of imputation is a prominent doctrine in Scripture.

2) First there is the imputation of Adam’s sin to the h__________________.

3) Then there is the imputation of s_______ to Christ.

4) Finally there is the imputation of Christ’s r___________________ to the believer.

c. To walk implies p_____________ so we differ in the progress we have made.

d. The walk of a Christian is the r________ of his position. If he is controlled by the flesh, he will be carnal and walk in the flesh. A carnal believer is positionally s______, but can never enjoy the full fellowship and communion with the Savior. Walk must follow faith.

e. An enlightening Bible study would be to go through the N.T. and trace how the word “walk” is used.

6. The difference between a p______________ and a mere professor:

a. A possessor is one who knows Christ and has the knowledge of sins forgiven and the joy of s______________ Him.

b. A mere professor is one who may have the right language, but has never experienced the new birth, so he is unsettled, unsure of his eternal safety, and robbed of joy and spiritual growth.

7. The difference between L_________ and g___________:

a. Law and grace are in opposition to each other, e_______ in our Savior Who alone k_____ and fulfilled the Law.

b. Law is a system of w________ instituted by God on Mt. Sinai and introduced to Israel through Moses, the mediator; a legal system.

c. Grace is an expression of God’s k__________ and f______, under the New Covenant (Testament), sealed with His blood through Jesus, the Mediator.

d. The Law was holy, just and good. Rom. 7:12; Ps. 19:7,8

e. The Law was designed as a teacher or “schoolmaster” to show us our i_____________ and sin and bring us to Christ.

f. The Law was added because of man’s transgressions. Gal. 3:19

g. The Law reveals that man is a sinner by nature and that c_____________ and c________ cannot change that.

h. Law reveals the heart of man; grace reveals the heart of G__________.

i. Law says “be perfect” but doesn’t have the c____________ to make anyone perfect.

j. The believer is not under Law, but is not to live l__________.

k. God wants the righteousness of the Law fulfilled in us.

l. Grace is almost i_______________, because it originates with an infinite God. Humanly speaking it is getting what we do not deserve from God.

8. The difference between the Kingdom of Heaven and the Kingdom of God:

a. The word “kingdom” as used in the Bible means s__________ rule rather than territory.

b. The Kingdom of heaven has earth as its sphere and has a 1000 year duration [the Millennium] (God’s rule on earth – Matt. 6:10); the Kingdom of God is__________. Jn. 3:3-6

c. The Kingdom of heaven is p___________ and Jewish; promised to Israel.

d. The Kingdom of God is i___________ and entered by the new birth to Jew and Gentile alike.

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THE P_________________ PRINCIPLE IN THE STUDY OF YOUR BIBLE:

1. This is the principle whereby the Word of God is spoken or written.

2. There is a difference between p____________ and prediction.

a. A prophet was essentially God’s s_____________, and his sole mission was to speak the Word of God and only the words which God gave him to speak.

b. A prophet is not only a f__________, but a f______________ of God’s Word. Foretelling deals primarily with future events, but a prophet was to instruct, reprove, rebuke, correct and judge in God’s behalf.

c. The N.T. prophet is simply a f______________ of what God has already spoken in His written Word; in that sense he is not equal to the O.T. prophet who may have been the direct recipient of God’s Word and will. No one is receiving direct r_____________ from God today apart from His Word.

d. Prophecy is speaking forth the Word of God; predictive prophecy is speaking forth the Word of God regarding f__________ events revealed directly from God. No one has this gift or fulfills this office t_________. The canon of Scripture is closed. The N.T. prophet is simply a preacher of what has already been revealed and written.

e. An O.T. prophet was a man whose function primarily was that of a r___________ and patriot, speaking on behalf of God, to the national conscience.” - C.I. Scofield

f. A prophet was always sent by God in a time of a__________ and declension.

g. The prophet was always appointed and a___________ by God.

h. O.T. prophets spoke of such subjects as the 70 years captivity of Israel, Israel’s restoration, Jesus’ first coming, the worldwide dispersion of Jews, the Tribulation, and the Millennium.

i. N.T. prophets (p__________) preach the Gospel, future events recorded in the Word of God, the “mystery” of the Body of Christ (the Church, consisting of Jews and Gentiles), heaven, hell and Church Age doctrine.

j. The criteria to determine a true prophet of God was that his predictions a_________ came true (Deut. 18:20-22), they are always clear and specific, and spoke about seemingly paradoxical things.

k. Prophets often spoke s_______________: the valley of dry bones, Nebuchadnezzar’s image, etc.

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THE T________________ PRINCIPLE IN THE STUDY OF YOUR BIBLE:

1. Definition: A type is a divine i___________ of some scriptural truth. A type is a “shadow of things to come” i.e., it is a picture of something found later.

2. The English word “type” is derived from the Greek word “tupos,” which is translated in our Bible as “print,” “figure,” “p___________,” “fashion,” “form,” and “example.”

3. The Greek word has several shades of meaning and speaks of a blow, an impression or stamp, mark, p_____________, form, or mould.

4. Types are classified as people (Joseph, a type of Christ), e__________ (deliverance of Israel from Egypt), things (brazen serpent), r___________ (offerings, priesthood, sacrifices, Passover lamb, etc.).

5. The danger in the study of types is to see types where n_____ were intended. Not e____________ in the Bible is a type or picture of something else.

6. Some obvious and l_________ types in Scripture for profitable study include, the brazen serpent, the two birds, the red heifer, manna, Jonah, the cities of refuge, Melchizedek, the O.T. feasts, the Tabernacle (extensive), the High Priest’s garments, the offerings and sacrifices, etc.

7. The safest way to study types is if they are i___________ as such within the Scriptures, e.g. the brazen serpent – Jesus said it was a picture of Him being lifted up to save people in John 3.

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THE F________ M__________ PRINCIPLE IN THE STUDY OF YOUR BIBLE:

1. Definition: “That principle by which God indicates in the first mention of a subject, the truth with which that subject stands c_________ in the mind of God.” – Hartill, Principles of Biblical Hermeneutics

2. The f___________ a thing is mentioned in Scripture it carries with it a meaning that will be carried all through the Word of God. – Ibid.

3. There is only o_____ s__________ in Scripture, although there are many mouths; only one providing, governing, controlling m_______. No matter how, when or where the message is given, God is the speaker, and since there is only one speaker, and since that speaker knows from the beginning what He is going to say, He can shape the first utterances as to f_____________ everything that is to follow. – Ibid.

4. A few examples:

a. S________: Gen. 3:1 The first time he is mentioned he is referred to as “subtle.” All through the Bible you will find him characterized like this.

b. The first words of C_______: “Wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?” He uttered these words when he was just 12 years of age and they were prophetic of His ministry, until on the Cross He cried out “It is finished!” His Father’s business was complete.

c. F________ – Gen. 15:6 The first occurrence of these words determine their meaning throughout the Bible. Faith is simply heart belief in God and He rewards faith with justification and righteousness.

d. The S______________: Gen. 1:2 “Moved” means “to brood” as a bird broods over a nest of eggs. It is translated “moved” because when a hen broods over her eggs, there is a constant movement of her breast which creates heat. The hen broods to bring life out of death, to bring light out of darkness. So the Spirit broods over the chaos of the sinner’s life. As the Spirit brooded over the original unfinished creation, so He broods over the unfinished life of a man. He broods and moves over every lost sinner. He broods over us to give us life; He brings us out of darkness.

e. J__________: Judges 1:7,8 Here is the first time Jerusalem is mentioned as a city. “The men of Judah smote it with the edge of the sword and set it on fire.” We have here the history of the city of Jerusalem. It is a picture of the city’s future in miniature, and all its subsequent history. Jerusalem has been besieged twenty seven times and burned three times.

f. B___________: Gen. 11 The first mention of Babylon is that it began with rebellion against God. The times of the Gentiles began with a king in Babylon. It was an idolatrous place. It was built by Nimrod the rebel against God. Often the word is Babel signifying confusion. It originated with man at the Tower of Babel which was built with bricks instead of stone, and put together with slime instead of mortar. It will arise again as a mock kingdom with a mock ruler. The building of Babel was self-glory, rather than God’s glory. Idolatry is a system introduced into the world by Satan at Babylon through the person of Nimrod.

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M__________ PRINCIPLES IN THE STUDY OF YOUR BIBLE:

I. THE P_____________ MENTION PRINCIPLE:

A. Definition: The principle by which God makes the revelation of any given truth i____________ c_______ as the Word proceeds to its consummation. – IBID.

B. Bible doctrines are introduced and as the revelation of God continues d________ are added.

1. There are two ways of studying Scripture:

a. C____________: in the order in which the books appear – man’s order.

b. C____________: in the order in which they were written, and the events occur – the order of revelation. (recommended: The Chronological Bible)

1) There is a teaching in the Word of God in the very arrangement of the books. Romans is the foundation on which all the epistles rest. (Thessalonians was the first epistle written.) The Holy Spirit put Romans in its place in the Bible because of its teachings.

2) The concept of p__________ in Scripture gives us one right method of Bible study. The Bible was written by books, and was built up by books, so it ought to be studied by books. It is a Book of books. Following subjects through Scripture sheds light upon that subject as the revelation unfolds. (recommended: The Scofield Reference Bible)

II. THE F_________ MENTION PRINCIPLE:

A. Definition: that principle by which God declares His f______ m_______ upon any subject vital to our spiritual life. It is where God gathers together fragments that have to do with a particular truth and puts them into one exhaustive statement. That is His full mind concerning that truth. – IBID.

B. Examples: Resurrection (1 Cor. 15); the tongue (James 3); Restoration of Israel (Romans 11); Chastening (Hebrews 12); Law (Exodus 20); Final Judgment – Great White Throne (Rev. 20); Love (1 Cor. 13); etc.

III. THE C______________PRINCIPLE:

A. Definition: That principle by which God gives light upon a subject through either near or r___________ passages bearing on the same t___________. Every sentence in the Bible has something that precedes it and something that follows it – except Gen. 1:1 and Rev. 22:21. – IBID.

B. Rule: Every verse must be studied in the light of its context. No other rule is v__________ more than this one, nor has created more confusion. To ignore this rule is dangerous and produces false d__________ and false prophets.

1. To remove a text from its context is a pretext.

2. By taking a verse or a subject from its context people twist the truth of Scripture to suit their own a_____________.

3. There is only one way to study the Bible and that is with the Bible, c__________ Scripture with Scripture; spiritual things with spiritual things.

4. This principle avoids “grasshopper exegesis” i.e., jumping around the Bible without regard to its context, like the Jehovah’s Witnesses practice.

5. It is making the Bible say something it wasn’t i_____________ to teach.

6. We are to take care lest we wrest the Scriptures to our own destruction. 2 Pet. 3:16

7. This is Bible study “on the cheap!” It is when there is no serious attempt at understanding what the Bible really teaches and reading into Scripture what we want it to say or what someone has taught us it says. But every individual Christian is commanded to “Study to show (themselves) approved unto God…”

IV. THE A_______________ PRINCIPLE:

A. Definition: That principle under which the truthfulness and faithfulness of God become the guarantee that He will not set forth any passage in His Word which c__________ any other passage. – IBID.

B. Statement: There are no contradictions in Scripture; there is organic u_______. Although there are 66 books in the Bible there is nevertheless perfect unity in its structure, history, purpose, d___________ and theme, which is salvation through Jesus Christ.

1. If as many say, the Bible is full of errors or contradictions, then it cannot be God’s Book, for God is faithful and cannot l_________.

2. Scripture always agrees with i______, whereas men may disagree with each other about the Scripture because they do not follow sound principles of Bible interpretation.

3. A few examples:

a. The re-gathering of the Jews and the future of Israel. “Replacement theology” is rampant today, which denies that Israel has a f_________ and that the Church can lay claim to p_____________ made to the nation. But the Bible is consistent. Throughout the Bible, Israel’s dispersion, re-gathering, and Kingdom are prophesied.

b. Some contend that the world is getting better (social evolution), in spite of the evidences of decay and corruption. Others say it is getting worse. The Bible settles the argument. In the days before Christ’s return Scripture compares the world to the days of Noah and Lot – hardly a pretty picture! It speaks of perilous times, things waxing worse and worse, etc. Some teach that Jesus will come back because the world is getting so good, but the truth is that the world is so corrupt that He m_________ come back!

c. Some confusion exists because men refuse to understand that just because a person may have the same n___ in the Bible, that they may not be the same person. Saul of Tarsus was not the King of Israel! How could Jehoram be king in Israel, and king in Judah? He was not. There were two kings with the same names. There are three men with the name James in the N.T. There are four Johns. There are ten Simons. There are many Herods in the N.T. There were six Marys. Also some people have more than one name: Jacob is also Israel; Timotheus is also Timothy; Peter is also Cephas and Simon; Saul is Paul; Joseph is Zaphnath-paaneah!

d. Places may also have the same names: Antioch of Syria and Antioch in Pisidia, Bethel is also Luz; Jerusalem is also Zion and Ariel; Sinai is also Horeb; the Dead Sea is also the Salt Sea, etc.

V. THE D___________ STATEMENT PRINCIPLE:

A. Definition: That principle under which God s_____ what He means and means what He s_____. – IBID.

B. Statement: A tooth is a tooth, an eye is an eye, a bear is a bear and a bird is a bird – u____ the context says otherwise or it is impossible to take the subject literally. This principle demands that we simply believe what God says. It is designed to keep our i__________ in check and to interpret the Bible as it was meant to be interpreted.

1. There are some rather obvious considerations, e.g., word meanings may change over the years, so you need to be alert and have an old dictionary handy. “Leesing” in a KJB means “lying.” “Let” means “hinder” in a KJB. (Recommended: The Defined Bible)

2. The Bible is not a kind of “spiritual museum” where curious things are presented; it is a living Book where God speaks to us in language which can be understood.

VI. THE C____________-CENTRIC PRINCIPLE:

A. Definition: The principle that all things are centered in C_________. This includes the mind of God, angelic thought and actions, Satanic hatred, human hopes, the material universe, and the Word of God. – IBID.

B. Our Savior expressed this principle on the road to Emmaus with Cleopas and his partner (his wife?), when He taught them the first Sunday School lesson from God’s Word and revealed Himself in all three divisions of the O.T.: the Law, Psalms & Prophets. Lk. 24

VII. THE N___________ PRINCIPLE:

A. Definition: The principle by which God gives special significance to n__________ in His Word.

B. Some examples:

1. One: this is the p_________ number and is God’s number. He is the beginning.

2. Two: this number implies a d___________. Humanity is divided into two classes: saved & lost. Exodus 8:23

3. Three: this is the number of the t_________; three persons in One God.

4. Four: this is the number of c________ and the e_______; “the four corners of the earth,” four directions, four seasons, on the fourth day material creation was completed.

5. Five: seems to be the number of d_____; five wounds in Christ’s body, a number of men are killed by being stabbed under the 5th rib, Gen. 5 is the death chapter (“and he died…”). Some see this number as the number of God’s grace(?).

6. Six is definitely m______ number. Man was created on day 6. Goliath, a picture of the antichrist (whose number is 666) was 6 cubits tall, wore 6 pieces of armor, and his spear head weighed 600 shekels of iron. Nebuchadnezzar’s image was 60 cubits high, 6 cubits in breadth and 6 kinds of instruments were played to signal time to worship it. 6 people gave testimony in behalf of our Savior as to His innocence.

7. Seven is God’s number and signifies spiritual p__________, c__________ and f_________. It was on day 7 that God rested from His creation. Revelation is the last book in the Bible and can have nothing added to it and is loaded with the number 7.

8. Eight is the number of n_____ b_________ and resurrection. Eight people descended from the Ark of Noah after the flood to begin the human race anew. The first day of the week is the 8th day and speaks of new beginning.

9. Ten is the number of the G__________. In Gen. 10 we have the divisions of the nations. In Acts 10 we have the vision of the sheet being let down from heaven with animals representing Gentiles and we have the first Gentiles added to the Church.

10. Twelve is a frequent number in Scripture and is the number for God’s p______, Israel. There were 12 tribes in Israel, Jesus chose 12 men to be His apostles to preach to Israel, there were 12 Judges over Israel.

11. Thirteen is the n_______ number in the Bible. It speaks of r_______ and apostasy. Ishmael, the wild man, was circumcised when he was 13 years old. Ishmael and his twelve sons constitute the Arab race. In Revelation Satan is called the great rebel 13 times. At the Lord’s table there were 13 present and the 13th was Judas who was the traitor.

12. Forty is the number of probation, t_________ and trial. Moses life is broken up into three periods of 40 years. It rained 40 days and 40 nights in Noah’s day. Moses was on the Mt. for 40 days receiving the Law of God. Jonah’s message was “40 days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” Our Savior was tested 40 days in the wilderness. 40 years after the crucifixion came the destruction of Jerusalem.

13. Fifty is the number of s___________ and is used approximately 300 times in the Bible. In Gen. 18 Abraham asked the Lord to spare Sodom if 50 righteous men could be found there. Pentecost was 50 days after the Passover and when it was fully come 3000 people were saved. The 50th year was the Year of Jubilee in Israel; the year of liberation and restoration. Haman was hanged on a gallows 50 cubits high and his death saved the nation of Israel from extermination.

CONCLUSION: We have attempted to a________ you, as a serious Bible student, with principles of Bible interpretation to enable you to fulfill God’s command to study the Scriptures. These principles are time honored, and t___________. They are by no means original with this author, nor are they exhaustive. We hope you will use them as you “search the Scriptures” to enable you to have a correct understanding of God’s Word so you “may grow thereby” and that you may be more ready and able to “give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is within you with meekness and fear.” 1 Peter 3:15

The object of all Bible study is not just so the student can have more k____________ about the Scriptures, but to put the principles in the Bible to u_______ to discover God’s w_________ and enable him to better serve the Lord. It is also so that he will be able to be a better witness. It is to these ends that I have attempted to teach this course. My reward will be if you apply these principles of Bible study.

Dr. Paul C. Fedena

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Bibliography:

Hartill, Edwin J., Principles of Biblical Hermeneutics, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, MI

Dungan, D.R., Hermeneutics, A Text Book, The Standard Publishing Company, Cincinnati, OH

Terry, Milton S., Biblical Hermeneutics, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, MI

Stauffer, Douglas D., One Book Rightly Divided, McCowen Mills Publishers, Millbrook, AL

Bancroft, Emery H., Elemental Theology, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, MI

Blue, Ken, Standards and the Standard, Publisher Unknown

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