GENERAL RULES OF BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION The interpreter must be saved and dependent on the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 2:13-16).

Assume the Bible is authoritative and inerrant The Bible interprets itself; Scripture best explains Scripture Interpret experience in light of Scripture; not the other way around Biblical examples are authoritative only when supported by a command Church history is important but not decisive in interpretation GRAMMATICAL RULES OF BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION Scripture has only one meaning Take Scripture as normal language; plain sense of the language Interpret words in harmony with their meaning in times of the author Interpret according to the context If an inanimate object describes a living being -- then it's figurative If an expression is out of character with thing described -its figurative Dont make a parable walk on all fours -- it has only one point Prophetic statements are to be taken normally -- unless the context compels otherwise

HISTORICAL RULES OF BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION Interpret in light of biblical historical context Revelation is progressive; later revelation explains earlier Events of history become spiritual truths only if Scripture designates THEOLOGICAL RULES OF BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION Scripture must be understood grammatically before theologically A doctrine is not biblical unless it sums up all that Scripture says No contradictions in Scripture: e.g. sovereignty and responsibility An implied teaching must have support in another passage