Unless we apply objective rules and guidelines to interpreting the Bible, then in effect we can make it say whatever we want it to. And this is exactly what happens in many instances. Some Christians are always quoting scripture to back themselves up but often misinterpreted scripture. Sometimes this is intentional, other times not. But either way, we are meant to be in submission to the Word, not the other way round!

There are certain rules that we can apply in order to help us to interpret the Bible correctly. But before we do, there are certain assumptions that we have to believe. Without realising it, all things that we do have assumptions applied to them.

Every time we sit down to eat in restaurant we assume that a) The chair will support us. b) That the drink is not harmful c) The food is not poisonous etc. Our behaviour is such that those assumptions are taken for granted.

When we get on a bus to go to a specific destination, we assume that a) The bus is roadworthy and safe b) The man at the wheel can drive c) The driver knows the way. Likewise our behaviour is such that we simply sit back, and do not have concerns or worries along the way.

In order to interpret the Bible correctly, there are also certain assumptions that we must believe. These are called rules, which we will look at from study two onwards. For example, rule one states that the Bible is the ultimate authority. If we do not believe that it is God's Word, then we will never interpret it correctly.

So that we can fully understand a portion of scripture we need to apply the following criteria. In effect they are ground rules:
a) Analyse. Dig deep, what do we see as we meditate upon the passage?
b) Understand. Ask questions of the text. Why? What? How? Etc. What is being said.
c) Harmonise. How does this fit in with the rest of the Bible and its teaching? All scripture should be in balance and not taken in isolation.
d) Apply. How does this affect me? This is the ultimate goal of interpretation application.

Rules of interpretation fall into four categories:
a) General. Broad rules that encompass the wider umbrella of interpretation.
b) Grammatical. Dealing with the actual text itself.
c) Historical. Looking at the background of the verse and the context in which things were written.
d) Theological. Forming our doctrinal position.