Rule 2 - Dealing with authoritative passages

It is important that we handle correctly those passages that contain commands or imply direction. If not interpreted correctly, we could be misled. Sometimes Christians twist scripture anyway to suit their situation! However, for those with a genuine desire to interpret the Bible correctly, there are guidelines to follow.

First of all, sometimes the passage itself (or in close proximity) indicates whether the authority mentioned is right or wrong. In Genesis 3: 4 the serpent said to Eve, You will not surely die. We know that this authority was wrong because as we read on, Adam and Eve did die. Genesis 5: 5. 'Altogether, Adam lived 930 years, and then he died.'

In 2 Samuel 7: 1-7 we read that David desired to build a temple for the Lord. In verse 3, Nathan the prophet tells him, 'Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the Lord is with you.' But immediately afterwards (verses 4-7) the Lord speaks to Nathan and contradicts the advice given to him.
Note - A lot of Christians use this verse to endorse a belief that God rubber stamps anything we decide to do. Also note - Nathan was a prophet, yet his words were still contrary to the will of God.

Secondly, even though authority is contained within the passage, there is no actual approval or otherwise of the action. In that case we have to look to the wider teaching of the Bible on the subject. (Scripture always interprets scripture)

In Genesis 12: 10-20 we read that Abram and Sarai went to Egypt because of famine in the land. Fearful that if people knew that she was his wife he may lose his life, Abram lied about his relationship with Sarai. Although there was judgement on the Egyptians because of Sarai, the passage itself does not indicate whether Abram's action of telling lies was right or wrong.

Therefore we could deduce that it is OK to tell lies sometimes or even half-truths, after all she was his half-sister! But what does the rest of the Bible have to say about lying? We have to interpret passages of scripture like this in view of what the Bible teaches on the issue, not take the passage in isolation. If we do that, we may draw the conclusion that it is acceptable to lie sometimes.

Thirdly, even though the Bible is the Word of God, it doesn't mean to say that every command or direction given is to be taken on board and applied literally.

In Genesis 6: 14-16 God gives a clear command and instruction to build an ark. But He was speaking to Noah; it is not a general command for all to follow. In Genesis 12: 1 the Lord speaks to Abram, 'Leave your country, your people and your fathers household and go to the land I will show you.' Whilst the Lord may certainly speak to individuals through this passage, it is certainly not a general command to all that He expects every believer to follow.

The aim of Bible interpretation is to understand the implications of the authoritative passages. Some obviously are for all believers, for example in John 13: 34-35, as the rest of the Bible endorses this command. We need wisdom, understanding, and above all, an open mind.