ARE YOU IN FOCUS?

As a photographer, it is important that I have my lense in focus before I release the shutter. I must also make sure all the other camera settings are properly dialed in. If I don’t, the result is a blurry, unclear image.

The same holds true when looking through the lens of Scripture regarding our Lord’s return (or any doctrine for that matter). In order to obtain a clear picture of the coming of Christ and our gathering to Him all the elements must properly be in place or we end up with a distorted view, one that is flawed with contradictions.

So how do we start? First and most important of all, we must employ a consistent hermeneutic, or method of interpretation. I just finished reading Robert Van Kampen’s and Charles Cooper’s booklet, “Understanding Scripture at Face Value, Plain and Simple”, published by Sola Scriptura. The purpose of this post is to highlight some of the key points in the booklet. Also, to encourage you to pick up this great teaching/learning tool so you will begin on a sure, solid foundation.

Robert Van Kampen, a master student and teacher, came to realize that to really understand what the writer of Scripture was saying was to take it at face value. In other words, “the normal, natural, customary sense of the text intended by the Author/author at the time it was written”. There are three different components to a face value understanding. Component one: “An interpreter of Scripture must discover what the individual words and phrases meant to the original audience.” An example, in the Lord’s model prayer the term “debts” is used. Its intended use then was regarding sin, not our financial obligations.

Component two: Aw…you’ll have to pick up the booklet to find out! You will also learn what two conditions the face-value hermeneutic is built on. Ok, I’ll give you the second condition.

“God’s Word intends to communicate that there are no contradictions in Scripture.” As a student of the Word it is our responsibility to carefully study ALL the passages that deal with a certain topic. Truth is not found until the common denominator is discovered that makes all the passages blend without contradiction. Until then, all you have is confusion.

The remainder of the booklet covers five important principles to properly understand what a passage is teaching at face value.

1) The student should seek to discover the Author’s intended meaning

2) Remember, context, context, context

3) If possible, always let Scripture define Scripture

4) If a figure of speech is used, determine the literal reference (the types of figures of speech are discussed)

5) Look for the near/far implications/applications in passages that are prophetic

To order "Understanding Scripture at Face Value, Plain and Simple" click here.

It'll be the best $2 investment you'll ever make.

2 Timothy 2:15: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.”