No Private Interpretation

No private interpretation is the failsafe that prophecy cannot be made to mean simply whatever anyone likes. Failure to observe this prohibition produces all the false doctrine, which embarrasses and divides the Church. Since “no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation” (2Peter 1:20 KJV), then the fulfillment of each of any discussed prophecies is subject to your estimation of whether they have been, are, or will be fulfilled, but most of all, whether the “Spirit of Prophecy” (Revelation 19:10) agrees they have fulfilled their purpose. 

Remember, it doesn’t just apply to the heretical cults damning their way to Hell by deviously misusing the texts; but, it also applies to all those who have ears to hear what the Spirit is speaking to His Church. Your opinion is just as important as the most erudite scholar, since all interpretations are subject to the Author of the Book. Drink of the Water of Life freely for none shall be turned away. Desire deeply to be taught of the Spirit understanding of His Word. Submit wholly to the obedience of your understanding. Refrain from adding to or taking away from the purpose and intent of the text. Allow for none but the Holy Spirit to infallibly interpret the text. Be willing to change, or we can never grow in grace. 

Father, thank you for the light that shines in a dark place. Cause us to value Your words more than our physical food. We would spiritually die without the sustenance of Your Word; so, help us to be numbered among those, who would be willing to physically die for the Testimony of Your Word. Keep all Your daily promises and fulfill your prophecies to us, LORD. Come quickly, in Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. 

FTV: Bible Translation to Avoid

I use many English translations of the Bible, but the King James Version (KJV), I trust the most, and admire for the beauty of its language. The New International Version (NIV) is best for continuity with mainstream Evangelicals. The New English Translation (NET) is quite useful for its translators’ notes. Asking different people to translate the same Original Text is getting their opinion on the meaning of that text. However, I facetiously warn against the Fairy Tale Version (FTV) of the Bible. Since a fairy tale is an incredible, idealized, highly improbable story that you only wish was true, then may the Spirit of God guard us from treating His Word in that fashion. “5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. 6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: 7 So that ye were ensamples [examples] to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. 9 For they themselves shew [shō] of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 10 And to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come” (1Thessalonians 1:5-10 KJV).

Seven Basic Concepts About Scripture

“Sanctify them by the Truth; Your Word is Truth” (John 17:17 NIV). 

Things do not change suddenly, until they do. Growing up becomes growing older. Only God can say, “I the Lord do not change” (Malachi 3:6 NIV). For many things, what was once a necessity to know is no longer so. Surviving, coping, and prospering may no longer require navigating by the stars, reading the signs for a trail, or starting a fire without matches, but navigating the internet, responding to an email or text, purchasing online, or remembering where you filed something on your laptop may now be just as crucial. And, before I forget, I’d like to share with you. 

Seven Basic Concepts About Scripture 

Continue reading