Doctrinal Interpretation

Doctrinal interpretation is in essence a method employed to understand and apply Biblical teaching. This method is effected by the power of the Holy Spirit who enlightens us to the true meaning and application of the 'sound doctrine' 1 Tim 1:10, 4:6, 13, 16; 5:17, 2 Tim 4:3; Tit 1:9, 2:7 & 2:10.

Interpretation is demanded, because of the tension that exists between the Bibles eternal relevance and its historical particularity. God has spoken to all humanity, through all ages and all cultures, choosing to express Himself in human words in history. A task employing over 40 different authors, using 3 different languages, over 1,500 years.

•  First we hear the word of God as it was spoken to the original recipients. 

• Then we must determine the original intent. 

• We then have to understand the context as well as the content. After which, we must consider what the meaning is in the 'here and now'. 
  

• A note of caution do not start with the here and now, we must first grasp the original intent of the biblical text before attempting to apply it to the present.