The Bible is unlike any other book in human history. It contains over 60,000 cross-references, spans all of human history, and through the use of human authorship (40) is God’s instrument for speaking to the human race – from day one until the beginning of eternity. It is completely unflattering to the human race, and helps us to see how hopeless we are without the slow to anger/full of loving-kindness God who wrote it.
“So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” 2 Peter 1:19-21
What this teaches us about God’s Word:
– these words are from God and can be counted on
– these words are supernatural in that they shine into any lost heart and bring Jesus (the morning star)
– the Bible has never been meant for mere human interpretation because it was provided supernaturally
– we are encouraged to interpret and apply His Word consistent with the words and acts of the Spirit
Not only did those who walked with Jesus come to know and teach this – they stand as personal witnesses to the truth. “For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, these words were spoken to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased” – and we ourselves heard this shining voice made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.” 2 Peter 1:16-18 We heard it happen – we saw what occurred!
What is a woven thread?
Within these 60,000 plus references are a series of threads about faith, hope, and love – and all the major teachings given us by God in His perfect Word. While God’s chosen authors lives were filled with contradictions and imperfections, His Spirit “knit” the Word of God into a massive series of “woven threads.” All true faith theology is contained in His Word – and the Bible “must be allowed to interpret itself.” This is the true purpose of teachers, pastors, and leaders: taking care to allow the Bible to interpret itself. The woven threads together with context and original language – give us all we need to confirm the words of God and connect our hearts.
Example of A Thread: The Spirit of the Living God
Genesis 1:1, 2 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.”
Revelation 22:17-19 “The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let anyone who hears this say, “Come.” Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life. And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the words of prophecy written in this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book. And if anyone removes any of the words from this book of prophecy, God will remove that person’s share in the tree of life and in the holy city that are described in this book.”
There are dozens of references in this thread. Here are a few. Numbers 11:17; Judges 14:6; 1 Samuel 16:13; 2 Kings 2:15; Nehemiah 9:20; Psalm 106:33; Isaiah 11:2; 42:1; Ezekiel 1:20-21/this book is loaded; Joel 2:28, 29; Zechariah 4:6; Matthew 1:20; Mathew 22:43, 44; Mark 1:10-12; Luke 4:1; Luke 10:21; John 15:26; John 20:22; Acts 2:4 (Acts also loaded); Romans 8 (expansive); Galatians 5:22-25; Ephesians 6:17; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 Peter 1:11-12; 1 John 3:24; Revelation 4:2)
When we follow woven threads we are given tons of information which allow us to allow the Bible to interpret itself. This helps us to manage our human assumptions as it is in our natures to make the Bible say what we want it to say (see church history/all human history). When we add careful consideration of immediate context (the book or letter we are looking at) this adds another level of surety and insight into what the Holy Spirit has provided for us in the Written and Living Word of God (Jesus).
Language is also a huge factor in understanding God’s original intent for story and teaching. The so-called “old testament” (not called this anywhere in the Bible) was written in Hebrew – the language of the Jews. The so-called “new testament” was written in Greek. This occurred in what the Bible calls the “fullness of times.” (Galatians 4:4; Ephesians 1:10; Isaiah 9:1-7; John 1; Hebrews 1:1-4)
When woven threads are consulted for integrated knowledge and immediate context is considered for interpretation, then language can amplify the roots of what God is communicating. Most Hebrew and Greek words come from one or more root words often combined for clarity.
What does this mean for you?
When these tools are applied (searching woven threads, immediate context, language) the idea that “everyone has a different interpretation” falls apart. There is very little wiggle room in God’s Word concerning any vagary about what God’s Word intends us to understand about ourselves and our Creator/Savior.
As you grow in your depth of connection with God’s Word there appear to be three assets: 1) care in encountering a reference, 2) exposing the meaning, and 3) enlightening your heart.
1. Experience the Level Story: Read – Reread – Tell – add to your Jesus-knowledge base (encounter each reference – there is a lifetime’s data)
2. Examining the Spirit-Animated Story: It is unfolding and unlimited – What did each woven thread mean to the characters/other recipients? (expose the meaning) Make use of language and context!!!
3. The Personal Story Experience: Transference of truth without limits (enlighten your heart)
What does this story/thread have to do with me?
What are the “pass-on” life-producing ingredients of where my story overlaps God’s Story?
This IS a Seminary after all!
Dave and Burnadette