1. 5: Interpreting Scripture
Hermeneutics 1

2. Doctrinal Interpretation
Doctrine: The basic body of Christian teaching or
understanding.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for
teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in
righteousness so that the man of God may be
thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17

3. Doctrinal Interpretation
“For the time will come when men will not put up with
sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires,
they will gather around them a great number of
teachers to say what their itching ears want to
hear.” 2 Timothy 4:3

4. The Process of Doctrinal Interpretation
1. Admit Theological Bias.
– What is your theological point of view?
– Who has influenced this view?
– What is the bias of your sources for research?

5. The Process of Doctrinal Interpretation
2. Collect Biblical Materials.
– Find major sections of teaching on the subject.
– Find narratives related to the subject.
– Concordance is fine, but Topical Concordance
is better.
– Example: Study of Faith – Abraham’s test in
Genesis 22 does not contained word “faith”

6. The Process of Doctrinal Interpretation
3. Do Thorough Exegesis
– Examine the material without applying a
meaning yet.
– Allow the text to speak for itself.
– Concentrate on the literal interpretation first.
– Examine: Word Meanings, Literary Context,
Historical Context, etc.

7. The Process of Doctrinal Interpretation
4. Unify the Materials
– Develop unifying statements on the doctrinal
theme.
– What do all of the authors agree on? (stated,
implied or omitted)
– Place a priority on the New Testament concepts
over the Old Testament concepts.

8. The Process of Doctrinal Interpretation
5. Analyze the meaning of the teachings.
– What is really meant by this?
– How would I explain this to someone who is
unchurched?

9. The Process of Doctrinal Interpretation
6. Compare your conclusions to those of other
scholars, officials statements, creeds, etc.
7. State your conclusions with Biblical
references (proof texts)
– A doctrine cannot be built on proof texts. All
passages must be viewed in context.
– A doctrine can be supported by proof texts.

10. Degrees of Authority of Theological Statements
1. Direct Statements of Scripture
-- Give the greatest weight.
“That if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord,
and believe in your heart that God raised Him from
the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your
heart that you believe and are justified and it is
with your mouth that you confess and are saved.”
– Romans 10:9-10

11. Degrees of Authority of Theological Statements
2. Direct Implications
-- Give high priority
Example: Doctrine of the Trinity
1. One God: Deut. 6:4
2. Three Persons: Matt 28:19
3. Deity of Christ
4. Deity of the Holy Spirit

12. Degrees of Authority of Theological Statements
3. Probable Implications: Less Authoritative
Example: Calvinism or Arminianism
4. Inductive Conclusions: Vary in Degree of Authority
Give probabilities: Views of the Second Coming
5. Outright Speculation: Single statement of Scripture
or Hint
Example: Peter was the first pope (Matt 16:18)

13. Doctrines Should Never be Based on:
1. Personal Experiences.
2. Texts other than Scripture
3. Textual Variants: Passages where authenticity is
questioned.
Example: 1 John 5:7
KJV: “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father,
the Word and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one.”
NASB: “And it is the Spirit who bears witness because the Spirit
is the Truth.”