The Inductive Approach to Biblical Interpretation

God Bless,

I am posting this for those who care to understand some simple principles for Biblical interpretation

The following is quoted from E.W Bullinger:

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The root of all the evils which abound in the spiritual sphere at the present day lies in the fact that the Word of God and the words of God are not fed upon, digested, and assimilated, as they ought to be.

If we ask the question, Why is this the case? the answer is, The Bible is not enjoyed because the Bible is not understood. The methods and rules by which alone such an understanding may be gained are not known or followed; hence the Bible is a neglected book.....

The cloud that now rests over the intelligent study arises from the fact that it is with us today as with the Jews of old.... "The word of God has been made of none efect by the traditions of men" Matthew 15:1-9

But our object is to "open the book"; to let it speak; to hear its voice; to study it from within iteslf; and have reagrd to other objects and subjects, only from what it teaches about them.

Our method is to establish and accredit Holy Scripture on internal evidence..... this method of study will reveal more convincing and "infallible proof" of inspiration than can be adduced from all the reasonings and arguments of men.
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Online discussions such as Theological Expressions can be an effective way to understand the Bible, and to learn how to simply exegete that understanding in a coherent and organized manner which will to stand up to criticism.

E.W. Bullinger introduced the inductive method of study of the Bible to assist those interested in studying in the manner stated above. This method is similar to that used in the natural sciences. Bullinger posed five postulates for interpretation:
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An interpetation of a passage of scripture to be satisfactory must:

(1) take all the words in their natural meaning and scriptural usage

(2) be uniform and consistent in its interpretation

(3) give due weight to the inexorable laws of grammatical construction

(4) give the passage its logical place in the context

(5) harmonize the passage with the general teaching of the whole book, and not merely cleverly explain it as though it were an isolated passage

If an interpretation can comply with these demands then it may challenge criticism and commend itself to general acceptance.

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Bullinger's inductive approach assumes that the person using it wants to REALLY understand what the Bible says. This approach will not work to "prove" pre-conceived notions and intellectual theories. Nor will it work for those only wishing to "defend" their own beliefs. It requires one to lay aside those things and take a fresh look using a logical and sensible approach. It is by no means an exhaustive method of Theology but has been a great help to me in understanding Scripture.

Bill

Below is part of another article by Bullinger that may be of interest.

To read the entire article: http://www.tftmin.org/ChrNeed.htm

THE CHRISTIAN'S GREATEST NEED
E. W. Bullinger

There is one thing that the Christian needs more than he needs any other thing. One thing on which all others rest; and on which all others turn.
It is certain from the Word of God, and also from our own experience, that "we know not what we should pray for as we ought." But "the Spirit Himself helpeth our infirmities" (Rom. 8:26). He knoweth what we should pray for. He knoweth what we need. He maketh intercession for us and in us. He teacheth us how to pray, and in Eph. 1:17, we have His prayer set forth in these words: "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in

THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIM."

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The Inductive Approach to Biblical Interpretation