Bible study which has the aim of discovering THE TRUTH of its saving doctrines depends on five clear, essential rules:

THE FIRST:

Interpret scripture language in its normal linguistic sense, having regard to:

  • Grammatical construction
  • Semantic content and history
  • Usage
  • Figures of speech


THE SECOND:

Adhere to the Bible’s inspired logic, ensuring that each interpretive step is:

  • Necessary
  • Consecutive
  • Free from assumptions


THE THIRD:

Check the validity of your interpretations:

  • By their agreement/disagreement with the immediate, surrounding context


THE FORTH:

Check the validity of your interpretations:

  • By their agreement/disagreement with the relevant context of the whole Bible


THE FIFTH:

Apply each rule rigorously:

  • So as to reinforce, not to cancel, the effect of the other rules