Here is a list I have put together to help in understanding, and interpreting the Bible. If you feel they are wrong or could be improved on, or even added too, feel free to do so. We should have some standard principles, we all agree on, so that we share fairly and without too much confusion. # 1 The Bible is literal unless directly connecting itself in a way to indicate metaphor. # 2 Events should be understood in chronological order. # 3 All issues should be understood in their immediate context. # 4 Figurative and royal titles should be understood in relation to their context. Figurative and Royal titles can be held by others. # 5 Things should be considered from the perspective of when it was written, considering the culture and times when it was written. #6 Words should stick to their original meaning or sense as when they were written. This is the base of truth for without them we cannot communicate truthfully. Which is similar to #1 # 7 We should have the attitude that it is impossible for God to lie, nor would God expect us to believe stupidity or unreasonableness. # 8 All things should be understood according to the principles of truth. # 9 Most Bibles are produced by Religious Organisation that hold, they have the truth. So that translation maybe bias to its doctrines. Therefore, each variation may need to be looked at from the original languages of Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic, to see it objectively. #10 One should rely on God to help, asking for his guidance to understand the truth. It is the spirit that will lead us into all truth. I'm not saying this is conclusive or that it should be the criteria to finalise what one believes. Belief is a strong barrier against change. This is only a guide. I find it difficult, at times, but when things are looked at from different angles the truth is defined and understood.
It appears the most important approach to have in understanding Scripture is the ability in communication skills. An ability of logical reasoning to understand intent of context. Someone who is prone to misunderstand others meaning around them will struggle in the complexities that are the Bible. These authors were given wisdom by God, so their words at times will not be as simple as one might entertain! The complexities of language in the Bible is surpassed perhaps only by the universe in which we live, both testifying to the grandeur of our God Jehovah. When one can truly understand those around them in life, and understand how they feel, and what they are saying, and why they are saying it, then they can understand the Bible. I'm not talking about what you think they are saying, but insight to better tell them what they think based on their belief structure of a given subject, without any possible counter argument from them, then you have the skills to understand the Bible, because it is communication. When you speak to others around you, you should only hear; "Your right". And you don't get there by wanting to be right, you get there by truth, by fact, by observance, by reason, by knowledge, by deduction, by Gods spirit and wisdom!!! This is how we understand the Bible... In my humble opinion...
Joshuastone That was beautiful! Yes you have away with words. May Jehovah bless you well. How could we condense that to make it a rule to understanding? Perhaps something like, appreciate the easy loving wonderful things first before getting to far into the complexities of it. Love IABB