Hermeneutics
Basic Rules of Interpretation
The Bible is a treasure box. To open the fullness of the treasure within, Christians must use a certain key—hermeneutics, or the rules of interpretation. The correct interpretation of Scripture is almost as important as the doctrine of verbal inspiration itself.
Interpreting the Bible Accurately
God is capable of accurately relaying His Word to us in a way that we can understand. It is crucial that we interpret properly to determine the intended meaning rather than forcing ideas into the text.
Must We Interpret the Bible Literally?
If Adam was not a literal, historical person who literally rebelled against God by eating a literal fruit, thus bringing in the Curse upon this world, then why did Jesus (a descendant of the literal Adam) come to die on the Cross. It is important to take God at His Word in all areas, particularly in Genesis, which is foundational to the gospel message itself.
Genesis and a Literal Six Days
To interpret Genesis 1–11 in the same way Jesus did, you must treat the passage as historical narrative and follow the standard principles of interpretation. When you do this, it is clear that God created everything in six normal-length days approximately six thousand years ago.
Articles About Hermeneutics
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In-Depth ArticleLiterary Forms and Biblical InterpretationJune 24, 2009 from Answers in Depth
The key to unlock the Bible is within the reach of everyone and not just a special group of people with expert training.
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Book ChapterAspects of Information as Found in the BibleMay 28, 2009 from In the Beginning Was Information
God is shown as the source or sender of biblical information.
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Magazine ArticleLooking Back and Moving ForwardOct. 1, 2008 from Answers Magazine
Interpreting Genesis as straightforward history is as old as written records.
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Oct. 1, 2007 from Answers Magazine
From the beginning of history, mankind has been tempted to question God’s Word.
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Magazine ArticleEisegesisJune 1, 2002, pp. 16–19
A deadly virus is sweeping through church members worldwide. I consider this virus to be one of the most dangerous in the world today.
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The World’s Most Dangerous Book?March 2, 2002
Because this is an article in an Answers in Genesis publication, some readers might answer by saying that Darwin’s On the Origin of the Species is the most dangerous book.
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Magazine ArticleTwo Worldviews in ConflictSept. 1, 1998, pp. 26–27
Examines the direct conflict between evolution and the Bible in all these relevant areas. Only one system can be correct.
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Problems in methods of interpretation—Genesis 1-11: Part 2Oct. 1, 1979, pp. 22–26
Is there any explicit teaching within the Bible itself that suggests its details are not to be pressed in matters of the physical creation? When reference is made to the original creation, the creation narrative is treated as fact without any reservation.
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