How To Read the Bible

_The following are a few basic principles on how we approach and interpret the Holy Scriptures.

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Big Story:  The Bible is one big story about a loving God and a rebellious people.  The context of the Bible is Trinitarian and creedal – Creation, Redemption, Sanctification.  This is the Bible’s summary and its overview, from Genesis to Revelation.  No matter what part of the Bible you’re in, understand that it fits within a bigger story. 

Christo-centric:  Jesus is always central, the ultimate key to the whole story of Scripture (Luke 24:26,27).   Even where Christ is not explicitly mentioned, we have him in mind and ask, “How does Jesus fit here?” 

Scripture Interprets Scripture:  Scriptural texts, as diverse as they may be, are always woven within the larger body of the Bible.  Scripture itself helps us understand specific texts (Acts 7).   Smaller stories are only understood within the larger story of the Bible. 

Scripture is the Church’s:  Scripture is best understood, spoken, and read within the context of the community called the church (Acts 8:26-40).  Reading, studying, listening, and discussing the Word in Christian community is vital. 

Context:  A healthy approach to the Bible takes into account its context.  What’s around the text we’re reading?  Who wrote it, who was it written to, and under what circumstances?  It helps to know what it meant before we ask what it means. 

Nouns and Verbs:  The Bible is language, consisting of nouns and verbs, subjects and objects.  We believe that the Bible is first about God’s action, with him being the subject.  So ask, “What is God doing in this particular text?”  And second, “What are humans doing?”