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NASB | Genesis 1:14 ¶ Then God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Genesis 1:14 ¶ Then God said, "Let there be light-bearers (sun, moon, stars) in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be useful for signs (tokens) [of God's provident care], and for marking seasons, days, and years; [Gen 8:22] |
Subject: How do we interpret scripture? |
Bible Note: Before I attempt a synopsis of Dr. Ross' method, in another note, I respectfully submit my basic concern: For me, the issue is this. We risk imposing "non-biblical" premises on Scripture by the very act of reading Scripture in any way, including a "straight-forward" way, depending on what that reading entails. To me, "straight-forward" sounds like a path WE decide, based on our limited view of the local landscape and distant horizon. Not only must we look down at our footing to avoid tripping, but also we must look up toward our destination, to correct our path and avoid getting hit on the head by low-hanging branches. We cannot do this alone, we need the counsel of others (Proverbs 15:22) and we need God to guide us over the rough terrain on our way to Him. For this, we must be open to His guidance. So, for me, I accept the fact that it is not possible to determine if a premise is non-biblical until I established what is biblical, i.e. contained expressly or derived from Scripture according to sound principles. But that understanding is exactly the goal of reading the Word, in a "straight-forward" way or otherwise. So, because I am confounded in myself, I am forced to abandon my own methods, no matter how dependable they seem. In other words, it is not possible to read Scripture in any way without necessarily imposing something from ourselves that may or may not be biblical. We take our chances no matter how we read it. I believe this is the point addressed by 1 Cor 2:6-14. In my opinion, we cannot know what it means to read Scripture in a "straight-forward" way, for that term embodies more than a few assumptions about us that may or may not be biblical. Yet, we must start somewhere. I believe we should begin by meekly submitting ourselves to God, then heed the wisdom and counsel of the most learned and Godly among us, then jump in with eyes and ears open wide. Parable p.s. I will retrieve Dr. Ross' book from a friend and see what I can do to outline his approach. |