In explaining Miller's Rules, we will be setting the stage for a comprehensive Bible study. In other words, we will not only cover the rules, will provide you with examples on how they actually work based on basic Biblical truths, such as the state of the dead and the day of worship. We will come out with more as time permits. Additionally we will also cover the different methodologies that are out there and how they have effected how we look at the Biblical Interpretation today. If you have any questions please let us know and we will endeavor to answer them to the best of our abiltity. This is not a short study so you will need to prepare you mind a bit for this.
More importantly, we feel strongly that we need to follow the example of Christ in all that we say or do. You are I am sure familiar with this passage from scripture:
John 8:2 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
The intent with the studies that we will be sharing with you is not only to bring healing to God's people but to encourage them to do the work that our Lord has called us to do. This means we need to stop casting stones at one another and realize that there is not one person better than the other. To focus on the Christ, His word to us and the work that lays before us, nothing else is to take our time or focus.
That whatever denomination we belong to we need to stop criticizing the leadership and follow the example given to us in the word of God. God's people will reflect the Character of Christ perfectly by the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives. That God's people are not only in one denomination rather His Church is scattered throughout this whole world.
Having said this, one of the greatest challenges that we have been able to see as to why the many varied denominations that are out there cannot agree on what the Bible says is rooted in one thing, Biblical Interpretation.
One of the greatest challenges that we have in understanding the Word of God is the method of interpretation. In this discussion, we will cover the origins of an interpretation that will help us acquire a deeper understanding of the word of God while bringing clarity into understanding the issues of the Eastern Question and how it is revealed in the word of God.
Next, we will do a review on how to use a method of scriptural interpretation so that you can understand the difference between literal and figurative and what is spiritual, this is what we will consider in preparation for this study. This methodology, in essence, is the same that was used by the likes of Martin Luther, Zwingly, Miller and so on.
Some important questions to understand are as follows:
1. How do we interpret scripture?
2. What is the difference between "literal" and "figurative"?
3. How do we apply spiritual understanding to the Word of God?
a. How does this affect our understanding of "literal" and "figurative"?
In this review, we will attempt to show through some examples of how that is done. The following are some quotes from other Bible Students, that shed light on this important topic.
This quote is by Joshua Himes; "How can we decide which is intended. We here apply that great principle of interpretation, that key which unlocks many mysteries, viz., depart not from the literal sense unless driven from it by necessity; or in other words, do not make metaphors or symbols out of plain expressions, unless the first and simplest meaning of them is either contrary to other parts of the word of God, or impossible in itself".
Then there is this quote from Uriah Smith; "There are two general systems of interpretation adopted by different expositors in their efforts to explain the sacred Scriptures. The first is the mystical or spiritualizing system invented by Origen, to the shame of sound criticism and the curse of Christendom; the second is the system of literal interpretation, used by such men as Tyndale, Luther, and all the Reformers, and furnishing the basis for every advance step which has thus far been made in the reformation from error to truth as taught in the Scriptures."
According to the first system, every declaration is supposed to have a mystical or hidden sense, which it is the province of the interpreter to bring forth; by the second, every declaration is to be taken in its most obvious and literal sense, except where the context and the well-known laws of language show that the terms are figurative, and not literal; and whatever is figurative must be explained by other portions of the Bible which are literal.
A short explanation is due on Origen: Origen (/ˈɒrɪdʒən/; Greek: Ὠριγένης, Ōrigénēs), or Origen Adamantius (Ὠριγένης Ἀδαμάντιος, Ōrigénēs Adamántios; 184/185 – 253/254),[1] was a scholar and early Christian theologian who was born and spent the first half of his career in Alexandria. He was a prolific writer in multiple branches of theology, including textual criticism, biblical exegesis and hermeneutics, philosophical theology, preaching, and spirituality.
Some of his reputed teachings, such as the pre-existence of souls, the final reconciliation of all creatures, including perhaps even the devil (the apokatastasis), and the subordination of the Son of God to God the Father, later became controversial among Christian theologians.
Next, we will deal with Higher Criticism vs. Literal.
In order for us to understand the methods used today in Biblical interpretation, we have to define the methodology being used. What is used by most conservative Churches today including Evangelicals, the method is called "Historical-Grammatical Method or Grammatical-Historical". The definition of this method is as follows:
A grammatical-historical method is a nonfigurative approach (that is to say literally) to the Biblical interpretation wherein the meaning of the text is sought in light of the original writers' language and cultural-historical context this is the model that is accepted by conservative evangelicalism.
This is a short description. Below you will find links to several different ideas of Biblical Interpretation.
Catholic perspective as to why the difference between them and Protestants in Bible interpretation.
Some of the above say their method is literal, Question; Is it really literal? Let us define literal next then we will answer this question. First a quote from Sir Isaac Newton.
"About the time of the end, a body of men will be raised up who will turn their attention to the prophecies and will insist on their literal interpretation in the midst of much clamor and opposition. — Sir Isaac Newton: 1642 -1727
So, what does "Literal" mean when it comes to Biblical interpretation of the scriptures? The following is a description and an example of the literal.
The simplest of definitions is that the Bible means what it says unless a figure is used. Where the literal meaning reveals the figurative understanding.
Example: Dan 7:23 Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.
Here, "beast" figurative is revealed by the literal it tells you that "beast" is a "kingdom". Some of the other figurative meanings require a deeper search in the scripture, this is just meant to give you an idea.
When it comes to understanding who the "real" King of the North is, this method is at the backbone in revealing who the King of the North is.
Summary of the last few quotes. In this summary, we are going to examine the difference between the most common methodology of Bible Study "Historical-Grammatical" and the "Literal".
The "Historical-Grammatical" requires the student to understand the grammar, context and the history of the time in order for them to properly understand the text that is being studied. What does this mean?
First, it means you have to get a degree and training in understanding the culture, grammar, and history of the time in order for you to correctly understand the Word of God. What is the problem with this? Simply put, you have instructors, that teach you about the culture, history, grammar and so on, all of whom are men and women teaching other men and women ideas that they believe that are true. Yet, not one of them was alive when Moses, wrote out the Pentateuch, or when the Minor Prophets were called to do their work. They did not see Jesus preach on the grassy knoll, and feed the 5000, nor did they spend time with John on the Island of Patmos. In going to these centers of learning your concepts, ideas, and thoughts are formed, organized and structured by those who taught you the material you have learned, as those who were the teachers were taught by others and so on… none of which had ever met or experienced the culture of the prophets of the Bible, nor did they speak the same language, or spend time with any of the prophets to know what they were thinking at the time they wrote the scripture texts you read today. In essence, you have hypothecations that are based upon another that was based upon another and so on...
So where does this all take us? Since you need all of this training before you can rightly divide the word of God, a hierarchical structure is established where the layperson has to go to someone who is learned in order for them to understand the Word of God. The Holy Spirit is no longer the teacher rather man is. Notice what the Bible has to say about this;
Isa 29:11-13 And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed: 12 And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned. 13 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this person draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:
This by default removes the plain written word out of the hands of the layperson. Therefore, even though the definition states clearly it means literal, the truth is, it does not. Rather the student has to put their own understanding on the text based on what they think the grammar, context, and history meant to the person (prophet) at the time they were being inspired by the Holy Spirit—-
Here is the challenge;
For those who use this method they have to somehow put themselves in the shoes of the Prophet (over 2000 years ago), understand what he/she was thinking at the time the Holy Spirit was revealing to them the Truths the prophet was to express, while having to understand a culture they have never experienced nor a language they more than likely have never spoken (the language of Daniel is not the same Hebrew spoken today). Do you see the challenge here? Is this even reasonable thinking? Further, since the layperson does not have the education then what they may understand the scripture text says, is no longer viable, since they do not have the degree in the required fields of study for them to accurately perceive what God is saying, according to the rules mentioned above.
In short, the Bible is not its own expositor and you are no longer being led by the Holy Spirit, in order for you to have a proper understanding you have to go to the leadership, to understand the text, and they have to hypothecate an answer. Hence the problem.
The hidden problem with the Historical-Grammatical Method (HGM) is that our Lord is not able to reveal the plain and simple truth to His children, through the working of the Holy Spirit.
Why?
What this now implies is that our Heavenly Father is no longer all-powerful, knowing and seeing, that He is limited in His abilities to communicate truth to us. This is the subconscious implication of the use of this methodology HGM. Additionally, the truth is now subjective, based on personal observation and opinion. There is no longer a thus says the Lord.
Now, those who accept this method will say, that is not true that they do rely on the Holy Spirit to lead them. Then my response would be to them; Why do you need the degree and the training, why not let the HS be your teacher from the start and rely on him instead of the education you have received of man? In this way, we are all led by the HS and not by man. This does not mean being educated in these fields of study is not essential. Rather they should be subordinated to the work of the Holy Spirit. To be used to enhance the understanding of a given truth.
When we do not allow the Holy Spirit to teach us, the result is this, instead of it being us who have limited God, we are saying that God is not capable or is too busy to do this. Therefore, we have to use our godly abilities to understand what God is saying to us…. Scary place to go, it is also the main reason why people cannot agree on what the Bible says. For the Holy Spirit is no longer our Teacher, rather man's personal opinions influenced and directed by the enemy becomes our foundation, that is now built on sand, versus that Rock, who is Christ.
When the Holy Spirit is no longer the teacher as Christ tells us in John 16: 7-13, He is now relegated to the trash heap of the new theology. That needed communication with the HS, for us to comprehend the scriptures has now been sub-planted with mans thinking, it becomes impossible for us to agree with the word of God and understand the deeper meanings found therein.
Now please understand this does not mean we should not study these languages (Hebrew & Greek), rather the understanding of these languages should enrich that which has been revealed by the simple Biblical methods herein discussed combined with the working of the Holy Spirit and Heavenly agencies.
Here is a quote from my favorite author: God intends that, even in this life, the truth shall be ever unfolding to His people. There is only one way in which this knowledge can be obtained. We can attain to an understanding of God's word only through the illumination of that Spirit by which the Word was given. "The things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God;" "for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God." [1Co 2:11; 1Co 2:10.] And the Saviour's promise to His followers was, "When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth. . . . For He shall receive of Mine, and shall show it unto you." [Joh 16:13-14.]. . . {GW 297.1}
So what method should we be using?
The Bible teaches a very simple method, that method allows the Bible to become its own expositor, or in other words, the Bible explains itself. We will start going over some of those plain Bible statements and give examples.
The first principle we will look at is called, "Two Witnesses". In order to establish a truth in scripture, you seek two or more witnesses to establish that truth. Here is what the Bible has to say. Please note:
Gen 41:32 And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.
John 5:31-32 If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. (32) There is another that beareth witness of me, and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.
2Co 13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
So, the first simple rule that we have is that it requires more than one witnesses in scripture to establish a truth.
Even though these statements above are helpful, the most important thing that you can do is pray first, and ask for the leading of the Holy Spirit as you study. It then becomes a combination of simple Bible rules and the working of the Holy Spirit that teaches you the meanings of God's word. It is His work, to teach and to reveal to you the truths of God's word. Next, we will go over a couple of examples of how to use this method. It is self-explanatory, yet, it does help to have some examples.
Here is an example of using two or more witnesses to prove a point. One that can be a hot topic for many. The state of the dead. What does scripture say?
John 11:11-14 These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. 12 Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleeps, he shall do well. 13 Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. 14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
In this short dialogue between Jesus and His disciples, we see that Jesus considers death to be sleep. Is there a second or third witness to this, to establish this as a truth?
1Co 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept.
Here it is shown again that sleep and death are the same. Christ dies, slept, and arose, a type of those who sleep and will be resurrected by Him in the last days.
Let us see if there are more.
1Th 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
There are many more verses both in the Old Testament and New that make it clear that death is a type of sleep. So the question you need to ask yourself. When you sleep do you know anything? You know nothing until you are once again awakened out of your sleep.
For those that use the HGM method, they will take a plain statement and make it in a metaphor. Here is the definition of a metaphor,
met·a·phor / ˈmedəˌfôr,ˈmedəˌfər/ / noun — noun: metaphor; plural noun: metaphors
a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.
In other words, what people will say is that when someone passes that they are in Heaven looking down on us. Where a literal statement is taken and made into a metaphor. They call it the hidden truths of the Bible, when all it truly is, is mysticism.
As we study, there is another principle that is given to us in scripture. We find that in Isaiah and it is mentioned twice in the same chapter;
Isa 28:9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.
Isa 28:10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:
In this first one we find that in order for us to understand doctrine, and receive knowledge, there is a method for us to follow. Precept can be defined as a principle, rule or commandment. So as we study the word of God, we find that obedience to God and His rules and commandments grant us wisdom and understanding and thereby peace. Can this statement be confirmed by scripture?
"Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them." Psa 119:165
"O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:" Isa 48:18
Now look at what we just did, we used the principle of two witnesses, and we based it on precept upon precept, (this is two witnesses) and further, we fulfilled the injunction given above, by going line upon line again repeating the injunction of two witnesses.
Isa 28:12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest, and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.
Isa 28:13 But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.
So as we study and use these principles, we will find peace with God, and our pride broken with our hearts won to the love of God. Remember always to pray before you begin your studies, that our Lord will lead and guide you through the working of the Holy Spirit.
Another principle is we need to understand the past, as we understand the past it helps us understand what is going on, even now.
Ecc 3:14-15 I know that whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever: nothing can be put to it, nor anything taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him. (15) That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.
Isa 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:
The principle that is being revealed is that everything found in scripture are examples for us today. More importantly, what is being revealed, we are to remember the past and it is through the events of the past that our Lord reveals the future. So by understanding and studying the word of God you are actually preparing your heart and mind to see and understand future events. Additionally, this applies to us personally as well. If we do not remember our past mistakes, we have this unerring tendency to repeat them. The application of this principle is broad. It pertains to nations, groups, and individuals alike.
Let me give you an example. This one deals with a recent past event. Back when Churches were dealing with the Eastern Question, the Ottoman Empire was under the rule of a dictator called a Sultan, China was under the rule of an Emperor and Russia was under the rule of a Czar. Today Russia is now ruled by a Dictator named Putin who is called a Deputy Prime Minister, China is ruled by another Dictator called the General Secretary, who has been voted in office for life his name is Xi Jinping and Turkey once again has a Dictator and his name is Erdogan who is called president for life. So does History repeat itself, it seems to me that it does.
There is one more Biblical principle that really is at the core of Biblical Interpretation. After we have discussed this one, we will do a summary of the principles we have been discussing.
"For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed." Mal 3:6
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." Jas 1:17
This one to me is actually the most important of them all. Knowing that God does not change is vital to our faith. It is the foundation of all that there is. Knowing He does not change creates trust. He is not fickle, He does not change, He is always there. Therefore His Word is true, what He says stays firm, -- always —.
A short summary of what we have just looked at;
1. That it requires two or more witnesses to establish a truth:
Gen 41:32,John 5:31-32, 2Cor 13:1
2. That we are to know our History, for there is nothing new under the Sun for our Lord reveals the future through His past dealings with man. Ecc 3:14-15, Isa 46:10
3. That as we study we are to apply these principles and the application of these principles is called line upon line and precept upon precept. Isa 28:9,10 & 12,13
4. That we can have absolute Faith and Trust in the Word of God, for God does not change. Mal 3:6, Jas 1:17.
These simple rules combined with the most important aspect of our walk with God and that is prayer and the guiding of the Holy Spirit will bring us into the understanding of the Word of God.
"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come." John 16:13
Now we will begin to apply a more detailed understanding of these rules. An expanded version, that will help deal with some seeming challenges that arise as we study.
Before we begin our next section of the study there are a set of rules that expand the ones that were just shared with you. They help clarify the use of the above stated Biblical rules and they are found in scripture as well. These rules are called Miller's Rules of Biblical Interpretation.
In the following, we will start sharing a portion of Miller's Rules of Biblical Interpretation. It was the use of these rules that Elder Miller and others were able, through the blessing of the Holy Spirit to delineate the Prophetic Messages found in the Holy Scriptures.
We will share 3 rules at a time. Here are the first three. After we have provided all 14 of the rules we will examine them more closely and provide examples of how they help us understand prophecy.
What Elder Miller would do, is share with people these rules first, once he had them agree that the rules made sense, he would then proceed to explain the prophetic message. He would also provide the scripture texts to confirm what he was speaking of as needed.
All these rules are is an expanded version of the Biblical Rules we just covered.
Principles of Biblical Interpretation By William Miller ;
In studying the Bible, I have found the following rules to be of great service to myself, and now give them to the public by special request. Every rule should be well studied, in connection with the scripture references, if the Bible student would be at all benefited by them.
1.) Every word must have its proper bearing on the subject presented in the Bible. Matthew 5:18
2.) All Scripture is necessary, and may be understood by diligent application and study. 2 Timothy 3:15,16,17
3.) Scripture must be its own expositor (explainer) since it is a rule of itself. If I depend on a minister or teacher to explain it to me, and they should guess at its meaning, or desire to have it so on account of their creed, or thought to be wise... then their guessing, desire, creed, or wisdom is my rule and not the Bible! Psalms 19:7-11; 119:97-105; Matthew 23:8-10; 1 Corinthians 2:12-16; Ezekiel 34:18-19; Luke 11:52; Malachi 2:7-8.
This method is simple and is, in essence, the same ones outlined in scripture. These are just filling in more of the details. Take your time and look at these rules and examine the scripture texts along with them.
4.) To understand doctrine, bring all the Scriptures together on the subject you wish to know; then let every word have its proper influence, and if you can form your theory without a contradiction, you CANNOT be in error. Isaiah 28:7-29; 35:8; Proverbs 19:27; Luke 24:27, 44-45; James 5:19; 2 Peter 1:19-20
5.) Nothing revealed in Scripture can or will be hidden from those who ask in faith, nothing wavering. Deuteronomy 29:29; Matthew 10:26-27; 1 Corinthians 2:10; Philippians 3:15; Isaiah 45:11; Matthew 21:22; John 14:13-14; 15:7; James 1:5-6; 1 John 5:13-15.
6.) God has revealed things to come, by visions, in figures and parables; and in this way, the same things are often-times revealed again and again, by different visions, or in different figures and parables. If you wish to understand them, you must combine all in one. Psalms 89:19; Hosea 12:10; Habakkuk 2:2; Acts 2:17; 1 Corinthians 10:6; Hebrews 9:9, 24; Psalms 78:2; Matthew 13:13, 34; Genesis 41:1-32; Daniel 2:7-8; Acts 10:9-16.
One of the most challenging points for any Bible student is simply this, belief. In your study of the Holy Scriptures, as you bring points together, answers will reveal themselves in unexpected ways and will challenge your present understandings. Some will be starker than others. By following the method of bringing all the texts of a topic under one umbrella, laying them out line by line you will be drawn closer to God. Each of the above rules and those that follow, are commonsensical concepts. This is the real bible study.
7.) Visions are always mentioned as such. 1 Corinthians 12:1
8.) How to know when a word is used figuratively. If it makes good sense as it stands, and does no violence to the simple laws of nature, then it must be understood literally; if not (then it must be understood) figuratively. Revelation 12:1,2; 17:3-7
9.) Figures always have a figurative meaning and are used much in prophecy to represent future times, and events; such as mountains… meaning governments; beasts… meaning kingdoms; waters… meaning people; lamp… meaning Word of God; day… meaning year. Daniel 2:35, 44; 7:8, 17; Revelation 17:1, 15; Psalm 119:105; Ezekiel 4:6
Starting already in rule number 6 we have the outline for understanding visions and parables. These are self-explanatory and do not require any additional commentary.
10.) To learn the true meaning of figures, trace you figurative word through the Bible, and, where you find it explained, put it on your figure, and if it makes good sense, you need to look no further; if not, look again.
11.) Figures sometimes have two or more different significations; as a day is used in a figurative sense to represent three different periods of time. 1. indefinite. 2. definite, a day for a year. 3. day for a thousand years. Ecclesiastes 7:14; Ezekiel 4:6; 2 Peter 3:8.
12.) Parables are used as comparisons to illustrate subjects and must be explained in the same way as figures, by the subject and the Bible. Mark 4:13
As stated before and bears repeated reminding, before you study pray and ask for the Holy Spirit to be your teacher. For if a man becomes your teacher, then his teaching becomes your guide and rule... So that leaves a question, who do you want to be your teacher? Man or God?
Here is the final installment of Miller's rules of Biblical interpretation. Oddly enough this will be the longest even though there were only 2 left. In the 14th rule, he does a type of summary that I have always found most interesting.
13.) To know whether we have the true historical event for the fulfillment of a prophecy… if you find every word of the prophecy [after the figures are understood] is literally fulfilled, then you may know that your history is the true event. But, if one word lacks a fulfillment, then you must look for another event, or wait for its future development. For God takes care that history and prophecy agree, so that the true, believing children of God may never be ashamed. Psalm 21:5; Isaiah 14:17-19; 1 Peter 2:6; Revelation 17:17; Acts 3:18.
14.) The most important rule of all is, that you must have faith. It must be a faith that requires a sacrifice, and, if tried, would give up the dearest object on earth, the world and all its desires, character, living, occupation, friends, home, comforts, and worldly honors. If any of these should hinder our believing any part of God's word, it would show our faith to be vain. Nor can we believe, so long as one of these motives lies lurking in our hearts. We must believe that God will never forfeit His word and we can have confidence that He takes notice of the sparrow, and numbers the hairs of our head, will guard the translation of His own word, and throw a barrier around it, and prevent those who sincerely trust in God, and put implicit confidence in His word, from erring far from the truth, though they may not understand the Hebrew or Greek.
I believe he is telling us, it is not necessary for us to understand the Hebrew and Greek in order for us to understand the truth. Which follows what scripture teaches us. For the Holy Spirit is to be our teacher.
There is much that can be said when we do not follow the simple rules that are Biblical and in essence are but an extension of the rules outlined in scripture. From my limited understanding and experience, the greatest challenge for the Bible Student is understanding a figure. A "figure" in scripture can have multiple meanings and this is where the Bible student needs to be careful and look at the context of the verse and the varied meanings the figure can have. In the following, we will give some examples. Before we start this I would like to share with you this quote and pray that this will help you in your studies.
The second greatest challenge for the Bible student is the understanding of "spiritual".
Now is a good time to clarify this a bit. Once a figure is understood, it cannot be changed. As the figure is understood, it will always be understood literally.
A spiritual application can be applied to a figure once it has been literally defined. Spiritual lessons can be revealed throughout scripture. They can reveal the state of a nation, church, people or individuals. They can be used to help us confirm a prophetic revelation. But the spiritual understanding cannot of itself be a prophecy.
Prophecies in scripture are to be understood literally, figures are used to help reveal the prophetic understanding. Once a prophecy has been literally understood there cannot be a second or third application of that prophecy. This method only brings confusion and is Satanic in its origin.
I believe an example at this time will help clarify this a bit.
We will take a look at the statue in Daniel two. (Please read it as a refresher). We have a statue that is about 90 feet tall, the head is of gold, arms and chest of silver, the thighs of brass, legs of iron and the feet iron mixed with miry clary.
The Bible makes it clear that the statue represents different kingdoms throughout history. For example we know the the head of gold was Babylon and the arms and chest of silver was Medo-Persian empires. Then next came Greece and Alexander the Great. Then we came to Pagan Rome in the legs of Iron, and finally the feet of iron mixed with miry clay.
The spiritual application can also be applied here. We know that Nebuchadnezzar accepted Christ, and revealing a character of gold. We also know the Cyrus was God’s appointed, and as we read the story through he also had accepted Christ. Then we come to bronze, is not a pure metal rather it is a mixture, it is made of tin and copper combined with different alloys showing that it is not a pure or clean metal. We know that Alexander the Great died because of alcohol poisoning. Pagan Rome, well that is rather obvious, the dead give away is pagan. Then we have the iron mixed with clay showing to us a impure religion.
I would like to deal with the impure religion for just a moment. You have iron mined with miry clay. We know that iron represented the Pagan Roman kingdom. We can therefore easily assume that paganism is mixed with something called a miry clay. It is interesting how the translators used the word “miry”. It only comes up 4 times in scripture and twice in Daniel. The meaning there is more like something that is sticky and dirty in other words not pure. In psalms it actually means “miry”. So what does miry mean it means dirty or not clean. When know from scripture that Adam was made from the dust of the ground (Gen 2:7). Later in scripture we see that this understanding of what Adam we are made of us called clay (Job 10:9, 13:12, 33:6, Isa 29:16) Question we need to ask was when Adam was made of clay was he pure before God? The answer is yes. Now we will address the spiritual understanding that is reflected in the scripture texts just quoted. Adam in his pure state reflects worship toward God in its pure state. When it becomes miry it is no longer pure. Then we see in the statue that it is mixed with iron. Revealing to us that not only has our worship become polluted, miry, it is now mixed with paganism and we do not even realize it. Paganism in part can be defined as the traditions of man. Paganism has crept into our religion in such a way, we hardly even realize it is there. That will be a topic for another discussion or study. Though here as you can see by understanding the literal we can see the spiritual application. The spiritual application helps reveal to us where we are in history and that requires close examination of ourselves and the world we live in.
As we examine the scriptures, we see that the figurative was revealed through the literal, and even some of the history was given to us, to help us understand how to interpret the statue. The spiritual application of the statue can also be seen as a degradation over a period of time from a nation that had high morals and character and slowly became more and more degraded.
Is this true historically? Without question, the downfall of nations is normally internal, where the morals and the characters of those who made up the nation degrade, as they degrade so does the nation. Look at the the United States, see what is happening around you, either in business or in politics this also shows you where our nation is headed.
Please note this following quote for the Bible student:
The diligent, humble student, seeking by earnest prayer and study for the truth as it is in Jesus, will most assuredly be rewarded. He seeks for help, not from ideas of human writers, but from the Fountain of wisdom and knowledge; and under the guidance of holy intelligence, he gains a clear understanding of truth. { GW 251.2}
Far too often we listen to man instead of listening to what God has to say to us. We have removed from the Word of God, one of its most important points. -- God -- The Jews at one time, would not even mention the name -- God -- because He is so Holy, sacred, beyond our ability to grasp and understand. This truth is just as valid today as it was when -- God -- made Adam and Eve. Here is the most amazing thing, He truly loves us, He truly wants us to understand who He is in the realm of our ability to understand Him. Adam and Eve used to talk to God every day. So to today, can we speak with our Heavenly Father. He just answers us in a different way. It is a learning process, to understand how our Heavenly Father is speaking to us. We have to be intentional about wanting to learn, to listen and become obedient to what He is saying to us. Remember He will never contradict His word. Never…
He tells us clearly that we will not be able to fully understand Him, that is one of the mysteries of Godliness, that is also what makes the Bible so interesting. Then naturally, if God really wants us to know about Him, He would, of course, provide methods or rules that can be used to help us along our journey, in coming to know the creator of the Universe.
Look at it this way, today we have famous people who write out their Biographies, they tell us how they became rich, famous, successful and so on. People spend millions every year to come to know these people, yet, they very seldom get to meet them in person or are able to speak to them.
God has given to us a type of a Biography about who He is and how He has interacted with us from the day He made us. The difference between these famous people is really quite stark. Most autobiographies are about people who have died, if they have not, they more than likely do not have much time left in this world. The chances of you meeting them and having an opportunity to speak with them are slim at best. I believe you can see the difference, these people are no longer alive and difficult to reach, where God still is and will always be and is longing to speak with you. He is available to you 24/7.
The Bible tells us, that God the creator of the Universe wants to communicate with us, every day, through His word and He tells us what we have to do, to have this intimate experience with Him. Something He wants to have with each and every one of us. Now that is astounding and virtually amazing beyond belief, nonetheless true.
So one of the first steps of this journey starts with a set of simple rules, and as mentioned earlier, looking at a figure in a Bible can be one of the most challenging exercises in Bible study. This is where some basic rules/principles help us better understand the word of God. That is what we started off with first. This will actually be very interesting and fun. Our Lord has made the Bible plain where it can be easily understood, deep for those who like to contemplate, filled with intrigue, and mystery. Brimming with true historical data to the point, that many Archeologists of today carry the Bible along with them so that they can find those precious historical sites for exploration. In short, the Bible was meant for everyone.
One of the greatest challenges that we each have is, are we willing to examine our lives in the light the Bible and bring its principles into our lives. To honestly examine what is going on in the world and in us to see if what the Bible is revealing pertains to us today. We will find that it does, over and over again. Where the rubber meets the road, is that we will find we will have to change our lives in order for this communication with God to continue. So as we continue to dive into this study, there will be times where it seems boring and other times where it will be rather exciting.
Ok, now let us take a look at a hot topic. The day of worship. Since we stated clearly that we will be using Biblical Rules of interpretation as previously provided. Is there evidence that we should be worshiping on Sunday, or is the evidence there for us to keep the Fourth Commandment and worship God on the 7th day of the week and not the 1st day.
Based on the rules provided is there evidence to support that the correct day of worship is Sunday, or is their evidence that the correct day of worship is Saturday?
In understanding the correct day of worship, what does the Bible have to say? If we truly believe that the Bible, is the Word of God, then certain truths that our Lord considers to be essential are plainly revealed. The day of worship is without question one of those truths.
He who spoke the Universe into existence, who hung the stars in their orbits, who takes care and has numbered the hairs on our head, would make sure we know what day it is we are to worship.
In Exodus 20: 8-11 we have the following;
8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy :9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day and hallowed it.
The question you have to ask if we are going to go by the rules we discussed earlier, does this statement by God through His prophet Moses do any harm to nature (rule 11)?
If it does not, then we are to take this literally. The Sabbath is known to be the 7th day of the week or Saturday. So Saturday is the day of worship.
When Christ came did he come to destroy or fulfill the requirements of the law?
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill." Mat 5:17
"And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one title of the law to fail." Luk 16:17
In this short example, there is much that can be said. When Christ came he did not come to destroy the requirements of the Commandments of God -- "the Law" but to fulfill them.
Since the Sabbath was the Day of worship that our Lord established, a Commandment, and we know that God does not change.
"For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed." Mal 3:6
Since we require evidence from Scripture alone, did, God who changes not, change the 4th commandment?
Let us look at the reason for worshiping on Sunday.
That Jesus rose on the first day of the week.
This is the major and only reason why there is worship on Sunday. The question is where are the witnesses to confirm this. Is there any statement in scripture by our Heavenly Father who wrote the 10 Commandments on tables of stone with His finger, His Holy Law that He changed the day of worship from Sabbath or the Seventh Day of the week to the first day of the week. For it was God who never needs to rest that rested on the 7th day of creation, giving us the prime example of the importance of the 7th day. Where the first day was the beginning of His creation. Is there any corroborating evidence that confirms that our Heavenly Father changed the day of worship. I have searched and found none. If you are to remain true to the Biblical Rules interpretation, you will find no evidence supporting that the day of worship was changed from the 7th day to the first day of the week.
You may have noticed that there was nothing mentioned about worshiping on Sunday. In truth, you will not find one verse that states clearly that the day of worship was changed from Saturday to Sunday. If you are willing to take the Bible just as it reads you will have to come to that conclusion.
The Bible seems to have many contradictions. Yet, when these contradictions are carefully examined, the contradiction is explained. At times it requires study, yet clarity is revealed when carefully examined and that happens through the working of the Holy Spirit.
How about the state of the dead? Do people go to heaven when they die, or is something else happening? When we allow the Bible to be its own expositor, clarity will come as we follow those basic principles, the first being prayer the next being study.
So what are your thoughts on this topic, and what does the Bible have to say. Do you go to Heaven when you die, or is death a type of sleep?
I would like to revisit the state of the dead, as we return to what the Bible has to say, not to what man thinks it says.
"For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten." Ecc 9:5
Here it states clearly that when a person dies they no longer know anything.
"His sons come to honor, and he knoweth it not, and they are brought low, but he perceiveth it not of them." Job 14:21
Here it talks that people have come to honor someone who is dead, yet, the dead person does not know this.
"For in death, there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?" Psa 6:5
Here it states clearly in death there is no remembrance of you and who shall give you thanks so that you can hear?
"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" Heb 9:27
We die once then we are to go to judgment. Now let us summarize this. If the belief is that we go to heaven when we die, how do we explain the above? That once you are dead you do not know anything, that if someone comes to honor you, you do not know, for you are dead. How are these thoughts even remotely possible if you are alive? They are not, for once you die, you do not know anything, for that, is what scripture makes plain. On the topic of death, our Lord has given a preponderance of evidence about the state of those who die. Why should be the question? Why did He give us so much evidence? The quotes that are given above are but a few of the many quotes that can be found in scripture about what happens when you die. It all goes back to the original statement that Satan gave to Eve in the garden of Eden, please note;
"And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:" Gen 3:4
When God said this:
"But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." Gen 2:17
So who should we believe?
Next, we shall start to examine prophecy and find out how important it is to follow a simple method of Biblical interpretation. We shall first start with the importance of the translation of the word of God.
So what about Prophecy? We will try to tackle a controversial topic. One that has many different thoughts, yet, it is one of those essential truths. So we will start out with a question before we begin this study. Is it important for us to know when Michael, Jesus, stands up and says it is finished! I am thinking of the following two verses;
"And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain, yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him." Dan 11:45
"And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book." Dan 12:1
What are your thoughts? Is it important, or is it of passing importance? If so why?
In order for us to tackle this topic, we have to remember the rules that we are using, those are Miller's Rules. There is a true story about Elder Miller, where he would use the rules recently mentioned, and by the use of those rules only it brought conversion. So the method of Bible Study is essential as we do this. So please keep this in mind as we move forward into this study.
In order for us to understand what is happening in Dan 11:45 & 12:1. We need to understand what is happening in Daniel 11 as a whole.
Daniel 11 is the explanation given to Daniel by the Angel in respect to the vision that was given to Daniel in Daniel 8. It is important to note that whenever the Angel comes to Daniel, the Angel always, gives the literal interpretation of that which was figurative. I want to repeat that. The Angel in Daniel always gives Daniel the literal interpretation of the dream. Each time the Angel comes, he expands the literal understanding of the dream. This is vital to our understanding of Daniel 11. For it is a literal revelation of the vision given to Daniel given in figurative representations.
Why is this important?
The vision Daniel had, as mentioned earlier was from Daniel 8. The main focus of the explanation by the Angel to Daniel was in regards to two Kingdoms, Medes and Persians and Greece. with another kingdom that comes out of Greece.
So from Daniel 8:1-14 you have the vision, from 15-26 you have the explanation in literal terms, with Daniel commenting even after the explanation that he still did not fully understand the vision verse 27.
Then as we move into Daniel 9, we have Daniel's prayer, a major key. Daniel 9:1-19 is his prayer for him and his people (please read this - if you want to understand prophecy - this prayer outlines how, why and what we should be praying for).
Daniel 9:20-23 the Angel Gabriel brings an answer, then from Daniel 9:24-27 then a literal explanation begins again.
As we move into Daniel 10, once again we see Daniel is beseeching the Lord in prayer only this time with fasting as well. For 3 weeks, then the Angel comes to him once again, and this time a more complete answer is given. This answer takes us right into Daniel 11 & 12.
This brings us to Daniel 11. In the second verse we find this simple but powerful statement:
"And now will I shew thee the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia, and the fourth shall be far richer than they all: and by his strength, through his riches, he shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia." Dan 11:2
The Angel states very clearly that he is going to show him the truth, the literal truth. Was that for Daniel, or was it for us? Daniel had an intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father and he trusted him completely. He knew already through experience that whatever the Lord told him was the truth.
The pattern had been set for us to examine. The visions given to Daniel were in the figurative language, in symbols that the Angel explained to Daniel that became literal. Revealing to us, that Daniel 11 & 12 is literal unless a symbol is used.
So as we go through these verses we have to realize that all of Daniel 11 is literal. This is where Miller's rules become vital in our understanding of Daniel 11. We now have to seek through History those events that fulfill the literal statements given.
Now we are going to get into the controversial aspect of this study. We will start off by asking a simple question. Who do you think the King of the North has been in History?
We will follow how Miller's Rules, apply it to this situation. In this way, we will find out if we are applying them correctl