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Interpreting the Bible:
According to the Reformed
Tradition
(Source: Dr. Shirley Guthrie, Always Being Reformed)
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Holy Spirit: Interpret scripture with confidence in and
openness to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
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The Scripture Principle: Interpret scripture in light of
scripture, comparing scripture with scripture, with openness to hear the
whole Word of God, not just selected parts of it.
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The Christological Principle: Interpret scripture in light
of God's central self-revelation in Jesus Christ.
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The Rule of Love: Interpret scripture in light of the one
commandment of God that summarizes all other commandments, love for God and
for all our neighbors.
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The Rule of Faith: Interpret scripture with respect for
the church's past and present interpretation of scripture.
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Historical Context: Interpret scripture in light of the
literary forms and historical context in which it was written.
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Our Time and Place: Interpret scripture seeking the word
and work of the living God in our time and place.
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Always Being Reformed: Interpret scripture with awareness
of our limitations and fallibility and with openness to change our mind and
be corrected. "Reformed" means always being reformed afresh by the
Word of God.
The general location where the above principles are discussed in The Book
of Confessions:
Scots Confession, Chapters XVIII and XIX
Second Helvetic Confession, Chapters I and II
Westminster Confession, Chapter I
Declaration of Barmen, 8.10-12
Confession of 1967, 9.27-30
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