Sola Scriptura

Hermenuetics 101:
 The scripture is God's Word. But some of the interpretations
derived from it are not. There are many cults and Christian
groups that claim that it is their interpretations that are correct.
Too often, however, the interpretations not only differ
dramatically but are clearly contradictory. This does not mean
that the Bible is a confusing document though. Rather, the
problem lies in those who interpret it and the methods they use.
Many skeptics use this as an excuse to say that the Bible can't tell us anything of any
real value because everyone interprets it differently.
The reason why there are so many different interpretations is because people don't
follow any sensible method. This naturally leads to inaccurate, inconsistent, illogical
and naive interpretations. With so many different interpretations available,
how is anyone supposed to know which is the correct one?
However, the Bible teaches that “God is not the author of confusion”,

1Co 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all
churches of the saints.

So, how can the many disagreements today between Christians and the
proliferation of the cults be explained since all, or nearly all, claim to use the Bible
as the basis of their doctrines?

Nearly all false doctrines taught today by

Christians and cultists alike can be traced to the
distortion of the meaning of Biblical words.
So then you have the skeptics asking the question, "If the Bible is God's Word, why
are there so many different interpretations of what He supposedly said?"

Those who accept the One True Bible as the Word of God, however, believe that God
has spoken to us clearly and transparently.

Psa 119:140 Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.

We believe that there is only one "right" interpretation of any given Biblical passage.

Psa 12:6 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace
of earth, purified seven times.
Psa 12:7 Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this
generation for ever.

His word is preserved in our

language exactly how He
intended for it to say. It is Pure!
 If this view is correct, it follows that of the many "different interpretations"
skeptics refer to, there must be only one that is valid. That is, while a
particular passage may have many applications, it must have only one
meaning - the one the author (through inspiration of the Holy Spirit) intended.

How then, may we determine the proper method in which we should interpret
the Scripture?

1Co 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you;
but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same
judgment.

Joh 10:35 If he called

them gods, unto whom
the word of God came,
and the scripture
cannot be broken;
Skeptics tend to be contentious and question how we define the word pure.
What we need to recognize is that man only penned the words of the bible
through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, man did not author it. Our
definitions would then be meaningless when it comes to the scriptures. So
lets consider how the author defines “pure”.

Rev 21:18 And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city
was pure gold, like unto clear glass.
Rev 21:21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate
was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were
transparent glass.
Rev 22:1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal,
proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
So as we can see from the author's use of relating words,
“Pure = Clear, Transparent.”

Pure Gold =(like) Clear Glass

Pure Gold =(as it were) Transparent Glass
Pure River of Water = Clear as Crystal

The Scriptures are therefore

CLEAR and TRANSPARENT !!!
 If the Bible is the Word of God and God's revelation to man, then surely God would
not give us His revelation without a way to discern what He meant. For God not to
give us a way to interpret the Bible is to leave the interpretation of Scripture to human
wisdom that is at best faulty. To have the interpretation of Scripture rest on man's
wisdom is to have "flesh" interpreting that which is spiritual.

The problem today is not, that God did not give us a method of interpretation. God
gave us a method, but man has refused to use it or not been diligent in seeking it!

Isa 29:10 For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and
hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.
Isa 29:11 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:
Isa 29:12 And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this,
I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned.
Isa 29:13 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with
their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart
far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:
Isa 29:14 Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this
people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise
men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.
Jer 6:13 For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is
given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one
dealeth falsely.
Jer 6:14 They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly,
saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.
Jer 6:15 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they
were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall
among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down,
saith the LORD.
Rom 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written,
That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when
thou art judged.

Jer 10:23 O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in
man that walketh to direct his steps.
 Who or what is our final authority on this matter?
Now I have noticed that when you stick exclusively to the scriptures, the
words of Christ, people seem to get very offended, even those who claim to
be Christians So please consider what the following scriptures say;

2Co 11:1 Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed
bear with me.
2Co 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused
you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
2Co 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through
his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is
in Christ.
2Co 11:4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not
preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or
another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
2Co 11:5 For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.
2Co 11:6 But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have
been throughly made manifest among you in all things.

It's the “simple” truth of the scriptures that we should keep in mind here
then. But though I be rude in speech, consider the knowledge that I present.
Let me also add in here that yes, we are to love one another as Christ has loved us.
However, its pop culture and the new age idea that trivializes that command by
equating it with a “positive” attitude. Forgotten is the first duty of Love: to speak the
truth,
Eph 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things,
which is the head, even Christ:

Real love does not flatter or soothe when correction is needed, but it does point out
the error which is blinding and harming the loved one. Christ say's,

Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I

rebuke and chasten: be
zealous therefore, and repent.

The idea that love excludes rebuke,

ignores the truth, and seeks unity at
any price can only result in disaster.

Luk 23:40 But the other

answering rebuked him, saying,
Dost not thou fear God, seeing
thou art in the same
condemnation?
How do you love one another? Do they truly love you? Here is a proverb we
should learn and practice.

Pro 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are
deceitful.

One is better than the other, so we must love the good one and reject and
despise the bad. Solomon by inspiration of God defined true friendship and
love for us.

Pro 25:9 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a
secret to another:

Confronting and rebuking a friend for sin is true love, which Moses had taught
long before

Lev 19:17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any
wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.

Not correcting our friends, our neighbors, the ones we love is truly hatred.
 Heb 3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of
unbelief, in departing from the living God.
Heb 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you
be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

David said he would consider reproof and smiting by a righteous man a true act of
kindness

Psa 141:5 Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him
reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for
yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.

As sinners, we need such

friends, who will confront us
according to the living God (the
Word of God) rather than flatter
us.

Cherish them!
 Even Jesus faithfully rebuked His dear friends

Mat 16:23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan:
thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of
God, but those that be of men.

Luk 9:55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what
manner of spirit ye are of.

and they spent the rest of their lives profiting from his loving and faithful investment
in them.

The greatest love letter ever

written is the Bible, and you will
be personally rebuked every
time you read it with godly
humility and sincerity. Read it
today to know the love of God.
Pro 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his
friend.

Pro 12:1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth
reproof is brutish.
Pro 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the
beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge
of the holy is understanding.

Psa 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the

beginning of wisdom: a good
understanding have all they that do his
commandments: his praise endureth
for ever.

Pro 29:25 The fear of man

bringeth a snare: but whoso
putteth his trust in the LORD
shall be safe.
 Many people claim that the scriptures dont say “scripture only” or they claim that
the scriptures dont hold all the answers, however, in the simplicity of Christ it may
say just that. Lets take a closer look;

First, let's look and see what Jesus say's about himself;

Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man
cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Joh 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world:
he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

When we study the very Words of

the bible we can see that Jesus is
the only way, the only truth, and
the only life. He is the light and it
leaves no room for any other.
 Let's ponder for a moment this seemingly simple question, “Who is Jesus?”

Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and
the Word was God.
Joh 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God.
Joh 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing
made that was made.
Joh 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

Joh 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we
beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of
grace and truth.

Now, lets not let the subtillity of the serpent take us from the simple truth of these
scriptures. If Jesus is the word of God, “the Word made flesh”; And Jesus (the
Word) is the only way, the only truth, and the only life. Quite frankly, it is saying that
there is only one Word born of God and it is the only way. After all, there is not
another Jesus, or another gospel or even any other truth!
 And so we see that it is the word made flesh as the ONLY BEGOTTEN SON.

Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Joh 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that
the world through him might be saved.
Joh 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is
condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only
begotten Son of God.

Rev 19:13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is
called The Word of God.

Only One begotten

Word!!
Consider, since the scriptures say that we must have two witnesses or at the most
three, then let's also look at what the trinity say's,

1Jn 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the
Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
1Jn 5:8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and
the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
Joh 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will
send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your
remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

The Father will send the Holy Ghost in Jesus's name. Notice that it say's “he shall
teach you all things”. What does that mean to “send in my name”?

Rev 19:13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is
called The Word of God.

Why then would I need anything else?

It's in the Word of God (only begotten, Jesus, His Name)
that He will “teach you all things”!!

Hence: Sola Scriptura = Scripture Alone

 In fact Jesus (the Word) Wants to Teach You Himself (the Word)

Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give
you rest.
Mat 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in
heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

1Jn 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and
the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
1Jn 5:8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water,
and the blood: and these three agree in one.

The Spirit and the Word are the same; Its the scripture that will guide you!
Joh 16:13 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.
Joh 16:14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it
unto you.
Joh 16:15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he
shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
Joh 16:16 A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and
ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.
1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and
ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all
things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in
him.
 Joh 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the
sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Joh 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the
will of man, but of God.
Joh 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld
his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and
truth.

We are not born again by the “will of the flesh, nor the will of man” (traditions),
but of God. And let me remind you here that the Word is God and His name is
the Word. So again its only the Word that is “full of grace and truth”.. Scripture
(the Word is God) only.

Psa 18:30 As for God,

his way is perfect: the
word of the LORD is
tried: he is a buckler to
all those that trust in
him.
1Co 4:6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to
Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that
which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any
twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of
the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the
heart.

Joh 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I
speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
Joh 6:64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the
beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.

But there are some of you who dont

believe or have faith in the Word!
 The Bible itself tells us that we are to understand it as a whole unit; all
Scripture is inspired and a divine guide for human conduct. By putting
together all the scriptures on a given subject, we allow the Bible to interpret
itself and give us a complete and coherent view of God's instruction on
specific areas of life.

So if we mistakenly view each passage in a different context it will render the

Bible of no more value than a conflicting, contradictory collection of human
writings, rather than a divine revelation. So in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 we are told;

2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all
good works.

These scriptures show us the correct way to interpret the Bible: All of it is
God's inspired revelation to man. It requires “all scripture” to be used for the
instruction, correction, doctrine, reproof, and to make man perfect. Its only
through the scripture that the man of God is to be made perfect. He did not
include anything of man's will or of his traditions to be used.
In interpreting Scripture we should never invent explanations to areas where the Bible
appears vague. We may not have the knowledge to understand some teaching or
event in the Bible. But the limitation is in our knowledge, not in the truth of the Word of
God. When a man begins to speculate he is in fact trying to second guess God! Such
speculation casts a shadow over the credibility of the Bible and our faith. It does not
convince the doubters and only brings confusion. The best approach is not to invent
explanations, but honestly say we do not know!

Now we are told in the Word (By Jesus) that “some things are hard to be understood” ;

2Pe 3:15 And account that the longsuffering of

our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved
brother Paul also according to the wisdom given
unto him hath written unto you;
2Pe 3:16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in
them of these things; in which are some things
hard to be understood, which they that are
unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also
the other scriptures, unto their own
destruction.
 We must therefore admit that not all parts of Scripture are able to be easily
understood.

1Co 8:2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing
yet as he ought to know.
1Co 8:3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

You don't have to

have all the answers
to be recognized as
someone who loves
the lord.

Matthew 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you,

Except ye be converted, and become as little
children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of
heaven.
 However, it would be a grave error to conclude that all Scripture is obscure or that it
requires years of study to adequately interpret it. The Bible itself - directly and
indirectly - proclaims that it is written in such a way that believers, regardless of their
age, education or mental capacity, may read and understand its pages. Indeed, the
passage just quoted, does not say that the difficult passages are impossible to
understand - only "hard."

Even Moses tells the people of Israel:

Deu 6:6 And these words, which I

command thee this day, shall be in
thine heart:
Deu 6:7 And thou shalt teach them
diligently unto thy children, and
shalt talk of them when thou sittest
in thine house, and when thou
walkest by the way, and when thou
liest down, and when thou risest up.
 This clear implication is that all the people of Israel
were able to understand Moses' words clearly. They
would have to, if they were to teach these words to their
children, and if they were to discuss them on a regular
basis. The Psalmist also says:

Psa 119:130 The entrance of thy words

giveth light; it giveth understanding
unto the simple.

This also should be of a great encouragement to all believers - for if the "simple"
(those who lack intellectual ability and sound judgment) can be made wise by God's
Word, it must first be understandable by them. No where in the scriptures does it say
to go outside the Word for instruction.
The principle of sola scriptura is the sufficiency of Scripture. The Bible stands
alone as the unerring guide to truth; it is sufficient to make one wise unto
salvation.

2Ti 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which
are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ
Jesus.

It is the standard by which all doctrine and all truth must be tested.

2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all
good works.

Psa 119:105 NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Lets also look at 2 Peter 1:20 and consider the meaning:

2Pe 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private
interpretation.

There are some who say that proper interpretation of Scripture is the sole province of
the Church, or an anointed class of specially gifted leaders. They even use this verse
as proof against individual interpretation by ordinary believers.

The context of this verse however, say's differently. It was a reference to the
Transfiguration, which confirmed the exalted status of the Son of God. The readers
should be even more sure of Christ's exaltation because they have the "prophetic
word" – The Word was given for all mankind (each individual) to interpret according
to the Word itself!

2Pe 1:19 We have also a more sure word

of prophecy; whereunto ye do well
that ye take heed, as unto a light that
shineth in a dark place, until the day
dawn, and the day star arise in your
hearts:

That is, written Scripture (the Word

made flesh, the light, Jesus) interprets
itself.
 He then explains why they are more sure. The prophecy of Scripture - the
declaring forth and recording of God's Word - is not a matter of the prophet's own
"interpretation" of what God intended, but rather was the very Word of God defined
by God:.

2Pe 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy
men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
 I have seen many preachers and pastors stand up at the pulpit and sugest that we
should consider the times and cultures of when the bible was written in order to trully
understand what is being said. They even suggest that we need to understand and
interpret another language in order to understand the scriptures. We will look into
this more in depth later, but lets look at what that verse say's again;

2Pe 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy
men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Are they denying the

power of our God and
that He could provide us
a pure (clear,
transparent) Word.
Without any mistakes. Or
even that He could
preserve it for us.
 The New Testament scriptures often state that it is the moral state of the
reader, not the intellectual state, that prevents the clear understanding of
Scripture;

1Co 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God:
for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they
are spiritually discerned.

2Co 3:14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the
same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is
done away in Christ.
2Co 3:15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their
heart.
2Co 3:16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken
away.

2Co 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
2Co 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them
which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the
image of God, should shine unto them.
Jas 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask
of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and
upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Jas 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing
wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave
of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell

in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and
admonishing one another in psalms and
hymns and spiritual songs, singing with
grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Heb 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them

that are of full age, even those who by
reason of use have their senses exercised to
discern both good and evil.
A correct interpretation of the Bible will always be consistent with the rest of
the Scriptures. Therefore, it is essential for us as students of the Bible to
interpret a passage in light of what the rest of the Scriptures say on the
topic.
When that is the case, it is essential to examine other, perhaps more clear,
passages of Scripture.
By putting together all the scriptures on a given subject, we allow the Bible
to interpret itself and give us a complete and coherent view of God's
instruction on specific areas of life.
The scriptures teach us with sufficient warning to reject the authority of
human philosophy, as the final norm of truth for the Christian.

Col 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit,
after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after
Christ.

If it does not follow to the very letter of all scripture,

we are to
reject it.
 So instead of superimposing a meaning on the biblical text, the objective
interpreter seeks to discover the author's intended meaning (the only true
meaning). One must recognize that what a passage means is fixed by the
author and is not subject to alteration by readers. "Meaning" is determined by
the author; it is discovered by readers. Our goal must be exegesis (drawing
the meaning out of the text) and not eisogesis (superimposing a meaning onto
the text). Only by objective methodology can we bridge the gap between our
sinful nature and the one truth.
We cannot nor should we rely then on our own or another discernment,
Psa 118:8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
Psa 118:9 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.

Jer 17:5 Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and
maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.

Isa 2:22 Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is
he to be accounted of?

1Co 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the
power of God.
 Many in the New Testament churches did not understand the Hebrew of the
Old Testament, yet the Apostles expected them to understand the truth of the
Old Testament scriptures. The Holy Spirit inspired the Biblical authors and
illuminates God's Word to those who earnestly seek its truth.
Act 2:6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and
were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own
language.
Act 2:7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold,
are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
Act 2:8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
Act 2:9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia,
and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
Act 2:10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about
Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
Act 2:11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the
wonderful works of God.
Act 2:12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another,
What meaneth this?
Acts 2:9-11 mentions sixteen different nations which were present on the Day of
Pentecost. Acts 2:8 plainly states that each man HEARD the Gospel in his own
native tongue in which he was born. In fact, Acts 2:12 shows that many will doubt
that the word will be preserved by inspiration for them in their own tongue.
 The texts as preserved in a
line. See my study on
“which Bible” for a fuller
discussion.

Isa 28:11 For with

stammering lips and
another tongue will
he speak to this
people.
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.

Yet, they do not hear!

Did God ever intend for us to have a better understanding by searching out
and learning other languages or definitions? Let's look at whether God has
already defined His Word in our preserved, inspired tongue (language) first.

1Th 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

1Co 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom
teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things
with spiritual.

Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit,
which is the word of God:

If we compare the spiritual things with spiritual, the sword which is the word,
what do we Find?
The King James Bible is the only "version" that has it's own inbuilt dictionary,
whereby it often defines it's own words within the same sentence, paragraph,
or context that contains it.

God wrote it this way so that ANYONE can learn and understand His word,
amen.

Gen 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:
and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of
the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping
thing that creepeth upon the earth.
What is the difference between Image and likeness in this verse? Or are
they the same thing, and the idea was just repeated to emphasize the point?

Gal 4:16 Am I therefore become

your enemy, because I tell you
the truth?
The dictionaries that we have are lists of words with their definitions according
to its authors authority on the matter (private interpretations). So then what we
have are words that can have several meanings. However, a word ultimately
only has a limited meaning according to its particular authors purpose. So we
still then must consider who is the final authority and His limited meaning?

Lets look then at this comparison of mans word and God's. Was there
already a limited definition provided by the author, God? We will use the
dictionary most closely used within the same time frame of the translation for
comparison.
 The first word we will consider is “scrip”;

1Sa 17:40 And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones
out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a
scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.

According to Webster's 1828 dictionary we can

see that God already defined that word within the
scriptures. We didn’t really need to stray from His
Word to begin with.

Scrip

SCRIP, noun [This belongs to the root of gripe, our vulgar grab, that is, to seize or
press.]

A small bag; a wallet; a satchel.

 The next word to consider is “Abase”

Job 40:11 Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath: and behold every one that is
proud, and abase him.
Job 40:12 Look on every one that is proud, and bring him low; and tread
down the wicked in their place.

According to Webster's 1828 dictionary

we can see that God already defined that
word within the scriptures. We didn’t
really need to stray from His Word to
begin with.

ABA'SE, verb transitive [Fr abaisser, from bas, low, or the bottom; W. bais; Latin and
Gr. basis; Eng. base; It. Abbassare; Sp. bare, low. See Abash.]

1. The literal sense of abase is to lower or depress, to throw or cast down, as used by
Bacon, 'to abase the eye.' But the word is seldom used in reference to material things.

2. To cast down; to reduce low; to depress; to humble; to degrade; applied to the

passions, rank, office, and condition in life.
 The next word to consider is “Admonition”

1Co 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and
they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the
world are come.

According to Webster's 1828 dictionary

we can see that God already defined that
word within the scriptures. And we didn’t
really need to stray from His Word to
begin with.
 The next word to consider is “Atonement”

Exo 29:36 And thou shalt offer every day a bullock for a sin offering for
atonement: and thou shalt cleanse the altar, when thou hast made an
atonement for it, and thou shalt anoint it, to sanctify it.

According to Webster's 1828 dictionary we

can see that God already defined that
word within the scriptures. We didn’t really
need to stray from His Word to begin with.

ATO'NEMENT, noun

1. Agreement; concord; reconciliation, after enmity or controversy. Romans 5:11.

Between the Duke of Glo'ster and your brothers.

2. Expiation; satisfaction or reparation made by giving an equivalent for an injury, or

by doing or suffering that which is received in satisfaction for an offense or injury;
with for.
 The next word to consider is “defamed”

1Co 4:13 Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the
world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.

According to Webster's 1828 dictionary we can

see that God already defined that word within
the scriptures. We didnt really need to stray
from His Word to begin with.

DEFAME,

1. To slander; falsely and maliciously to utter words respecting another which tend to
injure his reputation or occupation; as to say, a judge is corrupt; a man is perjured; a
trader is a knave.

2. To speak evil of; to dishonor by false reports; to calumniate; to libel; to impair

reputation by acts or words.
 Here are just a few more examples of the scripture defining itself:

Gen 49:17 Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth
the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward.

Jos 7:9 For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land shall hear of it,
and shall environ us round, and cut off our name from the earth: and what
wilt thou do unto thy great name?

2Ch 34:10 And they put it in the hand of the workmen that had the oversight
of the house of the LORD, and they gave it to the workmen that wrought in
the house of the LORD, to repair and amend the house:

Psa 30:1 A Psalm and Song at the dedication of the house of David.
I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my
foes to rejoice over me.

Psa 34:18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth
such as be of a contrite spirit.

Pro 16:21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the
lips increaseth learning.
Act 27:14 But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind,
called Euroclydon.

1Th 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort
the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

Luk 21:15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your
adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

Pro 25:10 Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn
not away.

Psa 5:6 Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor
the bloody and deceitful man.

1Sa 8:3 And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre,
and took bribes, and perverted judgment.
 We could go on like this all day but the point here is “Scripture Is Its Own
Interpreter”. In fact, Martin Luther also described it in this way: “Scripture is
its own light.” Because there is an underlying unity among the various parts
of Scripture, one portion of Scripture interprets another, which then
becomes the key for understanding other related passages.

Jesus demonstrated this principle on the way to Emmaus when

Luk 24:27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto
them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

The “Word” expounding (teaching)

of Himself (the Word made flesh).
 Later that night in the upper room, Jesus pointed out;

Luk 24:44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto
you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were
written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms,
concerning me.
Luk 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might
understand the scriptures,

Jesus (the Word) only taught of Himself through and in the scriptures, which
also is only were we will also find the way. We must ask to have our eyes
opened in order to understand, though.
 In Matthew 22:41-46, Jesus grounded His final, unanswerable
argument to the Pharisees upon the reliability of a single word, the word
“Lord” in Psalm 110:1.

Mat 22:41 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them,
Mat 22:42 Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say
unto him, The Son of David.
Mat 22:43 He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him
Lord, saying,
Mat 22:44 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I
make thine enemies thy footstool?
Mat 22:45 If David then call him Lord, how is he his son?
Mat 22:46 And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any
man from that day forth ask him any more questions.

Psa 110:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at
my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
 In Galatians 3:16, Paul based his argument upon the singular number of the
word seed in Genesis 22:17, 18. As we shall see below, Paul is recognizing
the larger context of this passage, as it moves from a collective plural seed to
a singular Seed.

Gal 3:16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith
not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is
Christ.

Gen 22:17 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply
thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea
shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;
Gen 22:18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;
because thou hast obeyed my voice.

Jesus shows His ultimate respect for the full authority of the Old Testament
when He affirmed its totality:

Mat 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or
one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
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:
Isa 28:11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this
people.
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.
Isa 28:14 Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule
this people which is in Jerusalem.
 Let's consider this
“Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to
understand doctrine?”. The previous verses clearly point out a
couple of important things in order for us to learn from scriptures.
To start with we can see that the scriptures will be spoken in another
tongue for us to learn from, and we dont need the original languages.
Secondly, we see that it is the Word itself that will teach us, not only
“line upon line” (definition upon definition as we have witnessed
earlier) but also “precept upon precept”.
Thirdly, I would like you to notice here this rebuke,
“hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men”.

Isa 28:14 Wherefore hear the word of the LORD,

ye scornful men, that rule this people which is
in Jerusalem.
 The starting precept, as we have shown and studied earlier is that the scriptures
have their own built in dictionary. Now lets take that same precept to its next logical
step.

This concept of learning the scriptures “precept upon precept”, however, must first be
set too some foundational rules according to the scriptures.

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same
yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
John 10:35 If he called them gods,
unto whom the word of God came,
and the scripture cannot be broken;
The Word is the same in the old
testament as it is in the new testament
and vice versa.
There cannot be any contradictions within
the scriptures concerning the precept

2 Corinthians 13:1 This is the third

time I am coming to you. In the
mouth of two or three witnesses shall There must be two or three witnesses
every word be established. for the word to be established.
Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our
image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion
over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air,
and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over
every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

Genesis 5:3 And Adam lived an hundred and thirty

years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his Continuosly we see the
image; and called his name Seth: word of God making
comparisons and
connections between
Exodus 20:4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any differant words. So we can
graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in see that there is a
heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or
that is in the water under the earth:
precedent or standard
which has been
established here.
Deuteronomy 4:16 Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and
make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure,
the likeness of male or female,

Revelation 17:15 And he saith
unto me, The waters which thou
sawest, where the whore sitteth,
are peoples, and multitudes,
and nations, and tongues.
Psalms 93:3-4 The floods
have lifted up, O LORD, the
floods have lifted up their
voice; the floods lift up their
waves. {4} The LORD on
high is mightier than the
noise of many waters, yea,
than the mighty waves of the
sea.
Three Witnesses!
Psalms 148:4 Praise Psalms 77:16 The waters
him, ye heavens of saw thee, O God, the
heavens, and ye waters waters saw thee; they were
that be above the afraid: the depths also were
heavens. troubled.
How does a “flood” have a “voice”?
Does not the term “flood” mean the
same as “many waters”? Can not a
“voice” then be compared to a
“wave”? Is not the “waves of the sea”
the same as “voice of a flood”?
From the previously set precedents
we should be able to then spiritually
decern what these scriptures are
saying! Not only do we see the
comparison's but also the
connections.
 And lets also consider another reference and some connections concerning the
waters;

Isa 17:12 Woe to the multitude of The multitude of people

many people, which make a noise make a noise like the sea?
like the noise of the seas; and to
the rushing of nations, that make a The rushing of nations like
rushing like the rushing of mighty the rushing of mighty
waters! waters?
Isa 17:13 The nations shall rush like
the rushing of many waters: but The nations shall rush like
God shall rebuke them, and they many waters?
shall flee far off, and shall be
chased as the chaff of the
mountains before the wind, and
like a rolling thing before the
whirlwind.
Col 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for
you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all
wisdom and spiritual understanding;
Col 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful
in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
As we have witnessed, the Bible alone is sufficient in clarity so that no external source
is required to interpret it rightly.

The rallying cry of the Reformation—sola scriptura, the Bible and the Bible only—as
the final norm for truth. All other sources of knowledge and experience must be
tested by this unerring standard. The appropriate human response must be one of
total surrender to the ultimate authority of the Word of God.

Isa 66:2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have
been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and
of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

We must recognise that is only

through the scriptures, it is the faith in
the word, that He is directing our path;
the only way. He will teach us all
things, even the definitions.
 This same principle is also expressed in 1 Corinthians 2:13:

1Co 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom
teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with
spiritual.

Rom 10:1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they
might be saved.
Rom 10:2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not
according to knowledge.
Rom 10:3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to
establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the
righteousness of God.
Rom 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that
believeth.

Christ (the Word) is the

end of the law. Nothing
else is needed!
Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the
mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Rom 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be
ashamed.
Rom 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same
Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Rom 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and
how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they
hear without a preacher?
Rom 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How
beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad
tidings of good things!
Rom 10:16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath
believed our report?
Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Rom 10:18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the
earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

The Word made flesh!

 2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not
to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

The scriptures describe the one who "rightly divides" the Word of Truth as a "workman;"
thus proper interpretation comes through effort. Scripture is quite clear that we are all to
read, study, and meditate upon God's Word

1Ti 4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

Pro 4:2 For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.

Psa 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor
standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
Psa 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate
day and night.
Psa 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth
his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall
prosper.

And this can only be done if we are prepared to be "workmen" and to test the things our
teachers teach us against the pure measure of Scripture.

1Th 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
The scriptures teach us all things and we dont need man to teach us anything. But,
undoubtedly people will ask, what of the earthly things? After all there are still many
who still dont believe.
Joh 3:12 If I have told you earthly
things, and ye believe not, how shall
ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly
things?
 Scriptures also teach us to reject human “knowledge” (“science”) as the final
authority.

1Ti 6:20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane
and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:

After all it is the Word that has told us all things,

Joh 14:26 But the Comforter,

which is the Holy Ghost, whom
the Father will send in my name,
he shall teach you all things, and
bring all things to your
remembrance, whatsoever I
have said unto you.

Joh 3:12 If I have told you earthly

things, and ye believe not, how shall
ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly
things?
Many people doubt the Bible for various reasons. One of them is that the Bible is not
accurate scientifically, but this just isn't so. When the Bible speaks about science, it is
accurate. In fact, it was far ahead of any other writing of its time. Please consider the
following:

Joh 3:12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe,
if I tell you of heavenly things?
 Only in recent years has science discovered that everything we see is composed of
invisible atoms.

Heb 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word
of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do
appear.

At a time when it was believed that the earth sat on a large animal or a giant (1500
B.C.), the Bible spoke of the earth’s free float in space:

Job 26:7 He stretcheth out the

north over the empty place,
and hangeth the earth upon
nothing.
Medical science has only recently discovered that blood-clotting in a newborn reaches
its peak on the eighth day, then drops. The Bible consistently says that a baby must
be circumcised on the eighth day.

Gen 17:12 And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every
man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with
money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.
 God told Job,

Job 38:35 Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go, and say unto
thee, Here we are?

The Bible here is making what appears to be a scientifically ludicrous statement—

that light can be sent, and then manifest itself in speech. But did you know that
radio waves travel at the speed of light? This is why you can have instantaneous
wireless communication with someone on the other side of the earth. Science
didn’t discover this until 1864 when "British scientist James Clerk Maxwell
suggested that electricity and light waves were two forms of the same thing"
(Modern Century Illustrated Encyclopedia).
Solomon described a "cycle" of air currents two thousand years before scientists
"discovered" them.

Ecc 1:6 The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it
whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his
circuits.
Encyclopedia Britannica documents that in 1845, a young doctor in Vienna named Dr.
Ignaz Semmelweis was horrified at the terrible death rate of women who gave birth in
hospitals. As many as 30 percent died after giving birth. Semmelweis noted that
doctors would examine the bodies of patients who died, then, without washing their
hands, go straight to the next ward and examine expectant mothers. This was their
normal practice, because the presence of microscopic diseases was unknown.
Semmelweis insisted that doctors wash their hands before examinations, and the
death rate immediately dropped to 2 percent. Look at the specific instructions God
gave His people for when they encounter disease:

Lev 15:13 And when he that hath an issue is cleansed of his issue; then he shall
number to himself seven days for his cleansing, and wash his clothes, and
bathe his flesh in running water, and shall be clean.

Until recent years, doctors washed

their hands in a bowl of water, leaving
invisible germs on their hands.
However, the Bible says specifically to
wash hands under "running water."
 The moon doesn't have any light of its own.

Job 25:5 Behold even to the moon, and it shineth not; yea, the stars are not
pure in his sight.
 Milk is good for the teeth and wine will affect
the capillaries in the eyes.

Gen 49:12 His eyes shall be red with wine, and his teeth white with milk.
Nature is in harmony with God’s written Scripture; It must be interpreted by
the final authority of Scripture.

Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the
world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are
made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are
without excuse:
Rom 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him
not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their
imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Rom 1:22 Professing themselves to be
wise, they became fools,
Rom 1:23 And changed the glory of the
uncorruptible God into an image made
like to corruptible man, and to birds,
and fourfooted beasts, and creeping
things.
 The King James Bible is also a numerical book
with mathematical precision
We could do an entire series on just this subject alone, the King James Bible
has hundreds if not thousands of numerical truths carefully tucked away by
the Lord within its pages

However, for a deeper study into this doctrine than what is presented here see the
books by the authors;

Number in Bible
Scripture by Mathematics
E.W. Bullinger by Ed. F.
Valoe
 Numbers have meaning in Scripture.

But lets first remember, “What saith the Scripture”?

Isa 40:12 Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and
meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth
in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a
balance?

Psa 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts
unto wisdom.

Rev_13:18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the
number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six
hundred threescore and six.
 In fact we can find numerical patterns throughout the Word of God.

For instance, the number 7 stands for perfection in Scripture. We find the number 7
throughout God's creation.

Also, take the human body and notice that we have 7 holes in our heads. We have
14 finger bones and 14 toe bones (2 x 7).

There are only 7 colors in the universe. All other colors are simply variations or
mixtures of the primary 7 colors.

Gestation occurs in values of 7. A chicken incubates in 21 days (3 x 7). A human

female gestation is 280 days (40 x 7). The number 40 just happens to be the number
for trials and tribulations in Scripture. Ask any female who has given birth if this is
true. (Gen. 3:16; 1 Tim. 2:15)

Gen 3:16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and
thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire
shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.

1Ti 2:15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue

in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
 Our Lord is a numerical God.

Luk 14:28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down
first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

Isa 40:26 Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these
things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names
by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.

Luk 12:7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not
therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Even music is set up on a numerical systematic pattern corresponds with

Biblical numeric There are seven notes and then a new beginning (the 8th
note of the scale). The note starts over at a higher pitch. 7,000 years for this
earth and then a new beginning (Rev. 21:1).
 Lets look in Revelation Chapter 20. There is a very deep nugget found in the
King James Bible here. Count the number of times "1,000 years" is mentioned
in these verses. You will find that it is mentioned 6 times showing 6,000 years
before the 1,000 reign of Christ when there will be complete peace for 1,000
years. Notice how they tell a story numerically.

Each number below corresponds with the order of mention for 1,000 years.

1st Occurrence) Rev. 20:2 shows that Satan is bound for 1,000 years.

Rev 20:2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the
Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

The number 1 in Scripture stands for unity. In sacred Scripture "one,"

represents unity and is the quintessential number of monotheism, the
worship of one God. There will be no unity until Satan is bound. Satan
causes division and confusion. There is only one God!
2nd Occurrence) Rev. 20:3 shows that Satan will deceive the nations no
more.

Rev 20:3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a
seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand
years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

The number 2 represents difference, division. Satan will be unable to

divide nations, people and churches anymore.
3rd Occurrence) Rev. 20:4 speaks of worshiping a false God in the antichrist.

Rev 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was
given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the
witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped
the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their
foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a
thousand years.

3 is the number of the Trinity. The number three represents that which is
solid, real, substantial, and something in its completeness. This number
usually indicates something of importance or significance in God's plan of
salvation by identifying an important event in Salvation History. This
number operates as a "sign-post" in Scripture study for the reader to "pay
attention" to the significance of the next event. When Satan is bound, only
worship of the true and living God will be found.
 4th Occurrence) Rev. 20:5 speaks of the resurrection of the dead.

Rev 20:5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years
were finished. This is the first resurrection.

4 is the number of the world and creation. The number four represents
God's creative works, especially works associated with the earth: Verses 4
& 5 show all humanity resurrected. Some are resurrected to life everlasting
and others to eternal damnation in the lake of fire.
5th Occurrence) Rev. 20:6 speaks of being blessed by the first resurrection
while being saved from the second death.

Rev 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on
such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and
of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

The number 5 has a twofold meaning in Scripture of both grace and death.
The number of power and Divine grace. In Matt. 5:5 we see people
resurrected and reigning. We see both of these mentioned in this 5th
occurrence of 1,000 years.
6th Occurrence) Rev. 20:7 speaks of Satan being loosed to deceive man
one final time.

Rev 20:7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed
out of his prison,

The number 6 is the number of man in Scripture and it is connected with

sin and Satan. Man was created on the sixth day, therefore, the number six
represents both man and rebellion.
The seventh is the day of rest.
Both Old Testament and New Testament writers point out that since the fall in Eden,
nature has become depraved.

Gen 3:17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of
thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou
shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of
it all the days of thy life;

Rom 8:20 For the creature was

made subject to vanity, not
willingly, but by reason of him
who hath subjected the same
in hope,
Humankind’s mental and emotional faculties have become depraved since the Fall;
but even before the Fall, neither human reason nor experience could safely be
trusted apart from or superior to God’s Word. This was the very point upon which
Eve fell—trusting her own reason and emotions over the Word of God.

Gen 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and
that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

The wisest man in history perceptively

observed:

Pro 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end
thereof are the ways of death.
 The idea that one's own interpretation of Scripture is just as valid as that of any other
("what this text means to me...") renders the interpretation non-falsifiable. That is, if I
say that the Holy Spirit provided me with the interpretation, or my interpretation, it is
then impossible for anyone to show that I have wrongly divided the Word. The "truth" I
have arrived at is self-contained and ultimately incommunicable to you. You will have
to "experience" the same personal revelation, and even then, we will wonder if our two
experiences really were identical, or if there were subtle differences that may affect
our interpretation. This hermeneutic methodology (or really lack of methodology)
provides ample opportunity for me to twist Scripture to my own destruction, and to that
of any others who would follow my interpretation.

2Pe 3:16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are
some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable
wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

The noble-minded Bereans in Acts 17 diligently searched the Scriptures, seeking to

learn if the Gospel Paul was preaching to them was true. We may be certain that they
held a common view - an "orthodox" interpretation of the Scriptures they read - by
which they measured what Paul was saying.
 Deu 8:3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with
manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might
make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that
proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.

An illustration of New Testament references. Jesus says, quoting Deuteronomy 8:3,

Mat 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

And Paul writes:

1Th 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye
received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word
of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also
in you that believe.
 Paul affirms the clarity of his words to the church at Corinth:

2Co 1:13 For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or
acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end;

It is helpful to keep in mind that Paul's letters were read to the entire church - to all
present, even Greeks with little understanding of Jewish culture and unbelievers.
Scripture is able to be understood by all - by unbelievers who read it sincerely
seeking salvation, and by believers who read it seeking God's help in understanding
it. This is because in both cases the Holy Spirit combats the influence of sin which
otherwise would make the wisdom of God appear obtuse to the natural man.

1Co 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for
they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are
spiritually discerned.
 Acts 2:38
According to

Greek Scholars

Along with most Pastors & Preachers

these days
In Acts 2:38 the main verb is metanoesate (change mind), the aorist
direct imperative (a command) of metanoeo which means to repent
(change mind).
This refers to that initial repentance of the sinner unto salvation.

The verb translated "be baptized" is in the indirect passive imperative

(a command to receive; hence, passive voice in Greek) of baptizo,
which does not give it the same direct command implied in "repent." 
The preposition "for" in the phrase "for the remission of sins" in Greek
is "eis," unto or into, and it is in the accusative case (direct object).  It
can mean "for the purpose of identifying you with the remission of
sins."
It is the same preposition we find in 1 Cor. 10:2 in the phrase "and
were baptized unto Moses."  Note that both contexts are dealing with
baptism and identification. 
These people were baptized or spiritually identifying themselves with
the purposes and vision of Moses.
Repentance, therefore, is presented as identifying an individual with the
remission of his sins, even as baptism following repentance provides an
external identification visible by others.
Repentance is something that concerns an individual and God while
baptism involves others.

That is why baptistheto (let be immersed) is in the passive voice

indicating that one does not baptize himself, but is baptized by another
usually in the presence of others.
Repentance, however, is an act taking place within a person's heart as
the Holy Spirit moves in the sinner.
 Now that this pastor has made you feel deeply
inadequate, he then offers to ‘explain’ it for you!

“But, all this Greek stuff may be confusing.  Let me break it down.  All
people are commanded to repent for their sins.  This is what believers
have already done by becoming Christians.  Baptism, then, is the
outward identification with being a Christian for those who have
already repented.”

“Also, as the Israelites were "baptized into Moses," so too, Christians

are baptized into Jesus. That is, they are identifying themselves,
publicly, with Christ.  Likewise, where baptism is related to death,
burial, and resurrection, it is again and identification with Christ in His
death, burial, and resurrection.”
 “That is why it is said of Christians that we have died to sin
(Rom. 6:2, 11; Gal. 2:20; Col. 2:20; Col. 3:3; 1 Pet. 2:24).”

Rom 6:2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

Rom 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto
God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:
and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved
me, and gave himself for me.

Col 2:20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as
though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,

Col 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

1Pe 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead
to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
 “Acts 2:38 is not demonstrating that baptism is essential for
salvation, but that baptism is the thing which we receive, in
order to publicly identify ourselves completely and totally
with Christ as a manifestation of the inward work God has
done within us.”

There, isn’t he something special?

He will interpret the ‘real’ Word of God
“for you” – you know, the ‘originals!!!!!’

Do you see how these guys operate? These guys shnook folks into following their
explanations because THEY think they know Greek! These guys are wicked!
 Let’s turn to Mark 16:16 and see a comparative
verse study that the scholars put along side Acts
2:38!

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved;

but he that believeth not shall be damned.
•This is a complex, declarative sentence, of which "he that believeth and
is baptized," is the complex subject.
•"He" is the simple subject, modified by a limiting or restrictive clause, "that
believeth and is baptized," a simple element of the third class.
"...that believeth and is baptized," is a partial, compound, subordinate,
declarative sentence of which "that" is the simple subject, unmodified, of
which subordinate sentence also "believeth and is baptized," is the
compound predicate; of which principal sentence "shall be saved" is the
simple predicate, unmodified."
 •"And," is a copulative conjunction.
A "he" is under consideration. "He ... shall be saved." Were the
"he" unmodified, universal salvation would here, at least, be
affirmed. But, the passage limits the "he" by means of a
restrictive clause, "that believeth and is baptized."

Don’t you just feel so skolarly and

edjukaetid now!

Have you ever seen such deception from a

pulpit?
 The Bible Warns about these pastors,
preachers and scholars who make you
think you need ‘them’ to interpret the words
of God for you!

Rom 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions
and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid
them.
Rom 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their
own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the
simple.

Eph 5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things
cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
Eph 5:7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
 The Bible Warns about these pastors,
preachers and scholars who make you
think you need ‘them’ to interpret the words
of God for you!

Eph 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro,

and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men,
and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
 The Bible Warns about these pastors,
preachers and scholars who make you
think you need ‘them’ to interpret the words
of God for you!

1Co 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of
man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

Job 35:16 Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain; he multiplieth words
without knowledge.

Col 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit,
after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after
Christ.
1Ti 6:3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to
wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus
Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to
godliness;
1Ti 6:4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about
questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy,
strife, railings, evil surmisings,
1Ti 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and
destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness:
from such withdraw thyself.
 Mark Them!

Avoid Them!

From Such Withdraw

Thyself!
Be Not Ye Therefore
Partakers With
Them!
 Matthew 13:19 When
any one heareth the
word of the kingdom,
and understandeth it not,
then cometh the wicked
one, and catcheth away
that which was sown in
his heart. This is he
which received seed by
the way side.
The
“Word is in my heart”
Not the pope!
Blasphemy!
Deuteronomy 30:14
But the word is very
nigh unto thee, in thy
mouth, and in thy
heart, that thou
mayest do it.

John 1:1 In the

beginning was the
Word, and the Word
was with God, and
the Word was God.
 After considering all other sources of authority we must always ask, "But what do
the Scripture say?".

Gal 4:29 But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that
was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.
Gal 4:30 Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman
and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son
of the freewoman.

Since it is impossible for God to lie, His word must be the standard by which we discern
truth from error.

Heb 6:18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to
lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold
upon the hope set before us:

1Jn 4:6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God
heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
God has so clearly spoken in His word that no man can render the excuse, “Well, I did
not understand what God is saying.” God has not stuttered. He’s spoken with
precision, clarity, transparency and accuracy, and it’s an understandable message. We
need the Holy Spirit, yes. But any misunderstanding is the fault of man, not the Bible.
He has spoken with abundant clarity.

Those who reject the supreme authority of Scripture are easily

deceived.