Pastor Luther Walker discusses proper biblical interpretation (hermeneutics) as part of bibliology. He emphasizes interpreting Scripture according to normal language usage, letting clear passages govern unclear ones, and avoiding theology built on obscure verses. He addresses the popular but misused idea that sin means “missing the mark,” citing an Old Testament sling-throwers passage (likely Judges 20:16) as an obscure use of “sin” that does not define the term. Instead, he points to 1 John 3:4, defining sin as lawlessness (anomia) – action against God’s standard, not merely a mental state or failure to match God’s glory.
He explains Romans 3:23 (“all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”) as falling short of God’s proper opinion/expectation for humanity, not failing to equal God’s own glory, which God says He shares with no one. Scripture has one meaning and one primary application per passage; personal feelings, experiences, or allegorization must not override literal interpretation in context (sentence → paragraph → chapter → book → whole Bible). Context determines application—who the passage addresses (e.g., Sermon on the Mount to Jews, not directly the church; Philippians 4:13 about contentment via the Holy Spirit’s strengthening, not achieving anything desired).
He stresses that Old Testament saints (David, Saul) and Jesus’ earthly ministry examples cannot be directly applied to New Testament grace believers, who live under grace, not law, with the indwelling Spirit and eternal security. Grace believers are free to do anything Scripture does not prohibit, weighing actions against God’s revealed desirous will (e.g., present body as living sacrifice, renewed mind, use spiritual gift, abstain from fornication, be thankful, ask according to His will, do good, act mature as saints). Experience must never redefine Scripture (e.g., Romans 6 spiritual immersion, not water baptism; 1 Peter 3:21 baptism not removing fleshly sin).
Parables are intended to hide truth from unbelievers (especially Israel), not primarily reveal it; when explained, the explanation controls meaning. He critiques common misapplications:
Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13) – about Israel’s response to the kingdom message, not modern evangelism diagnostics or false-convert tests (contra MacArthur, Washer).
Prodigal Son (Luke 15) – about Israel’s restoration, not prosperity, parenting failure, or two lost sons (contra Keller, Piper, Osteen).
Good Samaritan (Luke 10) – shames Jewish religious leaders via a Samaritan’s mercy, not a Christian love command or salvation allegory (contra Piper, MacArthur).
Mustard Seed (Matthew 13) – kingdom of heavens in mystery form grows abnormally large, becoming a tree where negative “birds” (demons/false teaching) nest; describes inflated, corrupted Christendom, not positive faith growth or prosperity (contra many teachers).
He warns that misinterpreting parables often introduces heresy and distorts doctrine, while proper literal, contextual interpretation protects truth.
