Pastor Luther Walker emphasizes that hermeneutics involves using the same rational, grammatical-historical methods to interpret Scripture as one would apply to any ancient document in another language. However, Scripture has unique spiritual aspects: it is God-breathed (inerrant in original words and concepts), and true understanding requires a spiritual mindset. Unsaved people can grasp the language and grammar but lack the spiritual discernment to connect truths properly, as they function soulishly (from emotions). Carnal Christians, operating from the soul rather than the renewed spirit, similarly misinterpret Scripture, resembling unsaved individuals. Proper interpretation demands Christians be spiritual—focused on the Spirit’s desires, rational, not emotional—and avoid practices like “Bible roulette” (random verse-picking out of context).
The Bible’s original text is inerrant, with over 99% textual certainty today; minor variants (e.g., word order like “Jesus Christ” vs. “Christ Jesus”) do not alter core meaning. Modern translations are generally reliable but can err due to theological bias, poor word choice, or language evolution (e.g., outdated KJV terms). Literal interpretation respects normal language use (idioms, metaphors, similes) while accounting for historical-cultural context—never allegorizing or reapplying events (like Noah’s flood) in ways that contradict God’s promises.
Key principles include:
Discover the author’s intended meaning, not impose one’s own.
Translate concepts naturally (e.g., Hebrew “nostrils flared” = anger).
Clear passages govern unclear ones.
Scripture interprets Scripture; compare passages.
Context is paramount (context, context, context)—read letters wholly without artificial chapter/verse breaks.
One primary meaning per passage unless the Holy Spirit indicates otherwise (e.g., types/anti-types).
Avoid adding secret codes, numerology, or forcing Jesus into every OT page allegorically.
Application must fit interpretation; unclear or difficult passages (e.g., baptism for the dead in 1 Cor 15:29) do not build doctrine.
Pastor Walker illustrates common misinterpretations:
Acts 2:38 (”repent and be baptized... for the remission of sins”): “Repent” means change mind (about Christ as Messiah), not remorse; “for” often means “because of” (remission due to Christ’s death/resurrection), not “in order to obtain.” Baptism has value but does not save (cf. 1 Cor 1:17; gospel in 1 Cor 15:3–4 focuses on Christ’s death for sins, burial, resurrection).
John 8:32 (”the truth shall set you free”): Refers specifically to freedom from sin’s slavery/nature (via knowing truth of death with Christ and yielding to righteousness—Romans 6), not general truth or secular ideas.
Jeremiah 29:11 (”plans to give you a future and a hope”): Addressed to Israel in captivity, not individual Christians today.
Matthew 7:1 (”judge not”): Prohibits judging motives/hearts, not actions/discernment (cf. 1 Cor 6—saints judge matters/actions).
Philippians 4:13 (”I can do all things through Christ”): Context is contentment in any circumstance (abundance or need), not personal achievement/strength for any task.
Isaiah 53: Prophesies Christ’s suffering, death (spiritual + physical), and resurrection for sins—not Israel as a nation (as some Jewish interpretations claim).
Sermon on the Mount (Beatitudes, etc.): Spoken to Jews pre-church; not directly for the church age (church was a mystery hidden then—1 Cor 2:7–8).
Other abuses: Building false gospels (e.g., “repent of sins,” baptismal regeneration, “accept Jesus into your heart”) from obscure verses while ignoring clear ones.
Pastor Walker stresses rational, logical, repeatable interpretation—Scripture is consistent when read properly. Avoid emotional or mystical approaches; focus on what the text says in context, not “what it means to me.” Verse-by-verse study provides context, while topical studies connect truths across Scripture (keeping contexts intact).
