Pastor Luther Walker continues his series on Bibliology, emphasizing proper hermeneutics for interpreting Scripture literally according to its original language, context, and historical usage. He examines Acts 2:38, explaining that the Greek preposition “eis” (translated “for”) in “repent and be baptized… for the remission of sins” carries a causal sense (”because of” or “on the basis of”) rather than purpose (”in order to obtain”). He argues this supports baptism as a response to forgiveness already received through faith in Christ’s death and resurrection, not a requirement to gain remission of sins. The King James Version preserves ambiguity by using “for,” which historically leaned toward “because of.”
Pastor Walker stresses literal interpretation, context over isolated words, and avoiding imposition of modern meanings. He critiques King James Only views, noting earlier Latin-only movements and how language evolves, making some KJV terms outdated. He defends good literal translations (KJV, NKJV, ESV) when they align with originals and warns against poor or overly paraphrased versions.
Pastor Walker warns against allegorizing Scripture, using examples like the fig tree parable in Luke 13 (not a prophecy of 70 AD ending Israel’s time or starting a separate Gentile church era) and the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), which he says applies to Israel under the law, not the church today. He stresses rightly dividing Scripture: all Scripture is God-breathed and profitable, but not all is directly instructional for the church age. Old Testament events serve as examples, warnings, and teaching (didaskalia – knowledge to learn, not practice), while New Testament epistles provide direct instruction in righteousness (paideia – child training to apply).
He explains distinctions between healthy teaching (sound doctrine) that builds maturity and unhealthy teaching that tosses believers around (Ephesians 4, Colossians 2, 1 Timothy 4). False teachings include works-based requirements (e.g., mandatory tithing under threat), emotional/trendy programs, and doctrines of demons presented as light. True maturity involves living out Christ’s righteousness already received, pressing on because of the upward calling, not to earn it.
The lesson underscores consistent literal hermeneutics, avoiding private interpretation, feelings-based meanings, misapplying Old Testament examples to Christians, and allegorization that distorts dispensational truth.
