Pastor Luther Walker continues his series on Bibliology by affirming that the canon of Scripture is complete. The 66 books in the King James Bible (39 Old Testament books recognized by the Jewish people and 27 New Testament books accepted by the early Christian church) represent everything God intends for the church to know. Apocryphal or false writings were rejected early on by both Jewish and early Christian authorities as not divinely inspired.
Because the canon is closed and sufficient, no additional revelation is needed today. This directly implies that prophecy (as a revelatory gift providing new information) has ceased for the church age. Prophecy will resume during the future Tribulation period when more information will be required, but currently, Scripture provides all necessary doctrine, teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. Scripture is fully sufficient, clear, and authoritative over human reasoning, traditions, experiences, or any other source.
Pastor Walker then shifts to proper hermeneutics (interpretation principles), which apply to any text but are especially vital for Scripture. Key prerequisites include:
Being saved / born again (1 Peter 1:3, 23): Only those regenerated by the incorruptible seed of God’s Word can spiritually comprehend divine truths.
Being spiritual rather than carnal (1 Corinthians 2:13–14; Romans 8:5–8; 1 Corinthians 3:1–3; Hebrews 5:12): A spiritual believer walks by the Spirit, frames their mind on things above (Colossians 3:1–4), lives by faith rather than sight (2 Corinthians 5:7), and fulfills the Spirit’s desires over fleshly ones (Galatians 5:16–17). Carnal or soulish (emotion-driven) mindsets block understanding, leading to immaturity, hostility toward God, or inability to receive solid teaching. Spiritual framing involves seeing oneself as a saint (not a “sinner saved by grace”), focusing on newness of life in Christ (Romans 6:4), and pursuing good works prepared by God (Ephesians 2:10).
Pastor Walker emphasizes a literal, grammatical-historical hermeneutic:
Approach Scripture with the presupposition of verbal plenary inspiration (every word is God-breathed, 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21).
Interpret literally according to the original language, culture, history, and available revelation at the time of writing (avoid imposing later revelation backward, e.g., don’t read full New Testament Christology into Genesis 3:15 from Adam/Eve’s perspective).
Consider context rigorously; translations are not inspired—consult originals or reliable sources if needed.
Reject mystical or emotional interpretations; true spirituality is rational and logical, taking God at His Word without forcing personal desires onto the text.
He critiques carnal influences like emotion-focused modern worship songs and stresses living out righteousness by grace, not law-keeping, which empowers the sin nature.
The session ends by teasing next week’s discussion on commonly misused passages.
