1. First Principle:

All scripture is to be taken in it's literal and normal sense. i.e. We read and evaluate scripture with the same normal understanding of words and symbolic language that we read any other written work or carry on any type of conversation.
"Read what is written!"

2. Second Principle:

Context - everything has to be taken within the context in which it was written. First within the sentence, then the paragraph, then the chapter, then the book, then finally within the whole context of the Bible.

3. Third Principle:

Follow the rule of two or more witnesses. Scripture should witness to scripture. A Word, concept or phrase is studied by comparing what different scriptures testify about it. The more important a truth is , the more carefully related truths should be studied and compared.

4. Fourth Principle:

Contradictions are never acceptable - the importance of this principle can not be underrated. After all the passages relating to a specific issue are carefully studied and compared, no explanation is valid that does not genuinely harmonize with all the passages. If God's Word is inerrant, it cannot be self-contradictory. So if two passages seem to contradict, truth has not yet been discovered, and our explanation should be re-evaluated. Keep prayerfully searching the scriptures and the truth will be found.

5. Fifth Principle:

That prophetic scripture (in both Covenants) have both near (immediate) and far (future) implications and applications. Prophecy always operates on two or more levels of fulfillment; there is a divinely revealed "near" prediction relating to a soon-coming event (usually to save the life of the prophet) then there is also a corresponding "far" prediction that will be fulfilled at a later time, and/or in the events of the End Times.

6. Sixth Principle:

The rule of first mention. When ever there is confusion or conflict over what a symbol or topical subject means, go to the place in the scriptures where it is first mentioned. You will find that in most cases the symbol or topic will be thoroughly explained and/or defined. You will also find that this explanation or definition will remain consistent throughout scripture.

7. Seventh Principle:

Finally that God has sent His Word to inform us, firstly to revel His character and His will, then of future events and judgments. It is not a Mystery to be unraveled - the mysteries have been revealed.

Amos 3:6-8

"If a trumpet is blown in a city will not the people tremble? If a calamity occurs in a city has not the Lord done it? Surely the Lord God does nothing unless He reveals His secret counsel to His servants the prophets. A lion has roared! Who will not fear? The Lord God has spoken! Who can but prophesy?"

Isaiah 55:8-11

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Neither are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth, And making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; So shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it."

Mark 13:23

Jesus said,
"But take heed! Behold: I have told you everything in advance!"

Please contact me by E-Mail at:

E. C. King
Santa Margarita, California
fortheking@tcsn.net

Last update: 6/6/02