::Thursday, January 03, 2008::
:: hermeneutics... ::

Biblical hermeneutics is one of the toughest topic in FEBC and other Bible seminaries. Of course, the hardest of all is theism: the study of God and biblical philosophy. Theism argues that the creation points to a creator and that the beautiful design of this earth shows that there is an architect. There are cosmological argument, ontological argument and other "logical" argument.

Biblical hermeneutics is tough because we are required to have a constant close walk with God in prayers and devotion in order to apply proper hermeneutics. Any preacher can come up with a sermon without the leading of the spirit of God. Though the interpretation might be correct, still, just as Rev. Quek said, "the saddest of all is to make the living word dead".

Nobody can fully comprehend biblical hermeneutics except God Himself. Nevertheless, this is never an excuse for us not to interpret the Word of God correctly. We have to pray with a broken and a contrite heart. Factually, we know God has a consistent meaning in every verse. Not "one instance this and another that."

One of the key important rule to biblical hermeneutics is "scripture interprets scripture". This is the most fundamental rule and many bible students have overlooked it. Guess Rev. Quek will dwell on this more in his class. This is my favourite part of hermeneutics. You'll get to see the beauty of God's word. How the old testament testifies the new testament and vise versa.

In a radio report dated years ago, a DJ reported a statistic done by the cambridge research group. It concerns the world's greatest institution (perhaps oldest). First, law has the highest rank. Next, philosophy is second in rank. And third, bible seminary is third in rank. Of course, as christians, we know that the study of God is the oldest among all: for God has existed ever since eternity past!

We are dealing with God's word. We have to be careful with our interpretation lest we stumble our brethren. I would encourage everyone to take the opportunity to go for hermeneutics night class. To some, it sounds horrible because it is an art subject. To be honest, I have found it hard also. But, hermeneutics is the subject that I admire most in my theological training. Why?

Shom, if you reading articles or books pertaining to doctrines and practices, do read with a discerning heart like the berean christians. And although we may have different views, it is reputable and honouring to God that we should study more into it and ask God for wisdom.

Please do not take this entry personal. For the benefit of my brothers and sisters in Christ, and for the "passing-over" of the sin of commission (have to do something as a febc student), and for the group as shomerim to uphold the faith, i have to do this. Before any dispute occurs, let us pray to God for guidance and grace in leading us through His Word. If we do not uphold the faith today, then our future generation might not uphold it also. Will our son defend the faith? (does it sound like a book?)

The tides of sin awaits for us at the shore. Beware!

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