|
Lest those, who having read this study may feel that they have been robbed of so much that is precious in the Word - so much from which they  derive comfort and help, we would like to make it clear that while the various books and parts of the Scriptures are definitely ADDRESSED TO different
companies of people at different times we MUST distinguish between; the interpretationand application of the Word.
Interpretation deals first with those to whom the passage of Scripture is addressed. When this has been settled we can then
apply the passage to ourselves if this is consistent with truth revealed in this present age of grace, this is a legitimate application of Scripture.
A great deal of confusion and error has resulted among the people of God by spiritualizing. This method of reading the
Scriptures ignores the primary interpretation and the literal meaning of a passage or portion of the Word and reads into it
so-called spiritual ideas which may be nothing more than the personal opinion of the reader and which may be utterly at variance with other parts of the Bible.
There are truths in the Word of God which are BASIC to all the companies with their respective callings and hopes
-Salvation, Redemption, Justification etc., and there are countless passages and portions of Scripture that are unspeakably precious, from which lessons can be learned and applied to our own hearts and lives.
A beautiful passage in Isaiah 26:3 will illustrate what is meant: "For thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee because he trusteth in Thee”.
This is true for all time to every trusting heart although as has been pointed out, the prophecy is concerning Judah and Jerusalem” and is primarily addressed to them.
"I really don't understand it"
"What's the matter?”
"Well, I've just opened a letter, and l can't make head nor tail of it”.
“Are you sure that it's for you? Is it addressed TO you?”
“Have you got the envelope?”
"Oh dear, I've read a letter that was intended for someone else - I've just looked at the envelope, and find that it wasn't addressed to ME
, although there are references to me in it”.
I expect we have all had a similar experience, and could give instances where the neglect to read the address on the envelope has not only been amusing, but also has had very tragic consequences.
In our everyday life we attach a great deal of importance to our correspondence, letters received by us from day to day,
and not only is confusion caused but also very real harm done through neglecting to make sure that it has been really addressed to US.
There are a great many people who are dealing with the Word of God as we sometimes do with our letters; the Bible, as
we know, was written at various times to different companies of people. For instance, instructions were given to the
children of Israel, and blessings promised to them. Attempts are often made to follow these instructions and to claim blessings that are not for us at all, although they make very profitable reading because:
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God (God-breathed) and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3: 16).
As an example of what is meant by reading the address on the envelope turn to the Epistle of James:
"James, a servant of God, and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad”. (One hears
about the ten tribes which were “lost” but here James sends a greeting to the whole twelve). The Epistle to the Hebrews was addressed to the Hebrews who are said to be "partakers of the heavenly
calling” (Heb.3:1), unlike the Jewish Nation who have an earthly one.
In one's own experience, and the experience of very many true believers, not only perplexity but also real distress have
been caused by applying to themselves warnings which were written to these particular believers at that time; some have even felt that they had committed the unpardonable sin of Hebrews chapter six.
For a further example, open the prophecy of Isaiah ... "The vision of Isaiah which he saw concerning Judah and
Jerusalem”. What untold harm has been done, and ridicule and contempt brought upon the Bible all down the years, by not
reading the address on the envelope, and applying prophesies addressed to the Jew as a Nation, to the "Church”.
In our ordinary correspondence we also attach much importance, and rightly so, to dates or times. The value of any
correspondence depends largely on its dates, vitally important on all legal documents and an absolute necessity if the
subject matter refers to coming or going. To this all will agree. Surely then if correct dates are a necessity for the clear
understanding of ordinary correspondence, the necessity applies with greater force when we seek to understand what GOD has written concerning matters of spiritual life and destiny.
It has been stated that, before seeking to understand any part of the Bible, four points should first of all be settled.
( l ) By whom the particular prophecy or epistle was written.
(2) To whom it was addressed.
(3) The special circumstances which called for the writing.
(4) The date of the message.
While we cannot always fix a definite or exact DATE for the events of Scripture history, we CANarrive at the TIMES of
such events, and we are told that “God hath spoken at sundry times, and in divers manners (in many ways)” ( Heb.1:1) .
Time is a vital factor in what is called in 2 Timothy 1:9 "Age-times” or the ages of time. During these age-times we read of
a purpose, the purpose of the ages. This purpose concerns different companies of people, each of these being called or
marked out beforehand for an inheritance. This purpose is secured by two immutable things, God's promise and His oath which are bound up with the redemptive work of Christ (Heb. 6:18)
. |
