Interpreting Prophetic Writings

The Bible becomes clearer as we study its passages together, allowing Scripture to explain Scripture. “We should day by day study the Bible diligently, weighing every thought and comparing scripture with scripture.”—The Great Controversy, p. 598.

In Matthew 5, Jesus showed that God's law reaches beyond outward conduct to the thoughts and motives of the heart. “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” (Matthew 5:17) “He was to show the spiritual nature of the law, to present its far-reaching principles, and to make plain its eternal obligation.”—Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 49.

Isaiah describes the patient gathering of truth from one passage to another. “For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little” (Isaiah 28:10) “When we come to the Bible, reason must acknowledge an authority superior to itself, and heart and intellect must bow to the great I AM.”—Steps to Christ, p. 109.

As you study today, compare each passage carefully and let God's Word shape your understanding rather than your own assumptions.

Understanding the setting in which Scripture was written helps us distinguish its lasting message from the customs and expressions of its time. “The language of the Bible should be explained according to its obvious meaning, unless a symbol or figure is employed.”—The Great Controversy, p. 598.

Isaiah 65 speaks of a renewed creation, while its language about age and death calls for careful comparison with other passages. “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.” (Isaiah 65:17) “He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.” (Isaiah 25:8) “Pain cannot exist in the atmosphere of heaven. There will be no more tears, no funeral trains, no badges of mourning.”—The Great Controversy, p. 676.

The holy kiss mentioned in 1 Corinthians 16:20 also directs our attention beyond a particular form of greeting to the love it expresses. “The gospel does not encourage the formal politeness current with the world, but the courtesy that springs from real kindness of heart.”—The Ministry of Healing, p. 489. “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous” (1 Peter 3:8)

As you read, consider both the original setting and the enduring principle God wants you to practise.

A passage can be misused when its words are separated from their setting and intended meaning. “Her interest and curiosity having been awakened, Satan proceeded to deny God's word, and to insinuate distrust of His wisdom and goodness.”—Education, p. 23.

The temptation in Eden shows how a distorted understanding of God's words can lead to distrust. “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” (Psalm 91:11) “When Satan quoted the promise, ‘He shall give His angels charge over Thee,’ he omitted the words, ‘to keep Thee in all Thy ways;’ that is, in all the ways of God's choosing. Jesus refused to go outside the path of obedience.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 125.

Jesus answered the temptation by placing the promise alongside another clear teaching of Scripture. “Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” (Matthew 4:7) “As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” (2 Peter 3:16)

When you encounter a Bible quotation today, read its surrounding passage and consider how it agrees with the rest of Scripture.

Finding the meaning of Scripture begins with listening carefully to what the text actually says. “But the Saviour entered into no controversy. He required the answer from the questioner himself. ‘What is written in the law?’ He said; ‘how readest thou?’”—The Desire of Ages, p. 497.

Jesus directed the lawyer back to the law itself, inviting him to consider what he had read.

In Matthew 5:48, the call to perfection becomes clearer when compared with Jesus' teaching about mercy. “The law is but a transcript of the character of God. Behold in your heavenly Father a perfect manifestation of the principles which are the foundation of His government.”—Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 77. “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.” (Luke 6:36)

Yet careful study also requires us to recognise the limits of our present understanding. “We must come with a humble and teachable spirit to obtain knowledge from the great I AM.”—The Great Controversy, p. 599. “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12) “God has given us in the Scriptures sufficient evidence of their divine character, and we are not to doubt His word because we cannot understand all the mysteries of His providence.”—Steps to Christ, p. 106.

When a passage is difficult, continue studying with patience, trusting what God has revealed while remaining willing to learn.

Faithful Bible teaching opens the Scriptures so that listeners can see their meaning and recognise Christ. “Jesus stood before the people as a living expositor of the prophecies concerning Himself.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 237.

At Nazareth, Jesus explained the prophetic words in relation to His own ministry. “The Saviour is revealed in the Old Testament as clearly as in the New. It is the light from the prophetic past that brings out the life of Christ and the teachings of the New Testament with clearness and beauty.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 799.

On the road to Emmaus, the disciples came to understand familiar passages in a new light. “And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?” (Luke 24:32)

Philip likewise began with the passage the Ethiopian was reading and helped him understand its message. “Then Philip opened to him the great truth of redemption. Beginning at the same scripture, he ‘preached unto him Jesus.’”—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 108.

Good exposition helps people understand Scripture while encouraging them to examine it personally. “Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.” (Romans 14:5) “With divine help we are to form our opinions for ourselves as we are to answer for ourselves before God.”—The Great Controversy, p. 598.

As you listen to Bible teaching today, follow the passages for yourself and seek a conviction grounded in God's Word.

Reading Ellen White's writings well requires an open mind and a willingness to let truth correct our settled opinions. “If conviction comes as you search, if you see that your cherished opinions are not in harmony with the truth, do not misinterpret the truth in order to suit your own belief, but accept the light given.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 112.

Context matters here as it does in Bible study, because an isolated sentence may give a mistaken impression. “I know that many men take the testimonies the Lord has given, and apply them as they suppose they should be applied, picking out a sentence here and there, taking it from its proper connection, and applying it according to their idea. Thus poor souls become bewildered, when could they read in order all that has been given, they would see the true application, and would not become confused.”—Selected Messages, book 1, p. 44.

Reading all that she wrote on a subject helps us recognise the principle being taught. Verified sources help us establish the wording and context. “The written testimonies are not to give new light, but to impress vividly upon the heart the truths of inspiration already revealed.”—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 605. “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” (Isaiah 8:20) “Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:20–21)

As you read her writings today, examine them carefully in the light of Scripture, seeking understanding rather than confirmation of your own views.

The Notes for each day are our own study notes, drawn from the Bible and the writings of Ellen White. We show the lesson's questions and Bible references here. The full lesson is available from its publisher through the link below.