The Principle Approach to Understanding What the Bible Says and Means
There is a principle I found in the Bible to verify what I stumbled upon many years ago when engaging in the pursuit of understanding what the Bible actually said and meant. This principle approach is found in Luke 1:1-4:
“Since many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the Word, it seemed fitting to me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.”
Read the Story from the Beginning
Just as many had “undertaken to compile an account” (v.1) of the ministry of Jesus Christ, so there are many different and varied approaches to the study of the sacred Scripture. But Luke wrote that he put together all eye witness accounts in a historical sequence starting “from the beginning” (v.2) of the life of Jesus Christ. Again, Luke writes that he investigated everything from the beginning “in consecutive order” (v.3). From John the Baptist to the conception of Jesus to His birth to His early life, ministry, death, and resurrection, Luke started “from the beginning” and told the story in sequential order.
For what reason? So that Theophilus, to whom Luke was writing, would “know the exact truth about the things he had been taught” (v.4) from the beginning in sequential historical order.
Read the Bible as a Story
To discover the exact truth about what the Bible says and means, use the principle approach and read the sequential historical account from the beginning. Because the Bible is a true story. It is a historical narrative.
If you follow the story without trying to interject your own or someone else’s viewpoint, you will discover for yourself what the Bible says and means. In other words, let the Bible speak for itself! Read it as it is, without some preconceived idea or theological scheme. If you do so objectively, you may find the Bible says and means something different from what you thought or were taught to believe.
Consider Using Our Resources
Reading the Bible as a story, using the principle approach described in Luke 1:1-4, is how I developed the Bible Mastery Boot Camp and the Covenant Heritage Series. I designed these resources to help you discover for yourself what the Bible says and means. I believe this will be the best comprehensive study of the Bible that you will find anywhere.
You can take a test drive by taking the first two classes of Module One of the Bible Mastery Boot Camp free. You can also download the first two free chapters of Book One entitled Discover the Story of Your Biblical Heritage.
Let me know if I can be of further help to you.
Lawrence Blanchard, ND, MDiv
Author of the Covenant Heritage Series
Creator of the Bible Mastery Boot Camp