The Theology of History: Follow the Story
The title of this brief message reveals the key of how to unlock the truth about what the Bible says and means.
It also reveals insight into why the Roman Catholic and Protestant doctrine have been, and continue to be, in significant error concealing the meaning of at least 80% of the Bible.
Let me explain.
What I Did Not Say
Notice I did not say, The History of Theology. I have plenty of references in my library about how theology developed over the decades and centuries. Though interesting, it really doesn’t help us dial in a conclusion about what is true, correct, and certain. It may give us insight into various snippets of verifiable doctrine, but fails to give us the understanding of the Bible as a whole.
I submit that only by following the story of the Bible can we begin to grasp verifiable biblical theology. Follow the history from Adam to Abraham to Israel and continue through the New Testament and you will discover the necessary elements of biblical theology. Let the Bible speak for itself.
The Problem with Hermeneutics
Hermeneutics is the science and practice of interpretation based upon common sense principles of interpretation like context, that help guide you to correct interpretation. Hermeneutics as commonly taught today begins by examining the meaning of a word, verse or passage of Scripture, employing principles of interpretation. What is the surrounding context, what does the same author of other writings reveal, how does the New Testament or Old Testament deal with a particular subject (word, verse or passage) and so forth? If we keep expanding the context we will have a better opportunity to arrive at a correct conclusion.
There is a legitimate and important use of this method of analysis. I use this approach myself. But there is a problem when working from the small to the large. In other words, if one works from one point and then expands outward from there, the correct interpretation is limited. It is difficult, if not impossible, to be accurate because the whole context of the Bible cannot be known and understood. It is like trying to put together a 1000-piece puzzle without a finished picture in front of you as a guide.
Assumed Premises
Another problem with the conventional approach of biblical interpretation is that there are assumed premises or beliefs that subconsciously factor in the process. This creates a breeding ground for errant interpretation. For example, when the word “Jews” is presumed to mean Israel and “Gentiles” then means everybody else on the planet, and this premise or assumption is accepted as fact, the interpretation of the Bible is greatly altered from its original intent.
Consider the word “world” as used in John 3:16. The assumed premise of “Jews” and “Gentiles” as mentioned above could cause one to falsely conclude that “world” must include everyone on the planet. Assumed but unverified premises lead to false conclusions.
Without a working knowledge of the “big picture” of the Bible, and understanding the correct and verifiable premises, interpretation can run afoul. Failure to grasp the big picture is the primary reason why modern Christian theology has missed the mark and failed to correctly understand what the Bible says and means in respect to understanding God’s eternal purpose and plan.
Could this be the reason why so many have not been able to grasp why a wicked world system is now so out of control? Could this be the reason why there doesn’t seem to be a biblical answer to effectively deal with what appears to be no end to the ongoing madness of our time?
Where is the power of God and the churches who are supposed to be the pillar and foundation of the truth?
I submit that if we understand what God has said and what He has done and intends to do, the power of God can be realized and His New Covenant churches can be reestablished. The theological foundation is revealed in the whole context of the Bible.
The Bible from the Beginning
If we start by reading and studying the Bible in its natural historical sequence then the Kingdom of God can be manifested in our time through Jesus Christ as it was originally intended in the first Adam. That is why I begin with Abraham and journey through the rest of the Bible. That process unearths the critical connections of one people with the events and covenants of the Bible. As a result, the big picture emerges and correct, verifiable knowledge and understanding of what the Bible is about and who it is for follows.
An Example of This Method
Do we have an example of this approach? Yes. The gospel according to Luke begins this way:
"Inasmuch as 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 for 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." (Luke 1:1-4)
Did you see that? Luke was writing to Theophilus to explain “an account” . . . “in consecutive order” of the historical sequence of the ministry of Jesus Christ “from the beginning” so that he “may know the exact truth . . .” about the things he had been taught.
That is what the Bible Mastery Boot Camp and the accompanying books, the Covenant Heritage Series, is all about. Teaching the theology of history from the written Word of God in consecutive order equips anyone to discover for themselves what is the exact truth about what the Bible says and means.
Let biblical history from the written Word of God be your guide for biblical theology, explain your history, and reveal your purpose in manifesting God’s Kingdom in our land and in our time.
The future of our posterity depends on it!
Lawrence Blanchard, ND, MDiv
Author of the Covenant Heritage Series
Creator of the Bible Mastery Boot Camp
PS To purchase the Bible Mastery Boot Camp and the Covenant Heritage Series just click the appropriate links.