Proper Interpretation of Scripture -- All Scripture

Nominal (or minimal) believers in the Body of Christ pride themselves on declaring that they are not "One verse Charlies."

Sadly, the majority of believers are given in to doctrines which do not manifest the calm comity of the Written Word.

From the excesses of the "Pentecostal Movement" to the extreme doctrine of God's sovereignty absent the essential submission of faith, believers are falling to many foolish ideas, many of which frustrate the Word of God and His power in their lives.

The Bible is clear to warn of interpreting one scripture as the sole basis for any truth:

"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation." (2 Peter 1:20)

Here, "private" indicates "isolated". Here are other scriptures to confirm that scripture must be received in its entirety to confirm the truth of what one reads and discerns from the Scriptures:

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

"That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3: 16-17)

All Scripture!

When instructing Cleopas and company on the road to Emmaus, Jesus demonstrated the blessed necessity of considering every passage in light of the entirety of Scripture:

"Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:

"Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?

"And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself." (Luke 24: 25-27)

Let's look over this passage again:

"All the that the prophets have spoken."

"Moses and all the prophets."

"All the scriptures." Jesus did not rest Himself and His mission to redeem mankind on one scripture, but many!

The Pentecostal Movement and many incomplete theologies have failed to apply the same diligence in justifying outrageous conduct in the name of the Holy Spirit, or other extreme positions in scripture, like giving in the face of certain waste and fraud, or permitting abuse as proof of submission to authority.

As we grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord through diligent study and application of the Scripture -- through the power of the Holy Spirit, we will know the Truth, and the Truth will set us free! (John 8: 32)