No 2
(Allegorical or Literal Interpretation)
Interpretation (hermeneutics) of the Bible has been a
controversial subject for centuries.
Some believers say that the Bible must not be taken literally but that
it must be taken allegorically, that is to say, spiritually. In other words,
the terms used in the Bible are not literal events or occurances but just
symbolic representations. An example is the account of Adam and Eve. Those who hold the allegorical interpretation
say that this was not actual disobedience by Adam and Eve but just a figurative
expression of man's experience. There
are many examples of this that have grabbed the attention of Christians for
years and, sometimes,
to the detriment of the Body of Christ.
The Bible must be taken literally and in its actual context; but
you say, there are symbols in the Bible that were meant to be taken
figuratively. Good; use them. But then you say, how do we know when to
interpretate literally or allegorically?
Good question!!
Through the centuries, scholars have found that if the literal
interpretation makes sense, don't look any further; otherwise it will be
nonsense. Let me explain.
1) In Revelation 8 verse7 the Bible says that
an angel sounded his trumpet and hail and fire mingled with blood fell to the
earth; this is not a symbol! It will be
just as the Bible says: hail and fire mingled with blood; remember Moses'
plagues to
2) Now let us look at one of the horses in
Revelation; the white one. In chapter 6
verse 2 the Bible says that the white horse had on it a rider who was given a
crown and had a bow and went out conquering and to conquer. This is not a literal horse but a symbol of
Antichrist riding on a sort of system where he will conquer the world. The bow in his hand is definitely a symbol of
war but the absence of arrows indicates that he will conquer peacefully.
Interpretation of the Bible is not something to be taken lightly;
that is why the Lord gave us the Holy Spirit to enlighten us. He also gave us our intelligence, our wills
and our emotions. Let us put them to
good use and to the Glory of His name.