Studying the Word of God

To understand rightly any book of the Bible, we must focus on its unique place in the canon, as well as on its exegesis. The canonical structure of the Bible is proof of its authenticity. It is not our research which determines the authenticity of the Word of God; on the contrary, the thoughts of man are subordinate to the revelation which God has given us in His Word. Alas, many have departed from adhering to this foundational principle of studying the Word of God. They subject God’s testimony to their own understanding and are not ashamed to subject it to carnal criticism. What then is left of God’s Word for so very many?

It may be profitable to emphasize that we must first of all render our understanding captive to God’s Word when reading and searching the Scriptures. Especially our rising generation ought to keep this in mind. Do not permit any high school, college, or university to draw you away from this principle, even if the name of the institution includes the word “Christian.” The searching of the Scriptures is lawful, indeed, it is commanded, but only in such a way that we approach it as holy ground. God has given it to us. It is God’s eternal and sure testimony. We must accept it, not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God. Its canonical structure confirms this.

The term canonical is derived from the word canon, which means “rule.” The books of the Bible are said to be canonical because they, in contrast to the apocryphal books, contain the rule of what we must believe unto salvation. Paul wrote, “And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy” (Galatians 6:16); “Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing” (Philippians 3:16). The term canonical is also related to the canon, that is, the register of divine books which the Jewish and the early Christian church always had. The oracles of God had been committed to Israel.

Thus the canonical structure of the Scriptures conveys to us that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, written by the prophets and apostles. The Lord did not give His Word immediately, but rather, mediately. The Lord used men whom He caused to record the Holy Scriptures infallibly. Thus we are to observe a human as well as a divine aspect when discussing the canon of Scripture. Whenever we give special consideration to a given book of the Bible, we are to take note of both the divine and the human dimension.

By the term exegesis we understand the exposition of the books of the Bible. In order to exegete the books of the Bible correctly, it is necessary to note the interrelationship of the chapters and verses, as well as the meaning of each individual word and verse. Especially in preaching, this meaning should come to the fore. That is only possible, however, when each word, verse, or chapter is considered within the context in which the Lord has placed it.

The Book of books with all its individual books forms one organic whole. Tearing away one of those members not only would maim that member — that word or verse — but also the whole body (the Word of God as a whole). We can observe this far too often in the distorted expositions given in conversations and sermons.

A correct understanding of the true meaning of the text is not only of primary significance for sermons, but also in the life of God’s people. Many do not discern matters rightly. They build upon a text that occurred to their mind, without being at all concerned about whether the word upon which they are building has the sense and meaning God gave to it. They help themselves with the truth, but by no means can it be applied to them that the truth makes them free (John 8:32).

I once heard an elder say to someone who referred to a particular truth which had occurred to him, “You must distinguish between a truth which occurs to you and one which the Holy Spirit works in you.” So it is. God the Holy Spirit applies the Word of God to the elect, thereby sealing His own work — but only in such a way as concurs with the manner in which the Word of God has been inspired. He causes us to understand the right meaning of the Word.

It is God’s promise to His people, “And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord” (Isaiah 54:13a). If we do not want to deceive our souls with many imaginations, we must submit ourselves to the Word of God and try our experiences by that Word. Oh, that among God’s people there were a clearer knowledge of the truth, and that God’s Word were searched more seriously and painstakingly! Many wrong spiritual frames would be eliminated and that which is counterfeit could be more easily distinguished from that which is genuine.

From The Night Visions of Zechariah.

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