November 7th, 1995 - The Lutheran Ambassador
There are many principles of Bible interpretation that we as a Lutheran church have in common with our non-Lutheran, Christian brethren. For example, all Bible interpretation that is truly Christian is based on a recognition of the inerrancy and the inspiration and the authority of the Scriptures. In other words, Christian Bible interpretation does not challenge or define it. We are not above the Word, neither are we to simply "thrash around" in the Word, but all Christian Bible interpretation is under the Word.
With
our Christian brethren, we understand that true Bible interpretation must be
grammatical. The Word of God must be interpreted consistent with the rules of
grammar that apply to the particular language in which it was written. We
understand that true Bible interpretation must be historical. Because the Bible
has been written at certain times and places in history, it must be understood
and interpreted consistent with the context of that history. We understand,
together with our Christian brethren, that the sense and meaning of Scripture
is one. Although a Scripture text may have many different applications, it has
one and only one meaning. These are not uniquely Lutheran emphases, but are
Christian emphases; even though they are not always practiced.
The true Lutheran church, however, stands
unique in its insistence that a chief principle of Bible interpretation is the
proper distinction of law and gospel. This does not mean that other Christian churches make no distinction of law
and gospel. It does mean that the true Lutheran church insists that the
distinction of law and gospel is vital and fundamental to a correct
interpretation of Scriptures.
The
Word of God teaches us that the Word consists of two basic doctrines: the
doctrine of law (Romans 3:19-20; 7:7) and the doctrine of gospel (Romans
3:21-22; 1:16). The final aim of both these doctrines is the same; namely, the
eternal salvation of man. However, the content and function and application of
the two doctrines differ by Divine intention. The true Lutheran church insists
that maintaining the Divine difference between law and gospel is crucial to
biblical interpretation.
Please
note that the distinction of law and gospel is not a human "grid" in light of which we filter and shape
and interpret the Divine Word. Rather, the distinction of law and gospel is a Divine "grid" which the Word
of God applies to itself. The Word of God consistently and repeatedly teaches
us of both law and gospel. We are biblical in our interpretation of Scripture
only when our interpretation is consistent with what the Scripture itself says
about law and gospel.
Many of
the differences among Christians in Bible interpretation is related to an
improper distinction of law and gospel. For example, a false understanding of
eternal security is directly related to the failure to recognize that the Word
of God contains both law and gospel, that both law and gospel are true, but
that the Divine application and function of law and gospel differ. Or take, for
example, the doctrine of baptism. Confusion regarding the doctrine is usually
related to confusion regarding law and gospel. Some view baptism as a work of
man (law), when the Scripture teaches that baptism is the promise of God
(gospel). The false teaching of eternal security in baptism ("once
baptized, always saved") is due to a misapplication of law and gospel,
when the gospel is applied to the impenitent.
There
is a sense that every text of Scripture should be approached with the question,
"What does this text teach me about the judgment of God (law) and what
does this text teach me about the grace of God (gospel)?" In other words,
every text finally and ultimately is a law/gospel text, dealing with the issue,
"What must I do to be saved?"
We are
correct in interpreting the Scripture in this way, because the Scripture
defines its own purpose in II Timothy 3:15-17 (NASB): "… from childhood
you have known the sacred writings which are able (powerful) to give you the
wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All
Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for
correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate,
equipped for every good work." All Scripture is powerful … to lead to salvation through faith in Jesus.
May God
in His mercy by His Holy Spirit teach our hearts the distinction of law and
gospel, and keep us true to His Word.
