1. Remember the one, centralstory: the whole Bible is about just one thing. The pattern of creation, fall,redemption, and restoration runs throughout the Old and New Testaments.
2. Remember that the Bibleis its own best commentary. The Word interprets itself; Scripture explainsScripture.
3. Remember to readindividual passages in their context—textual, literary, symbolic, historical,cultural, grammatical, and theological.
4. Remember that allBiblical revelation is intended to reveal. Always look for the most obviousliterary sense of a text.
5. Remember that allScripture is inspired and superintended by the Holy Spirit. So, every littledetail matters.
6. Remember that Scripturehas only one meaning but multiple applications—so, it is important todistinguish between indicatives and imperatives.
7. Remember that we readtranslations of the Bible. All languages have strengths, weaknesses, andpeculiarities—and moving from Greek and Hebrew to one of our modern languages(such as 21st century American English) will always require some additionalscrutiny and study.
8. Remember that we mustalways interpret experience in light of Scripture and history in light of revelation; not the other way around.
9. Remember that the NewTestament lies hidden in the Old, and the Old Testament is revealed in the New.
10. Remember that “there isnothing new under the sun.” So, beware of innovative or novel interpretationsof Scripture. Steer clear of new “discoveries” in Biblical revelation. We havea rich legacy of wisdom passed down to us from throughout church history so weshould consult good commentaries whenever possible–and look to the “old paths”more often than not.
11. Remember that we shouldalways read Scripture prayerfully, submitting to the guidance of the HolySpirit.
