APR 28

Exodus 20:1-17
Memorise Exodus 20:13
“…no prophecy of the scripture is not of any private interpretation”

WHAT IS THE MYSTICAL METHOD?

This method is very closely associated with the allegorical method. It involves both allegorical and mystical interpretations of the Old Testament. Thus it goes beyond the allegorical method and opens the door even wider to a great variety of interpretations. Using this method, a passage of Scripture with an obvious literal meaning is interpreted to have a number of so-called ‘exalted’ meanings. Because of the desire to reach beyond the letter into the spirit of the Word, this method is also called Spiritualization.

As an example, the natural sense of the commandment “Thou shalt not kill” is that we are forbidden to murder, have hatred and to take revenge. The spiritual or mystical sense is to interpret it as forbidding one to act the devil and trying to destroy a man’s soul. Although it is true generally that we should not do so, this teaching is not found in this particular verse, and other verses should be sought to find that command.

The error of this method, by saying that there are any number of mean­ings to a Scripture text, implies that when God wrote Scripture, He meant more than what He actually said in His Word. The problem is that if God does not mean what He says then how do we know what is the truth? Mystics can say what they like with the Scripture text and no one will be able to speak with any authority as they discuss and debate every verse. Again, the authority of the Bible is undermined if we adopt this harmful method.

Dear teen, the method we choose to interpret the Bible changes the conclusions we reach. Thus choosing the correct method to interpret the Bible can mean the difference between salvation and damnation. The solution is to choose the correct method of interpretation. Do you know what it is?

Thought: Always handle the Word of God reverently, humbly and prayerfully.
Prayer: O Father in heaven, help me to be diligent and humble as I read and study my Bible, that I might rightly divide the Word of God.