The “New” Hermeneutics Certain Departure from God

2 Essentials to Correct Bible Understanding God has spoken to all people through ChristGod has spoken to all people through Christ The authority of Christ is expressed in the words of the New TestamentThe authority of Christ is expressed in the words of the New Testament The New Testament is the pattern of truth to which we must hold fastThe New Testament is the pattern of truth to which we must hold fast

3 The Bible Pattern Divine pattern exists which we must hold fast, Exo. 25:8-9; 2 Tim. 1:13Divine pattern exists which we must hold fast, Exo. 25:8-9; 2 Tim. 1:13 When departure takes place, restoration is necessary, Jer. 6:19, 10-15, 16-17When departure takes place, restoration is necessary, Jer. 6:19, 10-15, 16-17

4 Restoration and Bible Interpretation Old: Pattern to follow & keep; Constant & objective, Acts 15; Col. 3:17; 2 Tim. 1: 13; 3:16-17Old: Pattern to follow & keep; Constant & objective, Acts 15; Col. 3:17; 2 Tim. 1: 13; 3:16-17 New: Truth adjusts to cultural shifts; “adapts to the times” to survive, etc.New: Truth adjusts to cultural shifts; “adapts to the times” to survive, etc. Restoration implies a pattern to apply to arrive at the original intent & design – 2 Tim. 2:15; 2 Pet. 3:16Restoration implies a pattern to apply to arrive at the original intent & design – 2 Tim. 2:15; 2 Pet. 3:16

5 Departure from Pattern Destroys Relationship with God & His People Word establishes fellowship, 1 Jno. 1:1-7Word establishes fellowship, 1 Jno. 1:1-7 Departure from the faith implies a pattern to stand in, 1 Tim. 4:1-3 (3:15; 4:5, 6)Departure from the faith implies a pattern to stand in, 1 Tim. 4:1-3 (3:15; 4:5, 6) Departure disrupts fellowship, 2 Jno. 9-11Departure disrupts fellowship, 2 Jno Answer: Restoration by returning to God’s pattern, Isa. 1:4-6, 10, 16-20; Jer. 6:16; Mal. 3:7; 4:4-6Answer: Restoration by returning to God’s pattern, Isa. 1:4-6, 10, 16-20; Jer. 6:16; Mal. 3:7; 4:4-6

6 Each Step Away from God’s Word Leads to Further Departure Apostasy possesses a lawless spirit that knows no stopping place, 2 Tim. 2:16-18; 3:13-17Apostasy possesses a lawless spirit that knows no stopping place, 2 Tim. 2:16-18; 3:13-17 –Gradual yet sure, Jgs. 2:10; 21:25; 2 Ths. 2:7 Departures include… (Acts 20:27, 29-30)Departures include… (Acts 20:27, 29-30) –Plan of of salvation –Acceptable worship –Organization of the church –Work of the church

7 Apostasy Away from the Bible Pattern is Advanced by… Twisting Scripture in order to claim Bible authority for what is taught or practiced, 2 Pet. 3:16-17 (cf. 2 Ths. 2:1-2)Twisting Scripture in order to claim Bible authority for what is taught or practiced, 2 Pet. 3:16-17 (cf. 2 Ths. 2:1-2) Claiming we do not need Bible authority for what is taught or practiced (ignore the pattern), Col. 3:17 (Heb. 7:14; Acts 15:24)Claiming we do not need Bible authority for what is taught or practiced (ignore the pattern), Col. 3:17 (Heb. 7:14; Acts 15:24)

8 Restoration: Return to God’s Way Restoration requires: 1.Understanding what the Bible teaches, 1 Tim. 1:5-7; Jno. 8:32 Grow by learning & obeying it, Acts 8:30- 31; 2 Tim. 2:15; 2 Pet. 3:18Grow by learning & obeying it, Acts 8:30- 31; 2 Tim. 2:15; 2 Pet. 3:18 2.Willingness to abide in Bible teaching, 1 Cor. 4:6 (1 Tim. 4:1); Lk. 8:8, 18

9 Restoration Illustrated: Josiah 2 Chrn. 34:14, 19-21, Restoration: –Worship, feasts &purged land of idols –Used the “book of the law” (2 Kgs. 23: 24-25) –Jeremiah called for return to ancient paths, Jer. 18:15; 6:16-17 (Gal. 1:6-10) People only pretended to return to God, Jer. 3:10; 4:14People only pretended to return to God, Jer. 3:10; 4:14

10 Cycles of Apostasy Judges 2:10; Hosea 4:6; 8: Ths. 2:3; 1 Tim. 4:1 Remedy: Restoration to old pathsRemedy: Restoration to old paths –Know & obey God’s word through repentance of sins, Isa. 1:18-20 –To do so we must properly handle – and then obey – God’s word, 2 Tim. 2 :15