Topical Bible: The Scriptures: One Portion of, to be Compared With Another

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The principle of comparing one portion of Scripture with another is foundational to understanding the Bible as a cohesive and unified revelation from God. This method, often referred to as "Scripture interpreting Scripture," is rooted in the belief that the Bible, though composed of diverse books and authors, is ultimately inspired by the Holy Spirit and thus free from contradiction. This approach encourages believers to seek a holistic understanding of biblical truths by examining how different passages illuminate and clarify one another.

Biblical Basis for Comparison

The Berean Standard Bible provides several passages that underscore the importance of comparing Scripture with Scripture. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Paul writes, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work." This passage highlights the divine origin and comprehensive utility of Scripture, suggesting that its various parts work together to equip believers.

Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 2:13, Paul emphasizes the spiritual nature of understanding Scripture: "And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words." This indicates that the Holy Spirit guides believers in discerning the interconnectedness of biblical truths.

Examples of Scriptural Comparison

1. Old Testament and New Testament Fulfillment: The New Testament frequently references and fulfills Old Testament prophecies, demonstrating the continuity of God's redemptive plan. For instance, the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 about a virgin bearing a son is fulfilled in Matthew 1:22-23, where it is written, "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel' (which means, 'God with us')."

2. The Law and Grace: The relationship between the Law given through Moses and the grace revealed through Jesus Christ is another area where comparison is essential. In John 1:17, it is stated, "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." This comparison helps believers understand the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant.

3. Faith and Works: The apparent tension between faith and works is resolved through careful comparison of passages such as James 2:24, "You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone," and Ephesians 2:8-9, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." Together, these passages reveal that genuine faith is evidenced by works.

Hermeneutical Principles

When comparing Scripture with Scripture, several hermeneutical principles are employed:

· Contextual Analysis: Understanding the historical, cultural, and literary context of a passage is crucial. This includes examining the surrounding verses, the book's purpose, and its place within the biblical canon.

· Literal and Figurative Language: Recognizing when Scripture uses literal versus figurative language aids in accurate interpretation. For example, Jesus' parables often employ metaphorical language to convey spiritual truths.

· The Analogy of Faith: This principle asserts that no part of Scripture will contradict another. Apparent discrepancies are resolved by considering the full counsel of God’s Word.

· Progressive Revelation: The Bible reveals God's truth progressively, with later revelations building upon earlier ones. This is evident in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan from Genesis to Revelation.

Conclusion

The practice of comparing one portion of Scripture with another is essential for a comprehensive understanding of biblical doctrine and theology. By allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture, believers can discern the harmonious and unified message of the Bible, deepening their faith and equipping them for righteous living.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 2:13
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

God's Providence
... WHILE READING THE SCRIPTURES, we tried to hint at the ... that, in a wheel there is one
portion that never ... is another reason why Providence should be compared to a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 54 1908/gods providence.htm

The Divine Scriptures that are Accepted and those that are Not.
... Chapter XXV."The Divine Scriptures that are accepted and those ... the fact that Barnabas
was not himself one of the ... been accepted by at least a portion of the ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xxv the divine scriptures that.htm

In the Last Chapter we Confined Ourself to the Old Testament, in ...
... of Judea and Jerusalem in the Old Testament Scriptures He meant ... room for doubt "
it is the faithful portion of Israel ... She is the one who gave birth to the Man ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/in the last chapter we.htm

Men Chosen --Fallen Angels Rejected
... to deny it in the teeth of the Scriptures, for they do ... and why did not God, therefore,
select a portion of the ... to be executed; we desire to save one; which of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/men chosenfallen angels rejected.htm

The Sheep and their Shepherd
... setting us apart to be the Lord's own portion for ever. ... One is on their ear, the
other is on their foot ... as translated by some, "Ye search the Scriptures; for in ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the sheep and their shepherd.htm

On the Resurrection, and the Judgment, the Fire of Hell, and ...
... method of procedure are found also in the holy Scriptures. ... be withdrawn from his
soul, and the other portion which remains ... Lord, it ought to have been one spirit ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter x on the resurrection and.htm

How the Books were Written.
... costly and beautiful copies of the Holy Scriptures under the ... contain the text of
the Old and one of the ... The portion which contains the Old Testament is more ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter xii how the books.htm

The Way to Honor
... Episcopalian church; his will is in the Scriptures: and if ... May the Spirit lead each
one of you to repentance ... Portion of Scripture read before sermon"Psalm 25 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the way to honor.htm

The Arminian Controversy. AD 1604-1619.
... Nichols (Arminian): Calvinism and Arminianism compared in their ... he could prove from
the Scriptures, and what ... It was settled,' he said, 'that one portion of the ...
/.../ 65 the arminian controversy.htm

Translated from Latin of Rufinus.
... there are found in the sacred Scriptures themselves certain ... He sends rain upon the
earth"one portion of the ... and uncultivated soil, which is of one and the ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/translated from latin of rufinus.htm