The Voice of The Spirit

Jesus Christ: The Model Of Interpretation

Jesus is our model in all things. Following in his foot-steps, we have no fear of making mistakes. The topic under discussion is no exception. In the matter of the interpretation of inspired writings, the Lord put in place, through His actions and words, certain fundamental principles. We will analyze one of them—His conduct and counsel regarding doctrine. VOTS 97.1

At the end of His public ministry, Jesus produced both amazement and surprise. The evangelist Matthew reminds us that the amazement of the people had to do with the teachings that Christ presented: “When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching” (Matthew 7:28, 29). The apostle John declares that “the Jews were amazed” (John 7:15). Christ’s answer to these comments—that would be very flattering to more than one preacher—was awe inspiring: “My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me. If anyone chooses to do God’s will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him” (John 7:16-18). VOTS 98.1

The first principle of interpretation Jesus applied was that He did not allow Himself to become the sole “proprietor” of doctrine. He could have done so, since He Himself was the author of the teachings of Scripture. Nevertheless, during His life on this earth, He decided not to do so in order to leave us an example of conformity to the Father. In fact, doctrine does not belong to pastors, theologians, church leaders, or to the members of the church. Doctrine belongs to God, and in His sovereign will He reveals it, teaches it, and oversees it through the voice of the Spirit. VOTS 98.2

A second concept made clear in Christ’s words above, is the risk of speaking “on our own.” The idea of private or personal interpretation has no place in Christ’s thinking. Quite often believers appear with private interpretations of the Scriptures or the Testimonies. In particular the prophecies relative to the end time seem to have, for some, a certain mystique that tempts them to formulate new interpretations. In these circumstances we need to take into account Christ’s words, also reaffirmed by other messengers of God. The apostle Peter confirms this fundamental principle of interpretation of the teachings of Scripture when he says: “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:20, 21). Peter’s argument is clear: no prophecy should be privately interpreted or personalized by a believer, because it is the voice of the Spirit that has priority. VOTS 98.3