The Senses of Scripture
"Truth, what is that?" ~ P. Pilate (John 18:38)
Another key point in the study of Sacred Scripture is that the truth found here is seen through one of four lenses: the LITERAL, the MORAL, the ALLEGORICAL, or the HEAVENLY. The literal truth is foundational: The Faith stands completely on the absolute literal death of Jesus on the cross and the actual Empty Tomb of Easter Sunday. If either of these events did not actually occur, then this game is over and "our faith is in vain". (I Cor. 15:14).
There is, however, a great deal of Spiritual Truth in sacred scripture as well. It is a common instructional method used by Jesus throughout his ministry. He referred to Himself as the Bronze Serpent, the Temple of Solomon, and Jonah the prophet. In stating that the Sign of Jonah referred to Himself (Matt 12), He was not discussing whether or not Jonah was actually swallowed by a fish and vomited back up on dry land, he was ALLEGORICALLY referring to the three days in the belly of the fish as prefiguring his own death and resurrection. Most spiritual truth in the Old Testament points allegorically to Jesus, but there are also those that point us towards our ultimate hope of HEAVEN (anagogical truth) and those that simply discuss how to behave properly (MORAL truth). Throughout Bible Study, one must always be aware of the lens through which truth is found. Mistaking this crucial method of comprehension has led to great consternation across the centuries.
Some people stumble in Old Testament Bible Study because they attempt to decipher ancient poetic theology as if it were newsprint journalism or a modern text of astrophysics, biology, or history. These writings were not meant to be read as we now write, our use of journalistic factoids is actually very recent. Finding the truth now is still as difficult as it was then, but when you learn the message they intended to convey, you will see that what it does say about you and Jesus is far more profound than anything else you will ever read. So, do not let this hurdle slow you down either. Keep reading, keep studying, stay persistent…and know that in the deepest of the depths, in each of the realms of science explored thus far (biology, astrophysics, genetics) we have found nothing but support for the fundamental truths of the faith.
The Plan Overview
First Wave
Second Wave
Second Wave
The First Wave of books must read easily, define Jesus thoroughly, and give you the storyline. The Gospels are the primary accounts of Jesus so they should dominate the introduction - along with a careful reading of Genesis and Exodus. The rest of the First Wave should then lay out the storyline chronologically. This run through the historical books is “horizontal” learning because it provides a broad outline as an overview.
Second Wave
Second Wave
Second Wave
The Second Wave of readings is meant to deepen understanding. This is accomplished by delving into longer works that more fully elaborate crucial events. These works are more “vertical” in orientation because they slow down and dive deeper. In Paul's Letter to the Romans he references Old Testament works more than sixty times. Savor these slowly, in any order, but read all of them before going on to The Third Wave.
Third Wave
Second Wave
Third Wave
The Third Wave is for texts that will continue to enhance your understanding through specialized, complimentary, or especially succinct works. Many of these are difficult to comprehend without sufficient background, but very rich after establishing some content. The shorter works are often significant for singular prophecies that were fulfilled by Jesus, further tightening your grasp on The Story.