Deep Dive into Introduction to Biblical Interpretation by William W. Klein, Craig L. Blomberg, and Robert L. Hubbard Jr. - Application

For the practicing Christian, biblical interpretation is incomplete without application. The goal is to bridge the gap between the text's fixed meaning—what the author originally intended—and its changing significance for modern life. This necessity is grounded in the biblical mandate for obedience and the authors' specific intent to instruct future generations. Valid application avoids the "Ouija board" approach of treating Scripture as a magical source of instant guidance, as well as the error of proof-texting without regard for literary or historical context.

Instead, legitimate application follows a disciplined four-step methodology. First, the interpreter determines the original application intended for the first audience. Second, they evaluate whether that specific instruction is transferable or culture-bound. If the cultural form—such as a holy kiss or head covering—is not directly transferable, the interpreter moves to the third step: "principlizing." This involves identifying the cross-cultural moral or theological truth underlying the specific command. Finally, the interpreter finds a contemporary "functional equivalent" that embodies that principle in the modern world.

Distinguishing between timeless principles and cultural forms requires asking specific diagnostic questions. Instructions rooted in creation ordinances, the character of God, or redemptive history are generally timeless, while those addressing specific cultural conditions may require adaptation. Interpreters must also assess the "ladder of abstraction," recognizing that confidence levels drop as applications move further from the text’s specific details. Ultimately, this process requires both intellectual diligence and spiritual dependence, relying on the Holy Spirit to guide the "exegeting" of both Scripture and culture to ensure the application remains faithful to God’s Word.

Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian

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