Journal: Journal of Transformative Learning and Leadership
Volume: JTLL 01:1 (Fall 2023)
Article: The Importance And Implications Of A Biblically Derived Interpretive Method As Modeled Through Symbols Within The Book Of Revelation
Author: John Oglesby

The Importance And Implications Of A Biblically Derived Interpretive Method As Modeled Through Symbols Within The Book Of Revelation1

John Oglesby

Abstract

A Biblically derived interpretive method2 is founded upon the authority of God as revealed in the Scriptures and is foundational for a Biblical worldview3. The outcome of this approach is Traditional Dispensationalism as a framework4. The significance of the Biblically derived interpretive method may be most apparent whenever viewing the landscape of eschatological study. Within history, the church’s view of end-times has driven their mission as an organization ranging from world domination5 to complacency6. The interpretations are vast and subcategories within eschatology are numerable. However, the method of interpreting symbols is an excellent case study for the

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importance of a biblically derived interpretive method.7 By identifying and interpreting the symbols found within the book of Revelation, one can understand the outcomes, implications, and significance of utilizing a Biblical hermeneutic model and is the aim of this study.

Introduction

Traditional Dispensationalism8 is the outcome of an interpretive method known as the literal grammatical historical hermeneutic9 which is consistently applied throughout the whole of Scripture10. This interpretive method is grounded upon the authority of God11 as He has provided this method within

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the Biblical text.12 To deviate from a Biblically supplied methodology without exegetical reason to do so strips the authority from God (in one’s worldview) and gives it to someone or something else.

It is not the purpose of this paper to explore the importance of traditional dispensationalism as a theological system, but instead the importance of the foundation which traditional dispensationalism rests upon and the implications where those foundations lead, if applied consistently.13 Traditional dispensationalism should be understoo...