Fundamental Rules of Bible Study

Listed below are some fundamental rules of Bible study that should be implemented for each serious and sincere student of the word of God;

1. Before you ask what a verse means, you must determine its context - 2 Pet. 3:15-16 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
2. Understand that the Bible is written to three groups of people: Jews, Gentiles, and the Church - 1 Cor. 10:32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
3. The Bible has proper divisions, and you must put those divisions in the right place - 2 Tim. 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
4. All scripture has three applications; doctrinal, historical, and inspirational.
5. God has three distinct plans revealed in His word. He has a plan for the universe, the earth, and your life.
6. The individual words of the Bible are the keys to unlocking its truth - Prov. 30:5-6 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
7. God chose the exact words and events recorded for a specific reason to show us truth - John 21:24-25 This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.
8. The "law of first mention" establishes Biblical patterns to reveal truths throughout the Bible - Gen. 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
9. Patterns established in the Bible remain consistent - Mal. 3:6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
10. Numbers hold a major significance in the Bible - Rev. 13:18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
11. The invisible things of God can clearly be seen by studying the things God made in the physical creation - Rom. 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
12. The Bible is of no private interpretation. All "interpretations" are done by comparing scripture with scripture - 2 Pet. 1:20-21 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
13. Always take the Bible literally until it is impossible to do so.
14. Always give the Bible the benefit of the doubt. We have limited understanding compared to the wisdom of God.
15. Always be prepared to change whatever you have been taught or believed when it is shown to be contrary to the Bible. The Bible is the final authority in everything in life. Never try to make the Bible line up with what you believe, always line up what you believe based upon what the Bible says.
16. Never violate a clear passage when trying to understand an obscure passage of the Bible.
17. Never base a doctrine on a question in the Bible.
18. Never base a doctrine on simply one verse or passage.
19. Pay attention to the "warnings" in the Bible - Rev. 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
20. If you find something you don't understand, do not violate any of these rules trying to figure it out. God's word is revealed in progression. God will not entrust you with more if you are not faithful with what He has already given you. Be sure to live what you do understand, then wait on Him to give you more understanding of His word - John 16:12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.