1. Where the Bible speaks literally, accept the teachings literally. Do not make assumptions, speculations, and suppositions.
2. Consider to whom any given Scripture is addressed.
3. Consider the contents of the verse surrounding the verse and/or passage being interpreted.
4. Consider the context of any statement trying to interpret. By context, I mean the verse(s) around any particular statement. What did Jesus mean? For instance, Jesus stated, "He that believes on me... out of his belly will flow rivers of living water (John 7:38). The best way to find out the meaning is to read the surrounding verses. In this text case, the next verse, "But this He spoke of the Holy Spirit, which they believe on Him should receive..." I would estimate 85-90% of all false teachings that spring from portions of the Bible can be shown false by a careful study of the passage surrounding the verse(s) under consideration.
5. Discover the exact meaning of every word and the proper grammatical connection. In the case of the NT, use of the Greek-English Interlinear Bible can be used to obtain the best Greek meaning and then applied to the best English word(s). For example: in 2 Timothy 2:15 the KJV uses the word "study" and the Greek word used was spoudazo, meaning "be diligent" Today's definition of study, even as far back as the 1611 version of the Bible, does not come close to the Greek meaning.
6. In connection with this, consider all the passages dealing with the subject under study (cp 1 Cor.2;13; 2 Peter 1:20).
7. Never interpret a clear statement with an unclear statement, but do the opposite; unclear with a clear verse. E.g., in Acts16, the Philippian jailer who was on the verge of committing suicide asked the following question, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Paul and Silas replied, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved." This is a clear statement on the subject of how to be saved, and what God says plainly in one place of the Bible. He will not contradict elsewhere. Another example: when Paul said in Acts 27:31, "Except these abide in the ship, we cannot be saved." Obviously, he was not referring to the salvation of their souls. The subject matter in the 27th chapter is being save or delivered from drowning.
There are men of corrupt minds who will attempt to change the meaning of a clear statement of Scripture by the use of an ambiguous verse(s) elsewhere. It is very common for someone to interpret Acts 16:31 where God says that the salvation of a man's soul is conditional upon a man's faith in Christ, and make it mean something else by forcing another verse upon it, such as 2 Thes.1:8 where God says, He will take "vengeance upon them that... obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." And so according to these men, there is no longer one condition for salvation; there are now two conditions, belief and obedience. Therefore, they conclude if a man says he has faith and does not obey every command in the Bible, he is not saved.
8. Try to avoid all personal prejudice and biases, and to be honest in the use of Scripture (2 Cor. 4:2). Do not force the word of God to support any theories of men (e.g., whether it be the pre-tribulation, post-tribulation, or mid-tribulation rapture theories of men). Do not interpret Scripture by means of personal experiences, but interpret your personal experiences in light of Scripture. One of the major causes of false doctrine is a subjective approach to the word of God, then test the spirits do determine whether they be of God or the father of lies. Satan has many deceptive ways to make things appear right. Test the spirits! (1 John 4:1)
9. Do not act in haste, foolishly make quick reasoning by interpreting Scripture, especially difficult Bible passages. God has given us a sound mind, and I pray to God for proper interpretation (exegesis).
10. Always... Always ASK in prayer believing God through the Holy Spirit to give you the knowledge and wisdom to guide you into all truth in all things, and proper interpretation of His word. These 10 principles should assist you in discovering the truth, inclusive with the reliance upon the Holy Spirit.
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