When a biblical author writes about a specific matter or topic and conveys meaning in a real or strict sense as given by terminology, background, grammar, and context, it is that literal hermeneutic or meaning which a reader comes to accept and understand. It becomes recognized as an appropriate and necessary contribution to context and the direct course of work provided in Scripture.
As a reader sets sail toward spiritualizing Scripture, true and accurate interpretation of God’s word can become adrift in a sea of confusion. While human intellect and imagination can never prevail over what the Spirit of God has revealed in His word, an arbitrary retrojection must become rejected as it is dangerous and harmful.
The authors of Grasping God’s Word prefer the term literary meaning as a comparison to the literal meaning.[1] I especially appreciate this rationale because the term incorporates a real and valid spiritual meaning as well. It is a refreshing perspective rather than a purely clinical, sterile, or academic view of God’s word. When the Spirit of God’s authority, influence, and inspiration upon biblical authors is neglected or dismissed, that imposes a hostile vacuum of significance, which can become alarming.
As recently presented within the Truth Matters conference about the Sufficiency of Scripture, personal revelation in the absence of Scriptural truth was rightfully assailed. The hyper-spiritualization of personal and emotional experience must never override the truth of our LORD as the way of Balaam shall never prevail. The canon is closed. Our God is a consuming fire and He must be worshiped in spirit and truth.
Concerning typology, the New Testament serves as a general and necessary guide about what is permitted or acceptable for proper and correct Old Testament interpretation. While we desperately want to find Jesus anywhere and everywhere we can find Him, typologies of Christ are available to us through God’s word in the New Testament. Let the New Testament point to the foreshadowing of Christ in the Old Testament.
[1] J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays, Grasping God’s Word, 3rd ed. (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 2012), 207.
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