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| Please Pray |
| Before beginning any reading or studying of the [KJV / LSG] Bible [or any of God’s Word], let us consider some simple, common–sense principles of interpretation: |
| • (1) Pray that the same God who, through His Holy Spirit, inspired the Bible writers to record these messages, will also inspire you to understand their meanings. This is basic to any study of the Bible, and especially to Daniel and the Revelation. Without the power of the Holy Spirit, it is very easy to be led off into dead-end roads that lead nowhere. |
| • (2) Although this may sound simple, it is probably one of the most difficult principles to employ: relegate preconceived opinion to the trash heap. In other words, if your opinion fails to measure up to what God’s Word actually says, abandon it; no matter how many times. |
| • (3) Be careful not to take anything out of context. Remember: “text without context is pretext.” While this principle is important for all Books in the Bible, it is especially important in Daniel and in Revelation. |
| • (4) As a Seventh–day Adventist Christian, I have found the writings of Ellen G. White enormously helpful. But, I caution those of like faith, to give the Bible its rightful priority and then look for confirmation in the Spirit of Prophecy. Confusion is sure to follow if her writings are elevated above that of the Bible. |
| • (5) Various references are made to the, now rather dated, Seventh–day Adventist Bible Commentary. Never–the–less, the authors of the Commentary have no more claim to inspiration than us. Therefore, when conflict arises we must opt for the source that is truly inspired: the Bible itself, and, secondarily, the Spirit of Prophecy in the writings of Ellen G. White. |
| • (6) Use the Concordance freely including Strong’s, Young’s, various Lexicons, etc.. Look up the original words, meanings, how they were used in the prophecy itself or in other Scriptures. Other sources such as the internet contribute many interesting things that can add to the quality of your study. |
| • (7) When it comes to the study of Revelation, remember that it is the complement of Daniel. Therefore, look for parallels; you will find lots of them. Both are apocalyptic prophecies that cover much of the same material with John’s vision filling out many details missing in Daniel’s. This principle is applicable throughout the Bible; a passage in one Book being amplified in one or more other Books. |
| • (8) All the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation build on themselves. Sequences are frequently repeated and with each repetition more details are revealed that are not depicted in the previous scenario. Again, this principle applies throughout the Bible. |
| • (9) Remember, assertion is not proof. All assertions must be accompanied by Biblical or Spirit of Prophecy evidence to support the assertion. No building is sound without a solid foundation. |
| Related to the Books of Daniel and Revelation: |
| • (10) While Revelation is the complement of Daniel, there are distinct differences. Since the Book of Daniel was written at successive periods in the life of Daniel, the entire vision of the Revelation was given John in only one day, the “Lord’s day” (Revelation 1:10) when he was very old. But Daniel was only in his twenties at first with the final revelation coming to him when he was in his eighties. Never–the–less they were all closely interconnected and related like the exquisite mechanism of a fine watch. If one part is left out or misplaced, the whole picture is flawed. |
| • (11) Especially in the Book of Revelation, most commentators tend to over spiritualise the symbols making it mystical and unintelligible. But, like Daniel, we can safely assume it was intended to be practical and edifying. Therefore, it is important to apply a definite, or literal meaning when possible. For example, allow the “trees” in Revelation 8:7 to be “trees” rather than symbolic of something else. In contrast, the “great red dragon” of Revelation 12:3, is obviously symbolic. But, we don’t have to look far to find the definite meaning which is supplied in verse 9. |
| • (12) While there are probably more principles we could discuss, just remember that the ultimate test of authenticity alluded to in Isaiah 8:20 “To the Law and to the Testimony,” in other words, let the Bible, including Daniel and the Revelation exposit themselves. |
| It is my prayer that anybody who takes the time to study God’s Word will be blessed even if we fail to agree completely. After all, the study of prophecy is inexhaustible and nobody can claim they know it all! So, do not hesitate to check me out. While the bibliographies of each chapter are designed for just that purpose, you may have other materials I am not aware of. So, I solicit any insight or inputs you care to offer. |
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| Reading and Studying the Bible |
| • (1) Ask for understanding, the power of memory and recall so that you may serve Him when opportunity arises. |
| • (2) A novel is read from the start to the finish. While some people adopt this method for the Bible, it is NOT the most productive method. The Bible tells us the best method. |
| Isaiah 28:09 ¶ Whom shall He teach knowledge? and whom shall He make to understand doctrine? [them that are] weaned from the milk, [and] drawn from the breasts. |
| Isaiah 28:10 For PRECEPT [must be] upon PRECEPT, PRECEPT upon PRECEPT; LINE upon LINE, LINE upon LINE; HERE a LITTLE, [and] THERE a LITTLE: [2 Timothy 2:15] |
| Isaiah 28:11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will He speak to this people. |
| Isaiah 28:12 To whom he said, This [is] the rest [wherewith] ye may cause the weary to rest; and this [is] the refreshing: yet they would not hear. [Romans 3:19, 1 Corinthians 14:21] |
| Isaiah 28:13 But the Word of the LORD was unto them PRECEPT upon PRECEPT, PRECEPT upon PRECEPT; LINE upon LINE, LINE upon LINE; HERE a LITTLE, [and] THERE a LITTLE; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken. [2 Timothy 2:15] |
| 2 Timothy 2:15 STUDY TO SHOW THYSELF APPROVED UNTO GOD, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the WORD of TRUTH. [Isaiah 28:9-13] |
| • (3) When you come across anything in God’s Word [Bible and Spirit of Prophecy] that appears to be a contradiction, or lacking understanding, give praise to God. It is through such experiences that the Holy Spirit of God will speak to you and grant you understanding. |
| • (4) Record your study findings by whatever method that you know is best for yourself. For most people, the best method for learning involves active recall and spaced repetition to strengthen your memory, making connections between new and existing knowledge, and consistent, focused practice with breaks. |
| The four types of learning are visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinaesthetic. |
| If you learn best by seeing, use diagrams, mind maps, videos, and colour-coding. Look for visual examples of concepts to help you understand them. |
| If you learn best by hearing, listen to lectures, podcasts, and audiobooks. Participate in discussions, and read aloud to yourself to process information. |
| If you learn best through words, take detailed notes, rewrite information in your own words, and create summaries or lists. Reading and writing are excellent for this style. |
| If you learn best through doing, engage in hands-on activities. For example, build models, conduct experiments, or use flashcards and physical practice to learn. |
| Sometimes a combination of these learning techniques proves to be the best for Scriptural knowledge and recall. |
