Key Terms
Canonical Context — How a passage fits into the Bible as a whole — its place in the big story from Genesis to Revelation
The Analogy of Faith — The principle that Scripture interprets Scripture — clearer passages help us understand less clear ones
Progressive Revelation — The idea that God revealed His plan gradually throughout the Bible — later books build on and clarify earlier ones
Key Concepts
- The Bible is one unified story — each passage has a place in it
- Clearer passages help us understand less clear ones
- Later revelation builds on earlier revelation without canceling it
Scripture Focus
Hebrews 1:1-2
Luke 24:25-27
Romans 15:4
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Learning Objectives
- Explain the principle that Scripture interprets Scripture and use it responsibly — letting clearer texts illuminate harder ones
- Understand progressive revelation: God revealed His plan over time, and later parts of the Bible build on earlier parts
- Avoid the mistake of flattening the Bible — making every passage say the same thing instead of hearing each author's distinctive voice
Resources
Download the companion handout for this lesson to review key terms and concepts offline.
Download Lesson Handout (PDF)