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When embarking on a Bible study program or just studying a particular portion of the Bible, it is best to incorporate specific Bible study rules. Without proper guidelines, errors can quickly emerge that otherwise could have been suitably avoided. Make no doubt, detrimental errors from falsely rendered or applied Scriptures can affect your salvation.

Regardless of the standards of religion or what the traditions of men may be, the Bible should always be your source of knowledge for the guidance of your life, for it is God's written Word and truth. (John 17:17) Below, you will see what those rules are and how to apply them.

Note: The information for the rules of Bible study posted here IS NOT the work of my own but is a paraphrased version of those provided from the "Fourteen Rules For Bible Study" located at the Christian Biblical Church of God website. Located there are the original content and authorship (Fred R. Coulter). The three extensions located at the beginning and end entitled "Prepare," "Use Study Bibles and Helps with Caution," and "Understand Figures of Speech" are my additions for supplementary help and understanding. When studying the Bible, this has been a self-correcting experience I have come to know and understand all too well. The original "Fourteen Rules For Bible Study" is strongly encouraged as a valuable resource to anyone studying the Bible.

[Prepare]

Preparation for your Bible study is one of the most important things to do first. Try to have an appropriate place for study that is private, comfortable, and free from distractions while allowing you to access each resource with little interruption. When you begin, humbly pray for guidance and direction unto God and do not enter into the study to correct God, but to let God's Word and truth correct and guide you.

"Rule #1: Understand the Scriptures"

Your knowledge of God's Truth will only go as far as your understanding of it. One must begin first with Scriptures that are easy to understand. Once that framework is set, you can build up the understanding of harder chapters and verses.

"Rule #2: The Bible Interprets Itself"

The Bible is God's written word declaring His truth (John 17:17), and only God should be the interpreter of what He has written. Consequently, God has structured the Bible to interpret itself. Injecting personal interpretations into the Scriptures should be avoided, but instead, search the Scriptures for its interpretation and understanding.

God says:

Isaiah 28:9-10 - AFV

9:   "Whom shall He teach knowledge? And whom shall He make to understand doctrine? Those who are weaned from the milk and drawn from the breasts.
10:   For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, there a little;"

"Rule #3: Understand the Context"

To be able to understand any piece of Scripture, you must first understand its context. This is accomplished by reading the verses before and after, which may include their corresponding chapters, if necessary. Once you establish context, understanding the Scripture will become easier. Then you must ask yourself questions such as, "Does the understanding of this Scripture agree and harmonize with the entirety of the Bible?" The Bible does not contradict itself. Remember, only false translations and interpretations make them seem to be so.

"Rule #4: Understand the Original Language"

The Bible originated in the Hebrew and Greek languages, and adequate familiarity and proper understanding of these will considerably help you to divide God's word. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance is arguably one good resource to aid you in this, but administering caution is a must. Using Stong's as the sole base resource in formulating doctrine should be avoided, or the single-use of any other Bible helps for that matter. Strong's has strengths, but it also contains weaknesses when its useful purpose is falsely assumed. For this reason, understanding the original language to the best of your ability is your best option to avoid an error. Remember, do not let the Bible helps become Scripture in, and of, themselves, but let them be more as a guide.

"Rule #5: Ask, 'What Does it Say?'"

The Bible is clear on its message to those who believe and hear His voice. Therefore when you are studying the Bible, always bear in mind this essential question, "What do the Scriptures say?" This rule is helpful when used in combination with Rule #3.

"Rule #6: Ask, 'What Does it not Say?'"

Of equal importance as Rule #5, ask the opposite question, "What do the Scriptures not say?" By realizing what they are not saying, you can ferret out errors by not presupposing ideas into them.

"Rule #7: Ask, 'To Whom was it Written?'"

Along with identifying the author of a passage or book in the Bible, equally important is to whom the written message addresses. When constructing the context of a Scripture passage, this helps.

"Rule #8: Ask, 'Who Wrote it?'"

Identifying the author enables you to know the literary style in which he/she wrote as well as the experiences and times that a person went through. In other words, it enables you to know from whom the message was originating, who God inspired to write His word.

"Rule #9: Ask, 'Who Said it?'"

As in any literary work, confusion depreciates when you know who said what. When it comes to the Bible, ambiguity is possible when you do not understand who spoke.

"Rule #10: Understand the Time Frame"

Determining the period when an author penned a book or section of Scripture is significant. This would also include the time frame the author is alluding to, such as future events. By so doing, a better understanding of the sequence of events can be deciphered and realized. Ignoring the time frame could retain an understanding of particular topics or situations.

"Rule #11: Build upon a Foundation"

With the study of any topic, you must slowly build up your knowledge by building upon a foundation of secured facts first. With the Bible, it is no different. Simple principles must be understood thoroughly before taking on more complex concepts. Always build upon what you already know and understand. As you progress, continue to build upon that foundation, always ask yourself the question, "What do I know up to this point in time?"

"Rule #12: No Personal Assumptions"

It is never acceptable to bring personal assumptions and preconceived notions into the Scriptures as fact. When concluding, base it upon the Bible as a whole without adding anything into it.

"Rule #13: Make Proper Conclusions"

When you conclude, make sure it is properly grounded and not based upon partial facts, insufficient data, or the opinions of others. Do not let speculations, yours or others, misdirect you in understanding. Knowing the material thoroughly before forming a conclusion is the best way to avoid possible errors.

"Rule #14: Scripture is Your Guide"

The Bible is God's word and truth, and letting what God teaches you of his way should be your guide. God has a standard, and that standard is prescribed in the Bible, not in the form of church tradition or customs.

[Use Study Bibles and Helps with Caution]

The Bible is God's word and truth, this we cannot deny. When studying from its pages, we often seek assistance to clear up a variety of confusing issues through different Bible translations, study helps, or lecture materials. Some may be helpful. Some may not. Always apply personal discretion to conclusions drawn from any study help or aid. Ask questions, such as: "Does the source teach and correspond with the Bible as a whole?" "Is the point or conclusion believed by the patriarchs or saints?" "Did Jesus Christ teach this to His Apostles?" Be cautious not to let study helps alter your conclusions with false ideas, doctrines, or improper conclusions.

[Understand Figures of Speech]

The Bible does not always use straight forward language. Introduced at times are such literary techniques as parables, allegories, symbolism, poetry, metaphors, and figures of speech. Familiarize yourself with each of these to avoid undue confusion.