This rule of context says that the language of the Bible can be taken at face value. The Word of God does not have to be decoded to find deeper, hidden meanings. When studied and interpreted in context, the authors of Scripture say what they mean and mean what they say. The most important concept to remember is that usage always determines meanings. We usually prefer to hear the word 'positive' rather than the word 'negative'. However, if we are awaiting biopsy results we would much prefer to hear 'negative' rather than 'positive'! The same is true in the Bible. The words 'salvation' and 'sanctification' have several different meanings. These meanings are determined by their usage in the context or setting.
An example from the book of Numbers illustrates this point. In Numbers 22:21ff the prophet Balaam was rebuked, in complete sentences, by the donkey he was riding. Since donkeys don't naturally talk, some might be tempted to interpret this account as a parable meant to show that even dumb animals sometimes make more sense than their human owners. Others might interpret the story of Balaam and the donkey as a picture of what happens when we find ourselves faced with the pains of self-conflict. Both of these 'interpretations' fail to take the biblical text at face value. There is no evidence that the story was told as a parable nor was it intended as an example of psychological conflict. The plain, normal language of the text demands that it be interpreted as a real historical narrative in which the supernatural is involved. It presents a record of real events that show God's miraculous ability not only to speak to a rebel prophet through a donkey but, more important, his ability to bless miraculously and preserve his chosen people Israel. Another rule you will read about states that you must consider a passage in relation to the context of the entire Bible. That rule also helps you grasp the actual reality of the story of Balaam and his donkey. The Bible as a whole describes God as a powerful person who often invades time and space to work miracles. Therefore, a donkey speaking to a man is a supernatural event that fits with all the Bible says about God.
The principle of plain and normal meaning also applies to figures of speech. We use word pictures in everyday conversation not to hide our ideas but to express them. Take, for example, the expression, 'I'm getting cold feet.' Context and normal usage make its meaning obvious. If someone were to make this statement while ice fishing, and just before saying, 'I wish I'd worn that other pair of socks,' it would have a literal meaning. But if someone were to utter those words a couple of days before signing papers for a home mortgage, we would assume that something else was in view - especially if the person then said, 'I need to refigure my budget.'
While the Bible often uses figures of speech, like the expression, 'The foundations of the earth,' or Jesus stating that he is 'the vine and we are the branches,' these are usually easy to identify and understand when read in context. In many cases the Bible explains its own symbolism. But what if the intent of the author is not immediately obvious? Moreover, what if it's not clear whether the Bible is using words in a plain or figurative sense? Then the safest rule is to go with the literal meaning of the text in its immediate context. Because of the integrity of Scripture, we can be confident that the ultimate truth in view will generally correspond to the plain and ordinary sense of the words.
