5 - Rules of Interpretation

Rules

1. Direct use of symbols

2. Use of Cycles and Parallel Structures

3. Law of Heavenly and Earthly counterparts

4. Synonymic Parallels and their influence

5. The Control of Prophetic Testimony

6. Multiple or Time-Calibrated Fulfillments

7. Contextual and Literary Examination

8. Biblical Sources and their priority

9. Noting the universal scope of unfulfilled prophecy

10. Interpreting in light of the moral purpose of prophecy

Cyclical and Parallel Structures

Proper interpretation of many prophetic passages is at times greatly dependent upon the recognition of repeated cycles and parallel and corresponding structures.

These structures are often recapitulated and designed to clarify the meaning of the prophetic story.

Quote

“All these truths are immortalized in my writings. The Lord never denies His Word.  Men may get up scheme after scheme, and the enemy will seek to seduce souls from the truth, but all who believe that the Lord has spoken through Sister White, and has given her a message, will be safe from the many delusions that will come in these last days.”   8MR, p. 320

Context

No inspired prophecy is to be understood according to private interpretation and must be interpreted consistently according to its immediate and greater context.