A basic rule for any doctrine is that not only must it sum up and include everything tha Bible has to say about it (in all layers), but it must not be derived from a single verse with the claim that thta's all there is. If it is an important doctrine, God has taught it more than once.
In the law, any matter concerning life and death must be supported by two or three witnesses [1], certainly important doctrines of God concern life and death.
In practice, every teaching must have at least two supporting scripture witnesses. This means we cannot define a shadow/symbol/metaphor with a single verse. They speak of Christ and the cross. There is no other topic which addresses life and death for all men. (This keeps us rigorous in methodology)
A shadow is a hidden meaning which is not contained in the literal meaning [2]. Shadows are not the product of a wild imagination and are therefore verifiable by the scriptures. When a shadow has two or three witnesses, it should be regarded as a tentative meaning. It is tentative because it also has to be the same everywhere, but it is unlikely all those instances will be resolved in our lifetimes.
This rule specifically forbids a single verse from becoming definitive. In articles, often a single verse is used to be illustrative, but this practice should not be interpreted as a lack of rigor but a a simplification of the article. I will not even share a teaching unless it has multiple witnesses. Even then, you should 'pencil it in' until you have validated it.
Consequence of lack of rigor: Conclusions may be premature and/or wrong.
As we study to show ourselves approved [3], God will reveal those teaching which he thinks are important to your life now. Those teachings will be verifiable by the scripture. They will be personal to you in how he used them to change your life, but the meaning is the same for everyone. The meaning is the one which God intends.
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References
- ↑ De 17:6 At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; [but] at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.
- ↑ Heb 10:1 ¶ For the law having a shadow of good things to come, [and] not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
- ↑ 2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.