GBF Ordination Exam Questions - Hermeneutics And Eschatology

Question 1

Hermeneutics

What is your hermeneutic?

Answer 1

Literal-grammatical-historical interpretation of Scripture

a) Literal = as was most plainly understood by the reader at the time, vs mystical or allegorical or hidden (allows for employment of figurative language)
b) grammatical = as communicated by the original Gk and Heb grammar, emphasizing the importance of words and language rules
c) historical = as it would have been understood in the historical context (allows for sensus plenior for prophetic passages)

Question 2

Hermeneutics

Define hermeneutics and exegesis

Answer 2

Hermeneutics = the science (rules) or interpreting Scripture
Exegesis = the application of hermeneutics to particular texts

Question 3

Hermeneutics

List your top 5 hermeneutical principles:

Answer 3

#1- context (literary and historical and biblical)
#2- authorial intent (allowing for sensus plenior)
#3- literal (vs allegorical) interpretation of the text
#4- commitment to exegesis through original Gk and Heb
#5- single interpretation of Scripture
#6- analogy of the faith, letting Scripture interpret Scripture

Question 4

Hermeneutics

What is one of the greatest dangers to hermeneutics?

Answer 4

1) lack of commitment to the inerrancy of Scripture
2) failure to interpret the text in light of the whole of Scripture (isolating the text)
3) eisegesis and proof-texting

Question 5

Hermeneutics

What is the “analogy of the faith”?

Answer 5

The principle that Scripture interprets Scripture (cf Rom 12:6). The Bible is a unit, with no parts contradicting each other. Thus, each passage must be interpreted in light of the whole of Scripture. (John 5- Scripture cannot be broken)

Question 6

Eschatology

Where does the Bible mention “The Great Tribulation”

Answer 6

Matthew 24:21

Revelation 7:14

Question 7

Eschatology

What is the “Day of the Lord”?

Answer 7

Referring to a general period of God’s wrath being poured out in humanity, in particular as relates to the eschatological events

• historically, the period in Joel (with the locusts plague)
• eschatological, the outpouring of God’s wrath at the end times resulting in the judgment of all nations. (Revelation 6:17, also in Joel 3, Zephaniah 1:18)

Question 8

Eschatology

What passage mentions the word “rapture/caught up”?

Answer 8

1 Thessalonians 4:17

Question 9

Eschatology

List the top 6 Books one needs to study and learn proper eschatology

Answer 9

1. Revelation
2. Daniel
3. Isaiah
4. Romans 9-11
5. Matthew 24-25 (Olivet Discourse)
6. 1 Thessalonians 4