A hermeneutical approach is the method or framework a person uses to interpret Scripture—how we determine what a biblical text means and how it applies today.

PATH Ministry holds to a literal, grammatical, historical approach shaped by classic dispensationalism.

1. What Is Hermeneutics?

Hermeneutics = the science and art of biblical interpretation.

It answers:

• What did the text mean to the original audience?
• What did the author intend?
• How does that meaning apply today?

Good hermeneutics protects us from:

• Reading modern ideas into ancient texts
• Emotional or experience-driven interpretation
• Doctrinal error built on isolated verses

As Spurgeon often emphasized: “The Spirit of God does not contradict the Word of God.”

2. The Literal–Grammatical–Historical Method

A. Literal

Interpret words in their normal, plain sense, unless the context clearly indicates symbolism.

• Poetry contains imagery.
• Prophecy may use symbols.
• But symbols still point to real truths.

Literal interpretation means understanding words according to their normal use in language, respecting context and genre — not forcing rigid or unnatural readings.  Literal interpretation respects how language naturally communicates, including figures of speech.

B. Grammatical

Study:

• Sentence structure
• Verb tenses
• Context flow
• Key word meanings
• Connective words (“therefore,” “for,” “but”)

Example: Romans 12:1–2 — transformation begins with yielding (v.1) before renewing (v.2). Grammar shows order and relationship.

C. Historical

Ask:

• Who wrote it?
• To whom?
• Under what covenant?
• What cultural setting?
• What was happening historically?

This protects:

• Israel/Church confusion
• Misapplication of Old Covenant law
• Misuse of promises given to specific audiences

3. Dispensational Distinction (Israel and the Church)

A key feature of PATH framework:

• God has worked in different stewardships (dispensations)
• Israel and the Church are distinct
• Prophetic promises to Israel remain literal and future
• The Church is not a replacement for Israel

This keeps:

• Eschatology consistent
• Matthew 24 in proper context
• Kingdom promises properly understood

4. The Role of the Holy Spirit

• Illumination ≠ new revelation
• The Spirit helps us understand what He already inspired
• The Spirit never contradicts Scripture
• Experience must be judged by Scripture

As Ryrie taught: The Spirit is the author of Scripture and the illuminator of it.

5. Guardrails Against Error

A sound hermeneutical approach avoids:

• Allegorical overreach – Turning narratives into hidden codes.
• Reader-response theology – “What this verse means to me…”
• Experience-driven doctrine – Building theology from manifestations.
• Covenant confusion – Applying Israel’s national promises directly to the Church.

6. The PATH Approach to Interpretation

PATH Ministry practices a clear and consistent framework for studying Scripture. This approach reflects our commitment to a literal, grammatical, historical method shaped by dispensational clarity.

P – Pray First
Dependence must come before analysis.

• The Holy Spirit illuminates what He inspired.
• Illumination is not new revelation.
• The Spirit never contradicts Scripture.

We approach the Word humbly, asking God to align our hearts before we seek to interpret His truth.

A – Analyze the Setting
Context determines meaning.

Ask:

• Who is speaking?
• To whom is this written?
• Under what covenant?
• In what historical moment?

Understanding the original audience and setting protects us from misapplication and doctrinal confusion.

T – Track the Stewardship
Recognize where the passage fits within God’s redemptive program.

Ask:

• Is this Israel under the Mosaic Law?
• Is this Kingdom instruction?
• Is this transitional (such as the book of Acts)?
• Is this direct, normative instruction for the Church?
• Is this prophetic future?

All Scripture is for us (2 Timothy 3:16), but not all Scripture is written directly to us. Distinguishing God’s stewardships protects the Israel/Church distinction and preserves doctrinal clarity.

H – Harmonize with Scripture
Scripture interprets Scripture.

• Clear passages explain difficult ones.
• Direct doctrinal teaching clarifies narrative events.
• Warning passages do not overturn clear justification passages.

No doctrine should be built on an isolated verse. The Bible does not contradict itself; therefore, interpretation must be consistent with the whole counsel of God.

After applying PATH, the student of Scripture then proceeds carefully:

1. Observation – What does the text actually say?
2. Interpretation – What did it mean to the original audience?
3. Principle – What timeless truth does this reveal about God and human responsibility?
4. Application – How should this shape our faith and conduct today?

Application must always flow from correct interpretation, not emotion or assumption.

7. Why Hermeneutics Matters

Sound hermeneutics safeguards the Church.

Bad hermeneutics leads to:

• False humility
• Word of Faith error
• Misunderstanding of spiritual gifts
• Confusion about the Holy Spirit
• End-times speculation detached from context

Sound hermeneutics produces:

• Doctrinal stability
• Confidence in teaching and preaching
• Christ-centered interpretation
• Protection from deception
• Humble obedience rooted in grace

When Scripture is handled carefully, believers grow in clarity rather than confusion, and conviction rather than instability.

Conclusion

The PATH Hermeneutical Approach reflects PATH Ministry’s commitment to handling the Word of God accurately (2 Timothy 2:15).

We believe:

• Scripture is inspired and authoritative.
• Meaning is determined by authorial intent.
• God’s programs must be distinguished, not confused.
• The Spirit illuminates truth but never contradicts it.
• Doctrine must be anchored in the whole counsel of Scripture.

By praying first, analyzing context, tracking God’s stewardship, and harmonizing with Scripture, we guard against error and grow in grace. The goal of hermeneutics is not merely information — it is faithful interpretation that leads to worship, obedience, and Christlikeness.