Misread 5: Literal Only

The statement that "Literal is not the only way Scripture tells truth" means that the Bible communicates truth through various literary patterns and interpretive methods, not solely through a plain, surface-level reading of every text. While some passages are meant to be understood literally, the Bible frequently employs typology, symbolism, and anticipatory theological fulfillment to convey its message about God's plan and character. This indicates that understanding Scripture requires recognizing these diverse modes of expression.
This insight is central because a rigid "literal only" approach overlooks crucial interpretive pathways that the Bible itself demonstrates. For instance, Peter interprets Psalm 16:8-11, which states, "You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption... at your right hand are pleasures forevermore," as a prophetic declaration about the Messiah's resurrection, as recorded in Acts 2:25-32: "You will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption." Similarly, Jesus himself taught in Luke 24:44-47 that "Everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled... repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed... to all nations." These examples show that the Law, Prophets, and Psalms contain statements that find their ultimate fulfillment in the Messiah's life, death, resurrection, and the subsequent worldwide proclamation of forgiveness.
Recognizing these interpretive patterns profoundly shapes your understanding of the Bible, moving you beyond a flat reading to a richer appreciation of God's overarching narrative. Embracing the Bible's own methods of interpretation allows you to see how ancient prophecies and events point forward to Christ and His work, deepening your faith. This understanding helps you discern the interconnectedness of Scripture and appreciate the intricate ways God reveals His truth across time, enabling you to grasp the Messiah-centered message that permeates the entire biblical text.