Biblical Hermeneutics
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PRINCIPLES OF BIBLICAL HERMENETICS ; M. M. NINAN<br />
These three covenants are called theological because they are not explicitly presented as<br />
such in the Bible but are thought to be theologically implicit, describing and summarizing the<br />
wealth of Scriptural data. Within historical Reformed systems of thought covenant theology is<br />
not merely treated as a point of doctrine or a central dogma, but the structure by which the<br />
biblical text organizes itself. It is study aid and the regulations of each period is unique and<br />
distinct.<br />
The simplest division is the eras before and after the cross (Christocentric) giving Old<br />
Covenant based on Mosaic Laws and the New Covenant based on Grace.<br />
There are other shorter periods of Covenants between the Patriarchs and God. The Laws and<br />
regulations and rituals are different in each period. While the nature of God remains same,<br />
his commandments and dealings to men depends on the period. The purpose is to make man<br />
whole in the likeness of God. After all Man was created in the image of God.<br />
The Covenant Theology is strongly held by the Calvinists.<br />
B THE DISPENSATION PRINCIPLE OR THE CHRONOMETRICAL PRINCIPLE:<br />
"During different periods of time, God has chosen to deal in a particular way with man in<br />
respect to sin and man's responsibility."<br />
Dispensationalism is a theological system that teaches that biblical history is best<br />
understood in light of a number of successive administrations of God's dealings with mankind,<br />
which it calls "dispensations." It maintains fundamental distinctions between God's plans for<br />
national Israel and for the New Testament Church. Dispensationalism is the stand of<br />
Arminians and non 5-point Calvinists.<br />
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