In order for the Scriptures to be properly understand they must be "rightly divided". No man can arrive at any just and accurate doctrinal conclusions unless he is able to distinguish between proof texts and reference texts. Proof texts are those scriptures that state doctrinal and practical truths in such language as is not open to interpretation. In other words, they can have but one meaning, and that meaning is made as plain as words can state it. Reference texts are those scriptures that must be interpreted in the light of their context and often must be taken in a limited or restricted sense. 

    Such reference texts are frequently taken out of context and misapplied. Thus the application that is placed upon them is in total disagreement with the proof texts that deal with the same subject. 

    One of the plainest instances of this is the popular application of John 3:16. This is a reference text that is frequently used as a proof text, and is taken to mean that God loves everybody. But if we take this verse to have that meaning, then we place it in direct opposition to other scriptures that clearly show that God does not love everybody (See for instance Psalm 5:6, Mal. 1:3 and Romans 9:13). Not only that, but if we take the "world" of John 3:16 to mean every member of the human family, then we make it to contradict the statement of Christ in John 17:9 that He prayed not for the world. The only way we can make John 3:16 harmonize with Romans 9:13 is to recognize that John 3:16 speaks of the "world" of God's elect rather than the "world" of all humanity. 

    May the Lord help us in our study of His word. May He give us light, wisdom and understanding so that we may make a proper application of those precious truths that He has left on record for us.