The Bible contains many chapters that speak of things to come, some already fulfilled, others still awaiting fulfilment. But when the Bible makes predictions about the future, should we take those passages literally, or should we read them as symbolic or allegorical?
This question sits at the heart of how we read and understand the Word of God. To approach it wisely, we need to establish some foundational principles about biblical interpretation – principles that help us discern what Scripture truly means and how it applies to our lives.
- Figurative Language in Scripture
First, it’s important to recognise that the Bible often uses figurative and symbolic language. God reveals Himself through His creation and through human experience, and so His written Word naturally reflects that, “since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, both His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20 LSB).
God communicated His truth in human language, full of imagery, metaphor, and symbolism. Books such as Psalms, Daniel, and Revelation are rich with poetic and symbolic expressions. Many of these symbols are explained within the text itself, while others require careful study to understand their meaning.
For example, when the Lord Jesus described Himself as the Good Shepherd, the Bread of Life, or the True Vine, He wasn’t speaking literally. These figures of speech were used to convey profound spiritual truths in a form that human hearts could grasp.
Recognising figurative language does not mean rejecting literal truth; it simply means understanding the kind of language being used and interpreting it according to the way language normally works.
- The Literal and Historical Truth of Scripture
While the Bible uses figurative language, its words are always literal and historically true in their primary meaning. To deny this is to question the very trustworthiness of God’s Word.
Some readers approach the Bible with scepticism, believing only what fits within their own logic or experience. They doubt the miracles, question prophecy, and treat supernatural events as myths or legends. Such an attitude reduces the Bible to human speculation rather than divine revelation.
The Christian believer, however, starts from a different place, not from the limits of human reason, but from faith in a God who transcends creation. Because Scripture claims to be the inspired Word of God, we accept its statements as true, even when we cannot fully explain them.
The Lord Jesus said to Thomas, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me” (John 20:29 NLT). Faith does not depend on external proof; it trusts God’s Word as reliable in itself. Therefore, while the Bible includes figures of speech, it should always be interpreted as literally and historically true wherever the text intends literal meaning.
This principle is especially vital in the study of prophecy. Any interpretation that abandons the literal meaning of Scripture risks undermining faith itself. For that reason, prophetic passages must be approached with the same commitment to literal interpretation as any other part of the Bible.
- The Problem with Non-Literal Prophecy
This brings us to one of the major interpretive divides in Christian theology: Amillennialism, the view that denies a literal future reign of Christ on earth. Amillennial interpreters often treat biblical prophecies symbolically, suggesting they are fulfilled spiritually in the Church rather than physically and literally in Israel and the world.
But this approach raises serious concerns. The prophecies of Christ’s first coming: His birth in Bethlehem, His death on the cross, and His resurrection, were fulfilled literally, just as the prophets had foretold. Should we not, therefore, expect the prophecies of His second coming and kingdom reign to be fulfilled just as literally?
When we start interpreting prophecy symbolically, where does that process end? If prophecy can be spiritualised, why not the doctrines of salvation, resurrection, or even Christ’s divinity? Once Scripture’s literal truth is undermined in one area, the entire foundation of biblical authority is weakened and ultimately crumbles..
For this reason, we affirm that all Scripture is literally true in its primary meaning, even if that truth is sometimes conveyed through figurative expression.
- The Spiritual Application of Scripture
However, we must also recognise that Scripture’s purpose is not merely to inform the mind but to transform the heart, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16 ESV).
The Bible’s literal truth is the starting point for understanding, but not its endpoint. God gave His Word to bring us into relationship with Himself, and to instruct, convict, and comfort us. Every historical event and prophecy in Scripture ultimately points us toward Christ and the work of redemption.
In practice, this means we must learn how to apply every passage of Scripture spiritually, even when its primary meaning is literal and historical. The stories of God’s dealings with Israel in the Old Testament, for example, are real historical accounts, yet they also serve as types and examples for the Church today, “These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age” (1 Corinthians 10:11 NLT).
Likewise, the detailed descriptions of the tabernacle and sacrificial system, while true records of history, are types foreshadowing the person and work of Christ. The New Testament writers themselves frequently drew out such spiritual applications from Old Testament texts.
- The Principle of Double Reference
A key principle that helps us here is the law of double reference. This means that some Old Testament passages have both a primary, literal meaning for Israel and a secondary, spiritual application for the Church.
This does not mean that the Church replaces Israel in God’s plan, an error that has led many to embrace amillennial thinking. Rather, it means that while God’s purposes for Israel and the Church are distinct, we can learn spiritual lessons from His dealings with both, because His character and principles never change.
Romans chapters 9–11 clearly teach that Israel remains part of God’s redemptive plan and that His promises to them will be fulfilled. The spiritual blessings the Church receives, as God’s heavenly people, are not at the expense of Israel’s future restoration.
Conclusion: Holding Truth and Application Together
In summary, the Bible should always be interpreted as literally and historically true in its primary meaning, even when it uses figurative or symbolic language. Yet, for Scripture to truly shape our lives, we must also apply it spiritually, drawing lessons from its eternal truths that guide our faith, obedience, and hope.
When it comes to prophecy, then, we must avoid the temptation to spiritualise what God has plainly said. If the first coming of Christ was fulfilled literally, His second coming will be too. The God who spoke creation into existence will bring His Word to complete fulfilment, exactly as He promised.
Our task is to study His Word carefully, believe it fully, and live in light of its truth, “For the witness of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10 LSB).
(This article is based on Chapter 1 of the book, His Coming, titled “How literally should I interpret the Bible?”, by Malcolm C Davis.)
