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R.A. Torrey
Reuben Archer Torrey (1856 - 1928). American evangelist, pastor, and author born in Hoboken, New Jersey, to a wealthy family. Converted at 15, he graduated from Yale in 1875 and Yale Divinity School in 1878, later earning a D.D. Ordained a Congregationalist in 1878, he pastored in Ohio before leading Chicago’s Moody Church (1883-1889). As superintendent of Moody Bible Institute (1889-1908), he trained thousands of lay ministers. Torrey preached globally with song leader Charles Alexander, drawing 100,000 converts in Australia alone (1902). He authored over 40 books, including How to Pray (1900), and edited The Fundamentals (1910-1915), shaping early fundamentalism. In 1912, he became dean of Biola University, expanding its reach. Married to Clara Smith in 1879, they had five children. His Keswick-inspired teachings on the Holy Spirit influenced Pentecostalism. Torrey’s clear, practical sermons remain widely read, impacting evangelical theology and revivalism.
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Sermon Summary
R.A. Torrey emphasizes the critical principles of biblical interpretation, urging believers to first align their hearts with God through surrender. He stresses the importance of seeking the true intent of Scripture rather than personal desires, and highlights the necessity of using accurate texts and understanding the precise meanings of words. Torrey advocates for interpreting verses in context, considering the author's intent, and recognizing the distinctions between different audiences in the Bible. He concludes by affirming that the Holy Spirit serves as the ultimate guide in understanding Scripture.
Principles of Biblical Interpretation
from Dr. R. A. Torrey’s The Importance and Value of Proper Bible Study (New York: George H. Doran Co., 1921), pp. 55-90. 1. Get absolutely right with God yourself by the absolute surrender of your will to Him. 2. Be determined to find out just what God intended to teach and not what you wish Him to teach. 3. Get the most accurate text. 4. Find the most exact and literal meaning of the text. 5. Note the exact force of each word used. 6. Interpret the words used in any verse according to Bible usage. 7. Interpret the words of each author in the Bible with a regard to the particular usage of that author. 8. Interpret individual verses with a regard to the context. 9. Interpret individual passages in the light of parallel or related passages. 10. Interpret obscure passages in the light of passages that are perfectly plain. 11. Interpret any passage in the Bible as those who were addressed would have understood it. 12. Interpret what belongs to the Christian as belonging to the Christian; what belongs to the Jew, as belonging to the Jew, and what belongs to the Gentiles, as belonging to the Gentiles. 13. Interpret each writer with a view to the opinions the writer opposed. 14. Interpret poetry as poetry and interpret prose as prose. 15. The Holy Spirit is the best interpreter of the Bible.
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Reuben Archer Torrey (1856 - 1928). American evangelist, pastor, and author born in Hoboken, New Jersey, to a wealthy family. Converted at 15, he graduated from Yale in 1875 and Yale Divinity School in 1878, later earning a D.D. Ordained a Congregationalist in 1878, he pastored in Ohio before leading Chicago’s Moody Church (1883-1889). As superintendent of Moody Bible Institute (1889-1908), he trained thousands of lay ministers. Torrey preached globally with song leader Charles Alexander, drawing 100,000 converts in Australia alone (1902). He authored over 40 books, including How to Pray (1900), and edited The Fundamentals (1910-1915), shaping early fundamentalism. In 1912, he became dean of Biola University, expanding its reach. Married to Clara Smith in 1879, they had five children. His Keswick-inspired teachings on the Holy Spirit influenced Pentecostalism. Torrey’s clear, practical sermons remain widely read, impacting evangelical theology and revivalism.