This might be helpful for those of you who are trying to learn how to interpret various texts faithfully. It is taken from McCartney and Clayton's Let the Reader Understand: A Guide to Interpretting and Applying the Bible.
1. Generally, the NT cites from the Septuagint, but not exclusively. Thus, we have warrant for using translations.
2. Often introductory formulas are used, such as "it is written" or "the Holy Spirit says," indicating that (OT) Scripture confirms NT revelation, and that the OT is therefore prophetic in character. Thus, the NT indicates a high regard for Scripture as God's speech.
3. The NT treats OT events as genuine history, constitutive for the present state of affairs. Thus, the NT warrants a grammatical-historical method.
4. History is understood as being under divine control; it is going somewhere. God accomplishes salvation in history. Thus, we look for a redemptive-historical meaning.
5. OT history is understood as indicating where it was going. Thus, the OT should be understood typologically and eschatologically.
6. As in the OT, man is regarded both individually and corporately (the body of Christ) in the NT. Thus, we apply a covenantal understanding.
7. Christ fulfills the role and character of the corporate entities, mankind (Adam) and Israel (see Heb. 2:8; Rom. 5; 1 Cor. 15:27), and thus those who are united to him become the true Israel (Gal. 6:16; Phil. 3:3) and the perfect man (Eph. 4:13; Col. 1:28). Thus, Scripture is interpreted Christocentrically and ecclesiologically.
8. Scripture is regarded as a mystery that is now revealed (Mark 4:11; Eph. 3:3), an "uncovered secret." Thus, we use an expositional method. (pp.68-69)
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