The Bible Interprets the Bible
Written by Chester Estes
Reviewed by Nathan Battey
Chester Estes was a Church of Christ preacher who believed in the inerrancy of Scripture and desired that men would study the Bible for themselves rather than follow the errant teachings of men. In lieu of this desire, he wrote this book in which he points out some basic rules of interpretation and then demonstrates how to apply those rules by addressing several Bible topics that man has made difficult.
Is salvation by faith alone? What is the purpose or role of the Church? Is there one true church and if so how could it ever be found? Is baptism necessary for the remission of sins? What does it mean to repent of past sins, and what is every person supposed to confess? These and many other great questions with which we are confronted on a daily basis are answered from Scripture in a way that can be understood by the average Bible student while at the same time provoking even the advanced student to further study.
I recently ran across this gem in a library that I purchased; I was unfamiliar with it up to that point. In asking several Gospel preachers about this book I discovered that few if any had ever heard of it though they did know the author. How this book has slipped by so many for so long I do not know, but I hope it can be brought to the attention of brethren far and wide. I have found it very refreshing and have gained several practical insights that I plan to use in discussing the Church and salvation in both my preaching and personal work.