RELIGION FOUR SENSES OF SCRIPTURE

Literal Sense

The sense that helps us discover facts, people, events, and the basic meaning of the text.

Allegorical Sense

The sense that looks for deeper meanings and shows how details point to Christ.

Moral Sense

The sense that teaches us how to act and live according to Jesus’ teachings.

Anagogical Sense

The sense that helps us see how Scripture points us toward Heaven and eternal life.

Genesis 2:8-9, 15-17 (Allegorical)

The garden represents God’s fatherly love and care.

Genesis 3:4-9 (Allegorical)

God calls out to Adam and Eve, showing He still loves us and desires closeness with us even when we sin.

Genesis 2:8-9, 15-17 (Moral)

God entrusted us with creation, so we have a duty to care for it.

Genesis 3:3-9 (Moral)

When we sin, God still loves us; instead of giving up, we should get up and try to do better.

Genesis 1:26 (Anagogical)

Because we are made in God’s image and Jesus became human, we can share in eternal life.

Genesis 3:15, 24 (Anagogical)

Following Jesus leads us toward redemption and eternal life with God.

Luke 14:7-14 Literal

Do not flaunt your own importance; be humble and charitable.

Luke 14:7-14 Allegorical

Shows how we can become selfish or self-important, putting our desires above others’.

Luke 14:7-14 Moral

Jesus calls us to humility, compassion, charity, and giving without expecting anything in return.

Luke 14:7-14 Anagogical

Being humble and compassionate guides us on the path to salvation and eternal life.

Importance of the Beatitudes

They show the qualities of ideal followers of Jesus and help us understand how God wants us to live.

Blessed are the poor in spirit

Theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are the meek

They shall possess the land.

Blessed are they who mourn

They shall be comforted.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice

They shall have their fill.

Blessed are the merciful

They shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the clean of heart

They shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers

They shall be called the children of God.

Blessed are they who suffer persecution for justice’ sake

Theirs is the kingdom of heaven.