Subtractive Clarity
Subjective Clarity reduces distortion and brings Scripture into focus.

How it works--three examples 
Research showed a few areas where simplicity would convey Bible prophecy more clearly.
  1. Simplifying the language
Academics and professors of theology use specialized vocabulary for their work.  Some of their research is excellent but conveyed in terms that are sometimes inaccessible to laypeople. Here are two examples: 

The quote: “To speak concretely of the intertrinitarian covenant with terms and conditions between Father and Son mutually endorsed before the foundation of the world is to extend the bounds of Scriptural evidence beyond propriety.”
Meaning: The Bible does not explicitly describe a formal covenant between the Father and the Son before creation.
 
Quote: “In considering the significance of the Old Testament Sabbath legislation for the New Testament believer, some distinction must be made between the abiding kernel of Old Testament realities and the temporary husk which surrounded them.”
Meaning:  We must distinguish between what remains permanent in the Old Testament and what was temporary.

       2.    Recognizing hedging language
In most works on apocalyptic literature every book is filled with a hundred hedging words such as: could be, might be, we think, the consensus is, possibly’s. This is not wrong in itself  but leads to differing interpretations and send a red flag to question what is fact and opinion.

For example, interpretations of passages such as “Babylon the Great” ) is the result of serious study. Some conclusions initiate serious reflection.  However we found 8 different interpretations from mainstream Christianity and authors. 
 
For Revelation, Daniel, and Ezekiel, we compare many versions of the same passage (up to 8 different religions or authors).  However, where the Bible is not explicit, these conclusions remain opinions until the text is fulfilled. This requires humility to accept. Seeing these differences allows learners to come to their own informed conclusions.

  • Asking the right questions
Instead of asking, “What system does this fit?” or “How can it support the doctrine of (…)?” we ask, What does the text actually say on its own terms?  What is the unadulterated message? What principles can I learn from the prophecy?  What is the context that initiated the prophecy? How does God want me to act on this information?

This reduces the noise so the meaning becomes clearer, not more complex. 

A simple illustration: see Rembrandt comment

The aim
Prophecy is to be understood within its own unfolding narrative, and then acted upon. 

​Deuteronomy 30:11–14… 11 For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you, neither is it far off… it is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.
​
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Subtractive Clarity, a sterling example
A tarnished Rembrandt was once mistaken for a student’s work until the layers of old varnish and paint were stripped away and it became a masterpiece of light.

Prophecy is often obscured by frameworks, religious bias, and doctrinal interpretations. When removed, prophecy also becomes a masterpiece of  spiritual light.
What subtractive clarity is not
  • the rejection of study or scholarship
  • the denial of differing views
  • the simplification of Scripture at the expense of depth
Removing unnecessary layers often clarifies meaning and helps prevent drifting away from Scripture. 

What it produces
  • clearer reading and understanding of prophetic passages
  • stronger confidence in what is explicitly stated
  • a more unified view of the biblical narrative
  • a clear message understood by families, teens, newly interested one


Simplicity: clarity that reduces distortion and brings Scripture into focus.