It is my endeavour to re-visit the issue of the authority of Scripture because in my many dealings with many people this seems to be a fundamental problem. Sometimes I talk with people and after a while it seems as if we are almost talking about two different forms of the Christian faith. One that accepts and rests upon the Bible as revealed in the 66 books of the Bible and another which gives mental assent to the Bible but these people also seek additional revelations outside of Scripture, such as personal prophecies, dreams and personal opinions. A post-modern view regularly places one's personal opinion above the plain teaching of Scripture. The common expression can be heard; "That is your opinion but I don't agree!". Perhaps a question should be introduced instead, one which the apostle Paul asks in Romans 4:3: 'What does the Scripture say?'
It will be my aim to look briefly in the coming time, at a number of issues that impinge on the authority of Scripture. However the first step to solving a problem is to recognise that there is a problem. Let us ask ourselves: 'Do we accept the full and final authority of Scripture as revealed in the 66 books of the Bible? Are we willing to search the Scriptures concerning all matters of faith and practice? Do we submit to the plain teachings of Scripture, even when it contradicts our own opinions?
In conclusion for this first blog post on this subject, let us hear the teaching of Scripture in 2 Timothy 3:15-17 where Paul exhorts Timothy to pay heed to the written scriptures:
'... how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work'.
Let us make a New Year's resolution to commit ourselves and submit to, the authority of Scripture!
2 comments:
Hi Kevin,
I just found your blog, so I am catching up on all you're posts. I ran across your blog in a serch for comments on Prof. Volf's book "Allah" and I totally agree with your comments.
It's unfortunate that Prof. Volf will cause many to err in their faith with this book.
It is imperative that we "....contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3)
Regards,
Ken Burgess
Ken,
I have a book coming out by the grace of God in the Summer published by Wipf and Stock which critiques Volf and hetero-orthodox doctrines on the Trinity. It is called 'The Church as the Image of the Trinity'.
Warmly,
Kevin
Ps Where are you based?
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