Biblical Inerrancy. The Meaning of Inerrancy “The inerrancy of Scripture means that Scripture in...

The Authority of ScriptureThe Authority of Scripture

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Five Primary Views:Five Primary Views:

1.1. Sola EcclesiaSola Ecclesia

2.2. Prima ScripturaPrima Scriptura

3.3. Regula FideiRegula Fidei

4.4. Sola ScripturaSola Scriptura

5.5. Solo Solo ScripturaScriptura

2 Thessalonians 2:14-152 Thessalonians 2:14-15 – –““To this he called you through our gospel, so that To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers, stand firm and So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the hold to the traditionstraditions that you were taught by us, either by our that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.”spoken word or by our letter.” 2 Thessalonians 3:62 Thessalonians 3:6 – – ““Now we command you, brothers, in the name of Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with accord with the traditionthe tradition that you received from that you received from us.”us.”

AuthorityAuthorityTradition 1Tradition 1 A “summary” of Christian orthodoxy that A “summary” of Christian orthodoxy that has been held by the Church since its has been held by the Church since its inception. It is infallible only because it inception. It is infallible only because it accurately represents Scripture. If it does accurately represents Scripture. If it does not accurately represent Scripture, it is not not accurately represent Scripture, it is not true Tradition. Therefore, it is subject to the true Tradition. Therefore, it is subject to the Scripture. Often referred to as the Scripture. Often referred to as the regula regula fidei fidei or or Rule of Faith.Rule of Faith.

AuthorityAuthorityTradition 2Tradition 2

An infallible unwritten body of material that An infallible unwritten body of material that contains information beyond that which is contains information beyond that which is contained in Scripture (e.g. Marian dogmas, contained in Scripture (e.g. Marian dogmas, infallibility of the pope). This Tradition began with infallibility of the pope). This Tradition began with the Apostles’ teaching and is passed on through a the Apostles’ teaching and is passed on through a succession of bishops. It is only revealed when succession of bishops. It is only revealed when issues arise that make it necessary for a pope or a issues arise that make it necessary for a pope or a council to speak authoritatively from this “deposit” council to speak authoritatively from this “deposit” of information. Often referred to as “living of information. Often referred to as “living Tradition.” Tradition.”

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Sola EcclesiaSola Ecclesia:: Belief that Tradition, represented Belief that Tradition, represented by the magisterial authority of the by the magisterial authority of the Roman Catholic Church, is Roman Catholic Church, is infallible and equal to Scripture infallible and equal to Scripture as a basis for doctrine; it is the as a basis for doctrine; it is the final authority in all matters of final authority in all matters of faith and practice since it must faith and practice since it must define and interpret Scripture.define and interpret Scripture.

Adherents:Adherents: Roman CatholicsRoman CatholicsTradition:Tradition: Tradition 2Tradition 2Alternate name:Alternate name: Dual-source theoryDual-source theory

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ScriptureScriptureTraditionTradition

ExperienceExperience

General RevelationGeneral Revelation

ReasonReason

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Trend in Roman Catholic ChurchTrend in Roman Catholic Church

The two-source theory was eventually The two-source theory was eventually made official church dogma at the Council made official church dogma at the Council of Trent (1545-1563).of Trent (1545-1563).

Rome is gradually moving toward a one-Rome is gradually moving toward a one-source concept of revelation…source concept of revelation…

……but the one source of revelation is the but the one source of revelation is the Roman magisterium. Roman magisterium.

Keith MathisonKeith Mathison ( (After Darkness, LightAfter Darkness, Light) )

““What these churches do not seem to What these churches do not seem to understand is that a claim to greater understand is that a claim to greater authority than that of Scripture is a claim to authority than that of Scripture is a claim to greater authority than that of God. Such a greater authority than that of God. Such a claim is nothing short of blasphemy. If claim is nothing short of blasphemy. If Scripture truly is the word of almighty God, Scripture truly is the word of almighty God, then the issue of final authority is settled.”then the issue of final authority is settled.”

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AuthorityAuthorityPrima ScripturaPrima Scriptura:: Belief that the Body of Christ Belief that the Body of Christ

has two separate sources of has two separate sources of authority for faith and practice: authority for faith and practice: 1) the Scriptures and 2) Tradition. 1) the Scriptures and 2) Tradition. Scripture is the primary source Scripture is the primary source for authority, but by itself it is for authority, but by itself it is insufficient for all matters of faith insufficient for all matters of faith and practice. Tradition also and practice. Tradition also contains essential elements contains essential elements needed for the productive needed for the productive Christian life.Christian life.

Adherents:Adherents: Some Roman Catholics, some Some Roman Catholics, some Eastern Orthodox, some Eastern Orthodox, some Protestants. Protestants.

Tradition:Tradition: Tradition 2Tradition 2

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ScriptureScriptureTraditionTradition



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Regula fideiRegula fidei:: Lit. “Rule of faith.” Belief that Lit. “Rule of faith.” Belief that tradition is an infallible “summary” tradition is an infallible “summary” of Scripture passed on through of Scripture passed on through apostolic succession. Ultimately, apostolic succession. Ultimately, there is only one source of there is only one source of revelation, but two sources of revelation, but two sources of authority. In other words, authority. In other words, Tradition is Scripture.Tradition is Scripture.

Adherents:Adherents: Eastern Orthodoxy, early Church, Eastern Orthodoxy, early Church, some evangelicals.some evangelicals.


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ScriptureScriptureTradition=Tradition=



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Sola ScripturaSola Scriptura:: Belief that Scripture is the final Belief that Scripture is the final and only infallible authority for and only infallible authority for the Christian in all matters of faith the Christian in all matters of faith and practice. (one source)and practice. (one source)

Adherents:Adherents: Evangelicals, ReformersEvangelicals, Reformers


Sola ScripturaSola Scriptura

Luther and the Reformers did not mean Luther and the Reformers did not mean that the Bible is the only authority in the that the Bible is the only authority in the church. Rather, they meant that the Bible church. Rather, they meant that the Bible is the only is the only infallibleinfallible authority in the church. authority in the church.

Example: Respect for great councils of Example: Respect for great councils of Nicea, Ephesus, Chalcedon, and Nicea, Ephesus, Chalcedon, and ConstantinopleConstantinople

Example: Calvin’s admiration of Example: Calvin’s admiration of Augustine Augustine

Sola ScripturaSola Scriptura

Sola fideSola fide – faith alone, but a faith that is – faith alone, but a faith that is not alone. not alone. Works testify of faith. Works testify of faith.

Sola scripturaSola scriptura – scripture alone, but – scripture alone, but scripture that is not alone. scripture that is not alone. Traditions of Councils, Creeds, and the Traditions of Councils, Creeds, and the

Fathers guide our interpretation. Fathers guide our interpretation.

R. C. SproulR. C. Sproul – –

““Protestant churches have tended to be Protestant churches have tended to be confessional in character. Subscription to confessional in character. Subscription to confessions and creeds has been confessions and creeds has been mandatory for the clergy and parish of many mandatory for the clergy and parish of many denominations. Confessions have been denominations. Confessions have been used as a test of orthodoxy and conformity used as a test of orthodoxy and conformity to the faith and practice of the church. But to the faith and practice of the church. But the confessions are all regarded as the confessions are all regarded as reformable. They are considered reformable reformable. They are considered reformable because they are considered fallible.”because they are considered fallible.”

Keith MathisonKeith Mathison, ,

speaking of the Apostles’ Creed – speaking of the Apostles’ Creed –

““The Creed was essentially a continuation of the The Creed was essentially a continuation of the regula fideiregula fidei, expressing the same truths in a fuller , expressing the same truths in a fuller way.” way.”

Michael HortonMichael Horton – –

““Although the Reformation sought to purge the Although the Reformation sought to purge the church of medieval superstitions and additions to church of medieval superstitions and additions to apostolic Christianity, the Reformers staunchly apostolic Christianity, the Reformers staunchly defended the Nicene and Apostles’ Creeds defended the Nicene and Apostles’ Creeds as as necessarynecessary for genuine Christian profession.” for genuine Christian profession.”

Deposit Deposit of Faithof FaithDeposit Deposit of Faithof Faith

Age of the Age of the ApostlesApostles

“. . . contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.”

—Jude 1:3

Age of the Age of the ChurchChurch

Sola ScripturaSola ScripturaSola ScripturaSola Scriptura

400 AD 1000 AD

ChurchChurchUnwritten tradition (paradosis)/

summary of the Gospel message

ScriptureScriptureWritten Infallible Tradition

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Solo Solo ScripturaScriptura:: Belief that Scripture is the sole Belief that Scripture is the sole basis and authority in the life of basis and authority in the life of the Christian. Tradition is useless the Christian. Tradition is useless and misleading, and creeds and and misleading, and creeds and confessions are the result of confessions are the result of man-made traditions.man-made traditions.

Adherents:Adherents: Fundamentalism, Restoration Fundamentalism, Restoration Churches (radical reformers)Churches (radical reformers)

Tradition:Tradition: None (or Tradition 0) None (or Tradition 0)

Deposit Deposit of Faithof FaithDeposit Deposit of Faithof Faith

Age of the Age of the ApostlesApostles

“. . . contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.”

—Jude 1:3

Age of the Age of the ChurchChurch

SoloSolo Scriptura ScripturaSoloSolo Scriptura Scriptura

400 AD 1000 AD

ScriptureScriptureWritten Infallible Tradition

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Alexander CampbellAlexander Campbell, ,

Founder of the Disciples of ChristFounder of the Disciples of Christ

“I have endeavored to read the Scriptures as though no one has read them before me, and I am as much on my guard against reading them today, through the medium of my own views yesterday, or a week ago, as I am against being influenced by any foreign name, authority system whatever.”

Radical ReformersRadical Reformers

The radical Reformers believed that the The radical Reformers believed that the classical Reformers had not gone far classical Reformers had not gone far enough in their application of the principle of enough in their application of the principle of sola Scripturasola Scriptura. According to the radical . According to the radical Reformers, the classical Reformers were Reformers, the classical Reformers were making a mistake by continuing to adhere to making a mistake by continuing to adhere to the creedal formulations of the ancient the creedal formulations of the ancient church. church.

Keith MathisonKeith Mathison - - “ “Tradition 0 was used during the Tradition 0 was used during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to deny every fundamental doctrine of deny every fundamental doctrine of Christianity, including the Trinity, the deity of Christianity, including the Trinity, the deity of Christ, the inspiration of Scripture, the Christ, the inspiration of Scripture, the Resurrection, and the Atonement.”Resurrection, and the Atonement.” “ “If we adopt the individualistic doctrine of If we adopt the individualistic doctrine of Tradition 0, it is not possible to settle any Tradition 0, it is not possible to settle any debate because the final authority is each debate because the final authority is each individual.”individual.”

Sola Sola EcclesiEcclesi

aa

Prima Prima ScripturaScriptura

Sola Sola ScriptuScriptu

rara

Solo Solo ScriptuScriptu

rara

Absolute Absolute IndividualismIndividualism

Absolute Absolute AuthoritarianismAuthoritarianism

Individualistic Individualistic Respect for Respect for

AuthorityAuthority

Regula Regula fideifidei

Dual-source view of authority and

revelation

Single-source view of authority and

revelation


aa



rara


rara




AuthorityAuthority

Roman Roman CatholicismCatholicism

Eastern Eastern OrthodoxyOrthodoxy

Reformed Reformed (Protestants)(Protestants)

Radical Radical (Protestants)(Protestants)

Dual- source view of authority and

revelation

Single-source view of authority and

revelation




rara


rara




AuthorityAuthority

High View of High View of ScriptureScripture

Supreme View Supreme View of Traditionof Tradition

Supreme View of Supreme View of ScriptureScripture

Low View of Low View of TraditionTradition

Scripture is the primary and only infallible authority for the Christian in all matters of faith and practice. Tradition, as represented by the Church, is important and useful, but not paramount and infallible.

Tradition is true to the degree that it agrees with Scripture.

Tradition, represented by the magisterial authority of the Roman Catholic Church, is infallible and equal to Scripture as a basis for

doctrine; it is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice since it must define and interpret Scripture.

Scripture is the sole basis and authority in the life of the

Christian; Tradition is useless and misleading. Creeds and confessions are the result of

man-made traditions.


aa




rara


rara




AuthorityAuthority

Roman Roman CatholicismCatholicism

Eastern Eastern OrthodoxyOrthodoxy

Reformed Reformed (Protestants)(Protestants)

Radical Radical (Protestants)(Protestants)

Early Church Through ReformationCatholic Counter-

ReformationRadical

Reformation


aa




rara


rara

Bible ChurchesBible ChurchesAnglicansAnglicans

Independent ChurchesIndependent ChurchesLutheransLutherans

BaptistsBaptists

PresbyteriansPresbyterians

MethodistsMethodistsEastern OrthodoxEastern Orthodox

Roman CatholicRoman Catholic

Church of ChristChurch of Christ

Disciples of ChristDisciples of Christ


aa


ReformedReformed

Summary ConclusionsSummary Conclusions

Keith MathisonKeith Mathison, ,

The Shape of Sola ScripturaThe Shape of Sola Scriptura

““Like the Reformers, our battle must be Like the Reformers, our battle must be on on two frontstwo fronts. Just as they had to . Just as they had to combat the Roman Catholic position combat the Roman Catholic position which effectively made the which effectively made the Church Church autonomousautonomous and the Radical and the Radical Anabaptist position which effectively Anabaptist position which effectively made the made the individual autonomousindividual autonomous, so we , so we too must combat both of these too must combat both of these defective views.”defective views.”

MathisonMathison – –

““Each [of these views] results in Each [of these views] results in autonomy. Each results in final autonomy. Each results in final authority being placed somewhere authority being placed somewhere other than God and His Word.”other than God and His Word.”


““We must continue to stand firm against We must continue to stand firm against [the] view which ultimately results in a [the] view which ultimately results in a Church which is a law unto itselfChurch which is a law unto itself. But we . But we must also take a strong stand against those must also take a strong stand against those Protestants whose view ultimately results in Protestants whose view ultimately results in each man being a law unto himselfeach man being a law unto himself. Both . Both positions are a deadly poison in the body of positions are a deadly poison in the body of Christ, and both are condemned not only by Christ, and both are condemned not only by Scripture itself, but also by the witness of the Scripture itself, but also by the witness of the communion of saints throughout the history communion of saints throughout the history of the Church.”of the Church.”

The Down Side of Enlightenment The Down Side of Enlightenment Thought in Early AmericaThought in Early America

Anabaptistic individualismAnabaptistic individualism Enlightenment rationalismEnlightenment rationalism Democratic populism (belief in the rights Democratic populism (belief in the rights

and wisdom of the common people)and wisdom of the common people)

American ChristianityAmerican Christianity

Nathan HatchNathan Hatch – –

The Democratization of American ChristianityThe Democratization of American Christianity

““Above all, the American Revolution dramatically Above all, the American Revolution dramatically expanded the circle of people who considered expanded the circle of people who considered themselves capable of thinking for themselves themselves capable of thinking for themselves about issues of freedom, equality, sovereignty, and about issues of freedom, equality, sovereignty, and representation. Respect for authority, tradition, representation. Respect for authority, tradition, station, and education eroded.”station, and education eroded.”


““In a culture that increasingly balked at In a culture that increasingly balked at vested interests, symbols of hierarchy, and vested interests, symbols of hierarchy, and timeless authorities, a remarkable number of timeless authorities, a remarkable number of people awoke one morning to find it self-people awoke one morning to find it self-evident that the priesthood of all believers evident that the priesthood of all believers meant just that—meant just that—religion of, by and for the religion of, by and for the peoplepeople.”.”


““Taking seriously the mandate of liberty and Taking seriously the mandate of liberty and equality, the Christians espoused reform in equality, the Christians espoused reform in three areas. three areas. FirstFirst, they called for a , they called for a revolution within the church to place laity revolution within the church to place laity and clergy on an equal footing and to exalt and clergy on an equal footing and to exalt the conscience of the individual over the the conscience of the individual over the collective will of any congregation or church collective will of any congregation or church organization.”organization.”

““SecondSecond, they rejected the traditions of , they rejected the traditions of learned theology altogether and called for a learned theology altogether and called for a new view of history that welcomed inquiry new view of history that welcomed inquiry and innovation.and innovation.

““FinallyFinally, they called for a populist , they called for a populist hermeneutic premised on the inalienable hermeneutic premised on the inalienable right of every person to understand the New right of every person to understand the New Testament for him or herself.”Testament for him or herself.”

American ChristianityAmerican Christianity The Unitarian Noah Worchester argued The Unitarian Noah Worchester argued

that Christians would reject the doctrine of that Christians would reject the doctrine of the Trinity if they would simply study the the Trinity if they would simply study the Scriptures apart from the creeds of the Scriptures apart from the creeds of the Church.Church.

Charles Beecher denounced “creed Charles Beecher denounced “creed power” and called for “the Bible, the whole power” and called for “the Bible, the whole Bible, and nothing but the Bible.”Bible, and nothing but the Bible.”

But not all Americans adopted Tradition 0. But not all Americans adopted Tradition 0. Charles Hodge (1797 – 1878).Charles Hodge (1797 – 1878).

Scriptural Problems with Scriptural Problems with Tradition 0Tradition 0

Acts 15:1Acts 15:1 - -

““But some men came down from Judea and But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, ‘Unless you are were teaching the brothers, ‘Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.’" Moses, you cannot be saved.’" Response: The Council at JerusalemResponse: The Council at Jerusalem


““The Apostles did not tell every The Apostles did not tell every individual believer to take their Bible individual believer to take their Bible and decide by themselves and for and decide by themselves and for themselves whether the Judaizers were themselves whether the Judaizers were correct. On the contrary, they gathered correct. On the contrary, they gathered in a council as a body and discerned in a council as a body and discerned the truth of the matter.”the truth of the matter.”

Hermeneutical Problems with Hermeneutical Problems with Tradition 0Tradition 0


““The doctrine of solo The doctrine of solo scripturascriptura, despite its claims to , despite its claims to uniquely preserve the authority of the Word of uniquely preserve the authority of the Word of God, destroys that authority by making the God, destroys that authority by making the meaning of Scripture dependent upon the meaning of Scripture dependent upon the judgment of each individual. Rather than the Word judgment of each individual. Rather than the Word of God being the one final court of appeal, the of God being the one final court of appeal, the court of appeal becomes the multiplied minds of court of appeal becomes the multiplied minds of each believer.”each believer.”

Historical Problems with Historical Problems with Tradition 0Tradition 0

Large segments of the Church have been Large segments of the Church have been illiterate or without a Bible—for centuries.illiterate or without a Bible—for centuries.

For these believers, the practice of solo For these believers, the practice of solo scripturascriptura would have been impossible. would have been impossible.

Solo Solo scripturascriptura requires an anachronistic requires an anachronistic reading of modern conditions back into reading of modern conditions back into periods of history when those conditions periods of history when those conditions did not exist.did not exist.

Theological Problems with Theological Problems with Tradition 0Tradition 0

Adherents to solo Adherents to solo scripturascriptura cannot cannot authoritatively define the canon. authoritatively define the canon. The canon was confirmed by church councils.The canon was confirmed by church councils.

Solo Solo scripturascriptura reduces the essential reduces the essential doctrines of the church to no more than doctrines of the church to no more than opinion.opinion. The Nicene doctrine of the Trinity and the The Nicene doctrine of the Trinity and the

Chalcedonian doctrine of Christ are no more Chalcedonian doctrine of Christ are no more authoritative than the doctrinal ideas of any authoritative than the doctrinal ideas of any opinionated Christian. opinionated Christian.

Practical Problems Practical Problems with Tradition 0with Tradition 0

Leads to schism and factionalismLeads to schism and factionalism It’s the ecclesiastical equivalent of a nation It’s the ecclesiastical equivalent of a nation

with a constitution but no court of law to with a constitution but no court of law to interpret that constitution.interpret that constitution.

It negates the duty to submit to those who It negates the duty to submit to those who rule over you. rule over you.


““Scripture was given to the Church within a certain Scripture was given to the Church within a certain pre-existing doctrinal context that had been pre-existing doctrinal context that had been preached by the Apostles for decades. Solo preached by the Apostles for decades. Solo scripturascriptura denies the necessity of that context, and denies the necessity of that context, and it denies the necessity of that Church. In doing so it denies the necessity of that Church. In doing so it denies Christ who established that Church and it denies Christ who established that Church and who taught that doctrine to His disciples. It is who taught that doctrine to His disciples. It is rebellion in the name of God against the authority rebellion in the name of God against the authority of God for the sake of preserving the authority of of God for the sake of preserving the authority of man.”man.”

Sola Scriptura Sola Scriptura and Limited Inerrancyand Limited Inerrancy

Is Is sola Scripturasola Scriptura compatible with a view of compatible with a view of Scripture that limits inerrancy to matters of Scripture that limits inerrancy to matters of faith and practice?faith and practice?

No, there are problems.No, there are problems.

Problems with Limited InerrancyProblems with Limited Inerrancy

Results in “canon reduction”Results in “canon reduction” What parts of Scripture deal with faith?What parts of Scripture deal with faith?

What becomes of history in the Bible?What becomes of history in the Bible? How do we escape dehistoricizing the gospel?How do we escape dehistoricizing the gospel?

What do we do with John 3:12?What do we do with John 3:12? Christ to Nicodemus: “If I have told you earthly Christ to Nicodemus: “If I have told you earthly

things and you do not believe, how can you things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things?”believe if I tell you heavenly things?”

Other Canon ReductionOther Canon Reduction

Subtraction of the Old Testament in Subtraction of the Old Testament in general and the law of God in particulargeneral and the law of God in particular

Sproul, “Perhaps we are living in the most Sproul, “Perhaps we are living in the most antinomian period in church history. It is a antinomian period in church history. It is a time when attention to the law of God is time when attention to the law of God is not considered all that important. This not considered all that important. This represents a pernicious form of canon represents a pernicious form of canon reductionism.” reductionism.”

There are no serious attempts today to There are no serious attempts today to add books to the Bible.add books to the Bible.

Neopentecostal theology often views Neopentecostal theology often views messages delivered in tongues or the messages delivered in tongues or the utterance of “prophecy” as new forms of utterance of “prophecy” as new forms of revelation.revelation.

Pat Robertson routinely gets a “word of Pat Robertson routinely gets a “word of knowledge.”knowledge.” ““Someone in Topeka is right this moment Someone in Topeka is right this moment

being healed of a goiter.”being healed of a goiter.”

Canon AdditionCanon Addition

Canon AdditionCanon Addition

Oral Roberts told the nation that God had Oral Roberts told the nation that God had revealed to him that his life would be taken revealed to him that his life would be taken if he didn’t receive a large amount of if he didn’t receive a large amount of money in donations.money in donations.

Some Christian leaders have claimed that Some Christian leaders have claimed that God has “spoken to them.”God has “spoken to them.”

Some people say that a message from Some people say that a message from God has been “laid on their heart.”God has been “laid on their heart.”

Two Views on the Defense of Two Views on the Defense of InerrancyInerrancy

The Presuppositional MethodThe Presuppositional Method The Evidentialist MethodThe Evidentialist Method

The Presuppositional MethodThe Presuppositional Method

Presupposes (assumes) that inerrancy is Presupposes (assumes) that inerrancy is true and that a rational defense of it ought true and that a rational defense of it ought not to be made, even if it could be madenot to be made, even if it could be made

Argues that the Bible is self-authenticatingArgues that the Bible is self-authenticating Adherents: Cornelius Van Til and Gordon Adherents: Cornelius Van Til and Gordon

ClarkClark Criticized for circular reasoning; other Criticized for circular reasoning; other

books claim divine inspirationbooks claim divine inspiration

The Presuppositional MethodThe Presuppositional Method

Premise APremise A: The Bible is the infallible : The Bible is the infallible Word of God.Word of God.

Premise BPremise B: The Bible attests to its own : The Bible attests to its own infallibility.infallibility.

Premise CPremise C: The self-attestation of : The self-attestation of Scripture is an infallible attestation.Scripture is an infallible attestation.

ConclusionConclusion: The Bible is the infallible : The Bible is the infallible Word of God.Word of God.

The Evidentialist MethodThe Evidentialist Method

Evidentialists affirm the validity of the Evidentialists affirm the validity of the arguments for the existence of God and arguments for the existence of God and the truth of the Bible.the truth of the Bible.

Adherents: Thomas Aquinas, Charles Adherents: Thomas Aquinas, Charles Hodge, John Gerstner, R. C. SproulHodge, John Gerstner, R. C. Sproul


Premise APremise A: The Bible is a basically : The Bible is a basically reliable and trustworthy document (the reliable and trustworthy document (the claim of inerrancy is not necessary)claim of inerrancy is not necessary)

Premise BPremise B: On the basis of this reliable : On the basis of this reliable document we have sufficient evidence to document we have sufficient evidence to believe confidently that Jesus Christ is the believe confidently that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.Son of God.

Premise CPremise C: Jesus Christ being the Son of : Jesus Christ being the Son of God is an infallible authority.God is an infallible authority.


Premise DPremise D: Jesus Christ teaches that the : Jesus Christ teaches that the Bible is more than generally trustworthy: Bible is more than generally trustworthy: it is the very Word of God.it is the very Word of God.

Premise EPremise E: That the word, in that it : That the word, in that it comes from God, is utterly trustworthy comes from God, is utterly trustworthy because God is utterly trustworthy.because God is utterly trustworthy.

ConclusionConclusion: On the basis of the infallible : On the basis of the infallible authority of Jesus Christ, the Church authority of Jesus Christ, the Church believes the Bible to be utterly trustworthy.believes the Bible to be utterly trustworthy.

Is the Bible Sufficient?Is the Bible Sufficient?

James Montgomery BoiceJames Montgomery Boice - -

Whatever Happened to theWhatever Happened to the Gospel of Gospel of Grace?Grace?

““Today we confess the Bible’s authority, but Today we confess the Bible’s authority, but we discount its ability to do what is we discount its ability to do what is necessary to draw unbelievers to Christ, necessary to draw unbelievers to Christ, enable us to grow in godliness, provide enable us to grow in godliness, provide direction for our lives, and transform and direction for our lives, and transform and revitalize society.”revitalize society.”

Unworthy Substitutes for the Unworthy Substitutes for the Word’s SufficiencyWord’s Sufficiency

Captivating music, moving testimonies, Captivating music, moving testimonies, emotional appealsemotional appeals

““signs and wonders”signs and wonders” healingshealings

The Cambridge DeclarationThe Cambridge Declaration

““In practice, the church is guided, far too In practice, the church is guided, far too often, by the culture. Therapeutic often, by the culture. Therapeutic technique, marketing strategies, and the technique, marketing strategies, and the beat of the entertainment world often have beat of the entertainment world often have far more to say about what the church far more to say about what the church wants, how it functions and what if offers, wants, how it functions and what if offers, than does the Word of God.” than does the Word of God.”

Sufficiency of the BibleSufficiency of the Bible2 Timothy 32 Timothy 3““[1] But understand this, that in the last days there [1] But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. [2] For people will be will come times of difficulty. [2] For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, [3] heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, unholy, [3] heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, [4] without self-control, brutal, not loving good, [4] treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, [5] having of pleasure rather than lovers of God, [5] having the appearance of godliness, but denying its the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.”power. Avoid such people.”

Sufficiency of the BibleSufficiency of the Bible2 Timothy 32 Timothy 3““[1] But understand this, that in the last days there [1] But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. [2] For people will be will come times of difficulty. [2] For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, [3] heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, unholy, [3] heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, [4] without self-control, brutal, not loving good, [4] treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, [5] of pleasure rather than lovers of God, [5] having having the appearance of godliness, but denying its the appearance of godliness, but denying its power.power. Avoid such people.” Avoid such people.”

2 Timothy 32 Timothy 3““[14] But as for you, continue in what you [14] But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it [15] and knowing from whom you learned it [15] and how from childhood you have been how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. [16] All through faith in Christ Jesus. [16] All Scripture is breathed out by God and Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, correction, and for training in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be competent, [17] that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”equipped for every good work.”

2 Timothy 32 Timothy 3““[14] But as for you, continue in what you [14] But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it [15] and knowing from whom you learned it [15] and how from childhood you have been how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, acquainted with the sacred writings, which which are able to make you wise for salvation are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesusthrough faith in Christ Jesus. [16] All . [16] All Scripture is breathed out by God and Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, correction, and for training in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be competent, [17] that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”equipped for every good work.”

The Bible is Sufficient…The Bible is Sufficient…

……for Evangelismfor Evangelism ……for Sanctificationfor Sanctification ……for Guidancefor Guidance ……for Social Reformationfor Social Reformation

The Westminster The Westminster Confession of FaithConfession of Faith

Completed in 1646Completed in 1646

Westminster Confession of FaithWestminster Confession of Faith

Chapter 1, Chapter 1, Of the Holy ScriptureOf the Holy Scripture

Ten ParagraphsTen Paragraphs

Paragraph 1 Explains the Paragraph 1 Explains the Necessity of ScriptureNecessity of Scripture

““Although the light of nature, and the works Although the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence do so far of creation and providence do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men unexcusable; yet of God, as to leave men unexcusable; yet are they not sufficient to give that knowledge are they not sufficient to give that knowledge of God, and of His will, which is necessary of God, and of His will, which is necessary unto salvation. Therefore, it pleased the unto salvation. Therefore, it pleased the Lord, at sundry times, and in divers Lord, at sundry times, and in divers manners, to reveal Himself, and to declare manners, to reveal Himself, and to declare that His will unto His Church…that His will unto His Church…

“…“…and afterwards, for the better preserving and afterwards, for the better preserving and propagating of the truth, and for the and propagating of the truth, and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the more sure establishment and comfort of the Church against the corruption of the flesh, Church against the corruption of the flesh, and the malice of Satan and of the world, to and the malice of Satan and of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing: which commit the same wholly unto writing: which maketh the Holy Scripture to be most maketh the Holy Scripture to be most necessarynecessary; those former ways of God’s ; those former ways of God’s revealing His will unto His people being now revealing His will unto His people being now ceased.”ceased.”

Paragraph 2 Lists the Books of Paragraph 2 Lists the Books of the Canonthe Canon

““Under the name of Holy Scripture, or the Under the name of Holy Scripture, or the Word of God written, are now contained all Word of God written, are now contained all the books of the Old and New Testament, the books of the Old and New Testament, which are these: [66 books listed]which are these: [66 books listed]

““All which are given by inspiration of God to All which are given by inspiration of God to be the rule of faith and life.”be the rule of faith and life.”

Paragraph 3 States the Reformed Paragraph 3 States the Reformed Understanding of the ApocryphaUnderstanding of the Apocrypha

““The books commonly called Apocrypha, not The books commonly called Apocrypha, not being of divine inspiration, are no part of the being of divine inspiration, are no part of the canon of the Scripture, and therefore are of canon of the Scripture, and therefore are of no authority in the Church of God, nor to be no authority in the Church of God, nor to be any otherwise approved, or made use of, any otherwise approved, or made use of, than other human writings.”than other human writings.”

Paragraph 4 – The Authority of Paragraph 4 – The Authority of Scripture Depends upon God Scripture Depends upon God

and Not upon the Testimony of and Not upon the Testimony of MenMen

““The authority of the Holy Scripture, for The authority of the Holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed, and obeyed, which it ought to be believed, and obeyed, dependeth not upon the testimony of any dependeth not upon the testimony of any man or Church; but wholly upon God (who is man or Church; but wholly upon God (who is truth itself) the author thereof: and therefore truth itself) the author thereof: and therefore it is to be received, because it is the Word of it is to be received, because it is the Word of God.”God.”

Paragraph 5 – Authority (cont)Paragraph 5 – Authority (cont)

““We may be moved and induced by the testimony We may be moved and induced by the testimony of the Church to an high and reverent esteem of of the Church to an high and reverent esteem of the Holy Scripture. And the heavenliness of the the Holy Scripture. And the heavenliness of the matter, the efficacy of the doctrine, the majesty of matter, the efficacy of the doctrine, the majesty of the style, the consent of all the parts, the scope of the style, the consent of all the parts, the scope of the whole (which is, to give all glory to God), the the whole (which is, to give all glory to God), the full discovery it makes of the only way of man’s full discovery it makes of the only way of man’s salvation, the many other incomparable salvation, the many other incomparable excellencies, and the entire perfection thereof, are excellencies, and the entire perfection thereof, are arguments whereby it doth abundantly evidence arguments whereby it doth abundantly evidence itself to be the Word of God:…itself to be the Word of God:…

“…“…yet notwithstanding, our full yet notwithstanding, our full persuasion and assurance of the persuasion and assurance of the infallible truth and divine authority infallible truth and divine authority thereof, is from the inward work of thereof, is from the inward work of the Holy Spirit bearing witness by the Holy Spirit bearing witness by and with the Word in our hearts.”and with the Word in our hearts.”

Paragraph 6 – The Sufficiency of Paragraph 6 – The Sufficiency of ScriptureScripture

““The whole counsel of God concerning all The whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for His own glory, man’s things necessary for His own glory, man’s salvation, faith and life, is either expressly salvation, faith and life, is either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced necessary consequence may be deduced from Scripture: unto which nothing at any from Scripture: unto which nothing at any time is to be added, whether by new time is to be added, whether by new revelations of the Spirit, or traditions of revelations of the Spirit, or traditions of men.” (continued)men.” (continued)

““Nevertheless, we acknowledge the inward Nevertheless, we acknowledge the inward illumination of the Spirit of God to be illumination of the Spirit of God to be necessary for the saving understanding of necessary for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in the Word: such things as are revealed in the Word: and that there are some circumstances and that there are some circumstances concerning the worship of God, and concerning the worship of God, and government of the Church, common to government of the Church, common to human actions and societies, which are to human actions and societies, which are to be ordered by the light of nature, and be ordered by the light of nature, and Christian prudence, according to the general Christian prudence, according to the general rules of the Word, which are always to be rules of the Word, which are always to be observed.”observed.”

Paragraph 7 – The Perspicuity of Paragraph 7 – The Perspicuity of ScriptureScripture

““All things in Scripture are not alike plain in All things in Scripture are not alike plain in themselves, nor alike clear unto all: yet themselves, nor alike clear unto all: yet those things which are necessary to be those things which are necessary to be known, believed, and observed for salvation, known, believed, and observed for salvation, are so clearly propounded, and opened in are so clearly propounded, and opened in some place of Scripture or other, that not some place of Scripture or other, that not only the learned, but the unlearned, in a due only the learned, but the unlearned, in a due use of the ordinary means, may attain unto a use of the ordinary means, may attain unto a sufficient understanding of them.”sufficient understanding of them.”

Paragraph 8 – Autographs Are Paragraph 8 – Autographs Are Inspired by GodInspired by God

““The Old Testament in Hebrew (which was The Old Testament in Hebrew (which was the native language of the people of God of the native language of the people of God of old), and the New Testament in Greek old), and the New Testament in Greek (which, at the time of the writing of it, was (which, at the time of the writing of it, was most generally known to the nations), being most generally known to the nations), being immediately inspired by God, and, by His immediately inspired by God, and, by His singular care and providence, kept pure in singular care and providence, kept pure in all ages, are therefore authentical; so as, in all ages, are therefore authentical; so as, in all controversies of religion, the Church is all controversies of religion, the Church is finally to appeal unto them.” (continued)finally to appeal unto them.” (continued)

““But, because these original tongues are not But, because these original tongues are not known to all the people of God, who have known to all the people of God, who have right unto, and interest in the Scriptures, and right unto, and interest in the Scriptures, and are commanded, in the fear of God, to read are commanded, in the fear of God, to read and search them, therefore they are to be and search them, therefore they are to be translated into the vulgar language of every translated into the vulgar language of every nation unto which they come, that, the Word nation unto which they come, that, the Word of God dwelling plentifully in all, they may of God dwelling plentifully in all, they may worship Him in an acceptable manner; and, worship Him in an acceptable manner; and, through patience and comfort of the through patience and comfort of the Scriptures, may have hope.”Scriptures, may have hope.”

Paragraph 9 – The Interpretation Paragraph 9 – The Interpretation of Scriptureof Scripture

““The infallible rule of interpretation of The infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself: and Scripture is the Scripture itself: and therefore, when there is a question about therefore, when there is a question about the true and full sense of any Scripture the true and full sense of any Scripture (which is not manifold, but one), it must be (which is not manifold, but one), it must be searched and known by other places that searched and known by other places that speak more clearly.”speak more clearly.”

Paragraph 10 – The Unique Paragraph 10 – The Unique Authority of ScriptureAuthority of Scripture

““The supreme judge by which all The supreme judge by which all controversies of religion are to be controversies of religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined, and and private spirits, are to be examined, and in whose sentence we are to rest, can be no in whose sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Spirit speaking in the other but the Holy Spirit speaking in the Scripture.”Scripture.”

HermeneuticsHermeneutics

The Science of Biblical The Science of Biblical InterpretationInterpretation

HermeneuticsHermeneutics

In Greek mythology…In Greek mythology… ……Hermes was the messenger of the gods.Hermes was the messenger of the gods.

It was his task to It was his task to interpretinterpret the will of the the will of the gods.gods.

(Most of the following notes come from (Most of the following notes come from Knowing ScriptureKnowing Scripture by R. C. Sproul.) by R. C. Sproul.)

The Purpose of HermeneuticsThe Purpose of Hermeneutics

To establish guidelines and rules for To establish guidelines and rules for interpretation (in this case, Scripture)interpretation (in this case, Scripture)

To establish guidelines and rules to To establish guidelines and rules to safeguard us from misunderstandingsafeguard us from misunderstanding

A Hermeneutical ExampleA Hermeneutical Example

The supreme board of hermeneutics for The supreme board of hermeneutics for our land is…our land is… ……the Supreme Court (in regard to the the Supreme Court (in regard to the

Constitution)Constitution)

Grammatico-Historical MethodGrammatico-Historical Method

The Constitution was supposed to be The Constitution was supposed to be interpreted by interpreted by studying the wordsstudying the words of the of the document itself in light of what those document itself in light of what those words meant when they were used words meant when they were used at the at the time of the formulation of the documenttime of the formulation of the document..

Grammatico-Historical MethodGrammatico-Historical Method

Acts 1:8Acts 1:8 – “You shall be my witnesses.” – “You shall be my witnesses.” Is Christ making a prediction of our future Is Christ making a prediction of our future

performance?performance? Or is He issuing a command?Or is He issuing a command? The Greek structure clarifies: It’s a The Greek structure clarifies: It’s a

command.command. (We are thankful for commentaries.)(We are thankful for commentaries.)

““The Analogy of Faith”The Analogy of Faith”

The primary rule of hermeneuticsThe primary rule of hermeneutics This rule is that Scripture is to interpret This rule is that Scripture is to interpret

ScriptureScripture No part of Scripture can be interpreted in No part of Scripture can be interpreted in

such a way as to render it in conflict with such a way as to render it in conflict with what is clearly taught elsewhere in what is clearly taught elsewhere in Scripture.Scripture.

Sensus LiteralisSensus Literalis

The second rule of hermeneuticsThe second rule of hermeneutics The Bible should be interpreted according The Bible should be interpreted according

to its literal sense.to its literal sense. Genre analysisGenre analysis

Literary formsLiterary forms Figures of speechFigures of speech StyleStyle

Genre AnalysisGenre Analysis

We distinguish between lyric poetry, We distinguish between lyric poetry, newspaper accounts, and legal briefs.newspaper accounts, and legal briefs.

HyperboleHyperbole = exaggeration for effect = exaggeration for effect Matthew 9:35Matthew 9:35 – –

“ “And Jesus went throughout all the cities And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every and healing every disease and every affliction.”affliction.”


PersonificationPersonification = objects are given = objects are given human characteristicshuman characteristics

Isaiah 55:12Isaiah 55:12 - -

“ “For you shall go out in joy and be led For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.”their hands.”

But what about Balaam’s ass speaking?But what about Balaam’s ass speaking?


MetaphorMetaphor = a figure of speech in which a = a figure of speech in which a word or phrase literally denoting one kind word or phrase literally denoting one kind of object or idea is used in place of of object or idea is used in place of another so to suggest a likeness or another so to suggest a likeness or analogy between them.analogy between them.

MetaphorMetaphor

John 10:9John 10:9 – –

“ “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.”find pasture.”

SproulSproul: “Does that mean that where we : “Does that mean that where we have skin Jesus has mahogany veneer? have skin Jesus has mahogany veneer? Where we have arms Jesus has hinges? Where we have arms Jesus has hinges? Where we have a navel Jesus has a Where we have a navel Jesus has a doorknob?”doorknob?”

But what about…But what about…

Luke 22:19Luke 22:19 – “This is my body…” – “This is my body…”

Ten Practical Rules for Ten Practical Rules for Biblical InterpretationBiblical Interpretation

Rule 1- The Bible Is to Be Read Rule 1- The Bible Is to Be Read Like Any Other BookLike Any Other Book

Rule 2 – Read the Bible Rule 2 – Read the Bible ExistentiallyExistentially

Rule 3 – Historical Narratives Are Rule 3 – Historical Narratives Are to Be Interpreted by the Didacticto Be Interpreted by the Didactic

Rule 4 – The Implicit Is to Be Rule 4 – The Implicit Is to Be Interpreted by the ExplicitInterpreted by the Explicit

Rule 5 – Determine Carefully the Rule 5 – Determine Carefully the Meaning of WordsMeaning of Words

Rule 6 – Note the Presence of Rule 6 – Note the Presence of Parallelisms in the BibleParallelisms in the Bible

Rule 7 – Note the Difference Rule 7 – Note the Difference between Proverb and Lawbetween Proverb and Law

Rule 8 – Observe the Difference Rule 8 – Observe the Difference between the Spirit and the Letter between the Spirit and the Letter

of the Lawof the Law

Rule 9 – Be Careful with ParablesRule 9 – Be Careful with Parables

Rule 10 – Be Careful with Rule 10 – Be Careful with Predictive ProphecyPredictive Prophecy

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