without error.

INERRANCY AND INSPIRATION


Introduction



As Christians we worship the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. We know this God through his revelation of himself in scripture. We adhere to the Scriptures to understand who we are and the character of God. Therefore it is important to know the origination of the Bible. Understanding inspiration and inerrancy gives one a better appreciation, and adherence to the authority, of the Bible.



Inspiration
Ultimately God is the source of the Bible. He used human authors to write down his words which have been passed down from generation to generation. The Bible can be used to interpret the Bible. And within the Bible we find its claim to be the authoritative word from God. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (II Timothy 3:16-17).
The Bible itself claims its divine origins, and Jesus also upheld the authority of scripture. In John 10:34-35, Jesus claims the word of God cannot be broken. In Matthew 5:18 Jesus affirmed the truthfulness of the prophecies of the Old Testament. Peter describes prophecy within scripture: “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (1 Peter 1:20-21). The Holy Spirit came upon the writers causing them to write exactly what God himself desired to convey to his people.




Inerrancy

Through our understanding of inspiration the notion of inerrancy inevitably emerges. Because all scripture is God breathed, and God is truth and cannot lie, it can be determined the words of scripture are inerrant. God is omniscient and he cannot lie. The words he breathed were true and non-contradictory. Because the Bible is inerrant we can assert the truth, trustworthiness, reliability, accuracy, and infallibility of everything originally written. The Bible is wholly true including historical, scientific and spiritual matters. Because Scriptures were divinely inspired no error exists on any subject matter. We cannot claim the Bible’s truthfulness about the gospel, but then claim a small error in a historical matter. The Bible is wholly true and can never be false.


While God did not promise an errorless transmission of the divinely inspired writings, we can claim the inerrancy of the original texts. Thus if a contradiction is identified within the Bible we know the answer lies either from a transmission error or our misunderstanding. Because we are plagued with our fallen human nature, we are always looking for ways to escape authority. By claiming the Bible contains errors it is easy to slip out from under the consequences of truth by claiming the Bible simply isn’t accurate. It is because of this natural tendency we, as Believers, should seek to have an educated opinion regarding the issue of inspiration and inerrancy.



Conclusion
The doctrine of inerrancy is not something the church should fight to the death because belief in inerrancy is not essential for salvation. However, it remains an important issue to understand and study because as followers of Christ we base our lives off the words found within this book. If we do not hold this book as the very words of God we will not give it the authority it demands in our lives. Our lives should reflect the significance of claiming the Holy Bible to be inerrant and inspired by God. As we claim the authority and truthfulness of the scripture we will not be tossed around by other teachings as described in Ephesians 4:14: “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.” The Bible is divinely inspired and thus free from error and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.

song of songs....thoughts.

I've been reading Psalms, Proverbs, Jobs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon for my OT class. I've been challenged in countless ways. Sometimes I stop reading and just sit as I try to soak up some of what I just read. Thoughts right now?

I've thought marriage is a bit...selfish. Kinda 2nd class. The best thing is to be all about the gospel and sharing Christ w/ others. Relationships can kinda get in the way. It's better to be alone. Haven't you read 1 Corinthians 7? (Or is is 2nd)? Anywho....i just read Song of Songs and was convicted (and relieved) that perhaps God intends something much different.

"The book is called the "best of songs," and for good reason. This is a song about love that Adam could have sung in the Garden before sin entered the picture. In clear but pure language the book praises the mutual love between husband and wife, and thereby teaches us not to despise physical beauty and marital love as being of a low order. Since these are gifts from the Creator to His creatures they are good and perfect in their place and for their purpose. The book presents a strong warning against an unbiblical dualism which holds the physical and material are of a "lower" rank than the spiritual. This book also refutes the idea that the unmarried state as more virtuous than the state of matrimony."

This is a paragraph from a commentary I read on this book. Dang, physical attractiveness is not any 'lower' than spiritual. It's important you're attracted to your mate. It's not wrong to be. hmm....read this book. be challenged. encouraged. wherever you are at in life.

my favorite book of the bible? by far ecclesiastes.

movie: finding_forrester.

Do we trust God? What does it look like to trust God? So often we take situations into our own control stating with our words we trust God, but our actions speak something much differently. When unquestionably wronged are we quick to defend ourselves? Or do we trust God’s justice will ultimately prevail? Do we seek our own benefit or willing to sacrifice our reputation for the sake of another? Movies often center around different themes. And while not a Christian film, “Finding Forrester” clearly depicts certain admirable qualities of integrity and trust which ultimately lead to justice being served and the main character to be vindicated. Ideas developed within this film will be used to portray different aspects of Christian faith described in the Psalms.


Jamal Wallace is an intelligent boy growing up in a rough neighborhood in New York City. He stumbles across a recluse old man and a friendship begins to develop. Jamal’s passion to write is discovered by the old man, William Forrester, who happens to be an award winning author. Forrester challenges Wallace in his writing, and Jamal challenges Forrester in living. Jamal promises William that what is written within the apartment will remain within the apartment. When Wallace enters a writing contest he enters a work written within the apartment and thus breaks the promise between him and William. Jamal finds himself in trouble with the faculty at his new school because the first paragraph was a direct quote from one of Forrester’s earlier works. Forrester refuses to come out of his apartment for personal reasons and thus Jamal finds himself facing expulsion from school. Jamal refuses to betray his friend.


Jamal would not be expelled from school if it could be shown the author had permitted the copying. It was only the first paragraph which was exactly the same. Jamal knew his friend didn’t want attention or to come out of his apartment so he kept his mouth shut concerning the matter. His teacher was an embittered man who continually attempted to make Jamal look like a fool in front of his peers. “My foes have trampled upon me all day long, for they are many who fight proudly against me” (Psalm 56:2). “All day long they distort my words; All their thoughts are against me for evil. They attack, they lurk, They watch my steps, as they have waited to take my life” (Psalm 56:5-6). This language adequately describes the way the teacher treated Jamal. He had a personal vendetta against Jamal because he couldn’t believe this student could be a great athlete and intelligent. Jamal had done nothing to wrong this man, yet he was ridiculed and taunted by this man. Instead of defending his own personal honor, Jamal sat quietly to protect his friend, William Forrester. It is similar to how those who trust God must wait quietly for their enemies to be held accountable for their actions. As seen from the passages quoted above, Psalm 56 describes someone waiting for God’s justice. “You have taken account of my wanderings; Put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your book?” (Psalm 56:8). God knows and sees what is happening in the world. He knows the innocent are being oppressed. The righteous face the attacks of the unrighteous. While it seems that God does nothing this Psalm describes the writers trust in God and promised justice. In the same way Jamal informs Forrester of his predicament and urges William to get out of his apartment and think of someone else for a change. Jamal is unsure how Forrester will respond. At this point it doesn’t matter. “What can man do to me?” (Psalm 56:11b). Jamal is willing to sacrifice his image before the teacher and school to protect his friendship with William Forrester. The psalmist cares more about God, and relationship with God, than relationship with other men. The psalmist identifies the way in which his words have been twisted from their original intent. He doesn’t take it personally, but seeks for God to be his vindicator. Justice will be served for the Psalmist had done nothing wrong. In the same way, Jamal had nothing to fear because he had done nothing wrong. Forrester emerges from his apartment to appear at the school informing the faculty that the words were indeed Jamal’s. At this point the teacher who originally accused Jamal looked like a fool. Jamal didn’t seek to make himself look better in front of others. The psalmist doesn’t seek to make himself look better in front of others. He trusts that God sees what is happening and will respond. And indeed, has responded. “For You have delivered my soul from death, Indeed my feet from stumbling, So that I may walk before God In the light of the living” (Psalm 56:13).


This passage is humbling. After viewing the movie I completely saw a tendency to seek my self image bypassing God’s justice. I wanted Jamal to show the teacher that he was a smart kid and athletically inclined despite the hard life growing up in the inner city of NYC. I desired Jamal to explain to the teacher how William Forrester was helping him and mentoring him. That would show the arrogant teacher! But, Jamal remained quiet. Much like the psalmist kept quiet before his enemies. The psalmist placed his trust in God who had shown his power and justice before. How the psalmist trusted God saw everything that was occurring, “Put my tears in Your bottle Are they not in your book?” (Psalm 56:8). I need to trust that God sees the wrong done to me in my life. He will be the one to bring justice and not I. I don’t need to use many words to protect myself because God is my ultimate protector. I can trust him because he has proven himself to me before through my salvation. I can take rest in Him because my soul finds refuge in him: “Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me, For my soul takes refuge in You; And in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge Until destruction passes by. I will cry to God Most High, To God who accomplishes all things for me. He will send from heaven and save me; He reproaches him who tramples upon me. God will send forth His loving-kindness and His truth.” (Psalm 57:1-3). The question is do I really trust this? Do I trust that God will accomplish all things for me? Am I willing to live in faith and trust that justice will prevail? I must. Jamal sat through the entire contest reading not knowing if William Forrester would pull through or not. He did which vindicated Jamal and served justice to the wrongfully accused. How much more should we trust in a great God who has promised to right the wrongs and provide justice?

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not my best work...but i got the job done w/ this review. it's a good movie.

revelation as doctrine.

REVELATION AS DOCTRINE


How God reveals himself to his creation is revelation. Human response to revelation is the main thrust of theology. Therefore, the question of what is revelation becomes a vital issue. We must know of what to respond. Revelation is divine authority. The Christian responds to God’s revelation and some assert without a prior act of God to reveal himself faith is impossible. Many theologies presuppose the existence of divine revelation. For these reasons the examination of different models of revelation is a vital exercise. Avery Dulles wrote, “Models of Revelation,” in which he depicts five different models of revelation. The first model described in his book is that of the conservative view of revelation as doctrine. This paper will examine this model closely and identify the shortcomings of Dulles description by examining the other models presented within his book.


Dulles Definition of Revelation as Doctrine

The first model Dulles describes is what he calls the doctrinal model revelation. Dulles chooses to place this model first in his book because of the long historical standing amongst other models of revelation. He points to B.B. Warfield, J.I. Packer, John Warwick Montgomery and Carl F.H. Henry as proponents of this model. He doesn’t differentiate between individual views of these men, but places all of them in thes same category. (In other models he attempts to identify differences of individual proponents of certain models). Dulles outlines a view held by Warfield to describe the basic idea of this model. Through nature God has revealed himself (general revelation). But the effects of sin do not allow the fallen human to have a saving knowledge of God apart from special revelation. This special revelation is necessary. God revealed himself through prophetic visions and other supernatural events in early biblical times. The culmination of this revelation occurs in the life and death of Jesus Christ. All the teachings of the prophets and apostles have been gathered into what is now called scripture which is the whole and final revelation of God . In Dulles words: “God is seen as an infallible teacher who communicates knowledge by speech and writing. The recipients, as pupils, are expected to be attentive and docile.”

Dulles identifies the widely held idea of plenary verbal inspiration. The entire scripture is considered inerrant. What is mentioned in scripture is given supreme authority. Other strengths Dulles notes is the traditional significance of this model and the internal coherence. Individuals within the church are unified and grow together because of a sense of identity is cultivated amongst the body. Along with this is a sense of mission given to the body to proclaim what they know to be true.

One of Dulles main criticisms of this model is that “every declarative sentence in the Bible, unless the contrary can be shown from the context, is to be taken as expressing a revealed truth.” In today’s world, Dulles says, this is simply not plausible. Dulles points to the increase of critical biblical scholars and their findings as reasons the bible has lost authority. Underlying all the criticisms Dulles offers in his book is the narrow view held by those who adhere to this model.


Critic of Dulles Definition

Dulles defines many aspects of this theory adequately. Within any of the models more could be said to make things more clear, but the book only served as an overview of the different models. Dulles correctly defines divine revelation and the emphasis upon developing doctrine. Dulles also accurately portrays the importance of inerrancy within the proponents of this model. However, Dulles description seemed to lack in content in certain areas and also was overly critical in areas which Dulles defined this model too narrowly.

The propositional model asserts that the gospel does not include all truth. And while reliable natural theology is impossible divorced from special revelation, general revelation is still divine. Therefore God can be seen in other realms such as science, history, etc. The Bible is not the only way to know God. This is where Dulles definition of the propositional model falls short (and remedies his criticism of the model’s narrow view). Within this idea it would incorporate many of the positive aspects of the second historical model of revelation such as God being known through his acts in history. The bible serves as an interpretation of these events.

Dulles accurately describes the idea of two types of revelation: general and special. Dulles also accurately states that special revelation is needed for salvation. But in doing so Dulles makes it appear as if all special revelation is salvific which is not true. Because of sin natural revelation has been distorted and therefore no one responds to natural revelation rightly. This is depicted in chapter one of Romans. No where within this chapter is a person described as having rightly responded to natural revelation. Because of this special revelation is needed to interpret the general revelation. And while proponents of this model would assert that salvation is not attainable apart from special revelation, they would also propose that all special revelation is not salvific.

Dulles places emphasis upon the meaning of words. Advocates of the propositional model would assert the Bible is a divine verbal revelation from God and therefore is not dependent upon meaning. Meaning is a human’s interpretation and thus error is inevitable. The direct words in the Bible are revelation, not the interpretation of these words. While the Bible is always true, perhaps the statements made within are of divine negation. Meaning they are accurate statements of something which is false.

Conclusion

Dulles book offers a great overview of the different models of revelation adhered by different people today. However, his depiction of the propositional model is narrow in certain areas. The actual propositional doctrine of revelation encompasses many positive aspects of the other models described by Dulles. One of the main emphasis and strengths of this model is attention given to the inerrancy and authority of scripture. Also, as compared to other models this specific doctrinal model maintains coherency throughout and a unity amongst this models proponents.

what is theology?

WHAT IS THEOLOGY?

The question proposed seems rather simple: What is theology? The mere utterance of the word “theology” has a profound affect which causes some peoples ears to go deaf and the mind to close. But why does this opposition to theology exist? Why does theology appear foreign and boring? Every human being who contemplates the reason for existence is engaging in a theological discourse. It seems a true understanding of theology has eluded many people, and this stems from a murky definition of theology.


Theology Defined
The word, “theology” can be broken down into two words derived from Greek: theos, which means “God,” and logos, which means “reasoning about God.” Therefore, at the elementary level theology is defined as the study of God. Any reflection or contemplation concerning God is considered theology.
But theology is not simply an articulation of beliefs, but of application. Beliefs are followed by action. The extent that our beliefs follow our action is closely related to how deeply that belief is held. Therefore it is not enough to simply discuss issues, but our lives reveal theologies we hold.


Systematic Theology
An essential task within the realm of theology is the communication of thoughts and ideas. Systematic theology is a more specific and practical way in which to organize thoughts concerning God. Systematic theology incorporates all the ways in which God reveals himself: History, culture, the Bible, nature, etc. As humans, our minds think in a systematic way. This is evidence of our creation in God’s image, as seen by the way creation itself is well-ordered (as opposed to chaotic). Therefore, systematic theology is a practical discipline which responds to divine revelation.

Systematic theology will never be complete. God did not intend to be placed inside a box and understood completely. This is impossible as He is infinite and humans are finite creatures. God reveals himself through nature, through history and culture. He doesn’t intend to be understood in a neat and precise package. However, organizing our thoughts in a reasonable and understandable way helps our finite minds to comprehend God in his different aspects.
Conclusion

The thoughts one possesses concerning God are indisputably the most vital in life. For what one thinks of God determines all aspects of life: Marriage, job, attitude, family, etc. This is why understanding the role of theology in everyday life is important. While not everyone will be a professional theologian, it is important to recognize the role theology plays in our life. It is important to note the differences between good and bad theology so as to guard our minds from poor theology. Stanley Grenz and Roger Olson describe what they call ‘folk theology’ as bad theology in their book, Who Needs Theology? Folk theology are basic truths individuals follow without any sort of reflection, contemplation, etc. Folk theology is seeped in tradition and these ideologies are often embraced by the majority of the community. While most people have hints of folk theology within their lives, as critical students and representations of revealed Truth, Christ followers should at least be aware of ‘bad theologies.’

As students of theology, we shouldn’t seek to confirm what we already believe to be true, but seek to secure what God has revealed to us through his revealed word. We should approach the subject with open minds, and a willingness to identify ‘bad theologies’ which invade our thoughts. The truth of the gospel needs to be communicated clearly in the ever-changing culture.

ezra.

God delivered the Israelites from captivity in Egypt and led them to the Promised Land. Commands given by God were to be obeyed if they desired to remain free. God warns the Israelites as to what will happen if these commands are not kept. “Your wickedness will punish you; your backsliding will rebuke you. Consider then and realize how evil and bitter it is for you when you forsake the LORD your God and have no awe of me," declares the Lord, the LORD Almighty” (Jeremiah 2:19). Despite the warnings from various prophets God’s people chose to disobey his commands. This resulted in the invasion of the Assyrians in 722 B.C. Many of the northern tribes were forced from their land. Around 586 the Babylonians invaded Jerusalem and took many Jews captive. Now a majority of the Israelites were in captivity. The Persians overthrew the Babylonian empire and it was at this time (539 BC) a few of the Israelites were allowed to return to Jerusalem. Three waves of immigrants returned to Jerusualem. Zerubbabel returned in 538 BC, Ezra in 458 BC, and Nehemiah in 445 BC. This paper will examine the difficulties that Ezra faced as he attempted to restore the temple and the hearts of God’s people. It is the disobedience of God’s commands which caused the captivity in the first place. It’s important the commands are reestablished and adhered.

Ezra is a priest and a scribe. He studied much of the law which gave him authority to implement and teach the law to the people. Ezra’s character is depicted in Ezra 7:10: “For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord, and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel.” God’s hand was upon Ezra as evidenced by the king of Persia’s fondness of him.

Ezra’s heart for God’s law is evidenced by his humble and dependent spirit towards the Lord and his laws. Prior to beginning the long journey to Jerusalem, Ezra calls for a fast, “…so that we might humble ourselves before our God and seek from him a safe journey for us, our children, and all our property” (Ezra 8:10). It’s not just enough to make sure everything is secure and ready for the trip. Ezra identifies the need to ask God for the safe trip home. Even prior to reentering Jerusalem, Ezra sets the hearts of the people towards God.

Upon arrival to Jerusalem it comes to Ezra’s attention a specific sin of the Israelites: Mixed marriages. God had instructed the Israelites not to mix their blood with other nations for it forfeited the covenant. In Deuteronomy 7:2 it states: “…when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you and you have defeated them, then you must destroy them totally. Make no treaty with them, and show them no mercy. Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, for they will turn your sons away from following me to serve other gods, and the LORD's anger will burn against you and will quickly destroy you.” The law was very straight forward and it was obvious this law had been blatantly disobeyed. “For they have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and for their sons, so that the holy race has intermingled with the peoples of the lands; indeed, the hands of the princes and the rulesr have been foremost in this unfaithfulness” (Ezra 9:2). When Ezra hears his news he tears his robes in anger as he sees the continuance of behavior which resulted in the previous exile. Ezra prays to God concerning this matter and asks for forgiveness. What is interesting about this prayer is that he identifies himself as a perpetrator in this sin. He states, “we have been in great guilt,’ and ‘our iniquities.’ (Ezra 9:6). He sees how the sin of a few people is reflective of the whole nation. Within the prayer he admits guilt and seeks forgiveness. The people see his desperation and anguish over the situation and also join the prayer with tears. It is decided that the wives must be divorced so to align themselves wholeheartedly with God’s law. This is a difficult decision because divorce is not in line with God’s commands either. However, if mixed marriages were allowed than further sins would occur in future generations. Ezra asserts that all mixed marriages are to be dissolved with each confessing to the Lord their wrong doing and acting in a way as to move away from the wrong (divorce).

Ezra studied the law and knew what God commanded. Many of the traditions had not been practiced during the exile. People were unaware of the history of their people. Ezra read the law and the people learned that during the feast of the seventh month they were to live in booths. So the people obeyed this command and “The entire assembly of those who had returned from the captivity made booths and lived in them. The sons of Israel had indeed not done so from the days of Joshua the son of Nun to that day And there was great rejoicing” (Nehemiah 10:17). Ezra read from the book of the law every day and much celebration occurred.

During the exile the fear of the law and God was lost. The time away from Jerusalem was 70 years. Many who were alive during the reign of David and Solomon were no longer alive. Those now alive did not know the magnificence of the old temple and the ways in which it was prized. The new temple was rebuilt and a ceremony was had to dedicate the temple to the Lord. Ezra read the law to the people at this time. The people rejoiced and set their hearts to obeying God and his commands.

It is thought that Ezra is the author of the book of Chronicles as well. At this point the Israelites did not need to be reminded of their failings and disobedience. Ezra reminded them that God seeks those who obey his commands. God blesses those who obey him. Through Ezra the Israelites dedicated themselves to God and to his law. God used Ezra to reach his people through Ezra’s dedication to the reading and teaching of the law. Ezra called the people back to obedience to God.