Thursday, September 23, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Response to Grudem and the Authority of Scripture
Session 2
September 14, 2010
Personal Response
Chapter 4 of Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology is the first chapter dedicated to the characteristics of Scripture. This chapter deals with the authority of Scripture and the proof that its authority lies in its authorship. Grudem does a thorough job of demonstrating scripturally that the Bible is without question written by God. Grudem shows that the Bible claims for itself this authority and although this claim may be a circular argument it is acceptable since; “all arguments for an absolute authority must ultimately appeal to that authority for proof: otherwise the authority would not be an absolute or highest authority”. It is also demonstrated how the Holy Spirit works in the life of the believer to prove the authorship and authority of Scripture. Grudem also covers the various means used by God in writing the Bible. He finishes the chapter by demonstrating the truthfulness of Scripture and Scripture as our final authority.
I like the “Explanation and Scriptural Basis” given at the start of the chapter; “The authority of Scripture means that all the words in Scripture are God’s words in such a way that to disbelieve or disobey any word of Scripture is to disbelieve or disobey God.” This statement alone should eliminate the argument of inerrancy for any true believer. Grudem points out (pg. 77) “Our ultimate conviction that the words of the Bible are God’s words comes only when the Holy Spirit speaks in and through the words of the Bible to our hearts…..” This fact alone leaves me to question how one can claim to be a Christian, yet claim that the bible is not inerrant. This would seem to be an ultimate contradiction. If the Bible is found to contain error in any way then, true faith is made much more difficult. After all, if we are able to find error in one thing, how could we ever be certain of the Bible as a whole? An inerrant bible affects not only our way of life as Christians, but also our witness for the salvific work of Christ on the cross.
Response to Grudem and General Revelation
Session 1
September 7, 2010
Personal Response
Beginning on page 122 of Systematic Theology, heading, “E” Furthermore, the Bible Is Not Necessary for Knowing Something About God’s Character and Moral Laws; Grudem begins explaining “general revelation”. Grudem defines “general revelation” as, “the knowledge of God’s existence, character, and moral law, which comes through creation to all humanity.”[i] Grudem goes on to explain that, “general revelation comes through observing nature, through seeing God’s directing influence in history, and through an inner sense of God’s existence and his laws that he has placed inside every person.
While general revelation is not foreign to me, I find it difficult to comprehend it from a non-Christian perspective. Having grown up going to “church”, the stories of the Bible have always been a part of my life. I have had a knowledge of biblical teaching, and the Gospel for as long as I can remember. I would find it interesting to discuss this with those that grew up with no biblical teaching whatsoever. What are the thoughts of such a person, knowing that there is a God, a creator of all things that they sin against? Do they really believe that it is no big deal? Do they believe that because they are not as bad as others that they are good? That they are good simply because they follow the laws of man? What does it take for them to realize they are lost, and have no hope if left to themself?
Understanding “general revelation” as a believer, also leaves me to ask; have I allowed myself to not be as diligent with sharing the Gospel simply because general revelation permits me to share common moral beliefs with those around me that are not saved? Do I not evangelize “friends” or co-workers, because they “go to church” so they must not need to hear the Gospel? How have I let this affect my prayers for them? How should my prayers for them be affected? These are questions that require serious prayer in order to be answered.
[i] Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology. Leicester, Great Britain, Intervarsity Press; Zondervan, Grand Rapids, MI
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)