Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Announcement: Baby Hardecker
Lord willing, baby Hardecker will arrive late in Sept. God is good, and God is always in control.
Monday, February 8, 2010
God's Will
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:2)
A closer look:
Prove - to test, to ascertain, to try, discern.
will - desire, pleasure, inclination, determination (as in decision).
A closer look:
Prove - to test, to ascertain, to try, discern.
will - desire, pleasure, inclination, determination (as in decision).
First things first, we needed "God's will" yesterday. Attaching the phrase God's will to any of our decision doesn't mystically sanctify that decision to be so. Worse, it takes God's name in vain (which is no small thing). To be certain, God has a will. He has one for everyone of us (see 2 Pet. 3:9 for an example). But it isn't so that He divinely reveals it only at certain points in our lives like the high mountain top experiences of graduation, marriage, vocational calling or career decision, relocating because of job opportunities, etc. He does reveal His will to us. He does so every day and it is our responsibility to prove it. It is our responsibility to obey God, and when we surrender of our will to His, our minds are renewed. Renewed minds are required for ascertaining God's will. God's will is good, acceptable, and perfect because it reflects on the person of God Himself. If you want to know God's will, then allow Him to renew your mind. It isn't important to say: "God's will for my life" as it is to say: "My life for God's will." Knowing God well is knowing God's will.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Renewing of the mind
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:2)
A closer look:
Renew - renovate.
Mind - intellect (distinguished from will and affection); can also refer to the inner man, or the spirit (distinguished from the body).
A closer look:
Renew - renovate.
Mind - intellect (distinguished from will and affection); can also refer to the inner man, or the spirit (distinguished from the body).
First and foremost, it is God's grace of Salvation that renews a man (similar to the idea of "born again" in John 3:3, 7 and Titus 3:5). Salvation transforms a sinner into a saint (consider Rom. 1:7; 2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:8-10; 1 John 3:2). Second, Sanctification is the practical progress of God's renewing work in our lives. Our ultimate goal is to bring glory to God, and we learn how to do this every day as we read and study the Bible, pray, and live out the things which we have learned from God (see Luke 9:23; 2 Cor. 4:16; Eph. 4:23). We are aided by the Word and Holy Spirit. We are renewed when we get rid of our old mindset and posses or put in its place a godly mindset. How does change take place? By the renewing of the mind.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Conformed or Transformed
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:2)
A closer look:
World - the system and society that is opposed to God.
Conform - to fashion alike.
Transform - to change, metamorphosis.
A closer look:
World - the system and society that is opposed to God.
Conform - to fashion alike.
Transform - to change, metamorphosis.
As Christians we need to remember that the world system isn't going to make it easier to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Here is a direct command not to follow the way of the world. The world with all its music, dress, mores, and values is truly sub-Christian. We shouldn't be looking at how the world does things, and then pattern our worship and service towards God in similar fashion (this would also include music, dress, and many other pertinent things that God delineates in His Word). The struggle is between the world vs. the Word. The world maybe flashy, but it's poison will rotten the soul. The Word doesn't seek to be flashy (although it is true light), and yet it is life-giving and renewing. The world seeks to conform us, but the Word seeks to transform us. Will you conform, or be transformed?
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Spurgeon's Morning Devotional thought for Jan. 1
Joshua 5:12b "...They did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year."
Charles Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotional is excellent. If you are looking for an annual devotional material, you would do very well to look this one up. Once and again, Happy New Year!
"...Unbelief shudders at the Jordan which still rolls between us and the goodly land, but let us rest assured that we have already experienced more ills than death at its worst can cause us. Let us banish every fearful thought, and rejoice with exceeding great joy, in the prospect that this year we shall begin to be "for ever with the Lord."...We will this year gather celestial fruits on earthly ground, where faith and hope have made the desert like the garden of the Lord. Man did eat angel's food of old, and why not now? O for grace to feed on Jesus, and so to eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan this year!"
Charles Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotional is excellent. If you are looking for an annual devotional material, you would do very well to look this one up. Once and again, Happy New Year!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Highlighting Hubmaier's 18 Dissertations
Eighteen Dissertations concerning the entire Christian life and of what it consists. Propositions upheld at Waldshut by Dr. Balthasar Friedberger*, and Others. (1524):
1. Faith alone makes us pious before God.
2. This belief is recognition of the mercy of God, since He hath redeemed us by the sacrifice of His only-begotten Son, and this excludes all nominal Christians who have only an historical belief in God.
3. Such a faith must not be idle, but must reach up toward God in thankfulness, and toward men in all good works of brotherly love. And all works of penance must be abandoned, such as the burning of candles, the use of palms and holy water.
4. All works are good which God has commanded us. And all acts which He has forbidden are evil. In this case belong such things as eating of fish on fast days, abstention from meat, the wearing of cowls.
5. The Mass is not a sacrifice but a memorial of the death of Christ. Therefore it may not be offered, either for the quick [or alive]or for the dead. Thus must perish the counsels of those souls that practice cunning and deceit.
6. As often as such a memorial is celebrated, shall the death of our Lord be preached, as each one of us finds in his heart and on his tongue. this excludes all silent Masses.
7. Images and pictures are of no value. Therefore you should trust no longer in wood and stone, but in the living and suffering God.
8. Since every Christian believes for himself and is baptized for himself, everyone must see and judge by the Scriptures whether he is being properly nourished by his pastor.
9. Since Christ alone has died for our sins and in His name we have all been baptized, therefore He must be for us the only intercessor and mediator. Here perish all pilgrimages.
10. It is far better to read one verse of a Psalm in the speech of one's own land, which can be understood, than to sing five entire songs in a forgeign tongue, which cannot be understood by the church. Here perish Matins, Prime, Tercets, Vespers, Complines, and Vigils.
11. All teachings that are not God are in vain and shall be rooted up. Here perish the disciples of Aristotle, as well as the Thomist, the Scotists, Bonaventure and Occam, and all teaching that does not proceed from God's Word.
12. The time will come - and now is- when no will be deemed a true priest save the man who preaches the Word of God. This disposes of Masses, votive offerings, reliquaries, and masses for others.
13. It is the duty of members of the church to support with suitable food and clothing, and to protect countries,pensions,religious corporations, absentee priests, deceivers, and the tellers of vain dreams.
14. Let him who dreads purgatory and him whose God is his belly seek the grave of Moses, which it will be long ere he finds.
15. That priests and others might hide the sins of their flesh was the reason why Barabas [sic] was set free and Christ was slain.
16. To command virtue in reliance upon human strength, is nothing else than to command one to fly without wings.
17. He who misrepresents the Word of God for temporal gain, or conceals it, sells the grace of God, like red Esau for a mess of pottage and Christ will deny him.
18. He who does not seek, in the sweat of his brow, to earn his bread, is accured, unworthy of the food that he eats. Here are cursed all idlers, be they who they may.
*Balthasar Hubmaier - A.K.A. Friedberger, commemorating his native town of Friedberg.
(Taken from:"Baptist Confessions of Faith" by Wiliam L. Lumpkin, Valley Forge: Judson Press. Revised edition - 1969).
1. Faith alone makes us pious before God.
2. This belief is recognition of the mercy of God, since He hath redeemed us by the sacrifice of His only-begotten Son, and this excludes all nominal Christians who have only an historical belief in God.
3. Such a faith must not be idle, but must reach up toward God in thankfulness, and toward men in all good works of brotherly love. And all works of penance must be abandoned, such as the burning of candles, the use of palms and holy water.
4. All works are good which God has commanded us. And all acts which He has forbidden are evil. In this case belong such things as eating of fish on fast days, abstention from meat, the wearing of cowls.
5. The Mass is not a sacrifice but a memorial of the death of Christ. Therefore it may not be offered, either for the quick [or alive]or for the dead. Thus must perish the counsels of those souls that practice cunning and deceit.
6. As often as such a memorial is celebrated, shall the death of our Lord be preached, as each one of us finds in his heart and on his tongue. this excludes all silent Masses.
7. Images and pictures are of no value. Therefore you should trust no longer in wood and stone, but in the living and suffering God.
8. Since every Christian believes for himself and is baptized for himself, everyone must see and judge by the Scriptures whether he is being properly nourished by his pastor.
9. Since Christ alone has died for our sins and in His name we have all been baptized, therefore He must be for us the only intercessor and mediator. Here perish all pilgrimages.
10. It is far better to read one verse of a Psalm in the speech of one's own land, which can be understood, than to sing five entire songs in a forgeign tongue, which cannot be understood by the church. Here perish Matins, Prime, Tercets, Vespers, Complines, and Vigils.
11. All teachings that are not God are in vain and shall be rooted up. Here perish the disciples of Aristotle, as well as the Thomist, the Scotists, Bonaventure and Occam, and all teaching that does not proceed from God's Word.
12. The time will come - and now is- when no will be deemed a true priest save the man who preaches the Word of God. This disposes of Masses, votive offerings, reliquaries, and masses for others.
13. It is the duty of members of the church to support with suitable food and clothing, and to protect countries,pensions,religious corporations, absentee priests, deceivers, and the tellers of vain dreams.
14. Let him who dreads purgatory and him whose God is his belly seek the grave of Moses, which it will be long ere he finds.
15. That priests and others might hide the sins of their flesh was the reason why Barabas [sic] was set free and Christ was slain.
16. To command virtue in reliance upon human strength, is nothing else than to command one to fly without wings.
17. He who misrepresents the Word of God for temporal gain, or conceals it, sells the grace of God, like red Esau for a mess of pottage and Christ will deny him.
18. He who does not seek, in the sweat of his brow, to earn his bread, is accured, unworthy of the food that he eats. Here are cursed all idlers, be they who they may.
TRUTH IS IMMORTAL
*Balthasar Hubmaier - A.K.A. Friedberger, commemorating his native town of Friedberg.
(Taken from:"Baptist Confessions of Faith" by Wiliam L. Lumpkin, Valley Forge: Judson Press. Revised edition - 1969).
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Sinful anger (part 3)
Galatians 5:14-15: "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another."
A closer look:
"For all the law" - the entire or whole law, every aspect of it: ceremonial, civil, and moral.
"love" - This is what completes and complies with God's Law.
"Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself" - fundamentally the second division of the 10 Commandments.
"bite and devour" - figuratively speaking of wild animals attacking each other.
"consumed one of another" - this is the end result of contention.
Sinful anger (whether it is explosive or internalized) is the opposite of Biblical love (which is sacrificial, gracious and unselfish). When people entertain contention, and it escalates, they act like wild animals - tearing each other up. They say words that are curt, rude, hurtful. They may even assault someone physically. The progression is "bite," then "devour," and then "consumed." When sinful anger is not dealt with, nobody wins, rather everyone involved is consumed. The offended is hurt, and the offender is hated. Brethren, we are not called to be "animalistic." We are called the sons of God, let us, with God's grace, live out what we truly are in the eyes of God.
"For all the law" - the entire or whole law, every aspect of it: ceremonial, civil, and moral.
"love" - This is what completes and complies with God's Law.
"Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself" - fundamentally the second division of the 10 Commandments.
"bite and devour" - figuratively speaking of wild animals attacking each other.
"consumed one of another" - this is the end result of contention.
Sinful anger (whether it is explosive or internalized) is the opposite of Biblical love (which is sacrificial, gracious and unselfish). When people entertain contention, and it escalates, they act like wild animals - tearing each other up. They say words that are curt, rude, hurtful. They may even assault someone physically. The progression is "bite," then "devour," and then "consumed." When sinful anger is not dealt with, nobody wins, rather everyone involved is consumed. The offended is hurt, and the offender is hated. Brethren, we are not called to be "animalistic." We are called the sons of God, let us, with God's grace, live out what we truly are in the eyes of God.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Thanksgiving thoughts...
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Sinful anger (part 2)
Proverbs 14:29 "He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly."
A closer look:
slow - long, patient
wrath - violent anger, vehement exasperation - (literally "to snort")
great - abundant
understanding - knowledge, reason, skillful, wisdom
exalts - to be high, to raise, to extol
A person not easily irritated, doesn't fly off the handle, doesn't lash out, yell or scream, lose his temper is described as a man of great understanding. The key is to think before you act. The Lord is "slow to anger" (Nehemiah 9:17; Psalms 103:8; 145:8; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2; Nahum 1:3). It is not the Lord doesn't demonstrate anger, on the contrary, His anger is not an out of control short fuse. His anger, should I say is "gracious anger." Man's anger is sinful anger - as in this case. When people think of you, do they think of an angry man? How do you handle anger? May we learn to always be under-control rather than out-of-control.
A closer look:
slow - long, patient
wrath - violent anger, vehement exasperation - (literally "to snort")
great - abundant
understanding - knowledge, reason, skillful, wisdom
exalts - to be high, to raise, to extol
A person not easily irritated, doesn't fly off the handle, doesn't lash out, yell or scream, lose his temper is described as a man of great understanding. The key is to think before you act. The Lord is "slow to anger" (Nehemiah 9:17; Psalms 103:8; 145:8; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2; Nahum 1:3). It is not the Lord doesn't demonstrate anger, on the contrary, His anger is not an out of control short fuse. His anger, should I say is "gracious anger." Man's anger is sinful anger - as in this case. When people think of you, do they think of an angry man? How do you handle anger? May we learn to always be under-control rather than out-of-control.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Sinful Anger
Ecclesiastes 7:9 "Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry; for anger resteth in the bossom of fools."
A closer look:
hasty - palpitate, suddenly alarmed, agitated.
spirit - wind or breath, attitude.
anger - trouble, rage, indignant.
rests - to settle down, to dwell, to let stay.
bossom - midst.
fools - stupid or silly acting people.
Sinful anger is sudden. Sinful anger flares up immediately in our spirit. When sinful anger is allowed in, it becomes a resident, perhaps even a welcomed guest. It festers. It is easily nourished. It stinks - and that it does because sin stinks. What does God say about sinful anger? "Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry." I sin against God (and others) when I allow sinful anger to suddenly take over. Hasty, eager, rash, instant, immediate, soon, easily, quick, right away, short - such fleeting words. How temporal.
It is high time to get rid of this squatter. It is time to get rid of all of Sinful anger's associates too.
A closer look:
hasty - palpitate, suddenly alarmed, agitated.
spirit - wind or breath, attitude.
anger - trouble, rage, indignant.
rests - to settle down, to dwell, to let stay.
bossom - midst.
fools - stupid or silly acting people.
Sinful anger is sudden. Sinful anger flares up immediately in our spirit. When sinful anger is allowed in, it becomes a resident, perhaps even a welcomed guest. It festers. It is easily nourished. It stinks - and that it does because sin stinks. What does God say about sinful anger? "Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry." I sin against God (and others) when I allow sinful anger to suddenly take over. Hasty, eager, rash, instant, immediate, soon, easily, quick, right away, short - such fleeting words. How temporal.
It is high time to get rid of this squatter. It is time to get rid of all of Sinful anger's associates too.
Friday, October 30, 2009
John (Johnny) L. Rehmeyer
Today is our funeral service for a dear friend, saint, and faithful member of Mt. Zion. He was a family man, a hard worker, a loving man, a cheerful man, and a praying man. He always reminded us that he was praying for us, and that he loved us. We know (from the authority of the Scriptures) that Johnny is and will forever be with the Lord. We look forward to the time when we will see the Lord Jesus Christ, and worship Him forever along side precious saints like Bro. Johnny.
"He hath made everything beautiful in His time." (Ecc. 3:11)
COLLINSVILLE John L. "Johnny" Rehmeyer , 74, died Saturday, October 24, 2009, at his home. He was the husband of Ruth Waltemyer Rehmeyer. Born December 17, 1934, in York, he was the son of the late John A. Rehmeyer and Elizabeth (Dunlap) Rehmeyer. Services will be 11 a.m. Friday, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 48 Muddy Creek Forks Rd., Brogue. Viewing will be held 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, at the Church Annex and 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the Church. Interment will be in Mt. Zion Baptist Cemetery with Pastor Randy Starr officiating. J.J. Hartenstein Mortuary, Inc., 19 S. Main St., Stewartstown, is in charge of arrangements Mr. Rehmeyer retired from General Dynamics, Red Lion, in 2001, after 24 years of service. He was a faithful and dedicated servant and member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. He was a member of the choir, an usher, assisted with member visitation and performed Mission Work in Hungary and Mississippi. Johnny's passion was sharing his life and love of the Lord with others. He enjoyed fishing with family and friends and enjoyed all children, making sure he had Peppermint Patties and Peanut Butter Cups for them. John's family, church and friends always came first so, following his diagnosis of cancer, his family made sure his final time was rewarding and filled with the things he had always wanted to do. He went on trains, hayrides, took his first hot air balloon ride, went in an airplane and flew in a helicopter. John was both a blessing and truly blessed. In addition to his wife of 54 years, he is survived by four children, Elaine Love and her husband, Gary of Brogue, Brenda L. Fletcher and her husband, Dallas of Mardela Springs, Md., Beverly Tyson and her fianc<6> Brian of Wrightsville, and Wayne E. Rehmeyer and his wife, Betty of Brogue; nine grandchildren; and six greatgrandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters and one brother, Gertrude Bacon of York, Phyllis Rehmeyer of Va., and Chalmers Rehmeyer of Airville. John is predeceased by a daughter and son, Darlene and Terry Rehmeyer, a twin sister Betty Burns, two additional sisters and a brother, Janet, Jackie and Billy. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 48 Muddy Creek Forks Rd., Brogue, Pa 17309.
Published in the York Daily Record & York Dispatch on 10/27/2009
"He hath made everything beautiful in His time." (Ecc. 3:11)
COLLINSVILLE John L. "Johnny" Rehmeyer , 74, died Saturday, October 24, 2009, at his home. He was the husband of Ruth Waltemyer Rehmeyer. Born December 17, 1934, in York, he was the son of the late John A. Rehmeyer and Elizabeth (Dunlap) Rehmeyer. Services will be 11 a.m. Friday, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 48 Muddy Creek Forks Rd., Brogue. Viewing will be held 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, at the Church Annex and 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the Church. Interment will be in Mt. Zion Baptist Cemetery with Pastor Randy Starr officiating. J.J. Hartenstein Mortuary, Inc., 19 S. Main St., Stewartstown, is in charge of arrangements Mr. Rehmeyer retired from General Dynamics, Red Lion, in 2001, after 24 years of service. He was a faithful and dedicated servant and member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. He was a member of the choir, an usher, assisted with member visitation and performed Mission Work in Hungary and Mississippi. Johnny's passion was sharing his life and love of the Lord with others. He enjoyed fishing with family and friends and enjoyed all children, making sure he had Peppermint Patties and Peanut Butter Cups for them. John's family, church and friends always came first so, following his diagnosis of cancer, his family made sure his final time was rewarding and filled with the things he had always wanted to do. He went on trains, hayrides, took his first hot air balloon ride, went in an airplane and flew in a helicopter. John was both a blessing and truly blessed. In addition to his wife of 54 years, he is survived by four children, Elaine Love and her husband, Gary of Brogue, Brenda L. Fletcher and her husband, Dallas of Mardela Springs, Md., Beverly Tyson and her fianc<6> Brian of Wrightsville, and Wayne E. Rehmeyer and his wife, Betty of Brogue; nine grandchildren; and six greatgrandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters and one brother, Gertrude Bacon of York, Phyllis Rehmeyer of Va., and Chalmers Rehmeyer of Airville. John is predeceased by a daughter and son, Darlene and Terry Rehmeyer, a twin sister Betty Burns, two additional sisters and a brother, Janet, Jackie and Billy. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 48 Muddy Creek Forks Rd., Brogue, Pa 17309.
Published in the York Daily Record & York Dispatch on 10/27/2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Hardecker on another hiatus...
Annual Faith Promise Missions Conference
Oct. 21-25, 2009
Featuring guest missionaries: Gary and Barbara Forney (Arctic); Don and Karen Kilmer (South Africa); and Clint and Rhonda Rardin (Mexico).
Wed. Thu. and Fri. evening services at 7:00pm.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Psalm 2 (part 3c)
Psalms 2:8-9 - The Universal Reign of Christ
"(8) Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
(9) Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."
Who really owns this world? Who really rules on high? It is the Lord Jesus Christ. While these verses speaks of the future Millennial reign and the Lord Jesus’ rule in Eternity future, we can know that He is ultimately in charge. As saved Christians, we are His possession. We are saved because He keeps us, or in essence, He does the keeping. Here we also note that God intends to bless the Gentiles and bring them into His Kingdom, even though it was revealed during an older dispensation. V.9 speaks of the judgment that Christ the King will deal with the unsaved. The picture captures the ease by which Christ will execute judgment upon those who reject His authority. Many people offer creative excuses for not being saved and yet here they stand no chance. No recourse, no retort, and no remedy.
Wikipedia on Dr. Edward F. Hills
I was amazed that there were no articles about Dr. Edward F. Hills on Wikipedia. So, I took it upon myself to go ahead and put one on. I am still learning the ins and outs of "wiki-ing" and it sure is a lot of fun. I realize that KJV defenders are not all created equal (we don't all hold to the same views per se). I have a great respect for Dr. Hills (although he was a Presbyterian) because of his "logic of faith" contribution to the English Bible controversy.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
George Washington's Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior
RULE 1 - Every action done in company ought to be done with some sign of respect to those that are present.
RULE 2 - When in company, put not your hands to any part of the body not usually discovered.
RULE 3 - Show nothing to your friend that may affright him.
RULE 4 - In the presence of others, sing not to yourself with a humming noise, nor drum with your fingers or feet.
RULE 5 - If you cough, sneeze, sigh, or yawn, do it not loud but privately; and speak not in your yawning, but put your handkerchief or hand before your face and turn aside.
These rules originated from the honorable Mr. Washington when he was 14 years old. I picked up a book called "By George!" written by Steven M. Selzer, published by Andrews McMeel Publishing, Kansas City. (C) 2000.
RULE 2 - When in company, put not your hands to any part of the body not usually discovered.
RULE 3 - Show nothing to your friend that may affright him.
RULE 4 - In the presence of others, sing not to yourself with a humming noise, nor drum with your fingers or feet.
RULE 5 - If you cough, sneeze, sigh, or yawn, do it not loud but privately; and speak not in your yawning, but put your handkerchief or hand before your face and turn aside.
These rules originated from the honorable Mr. Washington when he was 14 years old. I picked up a book called "By George!" written by Steven M. Selzer, published by Andrews McMeel Publishing, Kansas City. (C) 2000.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Thou Shalt Keep Them - a book review
Check out my latest book review and recomendation in my extra blog.
Monday, September 7, 2009
The exclusive authority of the Scriptures
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God…” (2 Tim. 3:16a)
When a true doctrine is held to by a series of Bible verses that bear upon a topic, a person is then led to believe that such a doctrine is true regardless of the difficulty that doctrine imposes on one’s intellect. The doctrine of Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) is one in particular. This doctrine is assumed in the Bible. The fact that it is presupposed and/or assumed doesn’t mean that it is false, nor unfounded. Take for instance the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. There is not one single passage that teaches every aspect of the mystery of the Trinity, and yet one is led to conclude this vital doctrine after looking at a series of Bible verses that bear upon each and every aspect of the Trinity. Unless God revealed this doctrine to mankind, we would have never known the Triune God. Another great assumption is the existence of God. The Bible goes no further in proving the existence of God than simply declaring that “In the beginning God…” (Gen. 1:1). That God exists is Biblically assumed. No one (except for atheists and/or agnostics) challenges the existence of God. A doctrine is both true and Biblical whether it is taught by the Scriptures directly and/or from assumption. The issue of the exclusive authority of Scripture is similar. We readily admit that the Bible doesn’t say: “Scripture alone is the final rule of faith and practice” but we also acknowledge that when a person examines Biblical verses that bear upon the topic of the Scriptures, one is led to conclude that the Bible alone is the final authority in matters of faith and practice. Other than physically examining Biblical evidence for holding to Sola Scriptura, there is a more important reason that as to why a person could understand the Scriptures to be his “final or ultimate authority,” – a reason that escapes a mere scientific examination of Biblical objectives. That would be nothing else than the role of the Holy Spirit’s internal witness which cannot and should not be ignored nor excluded (Rom. 8:16; 1 Cor. 2:12-14).
When a true doctrine is held to by a series of Bible verses that bear upon a topic, a person is then led to believe that such a doctrine is true regardless of the difficulty that doctrine imposes on one’s intellect. The doctrine of Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) is one in particular. This doctrine is assumed in the Bible. The fact that it is presupposed and/or assumed doesn’t mean that it is false, nor unfounded. Take for instance the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. There is not one single passage that teaches every aspect of the mystery of the Trinity, and yet one is led to conclude this vital doctrine after looking at a series of Bible verses that bear upon each and every aspect of the Trinity. Unless God revealed this doctrine to mankind, we would have never known the Triune God. Another great assumption is the existence of God. The Bible goes no further in proving the existence of God than simply declaring that “In the beginning God…” (Gen. 1:1). That God exists is Biblically assumed. No one (except for atheists and/or agnostics) challenges the existence of God. A doctrine is both true and Biblical whether it is taught by the Scriptures directly and/or from assumption. The issue of the exclusive authority of Scripture is similar. We readily admit that the Bible doesn’t say: “Scripture alone is the final rule of faith and practice” but we also acknowledge that when a person examines Biblical verses that bear upon the topic of the Scriptures, one is led to conclude that the Bible alone is the final authority in matters of faith and practice. Other than physically examining Biblical evidence for holding to Sola Scriptura, there is a more important reason that as to why a person could understand the Scriptures to be his “final or ultimate authority,” – a reason that escapes a mere scientific examination of Biblical objectives. That would be nothing else than the role of the Holy Spirit’s internal witness which cannot and should not be ignored nor excluded (Rom. 8:16; 1 Cor. 2:12-14).
In 2 Tim. 3:16, the authority of the sacred Scriptures came directly from God Himself. The exclusive authority of the Scriptures rests on the fact that there is no other rule of faith (i.e. what and why we believe) that is “given by inspiration” except “all Scripture.” The sacred Scriptures bear the exclusive claim of divine origin via inspiration. The apostle Paul references nothing but “all Scripture” as being given by inspiration and because of this, it alone is profitable (or useful). Nothing beside or other than Scripture is recognized as being equally profitable. The nature of the Scriptures (i.e. God-breathed) leads to the function as the only infallible rule of faith and practice.
The Lord Jesus Christ appeals only to the Scriptures in spiritual battle against Satan (Matt. 4). He appeals only to the Scriptures in his teaching ministry (particularly in Matt. 5-7, over and against rabbinical teachings of His day), and having done so was recognized by the audience as one who taught “with authority” (Matt. 7:29). He appeals only to the Scriptures in v. 31 of Matt. 22 in correcting the false doctrine of the Sadducees. And as He was correcting them we should note that He equates the written word (“have ye not read”) with the very voice of God (“that which was spoken unto you by God”). He appeals only to the Scriptures in Luke 24:27 as He was instructing the disciples about Himself. He could have easily spoken about Himself from His own personal experience and yet he chooses rather to expound unto them the things concerning His self from the Scriptures. Christ consistently appeals only to the Scriptures to settle matters of faith, doctrine, and practice – we would do well to consider His example and His words in John 5:39, to “search the Scriptures.”
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