Presuppositions

November 11, 2020 (Wednesday) 

 

I have five presuppositions in my understanding of the Bible. These are the things I am confident in to the point I get nervous when pastor’s, seminary professors, and church leaders suggest other alternatives. Let’s dig in.

 

First, the Bible is inspired. Meaning it is God’s word to us. There is some debate about what inspiration means. Some suggest a “verbal inspiration.” This means God dictated every word or caused the writer to write specific words. A second view is “plenary inspiration.” This means God directed the writing but allowed the author’s personality (and culture). Just to be clear, there are different flavors of those two views (writers were inspired, ideas were inspired, dictation… a short sample)

 

Second, the Bible is inerrant. This means the Bible is without mistakes. The “fly in the ointment” here is the question about the “original manuscripts.” For instance, some have proposed that not everything attributed to Jesus (actions or words) are not in the “original manuscripts.” Considering how many ancient Greek text (full and partial) exist, the argument is moot.

 

Third, closely following the first two, the Bible is infallible. It follows it the Bible is inspired and inerrant, then it is infallible. It is the trustworthy in message of God to us. We can trust it to rule our faith and the practice of our faith. I get, different traditions practice things differently. Yet at the core, the fundamental practices must be governed by the Bible.

 

Fourth, the Bible is internally consistent.  Another way to say this is, the Bible interprets the Bible. Related to being internally consistently is the fact it is divinely preserved. Several things to keep in mind. Not everything is morally acceptable or advisable. For instance Abraham had a wife (Sarah) and a concubine (Hagar). God clearly designed marriage to be a monogamous relationship between one man and one woman. The fact Abraham’s arrangement is not condemned does not make it right.

 

When you see something that seems to contradict, then it’s time to give it more thought. I have found the error (for me) tends to be in context and emphasis. In other words, trying to puzzle through these things just demonstrates how much more I need to learn.

 

Fifth, the Holy Spirit illumines the meaning. In other words, we understand the Bible and connect it to our world and our life BECAUSE the Holy Spirit “turns the light on.” Closely connected it the idea that the Bible is “living and active.” What this means is the Bible is a living letter to you. You may read something one day, thinking you know it, but something jumps out and grabs you. This divine grab is God’s way of speaking to you in that moment.

 

The Bible is intended to be read, understood, and applied.  The Bible has sole authority over all human life. No exceptions.

 

“Everything in the Scriptures is God's Word. All of it is useful for teaching and helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to live.  The Scriptures train God's servants to do all kinds of good deeds” [2 Timothy 3:16 – 17 CEV].