ECTF I.9 Private Interpretation

From Essential Truths of the Christian Faith by R.C. Sproul (c) 1992 R. C. Sproul Published by Tyndale ISBN 0-8423-2006-1

Part I. Revelation ~ 9. Private Interpretation

Biblical passages for reflection
[Links to the ESV Bible] [Links to all the Audio]:

Nehemiah 08.08; 2Timothy 02.15; 2Timothy 03.14-17; Hebrews 01.01-04; 2Peter 01.20-21;

Summary:

1. The Reformation gave to the church a translation of the Bible in the common language, and to each believer, the right and responsibility of private interpretation of the Bible.
2. Church tradition, though instructive as a guide does not have equal authority with Scripture.
3. Private interpration is not a license for subjectivism.
4. The principle of private interpration carries swith it the obligation to seek the correct interpretation of the Bible.

Though each biblical text may have multiple applicatons, it has only one correct meaning.

Personal(Michael.T.Bee) Reflections:

First Scripture (and following) encourage right division of Scripture -- they also are an encouragement for non-private discussion and examination of what Scripture says.

Last Scripture quote was to(?) - show it Scripture isn't wasn't created from personal desire but from the Holy Spirit's guidance and God's design?

Here's another link to all the scriptures:
http://tinyurl.com/ykhfnys

ETCF I.8 Interpreting the Bible

From Essential Truths of the Christian Faith by R.C. Sproul (c) 1992 R. C. Sproul Published by Tyndale ISBN 0-8423-2006-1

Part I. Revelation ~ 8. Interpreting the Bible

Biblical passages for reflection
[Links to the ESV Bible][Links to All the Audio]:

Acts 15.15-16; Ephesians 4.11-16; 2Peter 01.16-21; 2Peter 03.14-18;

Summary:

1. The Bible is its own interpreter.
2. We must interpret the Bible literally--as it is written.
3. The bible is to be interpreted like any other book.
4. Obscure parts of the Bible are to be interpreted by the clearer parts.
5. The implicit is to be interpreted in light of the explicit.
6. The rules of logic govern what can be reasonable be drawn or deduced from Scripture.

Personal(Michael.T.Bee) Reflections:

Word definitions: perenially

Quotes / other references:
God is His own interpreter
...the devil can quote Scripture

Sproul writes:
"...What is obscure in one part of Scripture may be made clear in another..." and "...Each text must be understood ... in light of ... immediate context but also ... context of the whole of Scripture."

This is encouragement to stay with the "through the Bible" reading programs.

ETCF I.7 The Canon of Scripture

From  Essential Truths of the Christian Faith by R.C. Sproul (c) 1992 R. C. Sproul Published by Tyndale ISBN 0-8423-2006-1

Part I. Revelation ~ 7. The Canon of Scripture

Biblical passages for reflection
[Links to the ESV Bible] [Links to All the Audio]:

Luke 24.44-45; 1Corinthians 15.03-08; 2Timothy 03.16-17; 2Peter 01.19-21; 2Peter 03.14-16;

Summary:

1. The term canon is derived from Greek, and it means "norm" or "standard." Canon is used to describe the authoritative list of books that the church acknowledged as sacred Scripture and thus the "rule" for faith and practice.
2. In addition to the sixty-six books of the Bible accepted by Protestants, Roman Catholics also accept the Apocrypha as authoritative Scripture.
3. To combat heresy, the church found it necessary to declare which books had been recognized as authoritative.
4. There were a few books in the Canon that were a matter of dispute(Hebrews, James, 2 Peter, 2 and 3 John, Jude, and Revelation) and some books that were considered for inclusion that were not admitted to the Canon, including 1 Clement , The Shepherd of Hermas , and The Didache .
5. The church did not create the Canon but merely recognized the books that bore the marks of canonicity and were therefore authoritative within the church.

Personal(Micheal.T.Bee) Reflections:

The historic beliefs of Christianity (1Cor 15.03-08) are supported by both the Protestant and Roman Catholic Canons. However, the difference between them is worth more elaboration/review. The Protestant view of Canonicity is based on 'receiving' Scripture. From ETCF (italics mine) : "...The so-called marks of canonicity include... 1. apostolic authorship/endorsement, 2. ...received as authoritative by the early church 3) ...harmony with books about which there is no doubt." In contrast, the Roman Catholic church believes itself infallibile, therefore, they have authority to choose the Canon.

Questions(Michael.T.Bee):

Why use the phrase so-called? This implies there is question or doubt(fallible list of infallible books).

What are the books about which there is no doubt?

Historically, has the Roman Catholic church expanded the Canon to justify/explain some of their dogmas?

ETCF I.6 The Prophets of God

From Essential Truths of the Christian Faith by R.C. Sproul (c) 1992 R. C. Sproul Published by Tyndale ISBN 0-8423-2006-1

Part I. Revelation ~ 6. Prophets of God

Biblical passages for reflection
[Links to the ESV Bible](Link to all the audio):

Deuteronomy 18.15-22; Isaiah 06; Joel 02.28-32; Matthew 07.15-20; Ephesians 04.11-16;

Summary:

1. The Old Testament prophets were agents of divine revelation.
2. Prophecy involved foretelling and forthtelling.
3. The prophets were reformers of Israelite worship and life.
4. Only those directly called by God had the authority to be His prophets.
5. False prophets expressed their own opinions and told people only what they wanted to hear.
6. Major and minor prophets are so designated according to the volume of their written works, not the importance of those works.

GoogleBooks ~ Search ~ "Essential Truths of the Christian Faith ~ The prophets of the Old Testament were persons uniquely called of God

ETCF.006.THE_PROPHETS_OF_GOD.00a.mp3(secure file)

Personal(Micheal.T.Bee) Reflections:

From scripture passages in Acts can we infer prophets exist today(cf. Agabus in new testatment)? When (& why) did 'foretelling' cease? When did the Scripture as we know them, become the "canon"?

Also, passage from Joel indicates men and women would have the Spirit poured out on them. This would indicate to me that women are to play a role in the life of the church and the work of God in this area.

I looked in Matthew Henry referencing Isa8.20 - what an encouragement. He doesn't quote directly - but paraphrases - Micah 6.8. We seek a sign - when, often the sign is clear if we look to God's Word.

ETCF I.5 The Law of God

From  Essential Truths of the Christian Faith by R.C. Sproul (c) 1992 R. C. Sproul Published by Tyndale ISBN 0-8423-2006-1

Part I. Revelation ~ 5. The Law of God

Biblical passages for reflection

[Links to the ESV Bible] [Links to All the Audio]:

Exodus 20.01-17; Psalm 115.3; Matthew 05.17-20; Roman 07.07-25; Galations 03.23-29;

Summary:

1. God rules the universe by law. Gravity is one example of God's laws of nature. God's moral law is exhibited in the Ten Commandments.
2. God has the authority to impose obligations upon His creatures.
3. God acts according to the law of His own character.
4. God reveals His moral law to our conscience and in Scripture.
5. Only God has the authority to do away with His laws.

Personal(Micheal.T.Bee) Reflections:

We often hear follow the Spirit - not law. But, the Law isn't bad. It is their for our good.

Romans passage: it points us to Christ. Our inability to follow the law informs us of our need for something outside ourselves to live up to/fulfill the law.

ETCF I.4 Special Revelation and The Bible

From  Essential Truths of the Christian Faith by R.C. Sproul (c) 1992 R. C. Sproul Published by Tyndale ISBN 0-8423-2006-1

Part I. Revelation ~ 4. Special Revelation and the Bible

Biblical passages for reflection
[Links to the ESV Bible] [Links to All the Audio]:

Psalm 119; John 17.17; 1Thessalonians 02.13; 2Timothy 03.15-17; 2Peter 01.20-21;

Summary:

1. Inspiration is the process whereby God breathed out His Word.
2. God is the ultimate source of the Bible.
3. God is the ultimate superintendent of the Bible.
4. Only the original manuscripts of the Bible were without error.

Personal(Micheal.T.Bee) Reflections:

What place should the word of God have in our lives?

How shall this relate to your principals for daily living?

How shall this relate to church life?

I think I've read elsewhere textual differences ~ "mistakes" in Scripture are not relevant to understanding and practice of faith(Josh McDowell 'More than a Carpenter'?).

ETCF I.3 Immediate and Mediate General Revelation

From Essential Truths of the Christian Faith by R.C. Sproul (c) 1992 R. C. Sproul Published by Tyndale ISBN 0-8423-2006-1

Part I. Revelation ~ 3. Immediate and Mediate General Revelation

Biblical passages for reflection
[Links to the ESV Bible][Links to All the Audio]:

Psalm 19.1-4; Acts 14.8-18; Acts 17.16-34; 2Timothy 03.15-17; Romans 01.18-23; Romans 02.14-15;

Summary:

1. God's glory is evident all around us. It is mediated through God's creation.
2. Human beings are religious by nature.
3. God implants in all human beings an innate knoledge of Himself. This is called immediate general revelation.

Personal(Michael.T.Bee) Reflections:

What place should the word of God have in our lives?

How should relate to your principals for daily living?

How does this / should relate to church life?

I think I've read elsewhere that the 'errors' are not relevant to the understanding and practice of faith(Josh McDowell 'More than a Carpenter'?).

ETCF I.2 Paradox, Mystery, and Contradiction

From Essential Truths of the Christian Faith by R.C. Sproul (c) 1992 R. C. Sproul Published by Tyndale ISBN 0-8423-2006-1

Part I. Revelation ~ 2. Paradox, Mystery, and Contradiction

Biblical passages for reflection
[Links to the ESV Bible] [Links to All the Audio]:

Matthew 13.11; Matthew 16.25; Romans 16.25-27; 1Corinthians 02.07; 1Corinthians 14.33;

Summary:

1. Paradox is an apparent contradiction that under closer scrutiny yields resolution.
2. Mystery is something unknown to us know, but which may be resolved.
3. Contradiction is a violation of the law of noncontradiction. It is impossible to resolve, either by mortals or God, either in this world or the next.
   
   

Personal(Michael.T.Bee) Reflections:

I found this particularly helpful. For example, one misconceptions--faith/religion is something NOT to be understood. While there are mysteries and hidden things, I think God means to be clear to us about essentials in daily practice/life with Him.

ECTF I.1 Divine Revelation

From Essential Truths of the Christian Faith by R.C. Sproul(c) 1992 R. C. Sproul Published by Tyndale ISBN 0-8423-2006-1

I. Revelation

001. Divine Revelation

Summary

1. Christianity is a revealed religion.
2. God’s revelation is a self-disclosure. He removes the veil that keeps us from knowing Him.
3. We do not come to know God through speculation.
4. God revealed Himself in various ways throughout history.
5. General revelation is given to all human beings.
6. Atheism and agnosticism are based on a denial of what people know to be true.
7. Foolishness is founded on the denial of God.
8. Wisdom is founded on the fear of God.

Biblical passages for reflection:
Psalm 19:1-14;Ephesians 3:1-13;2 Timothy 3:14-17;Hebrews 1:1-4



GoogleBooks ~ Search ~ "Essential Truths of the Christian Faith ~ Everything we know about Christianity

ETCF.001.DIVINE_REVELATION.00a.mp3(secure file)