Al Mohler presents some frightening facts concerning the lack of biblical literacy, not just among Americans, but among professing evangelicals. You can read it here: SBTS Resources » Love For a Bible Not Read: A Call For Biblical Literacy.
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Betsy Childs exposes (by means of parody) some of the ridiculous assumptions and assertions of biblical source critics in this piece, entitled A Source Critic Looks at Downton Abbey. SPOILER ALERT
“What great toil and effort it cost the church fathers to gather up a few crumbs, while we with half the labor – with almost no labor at all – can acquire the whole loaf. O how their efforts put our indolence to shame!”
– Martin Luther
Nehemiah Coxe, concluding his introduction to “A Discourse of the Covenants,” writes,
“I will only add this: that on the whole, my aim has been to speak the truth in love and to take my notions from the Scriptures, not grafting any preconceived opinions of my own onto them. Where the evidence of truth appears, let it not be refused because it is offered in a mean dress and presented under the disadvantage of a rude and unpolished style. But consider instead the reason of what is said and with the noble Bereans search the Scriptures to see whether these things be so or not. And the Lord give you understanding in all things.”
N.C. (Covenant Theology, p.31)
In this paragraph Coxe recognizes that in order to speak the truth, one must take his notions from the Scriptures alone, without adding any opinions conceived by men. Scripture alone is the Word of God; the Bible does not share authority with popes, councils, creeds, confessions, commentaries, religious experiences, bodily sensations, emotions, “common sense”, philosophers, science, tradition, blogs, superstition, governments, populations, opinions, or anything else.
Coxe also recognizes his own limitations and asks his reader for patience with his sometimes “rude and unpolished style.” In Christian interaction, all should practice patience with each other, in anticipation of that time in which we ourselves will need the patience of others. Coxe pleads that his readers not be distracted by any faults of his literary presentation, but rather focus their attention on the pursuit of truth.
Once again, openly before his readers, Coxe submits himself to the authority of the Scriptures. He appeals to his readers to examine his writings in the light of Scripture to determine their worth. He concludes with an acknowledgement that understanding comes only from the Lord, and not from within. Otherwise, he might have pleaded that his readers use their own “common sense,” or to search their inner feelings to find the truth. Instead, Coxe wishes the Lord’s blessing upon his readers, that they might comprehend the majestic importance of God’s covenants with man. Christians would do well to follow Coxe’s example of humility before God and His Revealed Word.
On November 3, a friend of mine posted a link via facebook to a recorded broadcast of R.C. Sproul’s “Renewing Your Mind.” The topic was “What is Free Will?” A discussion quickly followed in the comment thread, primarily between myself and a friend of my friend’s, with whom I have interacted online before, but have never met in person. The conversation grew so large that I suggested that we move it to The Sovereign Logos, and he agreed. I am posting all previous relevant comments in the main post, so that any readers may see the context if they so desire. (I have edited comments addressed to other participants, in respect to their privacy.) Continue Reading
The Sovereign Logos 