John Owen, with erudite precision makes the following observations dealing with the role of the Spirit in the confirmation of the Authority of Scripture. Owen argues that in reading the Scripture the covenant keeper hears the Authority of the Holy Spirit’s testimony in the word, and the self-authentication of the Truth spoken by the Spirit.Continue reading “John Owen, 1658, and the Bond between the Spirit and Word”
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If you say the evidence doesn’t support the promises of God, you are misinterpreting the evidence
Edward Stillingfleet was a British theologian and scholar, considered an outstanding preacher as well as a strong polemical writer defending Protestantism. In his work Origines Sacrae he argues for the truth of Scripture in history. What he published in 1680 rings true for us today. Must the extent of God’s omnipotent power “pass the scrutinyContinue reading “If you say the evidence doesn’t support the promises of God, you are misinterpreting the evidence”
A Little Help for our CT/MVO Friends
Christians historically have formulated a robust Theology of Scripture, but as has been noted, current critical trends have forsaken the importance of this grounding for the Church. Apparently, there is no exegetical or theological grounding for the modern CT/MVO endorsing church. So, to assist with the prolegomena of such a system Calvin’s Institutes are suggestedContinue reading “A Little Help for our CT/MVO Friends”
“For whosoever are led by the Spirit of God, can easily discern his power speaking in the Scripture”
How may it appear that the writings of the Prophets and Apostles were indicted of God? Partly by testimonies, partly by reason. And the testimonies, partly inward, partly outward. The internal witness is one alone; namely of the holy Ghost inwardly speaking to our heart, and persuading us that those writings are inspired of God,Continue reading ““For whosoever are led by the Spirit of God, can easily discern his power speaking in the Scripture””
John Wollebius, 1660, The Abridgement of Christian Divinity and who determines the Scriptures are the Scriptures.
Doing research on volume 3 of the Standard Sacred Text series, A Theological Grounding for a Standard Sacred Text, I have been reading through many pages of 16th and 17th Protestant theologies. On a personal level, the Christ-centeredness and biblical consistency of their arguments is a refreshment to my soul. I told my family thatContinue reading “John Wollebius, 1660, The Abridgement of Christian Divinity and who determines the Scriptures are the Scriptures.”
Thomas Ford, 1667 Scripture’s Self-Evidence: a 17th century answer to a 21st century question
The Controversy: How Does Scripture Prove Itself to be the Word of God? It is well known, that this question hath been much disputed between us, and our Adversaries, for many years, and that two things especially have been insisted on by them, to prove the Scripture no competent Rule of Faith, viz. the obscurity,Continue reading “Thomas Ford, 1667 Scripture’s Self-Evidence: a 17th century answer to a 21st century question”
Cornelius Van Til (1895-1987): Christian Apologist, Theologian, and Author, Professor at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia
“For what you have really done in your handling of the evidence for belief in God, is to set yourself up as God. You have made the reach of your intellect, the standard of what is possible or not possible. You have thereby virtually determined that you intend never to meet a fact that pointsContinue reading “Cornelius Van Til (1895-1987): Christian Apologist, Theologian, and Author, Professor at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia”
The Great Bible, 1540 and the preservation of the saints
The work of the historian is a precarious one. Reporting on the past without prejudice is a passing discipline. George Orwell’s 1984 said it best, “Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.” As a record of God’s providence, the progression of history does not fit a logically linear,Continue reading “The Great Bible, 1540 and the preservation of the saints”
First Principles, the voice of the Lord in Scripture, and learning the truth
Clement of Alexandria (153-217?): The Stromata, or Miscellanies For we have, as the source of teaching, the Lord, both by the prophets, the Gospels, and the blessed apostles, “in divers manners and at sundry times,” leading from the beginning of knowledge to the end. But if one should suppose that another origin was required, thenContinue reading “First Principles, the voice of the Lord in Scripture, and learning the truth”
Athanasius’ 4th century Thirty-Ninth Festal Epistle and the Christocentricity of a Closed Canon
In 367, Athanasius of Alexandria (A.D. 296-373), the most prominent theologian of the fourth century who served as bishop of Alexandria wrote the following in his Thirty-Ninth Festal Epistle commonly referred to as his “Easter Letter.” [1] His was the first official pronouncement of a list of canonical books identical with our present-day list. Athanasius’Continue reading “Athanasius’ 4th century Thirty-Ninth Festal Epistle and the Christocentricity of a Closed Canon”
