Sometimes people ask why I tend to use creeds and confessions when discussing some matter of dogma or doctrine, rather than scripture alone. That would not be the way I would describe it :) Its more a question of, Who cares what I think the Bible says? You shouldnt be so interested in that so I shouldnt be so interested in telling you. I think my opinions about what scripture says are correct because everyone thinks their opinions are correct, otherwise theyd have other opinions. But we should not over-value our own little opinions if we value our souls. When using scripture alone we might be in agreement, contrary or contradictory to the holy Church (Gods chosen instrument for the unity and sanctification of His people on Earth). If someone, even a known theologian or prominent professor says something, in the end the credibility is very low, because as much as we might respect the source, its just some guy. The great heresies of history seem to be highly dependent upon just some guy with the bible absent the corrective and sanctifying environment of the Church. If I say the Bible says X, Y, and Z and the church has never said the same that you should believe it, though it might sound wholly reasonable, would be dangerous. So though in the end everything we say or speak should be our firm conviction of what Scripture Alone teaches, what we think scripture alone teaches should not be wholly interpreted by private conscience in the absence of scriptural accountability and fidelity to the body of Christ. Its very good to say I think scripture teaches this, and not just I, but this has been the witness and judgement of the Church on this matter also. I am not alone out here or teaching anything new or of my own imagination but something tested and wrought into the judgement of the church in regard to the teaching of scripture. This rule is so important that almost any judgement by a private individual absent or contrary to the judgement of the historical church should be thought of as not only speculation but presumed outside of orthodoxy until proven or tested to the contrary by the church. This rule seems especially important for those that write books, blogs, record lessons, podcasts, debate, are on the radio, teach at colleges, universities or seminaries; these can all create an air of legitimacy in the absence of any due biblical testing or accountability for either the teaching or the teacher. The church is not just the numerical gathering of autonomous individuals each having the right to any christianity they choose but the body of Christ composed of many members that make a single whole; there must be unity. There must be accountability. There must be a church. In our day when the respect for the autonomous individual is at the highest perhaps at any time in history we should be especially wary of every mans private opinion taking on the air of authority when really, other than the zeal of the mob, they have none. We should feel very comfortable saying, Yes I know what you think the Bible says but if youre fighting a fight, you should fight your fight with the holy church and not hide from her staff and rod. Its easy to seem like a heavyweight when were really just bullying around the schoolyard. Anything else is sitting outside the circle and critiquing from the bleachers.
Posted on: Fri, 16 May 2014 16:35:23 +0000
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