Scripture and Doctrine

The Ft. Lauderdale Disputation concludes with a discussion on the Gospel being the central message of the biblical text and if Holy Scripture is the sanctified media of the present tense address of the risen Jesus that gives the crucified and risen Christ to the dead and thereby raises them as righteous and beloved children of God. Also reflect on the Law as it relates to loving God.

Two theses from the Ft. Lauderdale Disputation are discussed in this lecture. The first discussion is on the meaning of a biblical text and if it is not exhausted by the original intention of the author. The second discussion is on if the nature and function of the Bible are insufficiently grasped unless we see the Bible as an element in the economy of Triune discourse. Consider our convictions about Scripture as confessions of faith.

This lecture continues with the Ft. Lauderdale Disputation. Concluding thoughts regarding the nature and function of the Bible surround justification and sanctification within the old and new Adam. Examine the Monergestic and Synergestic debate on sanctification as growth roots out unbelief and creates faith.

The Ft. Lauderdale Disputation continues with thoughts on the New Testament as the hermeneutical key which unlocks the meaning of the Old Testament and the Old Testament as key to the meaning of the New Testament. Consider these two theses point in both directions. Examine that Scripture is the "present tense address" of Jesus that diagnoses and kills the old Adam. Determine if the exegetical tradition of the Church is an indispensable aid for the interpretation of Scripture. Consider the magisterial and ministerial authority of the Holy Spirit.

Follow the discussion and assessment of the Old Testament preaching and praying of the Church as it is related to the most primitive layer of biblical tradition. Consider what happens when the distinction between the Gospel and the Law is lost. Understand Paul's focus of bringing the obedience of faith to the Gentiles.

The interpretation of Scripture must be grounded in the text itself, both the text you are reading and the whole text. Compare and contrast the reading of the Old Testament account of the Abraham story through Pseudo Philo and the Apostle Paul. Understand the reasoning and differences behind the Jewish interpretation of Abraham's blessing and calling. If we know the whole of Scripture is about Christ, we will read the Old Testament differently.

Christianity and Judaism, although connected, differ in hermeneutics and exegesis. Compare Philo of Alexandria's reasoning for God's choice of Jacob with Paul in Romans 9. Explore that the only explanation for the mercy of God is the mercy of God. The Flood account in Genesis 6 is used to display the order in which Noah came to be called righteous.

Consider the relationship between Scripture and Doctrine. Doctrine helps us hear the voice of God through the Scriptures. Examine the Nicene Creed against the Old and New Testaments and understand how doctrine helps confront heresy. How does monotheism work in relation to Jesus being worshipped? The Doctrine of Eternal Generation is used as an example.

Examine John 1:1 in light of the language of Trinitarian theology. Consider when you talk about God, you must talk about God twice. Examine the distinction between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as pointed out in Scripture. 1 Corinthians 8:6 is compared to The Shema in light of the Oneness of God. God has revealed himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Examine the Doctrine of Justification through the lens of the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Consider that the parable puts the old Adam, who wants to justify himself, on the side of the road lying half dead seeking a good Samaritan. Reflect on the uses of the Law when actually preaching this parable.

Irenaeus charged the Valentinians with falsifying the oracles of God as evil interpreters because they took parts of Scripture and used them to form theology that was heretical. Christ is what all the pieces of Scripture are about. Christ does not just reveal the pattern of Scripture but is himself the pattern. Explore Luke 24 as an example of this reality.

What happens to humans when confronted by the Word? The Reformational distinction between the Law and the Gospel will be explored through a variety of theologians and their thoughts. How does God both kill and make alive through Scripture? By shining a light on Inaugurated Eschatology and Realized Eschatology along with the ministries of both John the Baptist and Jesus, this question will be answered.

The relationship between the Law and the Gospel is explored. The theological use of the Law shows us our sin and drives us to Christ. The political use of the Law restrains evil and preserves order in God's good creation. The third use of the Law is examined answers the question, "Why does a Christian need guidance for that which is not sin?".

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus offers the authoritative interpretation of the Law of God. He presents the Law as more internal and more intense than anyone knew. Where does love come from that fulfills the Law? Consider the answer to this question given by Paul in Romans.

John 8 is an excellent example how Jesus used both the Law and gospel as he confronted the scribes, Pharisees and woman caught in adultery. Jesus gives a word of forgiveness followed by a word of freedom to the woman. Discover how Luther viewed the Law and its importance in the New Creation and that he actually held that no actual antinomian existed in reality.

How is the Bible all about Jesus? The Gospel is that God is most himself when he dies for you. Explore the preaching of the Law and Gospel through the lens of Lucas Cranach the Elder's depiction of The preaching Martin Luther Predella of the Cranach Altar. Luther's view on discernment and the preacher are also covered.

Martin Luther discovered the Psalms point to the tropological sense of Scripture being faith in Jesus Christ. The Reformers developed the meaning of the "fuller sense" of Scripture. The Reformation formulated the idea of Scripture being two events: Letter and Spirit.

The Three Rules of Theology constituted of Oratio (prayer), Meditatio (study), and Tentatio (struggle) are discussed and explored. Psalm 119 is used as an example of how these three rules are applied by the psalmist.

The Tentatio (struggle) of faith is explored in depth through Ephesians 6. How should we respond to the arrows of accusation? The armor of God is shown to be Jesus who alone can gain victory over the battles and struggles of our lives.

The formal and material authority of Scripture are explored and the question of the inerrancy of Scripture is shown to be a consequence of reading Scripture and hearing God. The much debated text of Hebrews 6 is used for application.

This section contains an introduction to Psalm 119 and an overview of the importance of the Three Rules of Theology. The public and private distinctions of faith are shown to break down during real life crises.

Steinmetz explores the question of reading Psalm 137 in light of the historical meaning and the New Testament. If the text has only the historical meaning, it cannot be for the Christian today. The use of "one interpretation, multiple applications" is explained.

Steinmetz favors and explores the fourfold sense of Scripture. There are two constraints for controlling the fourfold sense of Scripture. The limits of the four senses of Scripture are explored.

Scott Swain explores that the Rule of Faith contains two elements - the Triune Name of God and the basic narrative of the Gospel. The Rule of Faith helps us when we read Scripture and while it does not have independent authority, it can help us as we explore who God is.

Scott Swain explores that the Rule of Love is the fruit of reading Scripture. As creatures, we have the posture of love as we listen to the voice of our Creator. God uses Scripture to change our stony hearts into hearts of flesh. The Protestant Confessions are shown to be under the authority of Scripture and only authoritative if consistent with Scripture.

Karl Barth was the most significant and influential theologian of the 20th century. He argued against Protestant Liberalism and emphasized Christ as the intersecting point between Creator and creature. Psalm 51 is an example of a microcosm of the Bible in which the relationship between the sinning human being and the justifying God is examined.

Origen and his use of platonic terms applied to reading Scripture is discussed. Contrasted is Augustine and his distinction between word and idea. The Quadriga of Scripture composed of the literal, allegorical, tropological and anagogical senses is explained.

Spinoza's distinction that the Bible is to be read as natural history is discussed. Semler's distinction is between faith and theology while Gabler's distinction is between biblical and dogmatic theology. Kant's view of religion as morality is answered critically by Hamann. Jowett's contribution to the conversation is to consider the Bible as all other books authored by human hand.

The 16th Century question, "Can Scripture alone be enough to interpret Scripture?" is considered within the context of the Protestant Reformation. The fact that true doctrine comes from Scripture will be highlighted.

Justification by faith versus works is examined in light of the Reformation argument against the Roman Catholic Church. The Reformers were primarily concerned with Solus Christus. The importance of faith in the lives of important biblical figures is brought to light.

The Reformers held to four important ideas concerning Scripture: Sola Scriptura, Claritas scripturae, Sui ipsius interpres, and Lex et evangelion. To read Scripture is to be a recipient of the activity of God who creates, saves, and raises to life through his Word - the Gospel.

The topic of Sola Scriptura as seen through the eyes of Luther and the Council of Trent is reviewed. Scripture is described as Jesus Christ standing at the intersection between God and sinner. How God is enjoyed and glorified, as stated in the Westminster Confession, is discussed.

The Gospel as its found in Scripture must be primarily heard by those who minister and it is the Gospel which then must be spoken in a way that intersects with the real problems and pain people are suffering.

The source of life is what God says in his word. We need to have a posture of dependence on him. The Abraham story is contrasted with the Temptation of Jesus narrative in Matthew. The question, "What is the Bible?" will be discussed.

Scripture is the living voice of Christ, is not a passive text but eschatologically present. Christ himself speaks as Prophet, Priest, and King through the Scripture. Scripture is the promise of God in which Jesus is present.