ECT Mr P.Cronin

[Patrick Cronin]

In these comments on Scripture the word "theology" (as applied to scripture) is given the same meaning as "Revelation". This is a serious error. The great diversity of opposing opinions on the meaning of scripture passages demonstrates that at best only one interpretation has the meaning that God intended to reveal to us when inspiring the writer and we have no way of knowing which one is correct! Theology is therefore no way of finding out the truth. This is not to say that all theology is false, only that it cannot be presented as a source of revelation.
The revealed word of God alone demands the submission of our faith, so "to whom shall we go" to find "the words of eternal life" so that we can believe? (John 6:68)
The principle called "sola scriptura" is a theological opinion because it is not to be found in Scripture.
In the first century of the Church, the teaching of the Apostles was totally reliable because it arose from the gift of the Spirit. The Spirit was still leading them when they wrote the New Testament Scriptures and still leading them when they laid their hands on those who succeeded them. That (apostolic) authority is still reliable today due to the influence of the Spirit. ("The Holy Spirit, when He comes will guide you into all the truth" (i.e. revelation))(John16:12). That authority alone is the one "to whom we must go" to know what God really reveals through Jesus Christ. It is called "The Church".

 

[Danoh]

Sola Scriptura is affirmed by passages like Isaiah 8:20 and Matthew 4:4.

There goes your implied assertion that the Spirit led you to your above assertions.

Isaiah 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

While I'm at it; the following asserts no other writings are needed.

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

 

[Jerry Shugart]

In the first century of the Church, the teaching of the Apostles was totally reliable because it arose from the gift of the Spirit. The Spirit was still leading them when they wrote the New Testament Scriptures and still leading them when they laid their hands on those who succeeded them.

Greetings Patrick,

Where did you get the idea about the laying on of hands?

Thanks!

 

[Interplanner]

The paragraph is good about the 1st generation, but even Paul warned of nonsense coming in/along in his time. (Acts 20 is one of the few places where he indicates there might be more time than he originally thought before Christ returned).

'til Christ/Messiah is formed among you (pl).' 'In Christ' is the guide. The 'truth as it is in Jesus' (I Pet 1). It is certainly not a theology, but the science of theology using archeology, language, history is the only way back to it now.

 

[Patrick Cronin]

Danoh: You are assuming that in saying "every word that comes from the mouth of God" Jesus is referring to the written Scriptures. This cannot be true because par excellence, the words of Jesus Himself come from 'the mouth of God' yet there were a lot more of those than were written down as scripture: "If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written."(John 21:25).
The "word" in N.T.scripture means the GOSPEL verbally preached by Jesus and by the Apostles under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
2 Timothy 3:16 says the obvious that the Holy Scripture has great value, but there is no reference to the EXCLUSIVE nature implied by 'sola scriptura'. You will have to do better than that!

Patrick Cronin