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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | What is a Nephilum? | Gen 6:4 | DocTrinsograce | 161411 | ||
Dear Edwin, Dogma is not a bad thing, although the word has negative connotations for a variety of reasons. When we state things, we must be certain of the authoritative underpinnings that allow us to be dogmatic. The Study Bible Forum is rooted in the secure principle of Sola Scriptura. "The supreme judge, by which all controversies of religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined, and in whose sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Scripture delivered by the Spirit, into which Scripture so delivered, our faith is finally resolved." When I assert something, therefore, that is rooted in Scripture, I have the very authority of the Word of God supporting me. For example, when I say "God resists the proud, but grants grace to the humble," (Job 22:29; Matthew 23:12; Provers 3:34; James 4;6; 1 Peter 5:5) I am speaking the very Words of God Himself! I must be careful, however, to state with confidence only those things that I really can state with confidence. "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God" (1 Peter 4:11a). There are three reasons that I must do this with such care: (1) I must be certain that I am not distorting God's message, lest I be found to be speaking only the teachings of men (1 Timothy 6:5); (2) I must be certain that I am saying only what the Scripture says, lest I presume on the Holy Spirit (Psalm 19:13); (3) I must be certain that others understand the source of the authority, that it comes from the Word of God alone, and not from me -- after all, who am I? (1 Corinthians 1:26) Now, as we speak to one another, there is nothing wrong with saying, "Some have taught that..." or "There are some who believe this..." We can then offer the various teachings with which we are familiar. Even when we cite the Scriptures on which those beliefs are based, unless we can know that the interpretations are firmly rooted in Biblical doctrine, we must never imply otherwise. With regard to the specific example at hand, regarding the "Nephilim." Much could be discussed about their nature and origins. We can remark on the meaning of the word "Nephilim" with at least four possible meanings, even questioning if it is a proper noun. We can remark on the phrase "sons of God" in order to accurately determine who might fit that description in the Postedenic and Prediluvian period. Having made the effort above, I could offer a statement that is, to the best of my ability, in keeping with a careful rendering of the Scripture message. However, I would preface it with "After careful study, it seems to me..." I am constrained to be cautious. Why? Because the Scripture simply does not give a full explanation capable of supporting a definitive answer. If I made a dogmatic statement on the topic, I would be presuming on the Word of God. John Calvin, in his writings, would often say something to the effect, "...beyond this, the Scriptures do not speak, therefore I must not." Period. He would end right there. I had a professor who used to say, "Interpretation of the Scripture is like wading. You can cover a lot of area when you are wading. But when you find yourself treading water, because your feet aren't touching the ground, move back toward the shore. Get back to where you are standing on solid ground. You can count on the solid ground! Base all you declare on the solid ground." So, Edwin, I encourage you to state unequivocally those things that you can and ought state unequivocally, "as the oracle of God." Avoid unequivocally language in those areas where you can't be certain. That way, your audience can count on your assertions as being rooted in the Word of God. "Lest, peradventure, you find yourself fighting against God!" It will also teach your audience to have a high regard for Scriptures. I appreciate and look forward to your continued participation in the forum! Please excuse my tendency to lecture. I promise to try to take my own advice! :-) In Him, Doc "What Scripture says, God says; for, in a manner comparable only to the deeper mystery of the Incarnation, the Bible is both fully human and fully divine. So all its manifold contents -- histories, prophecies, poems, songs, wisdom writings, sermons, statistics, letters, and whatever else -- should be received as from God, and all that Bible writers teach should be revered as God's authoritative instruction. Christians should be grateful to God for the gift of His written Word, and conscientious in basing their faith and life entirely and exclusively upon it. Otherwise, we cannot ever honor or please Him as He calls us to do." --James I. Packer |
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2 | What is a Nephilum? | Gen 6:4 | ebrain | 161672 | ||
Thank you Doc, you are of course right, I should have prefaced my remarks in the way you suggest, and not allowed speculation to be considered as fact. What was in my mind at the time was attempting to answer a question that was mearly academic, and in no way could it be considered as Basic Foundational Christian Doctrine. Your point is taken, however, and I shall in future endeavor to be more carefull. Thank you again for your fellowship. Every blessing. ebrain |
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