At the epicenter of history rests a juxtaposition of Divine ordinance: the Passion of the Christ. It is both the worst and best moment of existential Reality. The Resurrection solidified forever the Atoning Act of Christ and "defied logic" by presenting Truth through an ostensible theological anomaly. Thus, our exemplar for everything is Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul echoes this truth when he says, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20).
...Some miracles of history lack a purely "logical" explanation when examined from a naturalist perspective or even a theologically naturalist inclination (as expanded upon in a previous entry, Supernatural vs Natural Theology). One merely acquainted with the Word of God and one intimately familiar with the same will at some point find their minds, in equal measure, sorely taxed upon encountering both the miraculous and prophetic nature of the Holy Writ. The equal measure, however, diminishes as the true disciple accepts that the God of the Universe is beyond complete human understanding, i.e. the mind of God is infinite, the human mind is finite.
...Operating on this premise, one will find answers that defy what is "logical" yet will also immeasurably increase faith. The not-so-true disciple is thus left with intellectual scraps as answers are sought strictly through natural means whereby human reason supplants the supernatural aspect of God-inspired revelation with the ambiguity of allegorical dogmatism. Therefore, caution must be employed when examining miracles within the context of unfulfilled prophecy lest one undermine their own faith in the miracles of history. [Many who insist on the ultra-dogmatic allegorical/non-literal interpretation of prophecy contradict their own doctrinal blueprint in that they believe absolutely, as they should, in the literal understanding and fulfillment of such historical miracles as the Creation, Virgin Birth, and Resurrection. Yet they simultaneously possess a heavy bias against unfulfilled prophecy simply because it is unfulfilled and the difficult prophetic language involved cannot be understood by their particular eisegetical hermeneutics. Believing most prophecy, if not all, to be non-literal and solely allegorical and/or historically fulfilled, with the exception of the Second Advent, such individuals perform an injustice to Scriptural integrity and interpretive logic.]
...Being mindful that Scripture interprets Scripture (a precept I find infallible) and understanding that prayer brings continual revelation of Truth, one will experience conviction toward such sound hermeneutics in their studies (2 Tim. 2:15), regardless of whether or not the human mind can explain all the details. Since God is a God of perfect revelation, and is impartial, every mystery will not be understood in its fullest by every individual; hence, the purpose of specific spiritual gifting throughout the Church.
...To be Christ-like is the high-water mark for a Christian. Jesus Christ is the model for our spiritual, mental, and physical discipline. His promises of a grand and gloriously eternal afterlife, coupled with fellowship sweeter than words can express, encourage us toward exemplification of His character and promotion of the Kingdom. Why then should He not also be our exemplar concerning Scriptural interpretation?
...Three hundred thirty two prophecies are recorded in the Word of God concerning the birth, life, ministry, crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. All 332 prophecies were fulfilled in the Person of Jesus Christ and the events surrounding Him. Moreover, all 332 prophecies were fulfilled literally. Though there are indeed historical reflections, symbolic types and shadows, and ideological transitions involved in Messianic prophecy, each specific prediction retains a literal/actual fulfillment.
...For instance, the betrayal of Christ for thirty pieces of silver, foretold in Zechariah 11:12 and consummated in Matthew 26:14-15, is an actual betrayal for a literal thirty pieces of silver. Of course, this "princely price" was the price of a slave, a fact eliciting scorn and resonant with the brokenness of humanity, yet Christ was never a slave. We see, then, that there is indeed much that is symbolic and figurative blossoming from this particular prophecy, but its fulfillment remains rooted in a precisely literal and actual realization. There is no room for overt uncertainty of meaning. Both prediction and fruition are clear.
...When first recorded, this prophecy (and others) may have been "a hard saying," perhaps inviting numerous interpretations from those who studied its immediate and greater context concerning what the future held. For the generation that witnessed its completion, however, it was profoundly simple and absolute. Any "reasonable theories" spiritualizing or mystifying the comprehension of God's Word to Zechariah would be negligent upon the prophecy's fulfillment, for the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God (1 Cor. 3:19). Examination of each Messianic prophecy and its realization will illuminate within one's heart the truth and import of a literal understanding of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. Furthermore, knowledge that the literal explains the figurative and symbolic is of great necessity when mining for Truth amidst the veins of prophetic literature.
...Referencing again the idea of Christ being the exemplar for Scriptural interpretation, it is telling that a large portion of fulfilled prophecy attaches directly to the Person of Jesus Christ. It is also telling that a large portion of unfulfilled prophecy likewise attaches to the Person of Jesus Christ. Thus the Scriptural evidence supporting a literal fulfillment for what is yet unfulfilled is glaringly favored by the example of Christ Himself. Interpretive logic, then, has a place reserved among esteemed company including discipleship, ethics, obedience, and other prevalent paradigms that demand Christ-likeness to reach their ideal potential.
...Paul urges us to imitate Christ (1 Cor. 11:1), emboldening us to strive for such an ideal on every level. Titus 2:6-15 instructs us to embrace sobriety, showing doctrinal integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, thus revealing the shame of our adversaries and rebuking them with all authority. We are also commanded to reject divisive men and avoid foolish and impractical argumentation, genealogies (partiality), contentions, and legal disputes; for such are useless, self-condemning, and of a sinful nature (Titus 3:9-11). Indeed, our imitation of Christ is assured as we experience the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, made possible by His saving mercy, love, and Passion.
1 comment:
Excellent.
I wonder what would happen if I read the Bible alone for just one year. Now I know it would be hard to put back my Joyce Meyer and CS Lewis, but what would it be like to only have the information that Jesus and his disciples and the earliest theologians had? I bet it would start a personal revolution.
I agree that Scripture is what drives away sin, irreverence, and a lack of integrity in our lives. Interesting how it is the Words of God that do so and not the words of man (in commentaries and theological discussions). Even more reason to study the Bible alone.
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