This posting is about the rules of engagement concerning Biblical exegesis according to the four levels of theological study. To go about conducting research and forming our presuppositions and convictions to articulate a purpose or end-goal clearly. Where this is to arrive at true and rigorous results, honoring to God, there are two major doctrines of research about what God has revealed. Specifically, these are fundamental doctrines of inspiration and translation.
These are course lecture notes on inspiration and translation concerning Biblical studies.
Inspiration
Here is the idea that God moved human writers exactly how He intended to communicate. To recognize and accept a verbal plenary inspiration. Not merely thoughts of inspiration, rather by what was said and written in Scripture. The plenary (full, complete, or without any limit) words of Scripture without exception are inspired or God-breathed. As it is written, “men spoke from God” (2 Peter 1:20-21), their message was sourced from God.
Verbal plenary inspiration is what is written in our Bibles — every word articulated as God intended. What the human authors of Scripture meant is exactly what He said.
Dictation Theory
The debates concerning inspiration consist of dictation theory and accommodation. Whereas between God and the text of Scripture, communication, and meaning are transparent. Dictation theory is to say God is in control of the entire process, and the human author is a scribe with no input on his own. Conversely, while God guided the process perfectly, “men spoke from God,” specifies that they spoke and not that God spoke through them. This is their conscious effort to act upon their thoughts by what they wrote in an active way. Their intent was God’s intent (2 Peter 1:21).
This clarity dismisses the possibility of hidden meaning in Scripture, because of the literal, grammatical, and historical issues derived from Biblical hermeneutics.
Accommodation Theory
Accommodation theory represents an idea that God formed and communicated meaning in such a simple and understandable way even if principles or concepts were not necessarily or precisely true. Specifically, ideas and meaning people become led to believe as valid for a time. Explanations that are not entirely true, and we are allowed to think about a concept or truth for a specific purpose. Liberal scholars are of this view that the Bible accommodated. Whereby from accommodation, stories become told to people who could not understand advanced concepts and could not understand science and then were given a lie. Yet a nice lie because Biblical or Theological truth is illustrated in a comprehensible fashion. To infer that when people get caught up in what is really true, you don’t need the myths anymore. This is the Theory of Accommodation in a nutshell.
In contrast to this way of thinking, God is a God of truth. Not a God of deception as it is written, God cannot lie (Titus 1:2). Moreover, throughout the Epistles, we are warned by the Apostles against the influence of myths. Scripture prizes truth as reinforced in both Old and New Testaments.
Inspiration is a vital doctrine because it warns us against the fallacies of dictation theory and accommodation theory. According to 2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,” we are reminded that His inspired words within the Bible are profitable. His articulated message is categorically relevant to all generations.
The hermeneutical principle of authorial intent specifies that the author (God and human authors) are in total control of meaning. Not the text, or readers across generations. Liberal scholars, or progressives (deconstructionists), do not control or shape meaning to fit preferences or ideology.
The Bible is not an experiment, an academic playground, or where we dabble with intellectual philosophy to please ourselves. This is not our book; it is God’s book. He is the source of it, and these are the fundamental rules of engagement. We surrender to the word of God.
Translation
Within the original autographs of manuscript texts among human authors, God communicates His precise meaning. Written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, Biblical languages are expressed and translated into different languages (such as English) questions arise about the suitability and justification of using translations. So during the course of study, discipleship, counseling, and so forth, is it acceptable or sufficient to use a translation that satisfies God’s intended purpose of His Word? The answer is a resounding, Yes!
Every time the New Testament references the Old Testament, there is a translation in a language that is in use. Specifically, and most typically, from Hebrew to Greek. We see this throughout Scripture as referenced by human authors to support and reinforce their intended meaning or biblical and theological principles. When the New Testament quotes the Old Testament, it cites a translation.
There is a derived inspiration of Scripture when it comes to translation from the Old Testament to the New Testament. The inspired quality of translations bears out God’s intended meaning and authority. This ancient practice of derived communication from one language to another gives us a precedent of inspired translation. To reinforce this notion that a translated copy of Scripture to a modern language is derived inspiration. Your Bible is okay to use. It contains authoritative and binding truth insofar as it corresponds to what the original text has said.
Every tongue, tribe, and nation is to know God (Revelation 7:9, 14 NKJV). So the Bible’s advocacy of translation is evident and intended because there is a global mission of the Church to fulfill the great commission (Matthew 28:16-20). So translation is Biblically justified.
Spectrum of Translations
There are different categories of translation as follows:
Formal Equivalents
KJV – King James Version ASV – American Standard Version
NASB – New American Standard Bible NKJV – New King James Version ESV – English Standard Version
RSV – Revised Standard Version HCSB – Holman Christian Standard Bible NRSV – New Revised Standard Version NET – New English Translation
Dynamic Equivalents
NAB – New American Bible (Catholic) NIV – New International Version TNIV – Today’s New International Version
Paraphrases / Functional
GNB – Good News Bible NLT – New Living Translation The Message
As a reader goes from formal equivalency to paraphrase, inspiration becomes more derived as a more loose idea of original manuscripts. The closer a reader gets to formal equivalents, the more inspired the Bible as God originally intended. Where formal equivalents might not be as readable as compared to paraphrase translations or versions.
So translations correspond to a “right tool for the right job” in terms of purpose. To either get a general idea of a passage, or for study. For the close and careful study of Scripture, it will become necessary to get closer to the KJV or NASB and yet even further to original languages Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic. This is because we want to know exactly what God has said in His original word.
To bridge the gap between formal and dynamic equivalents (precision and readability), the New Testament will sometimes provide an explanation of language translation that occurs from the Old Testament. As illustrated in Matthew 15, Mark 5, Mark 15, Acts 1, and Acts 4, there are additional examples. Such as “Talitha Kum!” or translated “Little girl, I say to you get up!” (Mark 5:41). With this explanation given within Scripture itself.
King James Only Controversy
Some people advocate that the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible is the new autographa (“original writings”). It is the new original manuscript as it corrects any errors of the past and that it is essentially what Apostle Paul wrote. The controversy stems from the notion that the KJV is the only word-inspired and preserved word of God and that all other versions or translations are corrupted. In contradiction to the intent of translation into every tribe, tongue, and nation as given by precedent and examples presented within Scripture itself.
The KJV only perspective of God’s word also runs counter to derived inspiration in that a translation is only as good as its original. Scripture itself doesn’t specify a new original manuscript. It instead only points to what original Scripture itself says elsewhere as compared to what it will say in terms of a final expression in meaning. There is no such inference in Scripture. Fellow believers in the Lord, who are King James Version or King Jame Bible only are nervous and concerned about a faulty, inaccurate, or corrupted translation where they become at risk of not knowing God.
King James Only individuals care very deeply about doctrine, inspiration, and inerrancy. However, it should be recognized that translations are a window to original manuscripts from Biblical authors as intended by God Himself. Patience and careful discussion about Scripture should, therefore, involve encouragement. To show how Scripture deals with translation. That Scripture translates into a variety of languages, and it has within itself a philosophy of translation. There does not exist within it a theology of perfect translation or a forthcoming rendering in the future.
A method of ordered thought more suitable toward study, inquiry, and objections concerning Scriptural truth follows the four-tiered model of biblical studies introduced earlier. Whereas biblical languages, bible backgrounds, and hermeneutics together support competent exegesis. Initially, as two levels of effort to understand Scripture in its original, literary, and historical context. From our exegetical efforts, we bring together interconnected text as a biblical theology to further build reasoned conclusions and assertions about what God’s word reveals. Combined texts and concepts demonstrated within Scripture then become assembled to form a systematic theology concerning various doctrines that emerge with a foundational and ordered method of support.
Active use of this model involves matching the right discipline with the questions that arise from concerns in life, or from people that have an interest in a subject area. So questions that become posed often get applied to another area in an approach to respond in a coherent way that fully satisfies questions with answers directly applicable to the matter at hand. In so doing, we maximize the likelihood of interpersonal confidence in the reliability of truth derived from the biblical text, biblical theology, and historical theology as originated from God’s revealed and inspired truth (2 Timothy 3:16).
For people who seek answers or challenge us for specific and reliable reasons for truth, it is not enough to rest upon a platitude that says, “the bible says it, and that settles it.” To borrow on the authority of God’s word in an opaque way doesn’t address the specifics in a detailed and articulate manner. Normally, this effort places our attention upon the level one category of biblical, historical, cultural, and interpretive understanding. While the authority of God’s word is unquestionably true and final, that does not necessarily get to questions of interest and resolve them. It is even better to get a clear understanding of what is otherwise left to confusion, exploitation, or personal economic gain.
As questions, concerns, or objections arise and become addressed, the Biblical Studies model here provides a way to step through each suitable and relevant area that matches our interests. It just isn’t responsive to make an end-run toward conclusions in the realm of systematic theology, or elsewhere. If along the way matching what we understand among biblical languages, biblical backgrounds, hermeneutics, and proper exegetical interpretation, there is a misunderstanding, confusion, or disagreement, then the overall view of the whole Bible comes into view in terms of the doctrine of inerrancy. Until finally, there is acceptance of the truth or willful rejection of God’s word and what it proclaims in terms of authorial intent.
As we match the right subject matter with pertinent questions, we assertively balance advocacy with inquiry to walk through an issue. To build a case in such a way where there is no room for misunderstanding and continued skepticism or Biblical illiteracy. So fluency in Biblical disciplines provides the certainty and confidence necessary for us to articulate the correct responses in areas that come about. Not as through successive approximation across Scripture, but by process of elimination among adjacent disciplines or categories of thought and persuasion. Applying effective use of this model provides a way to quickly get to the root of questions and beneath them to disprove presuppositions and together arrive at correct reasoning and truth.
It is one thing to enlighten people and bring them to recognize the truth. It is quite another that it should be accepted. Either way, we look to a principle as written by the Apostle Paul, “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Cor 10:5). Hopefully and prayerfully, people who are laden by the influence of culture and its darkness, become receptive, take courage, and set aside selfish interests contrary to their well-being.
As a sequence of increasing levels of study, there are four tiers of learning development and theological understanding. For many decades, this model has existed to support a linear learning path for Bible students, pastors, theologians, and many in ministry. To serve as an outline and a general framework to learn each area of study. To be a resource to others and help the Church grow in the knowledge of Christ.
With this model of learning Biblical Studies, we move our way up as an approach to our advancement and more in-depth knowledge of theology. In contrast, we can arrive at correct conclusions without bad habits or wasted time. While we put effort and time into each subject area of interest, we expect to yield fruit or arrive at new levels to build upon.
These areas are segmented and partitioned to indicate what thinking and issues require our attention to defend or rely upon. To take a stand for the truth of God’s word, we need a structured method of understanding and study.
Foundations – Level 1
There is a hierarchy of subject matter relevant to topics of Biblical studies. Taken together, they are a group of subjects that serve as a foundation for further research concerning Scripture and associated issues. As a student advances further upward along with the four-level model, the supremacy of Scripture remains of utmost and pressing interest as it is the revered word of the LORD. This model is an ordered way of studying, understanding, and applying concepts and principles centered around God, His Church, His Word, and numerous additional doctrines.
Biblical Languages
Scripture is written in the languages of Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic. From word definitions to grammar, punctuation, and phrases or sentences and their relationships to one another. The meaning of conjunctive terms gets close attention as well. The organization of paragraphs, chapters, and books are areas of interest and analysis.
The functional activity and operation of literary context rely upon the language in use throughout an entire book or genre. Theoretical components of constructed meaning, such as verbs, nouns, adverbs, and adjectives, have a significant role in the use of biblical languages.
Bible Backgrounds
Background details concerning culture, geography, mannerisms, etc. This area is the who, what, where, when, and why of Scripture. This concentration of study helps us to seek what was occurring at the time of events in Scripture. To recognize and study the purpose and rationale about why a book was written to coincide with proclaimed truth among their various authors. This is a support area of background for students to articulate what it is we believe and why. Examples include cultural factors, traditions, mannerisms, lifestyle, trade, transportation, vocation, law, military, heritage, tradition, and so forth.
Hermeneutics
These are the principles of studying Scripture. To recognize and understand theoretical hermeneutics or how and why we know the rules of Scripture. Or separately to follow theological hermeneutics in how we understand connections between the text of Scripture, their applications, and how we draw inferences. Sound hermeneutics then include word studies, paragraph studies, to affect an overall theological framework.
So hermeneutics pertains to how we study scripture to form theological principles. Without unfounded conclusions or errors by allegory, spiritualization, or logical fallacies while adhering to authorial intent by Scriptural genre.
Exegesis – Level 2
The application of the three disciplines of biblical languages, biblical backgrounds, and hermeneutics together contribute to the study and practice of exegesis. This is the study of grasping authorial intent within Scripture, where we see passages connect and allude to other passages. Connections that interface with Scripture can span vast areas of text. The scope of Scripture scales across themes and ideas that support one another in relevant and intentional ways between Old and New Testaments, or among covenants throughout history.
Biblical commentaries are often helpful with the practice of exegesis with the foundation of languages, backgrounds, and hermeneutical methods to support research or outcome-based learning.
More technically, this is the study of Scripture in original languages with good hermeneutic and associated background information.
Biblical Theology – Level 3
Biblical Theology is the connectivity that extends from the discipline and practice of exegesis and further advances to an area of Scriptural Theology as the third level of interest. This is an area of chronological study along a timeline of redemptive history. More specifically, as the events and truths of Scripture are traced over time. From the Patriarchs and covenants within both the Old and New Testaments to subjects or concerns beyond that. Biblical theology shows the progress of revelation and what God is doing at a given time from Genesis to Revelation.
Biblical theology informs our worldview, and it reveals to us the significance of our efforts. It is a theology that allows us to apply Scripture as God intends. Through Biblical Theology, the text of Scripture provides us specifics about how we ought to live. It pertains to the details. This is the depth of Scripture.
Systematic Theology – Level 4
Chains or groupings of text come together into the larger or macro-level subject matter. As categories of Scripture, we see them as individual ideas that develop into details and interrelate with an over-arching message. This form of theology can include areas such as historical theology or counseling.
This is a systematic effort to go through the entire Bible and define what it teaches us about a topic or doctrine in an exhaustive way. This is the breadth of Scripture. The large topics of Scripture are covered as major doctrines such as the Word of God, Doctrine of God, Doctrine of Man, Doctrines of Christ and the Holy Spirit, Doctrine of Redemption, Doctrine of the Church, and Doctrine of the Future. These together are an expression of what the Bible says as a whole. Biblical Theology gives us the parts to assemble an overall and composite Systematic Theology concerning the whole counsel of God.
I just finished reading “Imagine Heaven” by John Burke. While there were numerous Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) reported from clinical studies, the author does well at recounting some of them in explicit detail. The unique stories of individuals who passed away came from a variety of causes, as recorded from testimony accounts. Each of these pertains to what happened immediately after the death of individuals as collected and interpreted by Burke coming from his research across various studies.
Book Review
The book is structured in a way to give a reader a sense of tangibility about heaven; the spiritual domain of God in terms of encounters, place, beauty, occupants, and well-being. It is acknowledged and reviewed by reputable philosophy and theology authors (and professors) Moreland, Strobel, and Habermas. While the book is stimulating, it often references scripture concerning the necessity of Jesus Christ for eternal salvation.
While there is sufficient reason to dismiss some experiences as having no evidentiary value, a reader is further served by looking at what the subconscious mind is and does as a point of reference and comparison. The book doesn’t cover enough of that to separate dream-state conditions, from actual out-of-body experiences that occurred. More attention could have been placed upon valid skepticisms touched on in the book.
Two qualified and quantified considerations are presented within the book to capture a reader’s attention. The relevance of these areas has significance as the population of participants offers aggregated detail about their experiences.
States of Transition
What happens with a person during the transition from life to “death?” There were 1300 participants in a clinical study of qualified members with controlled eligibility. Percentages reported were from among the total participants written about in the book.
1. Out-of-body experience: separation of consciousness from the physical body (75.4%) 2. Heightened senses: (74.4% said “more conscious and alert than normal”) 3. Intense and generally positive emotions or feelings (76.2% “incredible peace”) 4. Passing into or through a tunnel (33.8%) 5. Encountering a mystical or brilliant light (64.6%) 6. Encountering other beings, either mystical beings or deceased relatives or friends (57.3%) 7. A sense of alteration of time or space (60.5%) 8. Life review (22.2%) 9. Encountering unworldly (“heavenly”) realms (52.2%) 10. Encountering or learning special knowledge (56%) 11. Encountering a boundary or barrier (31%) 12. A return to the body (58.5% were aware of a decision to return)
The Core NDE Experience (pg 46); [1]
Hellish Conditions & Encounters
Twelve different studies involving 1,369 participants reported NDEs that were disturbing, terrifying, or of despair/distress. Among this population of participants, there were three general categories of experience grouped to understand distribution and frequency.
Familiar Spaces
A high density of discarnate people jammed together. Abuses, writhing, gouging, punching, etc., but unable to destroy. Creatures are generally locked into habits of mind and emotion into hatred, lust, and destructive thought/behavior patterns — individuals who “welcome” newcomers seem kind at first.
A Void
Surrounding profound darkness with a continued falling sensation.
A Pit
Involves a locked-in or trapped-in awareness. An enclosure of sorts such as a cave, a bottomless pit, or a large wide hole. Consists of grotesque evil creatures that accompany a perception or smell of death, feces, vomit, and putrid substances. Individuals are exposed to either extreme heat or cold.
All three NDE groups were concerned about a sense of a barrier that wasn’t crossed. Where to go across would be to “eternalize” their placement.
The participants were individuals who experienced fatal accidents, trauma, cardiac arrest, etc. Each involves clinical death for a short duration.
Hellish NDEs (pg 215); General type categories as cited: [2]
Citations
Throughout the book, there are cited references with an exhaustive bibliography to support your own personal research. There are two I touch on in this posting as given here.
1] John Burke and Don Piper, Imagine Heaven: Near-Death Experiences, God’s Promises, and the Exhilarating Future That Awaits You (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2015). Reference to Long and Perry, “Evidence of the Afterlife”, 6-7. [2] Holden, Greyson, and James, etc., Handbook of Near-Death Experiences, 70, cited in Miller, Near-Death Experiences as Evidence, 170. Miller gives many other studies on hellish NDEs in notes 30-31 on p. 170.
We are given clear specifics about why it is highly important to be mature and thoughtful people committed to Scripture as necessary to serve the Church and love its people well. The framework we are given is as follows:
We must be devoted to truth and thinking.
We must declare answers from the whole counsel of God.
We must defend against inerrancy.
These are three demands of Scriptural inerrancy in support of the Church. To understand and accept the truth at its sole source. The Bible is the exclusive repository of truth, and by knowing it, we begin to understand the wisdom of God throughout redemptive history. It has the power to answer the toughest questions and issues associated with cultural decay, post-modernism, and social rot. More importantly, God’s word provides us a means by which we proclaim His love and glory from Scripture without error. Through our engagement and devotion to His Word, we share and drive a conviction about what it does. Our dedication to thinking and Scripture in the presence of the Church erodes and removes Biblical illiteracy where possible. As answers are sought and shared according to the whole counsel of God to change from a post-modern mindset to a Biblical mindset.
In a practical sense, to understand suffering, and give reliable answers rooted in Scripture. It is through the use of depth and intertextuality that we remind people that they do not know better than God’s word. We become a theological and biblical resource to people.
On a personal level, my view of Scripture has been about spiritual well-being and survival. Especially within this world of relativistic confusion, disorder, and chaos. Verses I learned and memorized long ago about the necessity of Scripture for justification (James 1:21) and sanctification (Joshua 1:8) serve as examples. Still, there are very many principles centered on the truth of God’s word that extends to people who affirm the Bible as Scripture. Even to some outside the faith who are searching for meaning, or relief in personal circumstances.
Well-developed inductive or deductive reasoning skills are not enough to perceive, understand, and apply the truth of Scripture as the LORD intends. A surface-level humanistic view of Scripture does not adequately recognize the revelation of God’s word. Such a view often comes from anthropomorphic or cultural and worldview assumptions. The Canon of Scripture is supernatural, and in my view, it is the real sustenance of the spirit breathed within us. Intellectual reach and understanding do not fully yield the truest and more meaningful purpose of God’s word.
Even in the pulpit among some churches both at a national and local level, I have noticed the persistent absence of the word of God. And many members in pews are solely relying upon the leavened placement of God’s word on tablets and phones. Outside of church, the word of God too often goes neglected while it is a treasure to memorize and desperately search for. It pierces the heart with its affections, and it eviscerates with hostility the arrogance among us. It is a treasure, and both leadership and many church members are often in full dismissal of it and its significance. At best, there is a passive acceptance of it.
So a perversion of the gospel inevitability comes about. Such as gospel plus works, or gospel plus prosperity, or gospel plus “tongues,” or gospel plus traditionalism, or gospel plus social justice. No, it is the gospel and nothing else purely according to Scripture. To accept or advocate another gospel according to Scripture is to bring a curse upon oneself.
“I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!” – Galatians 1:6-9
“You cannot be right with God and be wrong about the gospel. This is a fundamental issue. You cannot go to heaven and be wrong about the gospel. And if you’re wrong about the gospel I promise you you’re wrong about a hundred other places in whatever it is you believe about the Bible. This gospel is the plan of salvation that is found in the man of salvation Jesus Christ and it is offered as a free gift that we must receive by personal faith by the act of our will a decisive act of our will to commit our life to Jesus Christ. ”
Through inattention to truth and consistent Biblical studies (or their outright rejection), more severe theological errors come about from assumptions or guesswork that get propagated in both harmful and deadly ways.
The word of God is inerrant, infallible, and sufficient. With forbearance, we MUST drive that conviction to others through our engagement and love of truth, Scripture, and the church.
We are entrusted with the legacy of truth. To reclaim our position and function as Christian thinkers and pastor-theologians. To defend the faith. To encourge us and challenge us. To proclaim the unique and exclusive God of the Word. This post concerns a presentation entitled “Reaffirming Inerrancy, Christian Thought, and Pastor as Theologian” at the 2016 Shepherd’s Conference by Abner Chou (https://www.gracechurch.org/sermons/11849).
Introduction
An apathy of scriptural truth leads to a crisis among the youth and churchgoers. Truth and thinking is not important or relevant among churches. Sunday school teachers do not place much importance on this. Consequently, there is immense biblical illiteracy. We are in a crisis of truth.
Inerrancy is a thinking man’s doctrine. It claims that whatever the Bible asserts is true, so we must find the truth in terms of thought and its consequences. Such as its sufficiency, purpose, application, etc.
The Church refuses to think, and they do not want to think. Their preferences are elsewhere, so they reject inerrancy. We are in a crisis of truth. Society at one time respected Christianity, but now it has changed. Because it no longer recognizes the supernatural, but only the natural. Only science and their own thinking to redefine the values we have. They are on a campaign to change every single value that the Bible upholds. Society has chosen to upend the truth.
Society views those who value truth by the inerrancy of Scripture as crazy, wrong, and evil. They want to remove us from society, and people in the Church want the same. Especially young people in Church and among those who leave. In general, people of the Church do not believe that the Bible is the exclusive truth. They doubt the sufficiency of Scripture. They are skeptical. They do not believe that truth matters. They don’t care, and it is irrelevant to them. This is the crisis of truth.
It is necessary to take a stand now. Otherwise, the Church is relegated to nothing with catastrophic results for the American churches and everywhere. So we must show our devotion to truth and think by declaring sophisticated answers on the whole counsel of God and defending against error.
We must live up to what inerrancy demands to help people recover the doctrine of inerrancy. To help our people value the necessity and beauty of the doctrine of inerrancy.
The Three Demands of Scriptural Inerrancy:
If we affirm the Bible is truth, we need to be devoted to truth and thinking.
If we affirm the Bible is truth, we need to declare answers from the whole counsel of God’s word.
If we affirm the Bible is truth, we must defend against inerrancy.
If we affirm the Bible is truth, we need to be devoted to truth and thinking.
We need to be equipped to have answers and make the case where others will have conviction. To study it and develop a passion for it. Necessary to regain the compelling importance of inerrancy.
Two important questions we must answer:
Is the truth powerful? Is the Bible authoritative?
It is necessary to debunk the idea that truth is merely information. Truth goes far beyond that as it acts upon a person’s life, will, and intentions. Truth includes information, but it is more than that. Scripture itself proclaims that Jesus is truth, and the truth shall set us free. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). The truth through His word is the extension of Christ, His activity, power, and effectiveness.
John 1:14, Jesus is declared full of grace and truth. He speaks a message of truth in John 8:40 & 45, “because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me.” Truth causes people to walk in the truth (3 John 1:4), worship in spirit and truth (John 4:23), and have life (John 14:6). Truth sanctifies (John 17:17), and it sets people free (John 8:32).
Toward the end of Jesus’s ministry, He appears before Pilate to testify to the truth. This is what He said before His sacrifice. Everything made right by His redemptive plan of the gospel is linked with truth. Truth is powerful, dynamic, it saves, and it gives life. Moreover, truth is liked to God’s definitional authority (Genesis 1 -3). In that knowledge, wisdom, and truth is an issue. There God established in the garden “the knowledge of good and evil.” God alone has the right to define what is right and wrong.
As depicted by Solomon, truth is linked with the culmination of God’s plan as people sought his wisdom. In Isaiah 11:6-9, Eden is regained when truth prevails.
We need to remind people about the origin of truth and its reality. If you want to make a difference and have an impact on people’s lives, then preach the word and proclaim the truth. Truth is not just information.
Truth is exclusively found in Scripture alone.
Contradictions from a culture that proclaims otherwise about social issues are not valid. Culture does not know better than the truth of Scripture. We need to remind our people of this and make a case for it. In Job 28, God Himself argues for the supremacy and exclusivity of His word. As Job was written as the first book written of the Bible, the design and purpose of Scripture is recorded to introduce the need for His word.
Suffering provides a window into greater questions. It destroys your sense of understanding this life and that you can handle it.
Truth is a matter of life or death, heaven or hell. Key verses of Job 28:12-13 articulates this meaning, “But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? Man does not know its value, nor is it found in the land of the living.” It is impossible for humanity to know the full picture or answers of truth and wisdom in life. Wealth and riches cannot manage life adequately enough to assuage suffering. Nor can skill, or competencies as further proven in Job 28. –Man doesn’t have the capability of originating or deriving wisdom.
God says in Job 28:23, He alone understands its way, and He knows its place. God is the only source of wisdom. When Solomon said, “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” he was referring back to Job. Where this phrase is found in Psalm 111:10 and Proverbs 9:10, so to remind people that they don’t know better is necessary in light of Scripture. It is impossible. It needs to be repeatedly paraded before the Lord’s people, that they do not know better than what is given in Scripture, or the wisdom of God by His word.
The first written book of the Bible in Job establishes the wisdom of God by His word and how the world works because He has seen and defined it all.
Is truth what we do? To think about the truth?
Thinking about truth is what drives the Church. It is a sacred task sent by God throughout redemptive history. As given by examples of the prophets, who were adept at God’s word as Scripture, they were immersed in the meaning of what God’ revealed throughout history.
Various books of the Old Testament are interconnected where there is an understanding of God’s word and His revealed wisdom. It reveals that God cares, and we anchor our soul in that for significant shepherding applications. Theologically speaking, we have highlights of examples given by an illustration of a vine over the course of millennia. Whereas the vine represents the Lord’s people, Israel.
Walking back from the parable of the vine that illustrates and assesses the state of Israel’s spiritual state of existence:
Psalm 80: Strong Vine Isaiah 5: Vine Produces Bad Fruit Jeremiah 2: Vine that is Degenerate Ezekiel 15: Vine that is Useless Except as Fuel for the Fire
Whereas thereafter in John 15:1, Jesus says, “I am the true vine.” Do not lose hope, but rely upon trust in Him. So the prophets were theologians who saw the truth of Scripture. What’s more, Jesus Himself was far more advanced in His use and understanding of Scripture. For example, after example, He makes the point about the truth of Scripture to condemn, teach, and enlighten.
Thinking drives the Church forward. That’s what we do. Just as we see from Paul, the Apostle in the Epistles is proclaiming the word of truth. For the entire Church everywhere and for all time (2 Tim 4:19-22). Grace be with you as written in 2 Timothy 4:22 is stated in Greek as plural. Paul’s prayer was for us. He prayed that we would communicate the truth as He did and just as our Lord Jesus did.
So our objective is the share and drives a conviction about the truth of God’s word and what it does. About what it is for and its power, that by doing so, we erode and eliminate Biblical illiteracy. From cover to cover, we all understand and have convictions about the word of God.
As theologians, we are not marketeers, therapists, or CEOs. We need to remain deeply engaged in Scripture. We need to know the original languages, find exegetical insights, and become adept at intertextuality. Furthermore, our reach should extend to systematics and issues. Aggressive reading beyond practical ministry (while important) is necessary in the areas of deeper theology. That results in greater breadth and depth surrounding Scripture. By doing so, we become a major theological resource to people (i.e., truth, wisdom, scriptural points of interest). This is the nature of being a Christian thinker and theologian.
Practical Implications:
If you aren’t shepherding people to love truth, you’ll never be a pastor-theologian. Because your people will not understand what you’re doing. They must develop and have an appreciation of Scripture.
Reach for and attain a deep engagement with the Scriptures. Necessary to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Otherwise, without this engagement and devotion, our inerrancy is meaningless.
Paul in 1 Timothy 3:15 says that the Church is the pillar and support of the truth. So it is hypercritical that the Church has substantive engagement and thinking about the word of God. This is our role.
If the Church doesn’t do its job, it loses its testimony. So when people see and not just hear our devotion and dedication to Scripture, they will conclude there is nothing like the Bible. It is the exclusive repository of the truth. It is powerful and produces history.
If we affirm the Bible is truth, we need to declare answers from the whole counsel of God’s word.
The Bible is consistent and interconnective. There is a compounding depth to it. So we should have answers that reflect this reality.
If, in our answers or use of Scripture, we say, “Because the Bible says so,” that is not good enough. If we do not show the depth of Scripture, we do not demonstrate the whole counsel of God’s word. Where if there is a crisis of truth, life results are harmful and deadly. So as without providing depth, we confirm skepticism among people who already struggle to believe if at all.
The whole of Scripture entails the entire counsel of God’s word. All the way down to single individual words or terms. As examples, to reveal and affirm terms such as deity, resurrection, rest, hope, theology, and shepherd — every word matters.
The apostles and prophets quote from a wide expanse of Scripture to demonstrate that they knew God’s word. Every passage is connected in Scripture. We use it to demonstrate that ordinary faithfulness is profound.
Why should we go to church? Why should we serve in the church? For fellowship and to exercise our gifts in support of the church. In that, we are the new humanity after the fall, according to the full counsel of God’s word. The extent of social issues is spoken to about marriage, incest, sexuality, at full depth, and breadth to reflect God, His love, and the identity of Christ.
So to engage and share the word of God, we are to articulate and demonstrate its truth as it pertains to the gospel, God’s covenants, His love, and the status of people according to their life circumstances. We need to give profound answers from the enormous facility of the text. So in that the Bible is sourced to do that, we teach others that the Scripture is truth. This is what inerrancy demands.
If we affirm the Bible is truth, we must defend against inerrancy.
This is what Scripture asserts as the difference between error and truth (1 John 4:6). The Scripture often attacks error, and as such, we use what it reveals to do the same. To walk through the errors that surface, we recognize that evangelicals have become post-modern (i.e., it’s all relative, pluralistic, & unclear). To accompany platitudes of “we just need to tolerate and love each other.” The descent goes further from among leaders such as “well, there are a lot of views,” or “there are a lot of interpretations,” and “the Bible is not clear, or that’s just not essential.” So with post-modernism comes confusion through the proliferation of subjective views. As Christian thinkers and theologians, we need to cut through all of that and provide clarity with reasons arising from the depth and breadth of Scripture.
As recovery goes from a post-modern attitude to a Biblical attitude, we remind people that truth is not relative. God’s word is the exclusive repository of truth. The Bible defines truth and error, and it is clear. God’s revelation is something that was hidden but has now been made accessible. It is literal, historical, and grammatical. The Bible is clear. We don’t advocate tolerance, but forbearance with gentleness and enduring harm (2 Tim 2:22-26). This is what we do with other people. Tolerance is a lie as we are called to forbearance. It is the gospel that is at stake.
Now it is our turn where we think about the truth and pass that legacy on. We devote our time to truth to defend against error.
There are often pronounced and significant differences between the external impressions of success, spiritual maturity, purity, and Godly living as compared to the inward condition of the heart. We see that in what Jesus had to say in condemnation of Pharisees written about in Matthew 23:25-26. The Pharisees were a Jewish religious order of strict piety and adherence to the Mosaic law. Upon the return of the Jews from the Babylonian captivity, they formed to promote, build, and follow Jewish legalism and nationalism. Their opposition to Rome, the Herods, and Jesus was rooted in fierce loyalty to each other, society, and strict views about ceremonial purity, traditions, and their perceived exclusivity to God’s word. 1
Introduction
So in the New Testament, it is natural that Jesus would have harsh words for the Pharisees.
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may become clean also.” – Matthew 23:25-26 NASB
Jesus had severe criticisms of the Pharisees during His time with us. He called out their lawlessness, hypocrisy, and self-indulgence because of the harm it was doing to others and themselves. Their practice of the law and expectations from others was merciless. Under false pretenses, they eventually went as far as accusing Jesus of drawing His power from Satan (Matthew 12:24). They also persistently sought to put Jesus to death.
In a separate conversation with His apostles and others, after confrontations with the Pharisees, He spoke these words:
“For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” – Matt. 5:20
To reveal what and how God thinks, Jesus informs His disciples, and those down through the ages, what it is to exceed the righteousness of religious leaders (Pharisees). To be more specific, according to Piper, “He gives six examples of how an external reading of the law must become driven inwardly until the demand of God penetrates the heart and lays claim on the heart’s deepest affections.” 2
The Cardinal Antitheses
The righteousness that exceeds that of the Pharisees includes these specifics. The six antitheses Piper outlines are as follows:
From Murder to No Anger (Matt. 5:21-26)
From No Adultery to No Lust (Matt. 5:28)
From Divorce to Faithfulness (Matt. 5:32)
From Oath-Keeping to Simple Honesty (Matt. 5:34-37)
From Retaliation to Loving Contentment (Matt. 5:39-42)
From Limited Love to Loving Our Enemies (Matt. 5:43-45)
From Murder to No Anger
“You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER’ (Ex 20:13; Deut 5:17) and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. Make friends quickly with your opponent at law while you are with him on the way, so that your opponent may not hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. Truly I say to you, you will not come out of there until you have paid up the last cent. ” 3 – Matt. 5:21-26 NASB
As compared to expected recognition and entitlements among Pharisees, we shall not let anger set in and grow in our hearts even when others give us legitimate reasons otherwise. Even if you’re wronged, insulted, or when injustice comes against you or those you love. As anger can grow within to become something much worse, the root of it explains a sinful desire to harm others. Either in the ultimate form of violence or by words and evil yet subtle acts of opposition or omission.
From No Adultery to No Lust
“You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY’ (Ex 20:14; Deut 5:18)‘ “I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” 3 – Matt. 5:28 NASB
While Jesus affirms the Mosaic law by way of the commandment, “you shall not commit adultery,” He also calls attention to the thought life of every person who hears and understands what it means. That which leads to temptation can already be predicated upon sinful desires to act upon them. Jesus informs us that the intent of scripture points to a condition of the heart and thought life that should have our attention. Specifically, to guard our purity from illicit sexual desires and activity. The righteousness that exceeds that of the Pharisees requires us to fight and “overcome the heart’s bondage to our sexual desires.” 4
From Divorce to Faithfulness
“It was said, ‘WHOEVER SENDS HIS WIFE AWAY, LET HIM GIVE HER A CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE’ (Deut 24:1-3; Jer 3:1; Matt 19:7; Mark 10:4); I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except for the reason of unchastity, makes her commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” 3 – Matt. 5:32 NASB
Even with the hardships that can come with marriage, as the covenant between a man and a woman, Jesus again gets to the root intent of what God has given in His law. If by leaving your spouse for another reason besides “fornication” (KJV), you’re causing your spouse to commit adultery, and the person who marries that divorced spouse commits adultery.
From Oath-Keeping to Simple Honesty
“Again, you have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT MAKE FALSE VOWS, BUT SHALL FULFILL YOUR VOWS TO THE LORD.’ (Lev 19:12; Num 30:2; Deut 23:21,23); But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, or by Jerusalem, for it is THE CITY OF THE GREAT KING. “Nor shall you make an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. “But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil.” 3 – Matt. 5:34-37 NASB
The absence of deception in the heart and mind helps with telling fewer intentional or off-the-cuff lies. Setting a commitment and practice of complete honesty makes a rash oath unnecessary.
From Retaliation to Loving Contentment
“You have heard that it was said, ‘AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.’ (Ex 21:24; Lev 24:20; Deut 19:21); But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.” 3 – Matt. 5:38-42 NASB
Getting back at someone out of spite doesn’t demonstrate an acceptance of what Jesus said about exacting retaliation on someone. If you have been wronged, you have an opportunity and choice to forgive the matter and let it go. To have the heart right about it speaks to where Jesus wants His followers — having settled within Godly contentment to behave at a higher standard by loving your enemies (Pr 25:21).
From Limited Love to Loving Our Enemies
“You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.’ (Lev 19:18; Deut 23:3-6); “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” 3 – Matt. 5:43-45
Just as God’s love extends to His enemies, we are to love those who are in enmity with us as well. His love is apparent in what blessings He provides through providence and nature. This is a common grace modeled for us as it is bestowed on all people. If we are to have or produce righteousness greater than the Pharisees, we must love our enemies.
Citations
1The New International Dictionary of the Bible – Pictorial Edition. 1987. (Zondervan Publishing House), 778 2 John Piper, What Jesus Demands from the World. 2006. First Printing (Desiring God Foundation, Crossway), 201 3 New American Standard Bible: 1995 update. (1995). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation. 4 John Piper, What Jesus Demands from the World. 2006. First Printing (Desiring God Foundation, Crossway), 202
Jesus speaks a message of hope and warning about the coming judgment of believers and unbelievers, both righteous and unrighteous among the nations. This is a meticulous verse by verse walk-through of Matthew 25:31-46.
For many centuries Jesus’s words have echoed among readers of Scripture. As they contemplate parables and biblical passages to make distinctions between two types of people that Jesus our Messiah spoke about. They are both Jews and Gentiles, those who believe and accept Christ and those who do not. They are those who have embraced Him in faith and repentance and choose to live a life of service and mercy toward others who are suffering or in need. As Jesus spoke of the Sheep and Goats in our exegetical passage, it is a lasting source of motivation and warning about judgment to come. This verbal illustration is an urgent message to readers of Scripture who listen in on what Jesus told His disciples about what is to happen at the “end of the age.” It is urgent because it is a preview of what impending judgment looks like. It is what will happen as also written about during the life of Jesus. In the gospel of John, Jesus spoke these words to the religious leaders during the second temple period who were critical of Him:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment (John 5:25-29 ESV).”
As a matter of theological principle and inescapable reality, this is the glory or the pressure to comprehend and act upon. It is especially concerning the Lord’s judgment upon people, depending upon your perspective. These are the circumstances Jesus informs us about concerning coming judgment. His message in Scripture pertains to everyone as each of us will one day pass into eternity.
Historical and Scriptural Context
This section of Scripture is referred to as the Eschatological Discourse, or more popularly as the Olivet Discourse. It is the second half of a full discourse beginning in chapter 24 just before this section. It references Jesus’s end times messages about the destruction of the temple, His second coming, and exhortations to remain ready (Mt. 24:1-31) for His return. To set up the scene, we must go back to the time and location to get a fuller sense of meaning in this passage. Just before the Lord’s death between 27-30 AD,1 He met with His apostles on the Mount of Olives outside Jerusalem while just across from the Kidron valley. From their vantage point, they could see across the valley and into Jerusalem. In full view of the temple, they were together listening to Jesus speak about the end times and His parables.
Matthew was present during the time of Jesus’s teaching with His followers. Matthew was an eyewitness and direct listener of what Jesus said. As recorded in the book of Matthew from that time period, we have a first-person account of what was spoken by Jesus. Once He and His disciples came up to the Mount of Olives, they saw the temple and the surrounding buildings within Jerusalem. Without inquiry, Jesus proclaims that the temple will undergo destruction as “not one stone shall be left here upon another (Mt. 24:1-2).” Jesus was apparently in distress from Matthew 23 during His interaction with the religious leaders of Jerusalem. More specifically, Matthew 23:1-33 gives precise detail about why Jesus was rightfully upset. His people, the Lord’s people, had rejected Him as prophesied (Ps. 118:22, Is. 53:3) when He had longed to gather them to Himself. He, in turn, proclaimed, “your house is left to you desolate,” and worse yet, “you shall see Me no more.” The glory of the Lord has left the temple, and the people of Israel shall see it (Him) no more.
The conflict with the Jewish people leading up to their confrontations with Jesus involved His claims that He is equal with God (Jn 5:18). These claims were contradictory to their expectations and view of who and what the Messiah should be. He was expected to be a normal man of great stature and power, but not divine in origin to redeem people from their sins and usher the Kingdom of God to the world. The religious, political, and social tensions between the Jews, the Romans, and Christ were recorded in contrast to Jesus’s continuing mission and their prophetic assertions made over thousands of years prior.
The parables immediately spoken after Jesus’s final encounter in the temple with religious leaders were about the end times. As asked by His apostles, they wanted Jesus to inform them about when destruction would come, what signs to watch, and when He will return (Mt. 24:3). With very little time before Jesus is taken to trial and crucifixion, He sets forward instructions and warnings that will remain permanently forged into the minds of millions of people. People who have not rejected Him but have accepted His words with gratitude, love, and due humility as He is worthy of all worship, honor, and glory.
This is the backdrop by which Jesus delivers a series of parables after He left the temple and ascended the Mount of Olives. He laments over Jerusalem (Mt. 23:37-39), He predicts the destruction of the temple (Mt. 24:1-2), He informs His disciples about the end of the age (Mt. 24:3-14), He warns of the Great Tribulation and false messiahs (Mt. 24:15-28), He reveals the details about His second coming (Mt. 24:29-31), and He exhorts His followers to be fruitful and wait for His return with their good work for the Kingdom (Mt. 24:32-25:30). While He was likely hurt and felt rejected by His people, His extraordinary love, mercy, and grace came through the clear detail of how His people should prepare for the times ahead.
Exegetical Content
Jesus arrives in His glory to separate all nations before Him (v. 31-33).
31 “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. 32 “All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; 33 and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left.
The parable begins with the conjunction “But when” in the NASB to indicate that what Jesus said just prior is of relevance to the forthcoming message. Nearly all other translations exclude the conjunction word “But” as a transitional expression. Namely, the primary particle term “δέ” does not translate to English except for a rendering in Strong’s dictionary as a connective, continuative, or adversative term.2 So while the ESV, NIV, KJV, NKJV, NET, RSV, NRSV, and NCV translations do not indicate a transition from the prior parables Jesus spoke, the NASB, NLT, and ASV translations do. Therefore, the definitive authority by which the Greek term is conjunctive as “δέ” for “But when” is uncertain without substantial analysis among manuscripts. This means that the transition from prior parables on the Mount of Olives is tentative if we are to accept the weight of meaning in the NASB, ASV, or NLT over the other translations.
The prior context favors the conjunctive transition of this parable in Matthew 25:31-46 as a way to get a fuller meaning of what Jesus said. Then more critically, the outcomes or consequences of what He meant as Matthew gave his firsthand eyewitness account. The Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30 just before also spoke of a comparative scenario between those who were entrusted by the Lord’s literary proxy and what happens when there is favor or disfavor. In a natural setting between a man and his servants (Mt. 25:14-30) as compared to the Lord and His servants (Mt. 25:31-46). Therefore, in the pure meaning of Jesus’s words, taken in context as a whole, we are given confidence about what He was speaking during His continued eschatological discourse on the Mount of Olives. We are then free to understand and live out the connected truth of the remaining verses found in this passage.
As recorded in the gospel of Matthew, the Apostles asked Jesus about signs about the end times. What will occur, what they were to watch for, and what shall happen at the time they were concerned about (Mt. 24:3). In response, Jesus elaborates with His remarkable and concrete revelation about His return. He has said, when He returns to the earth at His second coming, He will reign as King. He will return in His glory accompanied by angels with Him. Jesus, the Son of Man, to assume His seat of power and judge individuals separately among all the nations that appear before Him. All nations of people gathered in voluntary or involuntary acknowledgment and submission before Him (Phil. 2:10). All together, they are gathered and become separated into two groups as a Shepherd separates His sheep and His goats.
Notice the translated words reference a separation of sheep from goats. After all the people are assembled, the sheep among them become extracted or removed and set apart as a specific group before Jesus. The wicked people were unbelievers represented as goats and the Lord’s people as sheep that were “the sheep from the goats.” The sheep as submissive, gentle, and easily persuaded as compared to the stubborn, egotistical, and wild nature of goats. Positionally, the goats will go to the left while the sheep will go to the right of the Judge and King of nations. The right side to which represents favor and honor.3
Righteous and blessed people of the Father are accepted into the Kingdom (v. 34-36).
34 “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 ‘For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; 36 naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’
Once the separation is made between the people of nations, Jesus as King begins to communicate in the judgment of both believers who accept Him and unbelievers who reject Him. As by evidence in what they did and didn’t do. Evidence that indicates the nature of their relationship with Jesus and the Father. Just as this discourse follows the rejection of Jesus by religious leaders (Mt. 23:1-36), they are condemned among the wicked as those who were people seemingly in a right relationship with God but were not. The goats in total were a people who are outright unbelievers and those who are not authentic believers at His second coming. By comparison, genuine believers are depicted as sheep in Scripture called to inherit the blessing of the King’s kingdom (Mt 9:36, 10:6, 15:24, 18:12, 26:31).4
The righteous and wicked people were made to stand in the presence of Jesus upon His second coming as foretold (Dan. 7:13-14). Jesus will speak judgment while the Holy angels are with Him, while the goats and creation shall witness the decree of Jesus as King of all that is His. All shall recognize and understand the blessings of the sheep. That genuine believers as sheep were those “blessed of My Father,” the subjects of the Lord’s doing. They are people who have bestowed a spiritual blessing in Christ as written about by the Apostle Paul (Eph. 1:3). These people are those who were brought into the Kingdom as their access was pre-planned before the beginning of the world. The passage doesn’t provide specific identities of people, but rather a people as a whole who would believe and accept Jesus (i.e., sheep) by grace through faith (Eph 2:8-9).
The phrase in this passage, “prepared for you from the foundation of the world,” has far-reaching theological significance. A keyword here is “foundation,” which transliterates as the root Greek word “katabolē.” It is a word reference with the root meaning to “conceive of” with a “foundation.” To lay an initial plan, especially concerning a creative effort. The term “refers to the basis God has established, upon which all people can know Him. This was laid down before the first ray of sunshine or drop of water touched the earth.”5 What is incredibly astonishing is that this foundation plan was designed and set before the world was formed.
Moreover, the inheritance was then prepared for His people, the sheep in this passage, at the setting of this foundation Jesus spoke about to His disciples. That there is this path of access to the kingdom of God. It is through belief, as evidenced by what His people do to care for others.
Righteous believers are surprised by their good works for the Lord (v. 37-39).
37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? 38 ‘And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? 39 ‘When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’
The closest in context meaning of the term “righteous” in this passage articulates the idea of a person characterized with righteous actions and morals. Yet, in this sense, the righteous are represented as a group of people and not only a single person. Even though each person is judged individually, they together answer the King with questions about when He was helped and cared about. The repeated word in this verse is the term “when.” Comparatively, not as “how” or “where,” but “when” to indicate a desire for a specific time reference. The time interest suggests that if they knew each specific instance in their past, the details about who, where, what and how should follow.
Of substantial theological relevance, Dr. John MacArthur wrote by a commentary of this section in Matthew as follows, “The deeds are not the basis for their entrance into the kingdom, but merely manifestations of God’s grace in their lives. They are the objective criteria for judgment because they are evidence of saving faith (Js 2:14-26).”6 The fact that the righteous did not have specifics about when their good works were performed, they were not relied upon for their justification and salvation. What they did without conscious effort did not justify themselves. Instead, they became rewarded for their efforts as an outcome of the faith that saved them. By so much that their identity in Scripture was “the righteous.”
What righteous believers did for the Lord’s people is what they did for Jesus (v.40).
40 “The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’
Jesus, as Judge and King, answers the questions of His people. With a response about who it was, they as the righteous had helped. It was not a response about “when” they helped people with their charity and good works. So, in responding this way, Jesus answered the question of the righteous sheep more directly and in no uncertain terms. By the King’s volition, He explains, in a surprising way. Those who were there among them, the sheep set apart, were His brothers. They loved and cared for one another — even those who were of the least in social stature, notoriety, or economic status. When there was a need for help among them, they were in unity; they were loved and looked after. The word given in the Greek for “brothers” is ἀδελφός or ho adelphon or adelphoi which is to mean, a believing brother or siblings (brothers and sisters) (Mt. 28:10, Jn. 20:17, Rom 8:29, Heb 2:11). Remarkably, Jesus reveals that their righteousness applied to others was to Him as well.
Wicked unbelievers before the Lord are condemned to eternal fire (v. 41-43).
41 “Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; 42 for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink; 43 I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.’
In full view of what Jesus said will transpire, the wicked and unbelieving people shall hear what is to befall them in judgment. Jesus speaks to the people, or goats as they are called, and He tells them to depart from His presence. This is the same phrase that appears in Matthew 7:23 when Jesus earlier tells the workers of lawlessness to depart from him. While the phrase “Depart from Me” appears in this passage (v.41), it also appears in Matthew 7:23 as having a further reference to Psalm 6:8. Jesus quotes Scripture in the Matthew 7:23 instance to reference the Psalm, but not here in verse 41. As it is written in the Psalm of David, “Depart from me, all you who do iniquity.”
So, it is explicit that by knowing Jesus in Matthew 7:23, He was loved by helping, comforting, serving, and relieving others of pain and suffering. Specifically, those affected who were His adelphoi (believer siblings) as spoken earlier in this passage.
It is necessary to reiterate that the nations spoken about in this passage are those who are in the Tribulation. They are present as Jesus again returns to earth in His glory. While the context here is concerning specific individuals among all the nations, the theological principle of accountability holds for believers and unbelievers throughout history. As there will be a separate Great White Throne judgment that takes place according to Scripture (Rev. 20:11-15), this prior judgment of the nations is an indication of what is to come among all people both dead and alive. Not just those who are present in judgment at the Lord’s second coming (the sheep & the goats). This judgment at the Lord’s second coming is a glimpse of the final judgment in the distant future. Everyone, according to Scripture, shall be judged by what he or she has done. That is, specifically, those who believe in Jesus, love Him, and by faith act upon what He has commanded. As compared to those who get judged by their actions and do not believe in Christ to simply live for themselves.
The reference of condemnation here pertains to accursed individuals. Notice as compared to verse 34, the “of My Father” phrase is absent from the condemnation to suggest their eternal demise is self-inflicted. Their destination is everlasting punishment. In contrast to what the prophet Daniel wrote about the end times, “Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt (Dan. 12:2).” So, both in the Old Testament and the New, there is a difference between the destination of people groups as reiterated with specificity from Jesus in His discourse on the Mount of Olives.
In 2 Peter 2:4, the Apostle Peter makes a remarkable and punctuated point about how God did not spare the devil and his angels, but instead, He cast them into hell. They became bound by the chains of darkness as a place committed to them due to their sin. It is this place that Jesus refers to in His illustration about the sheep and the goats (v.41). A form of due punishment expressed as a place of fire, this is a place of an eternal burning, or an everlasting consuming fire as again spoken about in many places throughout Scripture (Mk. 9:48, Lk. 16:24, Jude 7). Those who became separated to the left of Jesus for judgment get condemned in the presence of everyone there. It is speculative, but inferential that the angels who arrived with Jesus (v.31) have a role in gathering the people together, setting up the separation, with finally the removal and placement of people at their destination of either heaven (the kingdom) or hell (eternal fire).
As the wicked are driven into darkness and eternal torment, Jesus declares the reasons for their destruction. There were sins of omission and rejection of Christ together committed during a lifetime period of grace. His specifics made plain the absence of what the righteous did by explicit communication. Jesus intended to mean what He said in verses 35-36. Jesus exacted the right and effective judgment against the wicked because they did not demonstrate a love for people. To care for the sick, feed His sheep (Jn 21:17), and visit the persecuted, or captive in prison. These were the specifics that communicate the necessity of loving and caring for those who are in need. To the eternal condemnation of those who do not, they are permanently and eternally separated as they leave the Lord or depart the King’s presence.
Wicked unbelievers are surprised by their lack of good works for the Lord (v. 44-45).
44 “Then they themselves also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?’45 “Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’
It is incredible that verses 44-45 are a mirror image of 35-36 yet were spoken together precisely about what explains the judgment and eternal demise of the wicked. These pronouncements of Jesus were a testimony of what the people would not do to care, help, and serve others. More specifically, these are the people who would not extend mercy to the remnant population of Jewish believers during the Tribulation.7 They are not the “brothers of Mine” that Jesus spoke about in verse 40. Their condemnation was unambiguous as Jesus made His comparison before everyone present in the coming judgment. The sheep population helped others as those who are righteous, while it is the very same thing that the goats would not or did not do. Since it was the nations gathered before Jesus, they were not just professing believers who became separated from genuine believers. It is everyone who appears in judgment at the second coming of Jesus, the Messiah.
Wicked unbelievers enter punishment. Righteous believers enter eternal life (v. 46).
46 “These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
After the rejection of Jesus by Jewish authorities and by the people in the town of His upbringing (Luke 4:14-30), He spoke of ultimate end-time acceptance and condemnation of everyone who are witnesses of Him, His work, and His glory throughout their lives. Everyone is to face judgment, either from His second coming (Matt 25:31-46) or at an end in the final gathering (Rev 20:11-15) before Him.
As prophesied by the prophet Isaiah (Is 53:1), we see through the course of history, a divine decree about what is to become of those who accept Him, repent and bear the fruit of their faith. Conversely, those who profess that they belong to Christ without receiving Him in faith will perish. In either case, where their works reveal redemption or a lack thereof. Both groups shall “go away” to a destination and state of being due to their temporal condition and circumstances. Either to an eternity of punishment, or reward.
The reward for the righteous is more specific as it is a life of far better quality with Jesus in His kingdom. In contrast, the punishment of wicked unbelievers who reject Jesus becomes driven to where the Devil and his angels are. Two outcomes, two domains, with God in everlasting happiness, satisfaction, contentment, joy, and glory (Mt. 19:29; Jn.3:15f, 36; 5:24; 6:27, 40, 47, 54; 17:2f; Acts 13:46, 48; Rom 2:7; 5:21; 6:23; Gal. 6:8, 1 Jn. 5:11). While the other, according to Jesus, the prophets, and apostles, is unspeakable misery, pain, and torment (Dan. 12:2, John 5:29, Acts 24:15).
Application
Where the gospel is shared, believers and unbelievers today have an unmistakable and clear opportunity to accept Christ and serve Him well by caring for others who are in need. Most notably, by caring for those who are of the faith, those He considers His siblings (Heb 2:11). This is an imperative given to us in Jesus’s answer to His apostles on the Mount of Olives. His words must resonate with us today to act upon them. As Scripture speaks to us about the sheep and the goats, we understand the true meaning of judgment to come. What is to come when we all appear before the Lord to account for our actions or omissions. This specific theological principle explicitly informs us that we are each accountable. For our relationship to and acceptance of Jesus and what it is we do to help, comfort, and serve others.
As a practical matter, to reflect God’s love upon us, we are to love one another by what we do in terms of charity, giving, selflessness, volunteer work, missions, ministry, how we conduct ourselves during employment, in family life, and so forth. Take an interest in sharing your faith with strangers. Encourage your family members with words of Scripture. Give money to causes that support the Lord’s kingdom. Give money to those in poverty, in prison, or who are homeless because you may not know who belongs to the Lord and who does not. Pray about what you can do with conviction which testifies of your love and faith in Christ. Make it your practice to love others well. Not only because of the reward Jesus speaks to us about, but because as He loved us, we are to love others. By doing so, we demonstrate in full assurance that it is He who recognizes our love for Him.
If you are looking for an opportunity to care for others, in one of many innumerable ways, please consider Compassion International. This is an organization that teaches a Christ-centered life while alleviating poverty in numerous locations. You can sponsor a child, or give as desired as your heart leads.
Citations
1Rose Book of Bible & Christian History Timelines. (Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson Publishers) 2 A Concise Dictionary of the Words in The Greek New Testament and The Hebrew Bible with their Renderings in the Authorized English Version. (2009) (Logos Research Systems, Inc.), term #1161 3 John Peter Lange and Philip Schaff, A Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: Matthew. (Logos Research Systems, Inc.), Part 5, Section 5, Exegetical and Critical 4 English Standard Version, Classic Reference Bible: 2016. (Crossway Bibles, Good News Publishers). Footnotes: Matthew 25:31-46 5 HelpsTM Word Studies, 2011. Helps Ministries, Inc. (https://biblehub.com/greek/2602.htm) 6 John MacArthur, MacArthur Study Bible 2nd Edition NKJV, 2019. (Thomas Nelson Publishers), 1310 7 John F. Walvoord and Roy B Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Sixth Printing, 1986. (Victor Books, SP Publications), 81
The book entitled “The Hermeneutics of Biblical Writers” details the notion that Prophets and Apostles from both the New and Old Testaments saturated themselves in Scripture. Specifically, that they had a hermeneutical method of interpretation that produced both meaning and significance. The book’s author Abner Chou sets out on a quest to account for both authorial intent and authorial logic using principles of intertextuality.
Throughout the pages of the book, there are various examples of the use of Scripture involving biblical characters to highlight the specifics about their methods of interpretation. Often where it is necessary to go beyond the surface of Scriptural references elsewhere. Such as with allusions in language, or with word-by-word comparisons from one account of a biblical matter to another. The author uses numerous specifics with precision to demonstrate the interconnectedness and authorial logic to reveal to us how to draw upon Scripture to understand what the word of God says. As a Bible student, this is crucial to understand the word as the biblical authors intended as we seek its significance and ramifications to follow it.
Introduction
Early in my reading of this book, I was fascinated by the idea of “authorial logic” as compared to “authorial intent.” Nearly dismissive of the idea because I had come to recognize that God is not logical or illogical, but alogical. Since logic or critical thinking is a human framework of thought, and God is the Creator of such a framework, God is an alogical being. It is currently my view that the explanation of the LORD’s ways and thoughts rest within His aseity. After all, as we see in Scripture, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, either is your ways my ways (Isaiah 55:8).” So, I have concluded that the LORD must be alogical, in the sense that the LORD is beyond or outside the bounds of logic itself. Not illogical, or contrary to logic, but separate or distinct. Where, more pointedly, logic and reason are subordinate to the LORD.
Upon further reading and understanding Chou’s
perspective, I became reminded about authorial intent and that the primary Author
is divine who chooses to communicate through His created people. We are created
in His image to include some of His attributes. If He wants to structure our
way of thinking within a cause-and-effect framework for His glory and purposes,
I want to make it my priority to embrace and honor that in the field of
hermeneutics. So, reading on into the book, I was more tentatively open to see
what Chou had to say. Specifically, I spent many hours with his work as he set
about the quest of authorial logic, which is integral to both prophetic and
apostolic hermeneutics. Toward the end of his book, Chou’s conclusion was to
claim the prophetic and apostolic hermeneutic as the Christian hermeneutic and,
ultimately, our hermeneutic.
The Prophetic Hermeneutic
It is with numerous references that Chou makes the
case that prophets were not only scholars of Scripture, but also exegetes and
theologians. They were steeped in the word of God as their writings and conduct
reflected an immersion of understanding among biblical authors from before
their time. Prophets were not unintelligent or biblically illiterate people. As
Old Testament authors, they referenced numerous earlier Old Testament writings.
A practice today understood as intertextuality to affirm and build upon new
revelation.
By various examples, theological development becomes written among Old Testament books to highlight the nature of the prophetic hermeneutic. Whereas precise exegesis of texts naturally flows into theological progression down through the centuries.
As demonstrated that the prophetic hermeneutic is widespread, prophets pay close attention to general ideas in addition to precise verses, phrases, and words. Indeed, this occurs throughout the entire canon. In just one example, Chou refers to the eagle metaphor in the language of Exodus. Israel’s corresponding delivery from exile was much later referenced by David and Isaiah. Such prophetic hermeneutical recognition applies to wisdom literature and law, along with major and minor prophets. In Chou’s words, “The evidence for exegetical accuracy is in the text not only in general tenor but also in its details.”
While I do not fully understand or agree with the counterpoint objections presented in the book, Chou makes Scripturally sound arguments to mitigate them — centered on the progressive revelation that stem from ramifications of the text. The prophets knew “the what” of historical Scripture to further convey meaning in their writings. Prophets of old were also concerned with the “now what” or “what do we do with this” implications of what they understood. Redemptive history unfolded through the use of their hermeneutical outcomes.
Chou considerably enhances my view of the prophets and their role in the development of Systematic Theology in contrast to Biblical Theology. Due to the prophets’ overall composite view of Israel’s eschatological history. That is, they knew the theological implications from both a systematic and biblical perspective. They knew the development and advancement of God’s redemptive plan through the replacement of one covenant to another.
The Spirit of God’s influence toward directionality
and revelation appears sparsely placed. Particularly from Chou’s prophetic
hermeneutic rationale and arguments against objections. Did the prophets and
apostles write more than they knew? My view is both yes and no, rather than
only “no.” Yes, in the sense that God inspires all Scripture (2 Tim
3:16). No, in the sense that they were well studied in Scripture to support
Chou’s view of authorial logic. My view is ambidextrous in thinking this way
since two conditions can overlap or hold at once from an alogical perspective.
To walk through the examples below, further theological development among prophets shows how they are theologians with accurate hermeneutical capabilities. They are said to set a trajectory about how God’s plan develops to achieve His promises and aims.
The Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants become
intertwined into the Davidic covenant. While the Davidic covenant brings into
it some attributes of the Noahic covenant, meaning, Noah can plant a vineyard
as God restrains the effects of the Fall to move creation back toward its
original sabbath rest. No longer does the earth yield thorns, thistles, and
weeds. At least to the written extent and pronouncement at the curse of the
Fall.
The Davidic covenant obtains rest from the Mosaic conquest of Canaan through Joshua. As incorporated by the promises of Abrahamic, Mosaic, and Noahic covenants, “God has made the weight of redemptive history fall upon the Davidic dynasty.” All covenants converge into one Davidic covenant that, in turn, extends to an eschatological prophecy and reality in fulfillment of God’s promise to restore His people and creation.
Chou’s rationale is understood, accepted, and appreciated, but it concerns me that the Spirit of God does not get explicit theological treatment of this to understand the prophetic hermeneutic. That, in my mind, limits a full understanding and credibility of the prophetic hermeneutic as described and advocated. Let us know and interpret what the Lord is doing and is going to do as a continuing revelation as the canon becomes formed. The prophets were uniquely placed participants as vessels of the Lord. Interpreted revelation does not just sit with the people of God to figure things out within Scripture by their developed capabilities. When it comes to God’s purposes, they were not well developed among themselves. Without question, there is certain enlightenment that has occurred by divine involvement (1 Cor 1:27).
Theological development goes further as prophetic hermeneutic recognition extends into the apostolic hermeneutic. Through the prophets Amos, Hosea, and Micah. Amos clarifies that God will keep His promises while the house of David has collapsed. Hosea affirms a new, or a second David by God’s promises to fulfill His Davidic covenant. In time, Micah prophesies that the Messiah shall be born in Bethlehem as a second King since David was born there. The Messiah will enter the wilderness to be tempted to fulfill David’s role and restore his royal house. Again, theological principles are derived from the wisdom literature, and law, to include major and minor prophetic contributions.
Accordingly, Chou wrote that the prophetic hermeneutic came through the great intellectual insight of people who excelled at exegesis with profound capabilities. The hermeneutic of biblical prophets were from their depth of understanding to rightfully interpret meaning and significance. Cast, as they were, profound biblical thinkers and writers. Exceptional exegetes and theologians were due in part to their accuracy in handling Scripture. Intertextual precision characterizes their hermeneutic exceptionalism as necessary for careful application and theological formation.
In contrast, I would observe, this was their
specific intertextual methodology of interpretation. While Chou articulates his
view by compelling examples, it becomes demonstrated that the “what-of” their
hermeneutical process has relevance. Yet not the “how-to” at this point per se
as he continues in further depth during his treatment of the apostolic
hermeneutic.
While the LORD informs Moses that He would speak through him before Pharaoh (Exodus 4:10-12), that situation occurred out of concern that Moses was “slow of speech and tongue.” Moreover, it intuitively feels somewhat out of character that prophets would confidently make pronouncements from exegetical advancements because of verbiage such as “thus saith the Lord.” So, I am a bit nervous about the confidence Chou has in the prophetic hermeneutic he claims. Certainly, no quarrel about prophetic hermeneutic recognition and its support of an apostolic hermeneutic. It only appears that specific methodology that involves the Spirit of God according to His plan and trajectory seems missing or too distant.
It is my conviction that hermeneutics is a practice and process of exegetical interpretation. It is a “how-to” effort to understand the meaning and significance of biblical authors fully. It is a labor to understand Scriptural ramifications with suitable applicability to our life context. It is not solely a result or outcome of intuitive and meticulous effect or performance, but the practice of it with specific custodial methods (or gifts) with Spiritual guidance along an individual’s process. Yes, prophetic hermeneutic, but how? Not what, by naming it as intertextuality with examples along with intervals of new revelation. How did their relationship with the Lord affect their interpretation? With others? What were the theological bridges they had to cross, and how did they pass them? I suggest that in the absence of theological criteria formed for eligibility and use, the LORD was an active participant to shape the thinking of His prophets. Without too much freestanding credit on their own, prophets and patriarchal fathers had an extraordinary and unique role in serving the LORD’s purposes. They are exceptional for more reasons than their ability to exegete and produce theological continuity. As well-read and articulate as they were, they were chosen and loved by YHWH with His influence upon them to set theological depth, revelation, and directionality. It is that which significantly contributed to the results we see. So, the question is about how it is they performed their hermeneutic and not what their hermeneutical outcome was through intertextual analysis. Not what we discover in the original languages for them, but instead by what it was that they were doing in terms of methodology. If prophets were proof-texting cross-references throughout the Old Testament to build theological relevance to demonstrate meaning and significance, is that then a valid and acceptable hermeneutic or methodology of interpretation?
Intent to write is not an explanation about how to abide by the law, recognize the propagation of covenant promises, or follow revelation and communicate accordingly. Neither is the perception about intended meaning from prior Scriptural authors. The methodology is about the process, not an identification of facts or the presence and acknowledgment of exceptional performance.
It is my limited view that apostles and prophets were not ignorant but understood Scripture and wrote beyond natural understanding to deliver the meaning that they intended under the inspiration of YHWH. They were not on their own to derive Scriptural and theological truth. Not by an individual effort by their exceptionalism as exegetes or theologians. They were not empty vessels or as everyday people, but unique individuals of their being. Anthropomorphically speaking, set apart in the hands of the Lord while steeped in God’s word.
The Apostolic Hermeneutic
Continuing through this section, I reset my perspective with a fresh outlook. It became necessary to begin combing through Chou’s book in a nonlinear way and to skip back and forth between section conclusions and examples he provided. Primarily to come to grips with the legitimacy of authorial logic and most notably by the intertextual practices as led by the Spirit. I found this was necessary because much less emphasis was placed upon the role of the Spirit toward prophetic interpretation. It was through my apprehension about the accolades placed upon the stature prophets and apostles that I was entirely cautious and picky about what I accepted.
Especially while in the Old Testament since it serves as grounds for the apostles’ reasoning. As Chou wrote, due to introductory formulas like “it is written,” or “because of,” it is natural to make comparisons among segments of Scripture. Then afterward, to conclude a basis of formed rationale without error as the identified formulae claimed the foundation of legitimacy toward the apostle’s understanding. All leading to the recognized intent and developed logic of their Old Testament predecessors. Ultimately, the same authorial logic as continued in the New Testament as they were readers of Scripture and those who revealed Scripture by new revelation.
Chou advocates prophetic intertextuality within the
Old Testament. As a setup and projection of an apostolic hermeneutic.
Eventually, he takes a reader through the apostolic hermeneutic as a foundation
of new revelation and exegetical discovery from the Old Testament. Where it so
appears from Chou, authorial intent between human and divine contribution is
made distinct and separate from his following affirmation of the Lord’s work
and involvement.
As such, a human author was not always fully aware of what the divine author intended backward and forward in time. From the prophetic hermeneutic to the apostolic hermeneutic, new and continuous revelation unfolded over the course of history. Even with adopted authorial logic through prophetic intertextuality, the apostolic author did not on their own have the insight or clarity of view about the Lord’s near or long-term redemptive intentions. So, New Testament authors who read and wrote did so generally by instruction and inspiration as the new revelation came to them by the work of Christ while the hermeneutical examples of Old Testament prophets or New Testament apostles further revealed the truth of God’s word.
According
to Chou, apostolic interpretation of the Old Testament came from study and
exegesis by the prophetic hermeneutic made their own. Moreover, what theological
principles developed by Old Testament prophets discovered through their
hermeneutic is what the apostles did as well to inform their authorial logic. Yet
it is my view that it is not studying or analytical methods alone that brought
about a trajectory for overall directionality and later interpretation or
theological development. God was at work in the lives of those who were interpreting
and writing Scripture to communicate His intentions and redemptive plan.
From observations among the many examples given in
Chou’s book, I sought to identify contributing factors of authorial logic. Here
is an outline I noted during reading time to see if there is a more concrete
outline of practical advice to think through and use.
Contributors to Authorial Logic
Consistent and Ongoing Immersion
Comprehensive Cross-Referencing Activity
Meticulous Attention to Languages
Use of Inductive Non-Linear Thinking
In Context Proof Texting
Chronologically Independent Correlations
Use of Root Translations (LXX, MT)
Recognition of Prophetic Speech-Acts
Detection of Divine Inference
Apostolic Consistency of Application
The Christian Hermeneutic
Chou makes the point that we are more than cross-referencers. That the intertextuality modeled for us is more than that. We should look to imitate the hermeneutic of the apostles. Look to the reading quality of their rationale and direct our efforts to standard hermeneutic textbooks. Chou asserts that what we learn in standard hermeneutical textbooks is similar to what biblical writers read in their Bible. As Chou wrote, “the prophetic hermeneutic and the apostolic hermeneutic becomes the Christian hermeneutic.” Much of which comes through the adoption of modern, conventional, and proven hermeneutical methods.
Moving from meaning to significance, we consistently set a course toward application as we understand biblical implications and theology from Scripture. Just as biblical writers cared about the cultural, historical, and literary backgrounds of prior Scriptural authors, they serve as an example to us to derive meaning. Through interconnectedness or connecting dots to understand application as they did. Not only to clearly understand what they wrote and meant to follow them but also to recognize what they thought and what their motivations were. To get into their minds, so to speak.
To help us arrive at specifics about the intended significance for application purposes, Chou concludes his work by giving us four areas to frame our approach in applying Scripture. (1.) Worship God for His Works, (2.) Learn Theology, (3.) Morally Respond, and (4.) Adopt a Worldview in Light of Redemptive History. All taken together, these areas represent a body of effort that Christians use to get a practical application from the meaning and significance derived from biblical authors. By connecting the dots throughout Scripture to form an interconnectedness of authorial logic, we obtain an inspired way of getting to the significance and meaning of God’s word. This is the prophetic hermeneutic that the apostolic hermeneutic reaches into while we make them both our own.
When a biblical author writes about a specific matter or topic and conveys meaning in a real or strict sense as given by terminology, background, grammar, and context, it is that literal hermeneutic or meaning which a reader comes to accept and understand. It becomes recognized as an appropriate and necessary contribution to context and the direct course of work provided in Scripture.
As a reader sets sail toward spiritualizing Scripture, true and accurate interpretation of God’s word can become adrift in a sea of confusion. While human intellect and imagination can never prevail over what the Spirit of God has revealed in His word, an arbitrary retrojection must become rejected as it is dangerous and harmful.
The authors of Grasping God’s Word prefer the term literary meaning as a comparison to the literal meaning.[1] I especially appreciate this rationale because the term incorporates a real and valid spiritual meaning as well. It is a refreshing perspective rather than a purely clinical, sterile, or academic view of God’s word. When the Spirit of God’s authority, influence, and inspiration upon biblical authors is neglected or dismissed, that imposes a hostile vacuum of significance, which can become alarming.
As recently presented within the Truth Matters conference about the Sufficiency of Scripture, personal revelation in the absence of Scriptural truth was rightfully assailed. The hyper-spiritualization of personal and emotional experience must never override the truth of our LORD as the way of Balaam shall never prevail. The canon is closed. Our God is a consuming fire and He must be worshiped in spirit and truth.
Concerning typology, the New Testament serves as a general and necessary guide about what is permitted or acceptable for proper and correct Old Testament interpretation. While we desperately want to find Jesus anywhere and everywhere we can find Him, typologies of Christ are available to us through God’s word in the New Testament. Let the New Testament point to the foreshadowing of Christ in the Old Testament.
[1] J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays, Grasping God’s Word, 3rd ed. (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 2012), 207.
What would it look like if every command that Jesus spoke was isolated and identified in Scripture among their separate and individual verses? To get at Jesus’s words cherished and spoken in this way for a narrower and more specific view of what He requires. That is, mostly to understand with clarity what He has said and to desire Him in a better way. Yet also to set a center point in which biblical context is read and understood. That is what this table of verses below does.
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. ” – Jesus
Here are the words as spoken during His time here with us. With correlated verse references for ease and convenience of lookup and comparison. The table gives you the ability to sort and filter for search and retrieval.
When we are able to recognize what He has said, we begin to see a pattern. A pattern of love and obedience that brings us closer to Him. Wherefrom the beginning of our eternity in the Kingdom of God, it will become proclaimed for His glory. He was and is worthy of all honor and blessings.
Once we read and understand what He has said in these New Testament passages, we can further recognize meaningful implications and how they relate to what it is we are doing to fill them. As an effort to demonstrate that we are interested in serving Christ while honoring His word. To satisfy what He wants of us. With specificity, we are then, in turn, able to identify and track what it is we have done to demonstrate our love for Him. Again, with joy, to honor what He wants of us.
Number
Command of Christ
Verse (ESV)
Reference
1
Repent
"From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
Matthew 4:17
2
Let not your heart be troubled
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?"
John 14:27,
John 16:33, Matthew 6:25-26, Philippians 4:6-7
3
Follow Me
"And he said to them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Matthew 4:19
4
Rejoice
“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. "
Matthew 5:11–12
5
Let Your Light Shine
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. "
Matthew 5:16
6
Honor God’s Law
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. "
Matthew 5:17
7
Be Reconciled
"So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. "
Matthew 5:23–25
8
Do Not Lust
"But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell. "
Matthew 5:28–30
9
Keep Your Word
"Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil."
Matthew 5:37
10
Go the Second Mile
"You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you. "
Matthew 5:38–42
11
Love Your Enemies
"But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? "
Matthew 5:44–46
12
Be Perfect
"For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
Matthew 5:46–48
13
Practice Secret Disciplines
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven."
Matthew 6:1
14
Lay up treasures in heaven
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. "
Matthew 6:19–20
15
Seek first the kingdom of God
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Matthew 6:33
16
Judge not
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. "
Matthew 7:1-2
17
Do not throw your pearls to pigs
“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you. "
Matthew 7:6
18
Ask, seek, and knock
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. "
Matthew 7:7-8
19
Do unto others
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets."
Matthew 7:12
20
Choose the narrow way
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. "
Matthew 7:13-14
21
Beware of false prophets
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. "
Matthew 7:15
22
Pray for those who spread the word
"Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
Matthew 9:37-38
23
Be as shrewd as serpents
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. "
Matthew 10:16, Romans 16:19
24
Fear God. Do not fear man
"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell."
Matthew 10:28, Luke 12:4-5
25
Listen to God’s voice
"He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
Matthew 11:15, 13:9,
13:43, Mark 4:23, Luke 14:35, 1 Kings 19:11-13
26
Take my yoke
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:29-30
27
Honor your parents
"For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ "
Matthew 15:4
28
Beware of false teaching
"How is it that you fail to understand that I did not speak about bread? Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Then they understood that he did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. "
Matthew 16:6, Matthew 16:11-12
29
Deny yourself
"And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. "
Luke 9:23, Matthew 10:38, Mark 8:34
30
Do not despise little ones
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. "
Matthew 18:10
31
Go to Christians who offend you
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. "
Matthew 18:15, Galatians 6:1
32
Forgive offenders
"Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times."
Matthew 18:21-22, Proverbs 19:11
33
Beware of covetousness
"And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
Luke 12:15
34
Honor marriage
"So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
Matthew 19:6, Matthew 19:9
35
Lead by being a servant
"It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:26-28
36
Make the church a house of prayer for all nations
"And he was teaching them and saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.”
Mark 11:17
37
Pray in faith
"And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”
Matthew 21:21-22, John 15:7
38
Bring in the poor
"He said also to the man who had invited him, “When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”
Luke 14:12-14
39
Render unto Caesar
"Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
Matthew 22:19-21
40
Love the Lord
"And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment"
Matthew 22:37-38
41
Love your neighbor
"And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. "
Matthew 22:39
42
Be born again
"Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’"
John 3:7
43
Await my return
"Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. "
Matthew 24:42-44
44
Celebrate the Lord’s supper
"Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, "
Matthew 26:26-27
45
Watch and pray
"Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Matthew 26:41
46
Keep my commandments
"If you love me, you will keep my commandments. "
John 14:15
47
Feed my sheep
"When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.”
John 21:15-16
48
Make and baptize disciples
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, "
Matthew 28:19
49
Teach disciples to obey
"teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:20
50
Receive God’s power
"And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”
If you would like to begin fresh with renewal, purpose, and eternal security, you can invite God into your life. When God takes up residence within you, that is what it is to become born again.
Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” – John 3:3
“Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” – 1 Cor 15:1-4
Invitation
To begin your faith journey, getting alone with God in prayer is a great way to start. Consider these verses and reach out to God in faith by prayer and confession.
“And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.” — 1 John 5:11-13
“Lord, I know I can’t save myself, and I see that eternal life is granted to me if I believe in you. I freely invite you to come into my life. Lord Jesus, I confess that you are the Son of God and I want to follow you from this day forward. I am a sinner and I need your presence in my life. I ask your forgiveness and I trust you to forgive me and make me new as I now believe in you. In repentance, I accept you as Lord of my life. I ask for your Spirit to dwell within me as I place my faith in you. “
Your Faith Walk
You must understand that it isn’t this prayer itself that saves you. It is God that does through Christ when you place your faith in him. It is by grace you are saved through faith. There is so much more to experience as you grow in your relationship with Jesus. When you invite the Lord into your life, the Holy Spirit takes up residence within you. This is what it is to become born again. It is from the Spirit of God who comes to live in anyone who puts their trust in Christ.
In John 6:37, Jesus says, “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” Once you become born again and are saved, and the Holy Spirit dwells within you, it is permanent.
Get a Bible, or install one onto your phone. Such as an ESV, NKJV, or NASB translation. Or one suitable to your native language. Begin reading through the book of John and spend personal time in the words and stories of Christ. In your walk, you will grow in grace and become more rooted in your faith. Trust God, find fellowship among believers, and spend time in the Bible and in prayer. As our Lord Jesus himself says:
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30
