metmom: Depending on extra Biblical revelation for truth is not the same as someone's interpretation of Scripture.
JP: Sure it is. For this construct assumes that an individual's interpretation of scripture is devoid of any extrabiblical influence. That Sacred Scripture is self-interpreting. Which as we can see from the last 500 years of history it is not.
The portion highlighted is the vital point that is often ignored when going down this road. The rest of the exchange afterward is just blah blah, because it's playing the Protestant game of "show me that in the Bible" which again, ignores the emphasized fact. And it is a fact.
Despite what some apparently believe around here, the Bible does NOT interpret itself. It just doesn't. And whether some want to admit it or not, everyone is influenced by some authority when they read and "interpret" Scripture "for themselves".
That is, unless one is completely devoid of all humility (much less reason) and therefore never ever consults Greek/Hebrew lexicons, or commentaries, or one's local pastor, or friends, or again, any other source of knowledge and experience.
This is the point. And where the conversation should end unless and until the Protestsant admits that they too, are "taught by men". Unless such an admission is forthcoming, the entire "discussion" is as utterly pointless as an exchange involving simply, "I'm right." "No, I'm right." "No I'm right". "No, I'm right".
Et cetera, ad infinitum.
Sigh.....
The Holy Spirit enlightens the believer to understand Scripture. No one has ever said that we do it in a vacuum.
Spiritual things are spiritually discerned and the person who does not have the Spirit in them cannot understand spiritual truths found in Scripture.
And yes, Scripture does interpret Scripture. It can because it is divinely inspired, it is Truth, it stands alone as Truth outside of anyone’s experience of it, and as Truth is internally consistent with itself.
It CANNOT contradict itself. If there is an apparent contradiction, then clearly the problem is with the interpretation of the passage in question. It then demands a closer look to see where the problem in interpretation is and that is done by comparing it to other passages of Scripture.