Posted on 01/09/2006 3:56:46 AM PST by Quester
However ... we are commanded to test all things by scripture. From your post #55 We should use all of the evidence available to appropriate God's truth ... in light of how He has commanded or demonstrated (for instance ... God has set communication with the dead off-limits as a source of inspiration). Some of these evidences would be ... revealed scripture, culture, tradition, history, archeology, scholarship, human behaviour, feelings, etc.
How do you reconcile these two statements? When scripture uses a metaphor, that metaphor brings with it, meaning to scripture. Can we look at things outside of scripture to confirm scripture and then use scripture to test it?
I certainly believe so.
For instance, Romans 1:18-20 ...Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,... speaks to the confirmation of God's existence ... which we can see in the world around us (i.e. nature).
19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.
20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, ...
The organization, maintenance, and regulation of nature all give evidence to a master designer or designers.
The scriptures further define for us just who God is …for instance, He is One, He is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent.
The scriptures further define that God created us, as He did everything other than Himself, … that He has been patient with us, His creation, … even though we very early turned against Him (through our disobedience), … and, consequently, became spiritually separated from Him.
Finally, scripture defines God in that He loves us still, …and that He desires that we leave off our rebellion and return to Him, … to be Fathered by Him.
He has made such a thing possible by the death (and resurrection) of His only Begotten Son, … that all who place their trust in Him, … can come home.
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