The Doctrine of Scripture in the Modern Period

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Part 1: Types of Revelation

  • Immediate Divine Revelation
    • Definition: Direct encounter with God without human mediation
    • Forms:
      • Theophanies: God's appearances in visions and dreams
      • Acts of God: Historical events demonstrating God's power (e.g., the Exodus)
      • Propositional Word of God: Direct announcements from God
      • Incarnate Word: Jesus of Nazareth as the embodiment of God's Word

Part 2: Mediated Divine Revelation

  • Old Testament Prophets
    • Role: Primary vehicles of God's revelation
    • Examples: Ezekiel, Isaiah, Zechariah, Daniel, Moses
    • Deuteronomy 18:15-22 (Moses as a prophet)
  • New Testament Apostles
    • Role: Convey God's words to humanity
    • Examples: Paul
  • New Testament Prophets
    • Role: Convey divine revelation not mediated through apostles
    • Examples: Mark and Luke (non-apostolic scriptural authors)

Part 3: Doctrine of Inspiration

  • Definition and Scope
    • God-breathed nature of Scripture
    • Sufficiency and authority of Scripture for teaching and equipping
  • Key Scripture References
    • 2 Timothy 3:16-17: All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for various purposes
    • 2 Peter 1:20-21: Prophecy does not originate from human will but from the Holy Spirit

Part 4: Inspiration of the New Testament

  • Recognition of Apostolic Writings as Scripture
    • 2 Peter 3:15-16: Peter equates Paul's letters with other Scriptures
  • Sufficiency and Finality of the Canon
    • Role of the New Testament in explaining the Old Testament in light of the Christ event
    • The closing of the canon with the writings of apostles and New Testament prophets

Conclusion

  • Discussion on the Continuation of Apostolic and Prophetic Gifts
    • Varying views on the continuation or cessation of these gifts
    • Sufficiency of the canonical Scriptures for the church

Q&A Session

  • Various Questions Addressed
    • Differences between Old and New Testament prophets
    • Role of contemporary prophets and apostles
    • Clarification on the extent and means of inspiration
    • Interpretative challenges in understanding Scripture

*The above summary is AI-generated, so discrepancies may exist. Please refer to the audio or video file to verify accuracy.

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