-----Original Message-----
From: David Miller <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Tue, 12 Jul 2005 11:35:16 -0400
Subject: Re: [TruthTalk] Re:John 16:13,14
John, I'm going to take a shot at this, but if you are tempted to attack me or prove me wrong, please don't. I won't respond to that. I am not interested in debate, but in truth. Fair enough. Monologue is not necessarily a bad thing.
I'm going to use different words for a reason, not to discredit you, but to engage "Engage ?? !!" you to explain your viewpoint with different words. What you are trying to say is only approximated by the words you use, so being free to consider the use of different words to say what you are trying to say can facilitate communication. If my choice of words is objectionable to you, then simply say, "I would not say it that way, I would say it this way..." If your meaning is not being conveyed with the words you have already chosen, using other words might help convey what you are trying to say.
Now in your last post, you apparently perceive an important difference between having assurance in truth versus having assurance in one's personal interpretation of Scripture. You need to expound upon this more, because you had also written that there is no other kind of understanding of Scripture except personal understanding. Based upon how you have set this up, I see no room in your model for any difference between "assurance in the truth of Scripture" and "assurance in our understanding of the truth of Scripture." How can there be a difference if you say that there is no understanding of truth except personal understanding? Think of it this wise (and this is much over simplified): The Bible contains the Word of God - a body of truth that is absolute and without contradiction (believers are allowed to think such is the case -- I do). There it is, this Bible, laying over there on the desk, right
next to my AT Robertson Greek grammar and a stack of other noteworthy reference books. That is over there -- I am over here. I have read this book many times. I have literally thousands of hours of study vest in this written message (at 60 years of age, no big deal !). Absolute truth over there. Me and my brain over here. Absolute truth over there on the desk, me and educational bias, by pathetic childhood, my disappointments and the many wonderful experience that are a part of me -- all of that over here. Over there verses over here. I know that "over here," all of those influences mentioned above make it impossible for me to say that my understanding of what I read in the Bible rises to the level of infallibility !!!
. Absolute truth over there - the conceit of the claim of infallibility over here. Thank God for the definition given to us in Heb 11:1 ff. My relationship with God is not the result of a pretense at rationalism. It is based on who I understand Heb 11:1ff . Faith is my substance and my assurance. Even when the subject of that faith might be considered unreasonable. That being true, it is a timely question : then why study or go back to he written message? Because this faith of which I speak has me believing that the biblical message contains that which is absolutely true. Knowing my limitations causes me to WANT to go back to the Good Book, time after time -- b
ecause I know that could have missed something or actually gotten something very very wrong. Pride prevents me from making this journey for this reason !!!
Keep in mind, that in contrast to you, my perspective is that there are many different levels of understanding, with personal understanding just being one of many. You have defined pride as being a confidence in our personal understanding of truth that rises to the level of infallibility (always say this when presenting MY opinion on this subject) and that needs to be expounded upon. If you are right, you may save me from the sin of pride by helping me see your perspective, but if you are wrong, I will save you from the sin of bearing false witness against someone who you think has pride but really just has Godly understanding, faith and integrity. A truly wonderful set of options !!
Peace be with you.
David Miller.
David Miller.
