Monday, January 21, 2013

Read Aloud for Power, Read Together for Doctrine: The English Reformed Theology of the Bible



The English reformed theology of the Bible and preaching is primarily focussed on the instrumental function of God’s words read in Scripture and expounded in preaching: his words are the instrument of salvation and transformation given and used by God among his people. But the dissemination of Scripture is not an invitation to doctrinal independence. Indeed the core structure of the English Reformed theology of the Bible and preaching can fairly be described as a balanced affirmation of the four biblical texts quoted below, positive and negative. They were sure that God would work faithfully through his word to save and sanctify people, and also sure that people would be sinful readers, destabilising themselves and others unless firmly bridled with sound doctrine. Thus the English reformers affirmed the sovereignty of God through Scripture, but did not uphold individualism in understanding Scripture. Read more

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