Category Archives: Hermeneutics

From the Comments: Further on whether the scriptures are sufficient

Posted on April 6, 2016 by Jay F Guin

Following up yesterday’s post, reader David commented, If there has been no personal indwelling of the Spirit directing and guiding Christians since the death of the apostles then, the New Testament is highly suspect. Early churchmen collected, sifted, and sorted … Continue reading →

Posted in Hermeneutics, Uncategorized | 19 Comments

From the Comments: Aren’t the Scriptures All-Sufficient?

Posted on April 5, 2016 by Jay F Guin

Jeff R asked, It’s the one’s that believe that this indwelling is personal and DIRECT, meaning that the Spirit directly influences them apart from God’s word that I have a problem with. They in effect are denying that the word … Continue reading →

Posted in Hermeneutics, Uncategorized | 35 Comments

CENI: Is CENI a Hermeneutic? A Question from the Contact form

Posted on February 28, 2016 by Jay F Guin

A reader posted an anonymous question in the Contact form. (Which is fine, but I’d really prefer that comments on posts be posted in the comments to that post — even if you think your comment will make me look … Continue reading →

Posted in CENI, Uncategorized | 91 Comments

How to Study the Bible: Context according to Richard Beck

Posted on July 25, 2015 by Jay F Guin

It’s amazing how our reading of the Scriptures is colored by our own prejudices and background. Richard Beck, at “Experimental Theology,” offers a reading of James’ famous passage on faith and works that I’d never heard before. But he just … Continue reading →

Posted in How to Study the Bible, Uncategorized | 6 Comments

How to Study the Bible: Theosis, Plain and Simple, Part 3

Posted on June 23, 2015 by Jay F Guin

2 Cor 5:17 (2Co 5:17 NET)  17 So then, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; what is old has passed away – look, what is new has come!  For many, this is considered the central text … Continue reading →

Posted in How to Study the Bible, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

How to Study the Bible: Theosis, Plain and Simple, Part 2

Posted on June 22, 2015 by Jay F Guin

Gal 2:20 (Gal 2:20 NET)  20 I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So the life I now live in the body, I live because of the faithfulness … Continue reading →

Posted in How to Study the Bible, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

How to Study the Bible: Theosis, Plain and Simple, Part 1

Posted on June 21, 2015 by Jay F Guin

Since the time of the early church fathers, the Christian church has spoken of the final destination of the saved in terms of theosis. Among the Eastern Orthodox, theosis is considered a central element Christianity. In the West, until recently, … Continue reading →

Posted in How to Study the Bible, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

How to Study the Bible: Christianity, Theosis, and Consummation, Part 2

Posted on June 20, 2015 by Jay F Guin

The patience of God An major theme of the NT is the patience (or forbearance) of God — his decision to wait on us to repent rather than being done with us. It doesn’t seem that important of a doctrine … Continue reading →

Posted in How to Study the Bible, Uncategorized | 4 Comments

How to Study the Bible: Christianity, Theosis, and Consummation, Part 1

Posted on June 19, 2015 by Jay F Guin

The Second Coming of Jesus is not ever described as a new or changed covenant. Rather, the clearest and most common image is that it will be a return to Eden, except better. For example, I highlight the more obvious … Continue reading →

Posted in How to Study the Bible, Uncategorized | 4 Comments

How to Study the Bible: Theosis, Cornelius, the Christian Confession & Jesus

Posted on June 18, 2015 by Jay F Guin

So the goal of it all is the knowledge of God. When Jesus returns, Isaiah says that “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea” (Isa 11:9b). The new covenant will … Continue reading →

Posted in How to Study the Bible, Uncategorized | 11 Comments