THE BIBLE–THE AUTHORITATIVE SOURCE OF OUR THEOLOGY

Lesson 4 for April 25, 2020

Even if we want to live by Scripture alone, our understanding of Scripture is
significantly shaped and influenced by a number of factors: the traditions we
are used to and grew up with, the way we are trained to think and how we use
our reason in explaining things, our experience with certain people and ideas,
and the formative culture around us.
The priority given to any source or combination of sources has a significant
influence on our theology; ultimately, it will determine the direction of the
entire theological enterprise.

Tradition
Experience
Culture
Reason
The Bible
 TRADITION
“Be sure you are not led away by the teaching of those who have
nothing worth saying and only plan to deceive you. That teaching is
not from Christ. It is only human tradition and comes from the
powers that influence this world.” (Colossians 2:8 ERV)

What’s good about tradition?

Tradition helps us to remember our history. It also
reminds us of the lessons learned by our
ancestors.
There are traditions in the Bible that reminded the
people of God of their liberation, like Purim.
For example, the arrival of the Pilgrim Fathers to
the land of freedom is still remembered in the
United States of America.

What’s bad about tradition?

Traditions may take the place of truth
(Mark 7:1-13) by adding false elements and
superstitions to the faith.
 EXPERIENCE
“What then was the blessing you enjoyed? For I
bear you witness that, if possible, you would have
plucked out your own eyes and given them to me.”
(Galatians 4:15)

What’s good about experience?

Our experiences with God shape our
understanding of Him.
Remembering how God helped us and
encouraged us in the past moves us towards
the goal.

What’s bad about experience?

Not all experiences are good. Sometimes, the
things we experience and feel don’t come from
God.
Therefore, basing our faith or doctrine in specific
feelings or experiences that contradict the Bible
is dangerous.
 CULTURE
“For all that is in the world—the lust of
the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the
pride of life—is not of the Father but is
of the world.” (1 John 2:16)

What’s good about culture?

In some countries, the culture has been
strongly influenced by the Bible.
In many other countries, we may find
cultural elements that are compatible with
the Bible teachings.
What’s bad about culture?
Our culture may consider good something
that’s wrong, or vice versa (Isaiah 5:20).
Therefore, every cultural element must be
checked with the Bible, and the Bible must
prevail. We may improve our culture, but
never change the Bible.
 REASON
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself
up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every
thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV)
What’s good about reason?
Reason is a gift from God. We can use it to reach
right conclusions and to be convinced of the
truth (2P. 1:12; Jn. 16:8).
Reason makes us wise if it’s subjected to God’s
will (Pr. 9:10).
Even our worship should be rational (Rom. 12:1),
and not only emotional.
What’s bad about reason?
It’s very dangerous to believe that we can understand
everything with our reason alone.
God sometimes acts in supernatural ways that we
cannot rationalize. If we systematically reject these
miracles, we may move away from He who wants to
give us salvation and everlasting life.
 “For if you believed Moses,
THE BIBLE you would believe Me; for he
wrote about Me.” (John 5:46)
What’s good about the Bible?
Jesus encouraged us to study it (John 5:39) and to believe
in it (v. 46).

It’s the Word inspired by God. It’s useful for teaching

(2 Timothy 3:16).
In matters of faith and doctrine, the Bible is above
tradition, experience, culture and reason. All of
them must be evaluated and analyzed with the
Bible.
What’s bad about the Bible?
Nothing, as long as we are
always led by its author–the Holy
Spirit.
The Holy Spirit will never lead us
to a “truth” that goes against
anything He has revealed in the
Bible.
“We should not allow any argument of
man’s to turn us away from a
thorough investigation of Bible truth.
The opinions and customs of men are
not to be received as of divine
authority. God has revealed in His
word what is the whole duty of man,
and we are not to be swayed from the
great standard of righteousness. He
sent His only-begotten Son to be our
example, and bade us to hear and
follow Him.”
E.G.W. (Fundamentals of Christian Education, cp. 15, p. 128)