I have laid out, in part, the purpose of Scripture. This included knowing the things of God (i.e., His thoughts, His character, His providence) that is recorded in Scripture, the progress of heilgeschichte (a fancy German word meaning "salvation history". I did not go into detail about this in my previous posts, but as the name implies, Scripture speaks of God working throughout history to reveal what He has done in giving salvation for man), and the authoritative status of Scripture for truth. This does not exclude the additional "small" facts within the stories of Scripture from being true, for EVERY part of Scripture is accurate and true given the correct understanding of its context/purpose.
What has not been mentioned is Scripture's role in the life of a Christian. Scripture is essential for all things pertaining to faith for a Christian. What this means is it won't guide a Christian in deciding which PC to buy or which model of Toyota to get. What Scripture does accomplish is it tells a Christian how to live in a way that is faithful (i.e., obedient) to what the only One True God has commanded of His followers (a.k.a., His children). It being the holy words of God, true and powerful for the way of righteousness, it is our grid for reality. Scripture is our Matrix. It is the life source for true knowledge in this fallen world full of darkness (see Romans 1 where Paul first stresses the Gospel then immediately flows into the topic of man's utter depravity). If we find the most certified, genuine knowledge of God within it, then we must search in it to think like Him. We are called to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:15). Holiness is not absent of what happens in our minds. Our actions stem from the heart that lies within us. As such, the knowledge of God must be placed deep in the Christians soul in order that the power of His words can manifest a metamorphosis. Romans 12:2 states, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..." A mind renewed, is a mind entrenched in truth. But as shown in the previous posts, the only truth that has power is the truth encountered in God's words!
Scripture is not meant to be read for the sake of learning, but for the sake of holy living. This is why Scripture is our Covenant with God. The words in Scripture tell of God's dealings with this world, His plans, His accomplishments, His plans for things to come, and His absolute victory in the end. These realities do not co-exist outside the realm of action, but they demand reaction. From heaven they proclaim that those who wish to follow the Heavenly Master must fully submit to His Covenant with His people. This Covenant tells us what pleases God and how to obey Him and why we must. Breaking this Covenant means sin. Breaking the Covenant means going against the words of God. This is obvious because Scripture is the Christian's constant voice of God, telling them His desires and will.
As Christians, we are compelled and obligated to grasp the meaning of Scripture to the best of our ability. We must strive to understand its doctrine and teachings, knowing that a better understanding of God lies behind it all. A better understanding of God, true understanding, helps aide the Christian in living a life faithful to Christ.
A life faithful to Christ is a life which honors the Covenant. Honoring the Covenant, honors the Master's will.
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