The Meaning of Theological Terms
If you are like me, as you study the Bible and research some of its deeper themes and topics, you will encounter theological concepts that can be difficult to understand. Now this isn’t a bad thing, as long as you utilize dependable resources to gain the traction to a correct understanding. Since we all are developing our own theology of one sort or another, understanding these terms and concepts can give the Bible student the right tools to sift and classify words, verses, chapters and books of the Bible.
What is
theology you may ask? Theology can be defined simply as "the study of God". A.H. Strong described it as "The science of God and of the relations between God and the universe." Charles Hodge wrote that it is "The science of the facts of divine revelation so far as those facts concern the nature of God and our relation to Him, as His creatures, as sinners, and as the subjects of redemption."
2 Timothy 2:15 (New International Version)
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
Paul points out that there is an element of work involved in handling the word of truth. Theology is the word that describes that work of handling the word of truth.
For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of Yahweh, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.
Ezra 7:10 (New International Version)
For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.
Over the next couple of months, we shall explore together some theological term, provide a very brief explanation of it’s meaning, include a few quotes on it, and link to some resources that may explain the term and the issues around it more fully. Over time, this should provide a frame work to your study of the God’s Word and aid it’s proper interpretation in light of proper Theological Methods. Today let’s begin with
"Perspicuity".
Perspicuity of Scripture
In the sixteenth century, the Reformers declared their total confidence in what they called the “perspicuity” of Scripture. This is the older term for what is now most often called the clarity of scripture. They maintained that the Bible is basically clear and lucid. Its message is simple enough for any literate person to understand. This is not to say that all parts of the Bible are equally clear or that there are no difficult passages to be found in it. Laymen unskilled in the more technical aspects of Bible study may have difficulty with sections of Scripture, but the message of salvation is apparent throughout.
From the Westminster Confession of Faith, chapter 1, section 7
All things in Scripture are not alike plain in themselves, nor alike clear unto all; yet those things which are necessary to be known, believed, and observed, for salvation, are so clearly propounded and opened in some place of Scripture or other, that not only the learned, but the unlearned, in a due use of the ordinary means, may attain unto a sufficient understanding of them.
From Martin Luther, Bondage of the Will
But, if many things still remain abstruse to many, this does not arise from obscurity in the Scriptures, but from [our] own blindness or want [i.e. lack] of understanding, who do not go the way to see the all-perfect clearness of the truth… Let, therefore, wretched men cease to impute, with blasphemous perverseness, the darkness and obscurity of their own heart to the all-clear scriptures of God… If you speak of the internal clearness, no man sees one iota in the Scriptures, but he that hath the Spirit of God… If you speak of the external clearness, nothing whatever is left obscure or ambiguous; but all things that are in the Scriptures, are by the Word brought forth into the clearest light, and proclaimed to the whole world.
The Clarity of Scripture
You may be one of those who believe that the bible is too difficult for a layman to understand. Perhaps it is because you have attributed to the whole of Scripture what you have found in some of its parts. Maybe some passages have been peculiarly difficult. Other passages have left you bewildered and baffled. Perhaps those should be left for later, or for scholars to unravel. This experience is just a reflection of the deep riches that are embedded in the Bible for those willing to persevere in diligent study. God gave us the Bible to help us understand his universe and our part in it. Do not neglect the user manual that the Lord of the universe has given into our hands. I promise that if you are a Christian and you seek God's help to understand it, you will be given the clarity
Psalm 119:105 (New International Version)
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Resources:
From Theopedia: The Clarity of Scripture (This is the source of the Martin Luther quote above.)
http://www.theopedia.com/Perspicuity_of_Scripture
From Concordia Theological Quarterly Volume 46 Number 2-3
[April – July 1982] From Erling T. Teigen: The Clarity of Scripture and Hermeneutical Principles of the Lutheran Confession.
http://www.ctsfw.edu/library/files/pb/1569
From A Clear and Present Word by Dr. Gary Rieben. © Give Me That Book. Website:
http://givemethatbook.com/its-clarity/a-...d-present-word.html
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