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Originally Posted by KMK  Quote: |
WCF 1:7 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 ordinary means, may attain to a sufficient understanding of them.
| What falls under the umbrella of 'ordinary means'? Quote: |
To understand the letter of Scripture we must know the language in which we read it, our natural powers must have reached some degree of maturity, and our minds must be unbiassed by prejudices and erroneous views. To understand the sprit of Scripture, and so to receive spritual profit from our reading, we must have spiritual discernment through the indwelling of the Spirit, and even by the spiritual man prayer must be used as a means to secure enlightenment. Rev John Macpherson
| Would the list include:
Education
Maturity/discipling
Instruction
Holy Spirit's guidance through prayer
Wouldn't everything on the list of 'ordinary means' be the responsibility/goal of the church? Are there 'ordinary means' that the church would leave to the family or the state? |
I have heard it said that the section of 1 Cor.1:17-2:16 is an explanation by the Apostle Paul of how the scripture is to be used as the means of our sanctification, comparing spiritual things, with spiritual. Line upon line, verse to verse.
Although the section of scripture can be used to address an individual christian, it is as the other posts have alluded to, that as we gather together to discuss the things of the Lord we meet unto edification.
Many passages in both testaments speak of this among those who are faithful to God.
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7But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
8Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
9But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
10But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
11For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
12Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
14But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
15But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
16For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.
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I also think this passage from Malachi 3 speaks to this;
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16Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.
17And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
18Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.
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It would seem as if those described as fearing the Lord,and serving Him are the same ones who speak often to one another. The subject no doubt would be what God is doing in there lives and what they are learning from scripture as they grow in grace,and a knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
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Romans 15
1We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
2Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
3For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
4For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
5Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
6That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God
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Many posts here on the puritanboard seem to address this topic,and I know Rich Leino speaks about this alot. The need of making disciples.
We post often about "covenant" children. Sometimes it seems as if the focus should be given equally to
covenant adults!
The healtiest churches I have had a chance to visit are full of people whose heart desire is to demonstrate a love to Christ,and His body.
In other churches a corresponding sowing to the flesh, has a corresponding lack of graces evident. [ hospitality, encouragement, Godly conversation,etc
