This series is a response to Lane Keister’s response to my previous series about his heresy. You can read his response here. It’s a doozy. In 532 words he promotes 12 distinct heresies and demonstrates he doesn’t understand the basic principles of hermeneutics.
Sanctification Through the Word
Sanctification, the process by which believers are conformed to the image of Christ, is accomplished through the Word of God. This doctrine is firmly grounded in Scripture, which presents the Word as the divinely appointed means of purifying, instructing, and equipping believers for every good work. However, the effectiveness of the Word in sanctification is contingent upon its preservation. If the precise words of Scripture are not preserved, the clarity and sufficiency of the Word are compromised, leaving sanctification open to subjectivity and error. This article explores the biblical foundation for sanctification through the Word and the theological implications of rejecting textual preservation.
1. Biblical Basis for the Word as the Means of Sanctification
Sanctification Defined
Sanctification is the ongoing work of God’s grace in the life of the believer, by which the Holy Spirit uses the Word to transform and purify them. It is both positional (set apart in Christ) and progressive (growing in holiness).
John 17:17: The Word as Truth
In John 17:17, Jesus prays, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”
- Truth as the Means of Sanctification: Jesus identifies the Word of God as the instrument of sanctification, linking the transformative work of the Spirit to the truth of Scripture.
- Necessity of Preservation: For the Word to serve as a sanctifying agent, its truth must be preserved. A corrupted or incomplete text undermines the believer’s ability to be sanctified through the unaltered truth of God’s Word.
2 Timothy 3:16-17: Scripture’s Role in Equipping Believers
Paul writes, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
- The Sufficiency of Scripture: Scripture equips believers for every aspect of the Christian life, providing the foundation for doctrine, correction, and instruction.
- The Importance of Verbal Accuracy: The profitability of Scripture depends on the preservation of its exact words. If the text is unreliable, its ability to instruct and sanctify is diminished.
Additional Scriptural Support
- Psalm 119:11: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”
- Scripture serves as a safeguard against sin, emphasizing its role in sanctification.
- Ephesians 5:26: “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.”
- The Word is likened to a cleansing agent, reinforcing its necessity for spiritual growth and purity.
2. What is Lost When the Text is Not Preserved
The Subjective Nature of Sanctification Without a Preserved Word
If the text of Scripture is not preserved, the objective standard for sanctification is lost. This has profound implications for the believer:
- Loss of Clarity: Without a preserved text, believers cannot be certain of the precise teachings of Scripture. Sanctification becomes reliant on fallible human interpretations rather than the unchanging truth of God’s Word.
- Erosion of Confidence: The trustworthiness of Scripture is essential for its sanctifying work. If the text is unreliable, believers may doubt its ability to guide and transform their lives.
- Subjectivity in Application: Without a preserved text, the application of Scripture to the believer’s life becomes subjective, leading to inconsistent and potentially erroneous understandings of sanctification.
The Impact on Doctrinal Purity
The rejection of textual preservation introduces doctrinal instability:
- Inconsistent Teaching: Different interpretations of corrupted or incomplete texts lead to conflicting doctrines, undermining the unity and purity of the church.
- Tolerance of Error: Without a preserved standard, heretical teachings can gain traction, as the authority of Scripture is weakened.
Practical Consequences for the Church
- Loss of Unity: The church’s unity depends on a shared commitment to the Word of God. Without a preserved text, divisions arise over differing interpretations of Scripture.
- Weakened Discipleship: Discipleship relies on the clear teaching of Scripture to instruct and guide believers. An unreliable text hinders this process, leaving disciples ill-equipped for spiritual growth.
Conclusion
Sanctification is inextricably tied to the Word of God, which serves as the means by which believers are transformed and equipped for every good work. The preservation of Scripture is essential for maintaining its clarity, sufficiency, and authority in this process. Without a preserved text, sanctification becomes subjective, doctrinal purity is compromised, and the unity of the church is threatened.
The biblical foundation for sanctification through the Word underscores the necessity of textual preservation. As the inspired and infallible revelation of God, Scripture must remain intact and uncorrupted to fulfill its role in sanctifying the church. The next article in this series will continue to explore the implications of rejecting textual preservation and reaffirm the biblical and confessional necessity of maintaining the precise words of God’s revelation.
The Gospel Under Siege
The gospel is the central message of Scripture, proclaiming the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. Its truth and transformative power rest on the precise words of Scripture, which provide the foundation for its proclamation and defense. However, the rejection of textual preservation in favor of conceptual preservation jeopardizes the integrity of the gospel, introducing ambiguity and error into the very message that brings life and salvation. This article explores the textual foundations of the gospel and examines how conceptual preservation undermines its clarity and power.
1. Textual Foundations of the Gospel
The Centrality of Scripture’s Words in the Gospel
The gospel is not an abstract concept but a message conveyed through the exact words of Scripture. Its key doctrines—substitutionary atonement, justification by faith, and the resurrection—are revealed and preserved in specific passages. Without the textual integrity of these passages, the gospel becomes susceptible to distortion and misinterpretation.
Key Texts that Define the Gospel Message
- Isaiah 53:5:
- “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”
- This prophecy of the suffering servant provides a foundational description of Christ’s substitutionary atonement. Every word underscores the necessity and effect of His sacrifice, emphasizing that He bore the punishment for humanity’s sin.
- 1 Peter 2:24:
- “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”
- Peter explicitly connects Christ’s suffering to the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy, affirming the gospel’s foundation in the preserved text of Scripture.
- 1 Corinthians 15:3-4:
- “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”
- Paul’s summary of the gospel relies on the authority of Scripture, demonstrating that the gospel’s authenticity and power are inseparable from its textual foundation.
The Necessity of Preservation for Gospel Proclamation
The gospel’s power lies in its divine origin, communicated through the inspired words of Scripture. Without a preserved text:
- Clarity is Lost: Ambiguity in key gospel passages undermines their doctrinal precision.
- Authority is Compromised: The trustworthiness of the gospel message depends on the integrity of the biblical text.
- Evangelism is Weakened: The gospel’s power to convict and convert is diminished if its foundation is uncertain.
2. Conceptual Preservation’s Compromise of the Gospel
The Dangers of Conceptual Preservation
Conceptual preservation, which emphasizes the preservation of ideas or teachings rather than the exact words of Scripture, introduces significant theological risks:
- Ambiguity: Concepts are inherently abstract and subject to interpretation. Without the specific words of Scripture, the gospel’s message becomes open to distortion.
- Doctrinal Drift: The absence of a preserved text allows for reinterpretations that align with cultural or ideological preferences, leading to departures from biblical truth.
Examples of Distortions Resulting from Textual Ambiguity
- Atonement and the Nature of Christ’s Sacrifice:
- Without the precise wording of passages like Isaiah 53:5 and 1 Peter 2:24, the doctrine of substitutionary atonement can be reinterpreted or denied. For instance:
- Some liberal theologians argue that Christ’s death was merely an example of self-sacrifice rather than a substitutionary payment for sin. Such views arise when the textual basis for His atoning work is neglected or corrupted.
- Without the precise wording of passages like Isaiah 53:5 and 1 Peter 2:24, the doctrine of substitutionary atonement can be reinterpreted or denied. For instance:
- Justification by Faith Alone:
- Textual ambiguities in passages like Romans 3:28 and Galatians 2:16 can lead to a redefinition of justification, allowing for works-based interpretations that contradict the gospel’s emphasis on faith alone.
- The Resurrection of Christ:
- The historicity and theological significance of the resurrection hinge on the preserved words of Scripture. Passages like 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 provide the foundation for this doctrine, which is central to the gospel. Any textual corruption or reinterpretation threatens the coherence and credibility of the Christian faith.
Practical Consequences of Conceptual Preservation
- Loss of Confidence in Evangelism: Ambiguity in gospel texts undermines the confidence of believers in sharing their faith, as the message becomes less clear and authoritative.
- Weakening of Discipleship: The transformative power of the gospel depends on its precise truths. Without a preserved text, discipleship becomes subjective, leading to theological confusion and spiritual stagnation.
- Fragmentation of the Church: Diverging interpretations of the gospel, fueled by textual ambiguity, contribute to division within the church, eroding its witness to the world.
Conclusion
The gospel’s power and clarity rest on the preserved words of Scripture. Key passages like Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:24, and 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 demonstrate the necessity of textual preservation for maintaining the gospel’s integrity. Conceptual preservation, by contrast, compromises the gospel by introducing ambiguity and allowing for doctrinal distortions.
As the church seeks to proclaim the good news of salvation, it must reaffirm its commitment to the preservation of Scripture’s exact words. Without this foundation, the gospel is placed under siege, its message of hope and redemption diminished by the erosion of its textual integrity. The next article in this series will continue to explore the implications of rejecting textual preservation and affirm the biblical and confessional necessity of preserving the precise words of God’s inspired revelation.
Undermining God’s Trustworthiness
God’s promises to preserve His Word are foundational to the doctrine of Scripture, affirming His faithfulness, omnipotence, and unchanging character. Central to this doctrine is the understanding that preservation applies to the precise words of Scripture, not merely its concepts. However, when Matthew 5:18 is reinterpreted to support only conceptual preservation, this opens the door to a similar reinterpretation of all other biblical passages addressing preservation. Such a shift undermines the authority and trustworthiness of Scripture, erodes confidence in God’s promises, and challenges the coherence of biblical theology.
1. Reinterpreting Matthew 5:18: A Gateway to Broader Distortion
Matthew 5:18 and the Jot and Tittle
Jesus declares in Matthew 5:18, “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.”
- Specificity of Words: The “jot” and “tittle” represent the smallest components of the Hebrew text, emphasizing the precision and permanence of the written Word.
- Conceptual Reinterpretation: To claim that this verse refers only to the enduring presence of the law’s concepts undermines the plain meaning of the text, which explicitly ties preservation to the actual written details.
The Domino Effect
If Matthew 5:18 is reinterpreted to support only conceptual preservation, it sets a precedent for applying the same hermeneutic to other preservation passages. This creates a cascading effect that distorts the meaning of key texts, effectively nullifying the biblical doctrine of preservation.
2. Implications for Other Verses on Preservation
Psalm 12:6-7
“The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.”
- Preservation of Words: This passage highlights the purity and enduring nature of God’s words, emphasizing their preservation across generations.
- Flawed Reinterpretation: Conceptual preservation shifts the focus from the “pure words” to abstract truths, undermining the text’s insistence on exactness and purity.
Psalm 119:89
“For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.”
- Immutability of God’s Word: The verse affirms the unchanging nature of God’s Word as settled for eternity.
- Conceptual Compromise: Interpreting this as referring to concepts allows for textual change over time, conflicting with the assurance of permanence implied in the phrase “settled in heaven.”
Isaiah 40:8
“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.”
- Eternal Endurance: The verse juxtaposes the fleeting nature of creation with the enduring permanence of God’s Word.
- Weakening the Promise: Reducing this to conceptual preservation allows for textual alteration, contradicting the assertion that God’s Word will “stand” unaltered forever.
Matthew 24:35
“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”
- Preservation of Specific Words: Jesus emphasizes the eternal nature of His words, not just His teachings or ideas.
- Conceptual Shift: Reinterpreting “words” as “concepts” diminishes the assurance that the precise text of His words remains intact.
1 Peter 1:23-25
“The word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.”
- Connection to the Gospel: The enduring nature of God’s Word ensures the continuity and reliability of the gospel message.
- Doctrinal Drift: Conceptual preservation allows for reinterpretation of gospel truths, undermining their stability and consistency.
Revelation 22:18-19
“If any man shall add unto these things… If any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy…”
- Warning Against Textual Alteration: The verse assumes the preservation of the exact text of Revelation.
- Flawed Application: Conceptual preservation redefines the warning as applying only to the general message, weakening its severity and undermining textual fidelity.
3. Why Conceptual Preservation is Flawed
Undermines the Clarity of Scripture
Conceptual preservation introduces ambiguity into the interpretation and application of Scripture:
- Concepts are inherently abstract and open to subjective interpretation.
- Without the preservation of exact words, the clarity needed for precise exegesis and doctrinal formulation is lost.
Breaks the Link Between Inspiration and Preservation
The doctrine of inspiration asserts that God breathed out the precise words of Scripture. Preservation is the continuation of this act, ensuring that the inspired words remain accessible:
- Conceptual preservation severs this link, suggesting that God inspired exact words but did not preserve them, which is inconsistent with His character.
- This undermines confidence in the infallibility of Scripture, as the text itself becomes suspect.
Erodes Confidence in the Text
If preservation applies only to concepts, believers cannot be certain that the words they read today accurately reflect the original text:
- This creates doubt about the authority and reliability of Scripture, weakening its role as the final arbiter of truth.
- It opens the door to skepticism and reinterpretation, eroding the church’s doctrinal foundation.
Weakens the Foundation for Doctrine and Practice
- Doctrine is built on the precise words of Scripture, not general ideas. Key doctrines—such as the Trinity, justification by faith, and the resurrection—depend on specific wording.
- Conceptual preservation allows for doctrinal drift, as reinterpretations of concepts can lead to conflicting teachings.
4. Theological Consequences of Reinterpreting Preservation Verses
Challenges to God’s Faithfulness
God’s promises to preserve His Word reflect His unchanging nature and covenantal faithfulness:
- Numbers 23:19: “God is not a man, that he should lie.”
- If God allows His Word to be altered, it calls into question His reliability and truthfulness.
Diminishes God’s Omnipotence
Preserving the exact words of Scripture demonstrates God’s sovereignty and power over history:
- Conceptual preservation implies that God is unable or unwilling to preserve the specific words He inspired, which diminishes His omnipotence.
Compromises the Gospel
The gospel message is communicated through the exact words of Scripture:
- Ambiguity in gospel texts undermines their doctrinal precision, leading to a compromised gospel and a weakened witness.
Conclusion
Reinterpreting Matthew 5:18 to support only conceptual preservation is not an isolated error; it establishes a dangerous precedent for distorting other preservation passages. This approach undermines the authority and reliability of Scripture, challenges God’s faithfulness and omnipotence, and erodes the theological foundation of the Christian faith.
The Bible consistently affirms the preservation of God’s exact words, not just their general concepts. To suggest otherwise is to contradict the plain teaching of Scripture and to invite doctrinal instability and confusion. Faithful Christians must affirm and defend the verbal preservation of Scripture, recognizing it as a reflection of God’s unchanging character and His commitment to provide His people with an infallible foundation for faith and practice. In the next article, we will examine the practical implications of rejecting textual preservation and its impact on the life and mission of the church.
