Confessional Bibliology Blog
Objections to Confessional Bibliology – 8
The Role of the Church in Canon and Text:Reconciling Historical Diversity with a Singular “Ecclesiastical Text” 1. Introduction In confessional bibliology, one frequently hears appeals to “the Church’s recognition” of a particular text-form—often the Textus
The Hypocrisy and Ecclesiastical Politicking of the Men Behind ConfessionalBibliology.org
A Critical Examination of Their Inconsistencies, Doctrinal Priorities, and Institutional Motivations For eight years, Confessional Bibliology stood as a public defense of the Textus Receptus and the Masoretic Hebrew text, providing arguments against the corruption
The Comma Johanneum Part 8
Article 8: The Waldensians and the Transmission of the Comma(Drawing on insights from “In Defense of the Authenticity of 1 John 5:7” by C. H. Pappas ThM and “A History of the Debate over 1
Modern Textual Criticism in the Light of Scripture – Part 8
Presuppositions at War: Why Simon’s Starting Point Rejects Confessional Bibliology Introduction Every scholar—whether Catholic, Protestant, or secular—approaches Scripture with certain foundational assumptions. In the late seventeenth century, Richard Simon, a Catholic priest of the Oratory
Presuppositional Analysis – The Received Text: A Field Guide
1. Introduction to the Presuppositional Method A presuppositional analysis looks beneath an author’s explicit claims to evaluate the foundational beliefs or assumptions that guide his thinking. It asks: “Where does the author ground his epistemology
The Received Text: A Field Guide – Review
Book Review of The Received Text: A Field Guide By Taylor DeSoto Kept Pure Press, 2024 (Exact page count not listed) 1. Bibliographic Information •Title: The Received Text: A Field Guide •Author: Taylor DeSoto •Publisher:
Doctrine of the Canon Part 8
Defining ‘Inspiration’ and Its Role in Canon FormationArticle 8 (Series 1) Introduction In Christian theology, few concepts are as central or as contested as inspiration. From the earliest Church Fathers to modern Reformed confessions, believers
Providential Preservation Series Part 8
Article 8: Reformation-Era Confessions and the Pure Text – Comparing Confessional Statements Introduction The Protestant Reformation was a watershed moment that radically reshaped Christian theology, worship, and church governance. Yet behind its visible transformations in
Doctrine of Inspiration Part 8
Article 8: The Old Testament—Law, Prophets, Writings, and Inspiration The Old Testament stands as a large, complex tapestry of narratives, poetry, legal codes, genealogies, prophecies, and wisdom literature—written by numerous authors across a span of
Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 1 Part 8
Article 8: Why the Apocrypha Is Not Scripture (WCF 1.3) Within Protestantism, the most evident departure from Roman Catholic teaching on the canon revolves around the status of the so-called “Apocrypha”—a set of texts included
Objections to Confessional Bibliology – 7
Modern Translations vs. TR-Based Translations:How Confessional Bibliology Views Their Reliability 1. Introduction In the crowded world of English Bible translations, readers often encounter a variety of approaches and textual bases. On the one side are
The Comma Johanneum Part 7
Article 7: The Councils and Ecclesiastical Usage(Drawing on insights from “In Defense of the Authenticity of 1 John 5:7” by C. H. Pappas ThM and “A History of the Debate over 1 John 5:7-8” by
Understanding Confessional Bibliology: Historical, Theological, and Practical Perspectives Part 8
Conclusion and Future DirectionsSeries Title: “Understanding Confessional Bibliology: Historical, Theological, and Practical Perspectives” Introduction Over the course of this eight-part series, we have explored Confessional Bibliology from its historical inception in the Protestant Reformation to
Modern Textual Criticism in the Light of Scripture – Part 7
The Roots of Modern Textual Criticism: Tracing the Influence of Simon’s Historical Methods Introduction Textual criticism, the discipline that studies the history and transmission of ancient manuscripts to discern their original form, has become a
A Call to Stand Firm Against Modern Textual Criticism
I. Introduction Within the broader Christian community, the authority and preservation of Scripture have long been central points of theological reflection. Debate over how the biblical text has been transmitted and preserved is by no
MTC is heresy Part 4
Article 4: Modern Textual Criticism’s Denial of Providential PreservationThesis: The rejection of the Textus Receptus in favor of the Critical Text is a rejection of the biblical doctrine of providential preservation. Introduction Providential preservation is
Presuppositional Analysis – Why I Preach from the Received Text
Presuppositional Analysis ofWhy I Preach from the Received Text: An Anthology of Essays by Reformed Ministers 1. Introduction to the Presuppositional Method God’s Self-Attesting RevelationThis anthology, Why I Preach from the Received Text, is a
Why I Preach from the Received Text – Review
1. Bibliographic Information Title: Why I Preach from the Received Text: An Anthology of Essays by Reformed MinistersEditors: Jeffrey T. Riddle & Christian M. McShaffreyPublisher (Year): The Greater Heritage (2022)Length: Twenty-five essays (plus editorial introduction
MTC is Heresy Part 3
Article 3: The Spirit of Truth or the Spirit of Deception?Thesis: The Critical Text accuses the Holy Ghost of bearing false witness by affirming false readings for over 1,800 years. Introduction Scripture unequivocally testifies that
Doctrine of the Canon Part 7
The Essential Attributes of Canonicity—Divine Authority and InfallibilityArticle 7 (Series 1) Introduction What sets the canonical books of Scripture apart from all other writings? In Christian theology, two attributes often rise to the forefront: divine
Providential Preservation Series Part 7
Article 7: Sola Scriptura and the Necessity of a Preserved Bible – How Preservation Undergirds Protestant Epistemology Introduction Among the defining cries of the Protestant Reformation, Sola Scriptura—“Scripture alone”—stands out as both the hinge and
MTC is Heresy Part 2
Article 2: Sola Scriptura vs. Modern Textual CriticismThesis: Modern textual criticism undermines Sola Scriptura by placing the authority of textual scholars above the witness of the Holy Ghost in the Church. Introduction Sola Scriptura—“Scripture alone”—stands
Doctrine of Inspiration Part 7
Article 7: Unity and Diversity—Many Authors, One Divine Voice When people first encounter the Bible, they sometimes express surprise at how profoundly varied its contents are. The Psalms, stirring us with poetic hymns of lament
Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 1 Part 7
Article 7: The New Testament Canon: Apostles and Evangelists Having surveyed the Old Testament canon (Article 6), we turn now to the New Testament canon—a set of twenty-seven books that completes Scripture’s testimony regarding the
MTC is Heresy Part 1
Article 1: The Fundamental Issue: The Holy Ghost and the Text of ScriptureThesis: The Spirit of Truth bears witness to the true text of Scripture, and providential preservation ensures that the Church has received the
Objections to Confessional Bibliology – 6
Archetype vs. Providential Preservation:Does Older Evidence Undermine a Single Confessional Textual Line? 1. Introduction A central tenet of confessional bibliology is the belief that God has providentially preserved the text of Scripture in a particular
The Comma Johanneum Part 6
Article 6: Cassiodorus, Fulgentius, and the Witness of the Latin Fathers(Drawing on insights from “In Defense of the Authenticity of 1 John 5:7” by C. H. Pappas ThM and “A History of the Debate over
Understanding Confessional Bibliology: Historical, Theological, and Practical Perspectives Part 7
Engagement with the Wider Evangelical and Academic CommunitiesSeries Title: “Understanding Confessional Bibliology: Historical, Theological, and Practical Perspectives” Introduction In our previous articles, we explored Confessional Bibliology—its historical roots (Articles 1–2), its theological underpinnings (Article 3),
Modern Textual Criticism in the Light of Scripture – Part 6
Undermining Certainty: Analyzing Simon’s Critique of “Protestant” Scripture Preservation Introduction One of the hallmark convictions of the Protestant Reformation has been that the Scriptures, as God’s inspired Word, are divinely preserved through history, remaining fundamentally
Presuppositional Analysis – Has the Bible Been Kept Pure
Presuppositional Analysis of T. Garnet Howard Milne’sHas the Bible Been Kept Pure? The Westminster Confession of Faith and the Providential Preservation of Scripture 1. Introduction to the Presuppositional Method God’s Self-Attesting RevelationT. Garnet Howard Milne’s
Has the Bible Been Kept Pure – Review
Bibliographic InformationTitle: Has the Bible been kept pure? The Westminster Confession of Faith and the providential preservation of ScriptureAuthor: T. Garnet Howard MilnePublisher (Year): Copyright © Garnet Howard Milne 2017 (self-published or independently published; no
Doctrine of the Canon Part 6
Faith as the Inward Principle of Canon RecognitionArticle 6 (Series 1) Introduction Christian theology affirms that the canon of Scripture—the collection of God-breathed writings recognized by the Church as authoritative—cannot be grasped purely through historical,
Providential Preservation Series Part 6
Article 6: Historical Testimony of the Church on Preservation – From Early Church Fathers to the Reformation Introduction The doctrine of providential preservation—that God has guarded the Scriptures from catastrophic loss or corruption—did not emerge
Doctrine of Inspiration Part 6
Article 6: Getting Comfortable With Terms—Revelation, Inspiration, Illumination When people discuss the Bible as “the Word of God,” they often invoke three theological terms—revelation, inspiration, and illumination—that appear intertwined yet carry distinct nuances. At first
Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 1 Part 6
Article 6: The Old Testament Canon: Law, Prophets, and Writings Building on the question of canonicity explored in Article 5, we now turn specifically to the Old Testament canon—its threefold division into Law, Prophets, and
Objections to Confessional Bibliology – 5
Confessional Authority vs. Scriptural Authority:Are We Elevating Tradition over Revelation? 1. Introduction Throughout church history, Christians have wrestled with the question of how human traditions—creeds, confessions, or denominational standards—relate to Scripture. At the heart of
The Comma Johanneum Part 5
Article 5: Jerome’s Vulgate and the Prologue to the Catholic Epistles(Drawing on insights from “In Defense of the Authenticity of 1 John 5:7” by C. H. Pappas ThM and “A History of the Debate over
Understanding Confessional Bibliology: Historical, Theological, and Practical Perspectives Part 6
Practical Implications for the Church and TheologySeries Title: “Understanding Confessional Bibliology: Historical, Theological, and Practical Perspectives” Introduction Having addressed common misconceptions in Article 5—distinguishing Confessional Bibliology from KJV-Onlyism, anti-intellectualism, and dismissiveness of manuscript data—we now
Modern Textual Criticism in the Light of Scripture – Part 5
“The True Church” in Conflict: Simon’s Catholic Polemics and Their Impact on Biblical Authority Introduction From the earliest days of the Protestant Reformation, the notion of “the true church” was hotly contested. Protestants declared that,
Presuppositional Analysis – The Canon of the Holy Scriptures
1. Introduction to the Presuppositional Method 1.1 God’s Self-Attesting Revelation In a presuppositional framework, the triune God reveals Himself authoritatively in Scripture such that the Bible bears self-authenticating marks. This principle emerges throughout Gaussen’s dogmatic
The Canon of the Holy Scriptures from the Double Point of View of Science and Faith – Review
1. Bibliographic Information Title: The Canon of the Holy Scriptures from the Double Point of View of Science and FaithAuthor: Louis Gaussen (D.D., Geneva)Publisher (Year): James Nisbet and Co., 21 Berners Street, London, 1862 (Third
Doctrine of the Canon Part 5
Canon vs. Tradition—A Reformation PerspectiveArticle 5 (Series 1) Introduction From the earliest centuries of Christian history, there has been a perennial tension between Scripture and Tradition. At stake is the question of final authority in
Providential Preservation Series Part 5
Article 5: The Westminster Confession and Preservation – Analyzing WCF 1:8 Introduction Among the many articles of the Westminster Confession of Faith, few have generated as much ongoing conversation as Chapter 1, Section 8, which
Doctrine of Inspiration Part 5
Article 5: The Bible as “Living Oracles” One of the most stirring claims made about Scripture is that it constitutes the very “oracles” of God—living, active declarations that transcend time and speak directly into human
Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 1 Part 5
Article 5: What Makes a Book “Canonical”? (WCF 1.2) Having examined the tension between tradition and Scripture (Article 4), we now turn to a closely related issue: how the Reformed tradition, and particularly the Westminster
Objections to Confessional Bibliology – 4
Which Textus Receptus Edition Is the “Authentic” One?The Final Form in the King James Version and Scrivener’s Edition 1. Introduction For many who adhere to confessional bibliology, the Textus Receptus (often abbreviated “TR”) represents the
The Comma Johanneum Part 4
Article 4: The Old Latin Manuscripts and the Early Versions(Drawing on insights from “In Defense of the Authenticity of 1 John 5:7” by C. H. Pappas ThM and “A History of the Debate over 1
Understanding Confessional Bibliology: Historical, Theological, and Practical Perspectives Part 5
Common Misconceptions and ControversiesSeries Title: “Understanding Confessional Bibliology: Historical, Theological, and Practical Perspectives” Introduction In the preceding articles, we have surveyed the foundations and theology of Confessional Bibliology—an approach rooted in Reformed confessions (e.g., Westminster
Modern Textual Criticism in the Light of Scripture – Part 4
Tradition vs. Revelation: Assessing Simon’s Preference for Ecclesiastical Authority over Scripture Introduction Richard Simon’s Critical History of the Text of the New Testament is most often remembered for its pioneering contributions to textual criticism. Yet,
Presuppositional Analysis – Theopneustia
Presuppositional Analysis ofTheopneustia; or, The Divine Origin and Inspiration of the Holy Scripturesby Louis Gaussen 1. Introduction to the Presuppositional Method In Theopneustia, Louis Gaussen sets out a strong, unambiguous thesis: The Bible, in its
Theopneustia – Review
1. Bibliographic Information Title: Theopneustia: The Bible, Its Divine Origin and InspirationAuthor: Louis Gaussen (Professor of Systematic Theology, Oratoire, Geneva)Publisher (Year): George S. Blanchard (Cincinnati, 1859) (New and Revised Edition)Length: Approximately 300+ pages (in-depth treatise,
Doctrine of the Canon Part 4
The Apostles and the New Testament Canon: Inspired Recognition, Not Ecclesiastical FiatArticle 4 (Series 1) Introduction Few questions in early Christian history have generated as much attention as the formation of the New Testament (NT)
Providential Preservation Series Part 4
Article 4: The Reformers and the Preservation of Scripture – Luther, Calvin, and the Doctrine of Scripture Introduction Few movements in Christian history changed the course of Western thought more profoundly than the Protestant Reformation.
The Role of Reason in Reformed Theology
Examining the Relationship Between Scripture and Human Reason The Lutheran tradition, born out of the Reformation, took a definitive stance on the place of Scripture and reason in theology. As Martin Luther and subsequent
Doctrine of Inspiration Part 4
Article 4: Luther, Calvin, and the Reformers on God’s Word The 16th-century Reformation stands as a pivotal moment in Christian history, reshaping not merely church structures and sacraments but also the very understanding of Scripture’s
Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 1 Part 4
Article 4: Views of Tradition vs. Written Revelation in Church History Article 4 turns to a core contention in Reformation-era polemics and one of the most enduring debates in Christian theology: the relative place of
Objections to Confessional Bibliology – 3
“Scientific” Textual Criticism vs. Confessional Bibliology:Why Would We Subordinate Modern Methods to Historic Confessions? 1. Introduction For many Christians, the Bible is not just another ancient text. It is God’s inspired Word, carrying ultimate authority
The Comma Johanneum Part 3
Article 3: Priscillian and the Latin Evidence(Drawing on insights from “In Defense of the Authenticity of 1 John 5:7” by C. H. Pappas ThM and “A History of the Debate over 1 John 5:7-8” by
Understanding Confessional Bibliology: Historical, Theological, and Practical Perspectives Part 4
The Textual Tradition: Receptus, Critical Text, and the Confessional ApproachSeries Title: “Understanding Confessional Bibliology: Historical, Theological, and Practical Perspectives” Introduction In our previous articles, we established the historical background of Confessional Bibliology (Articles 1 and
Modern Textual Criticism in the Light of Scripture – Part 3
Questioning the “Original Text”: A Presuppositional Critique of Richard Simon’s Manuscript Analyses Introduction Few debates in church history have been as pivotal as those concerning the purity and preservation of the New Testament text. For
Presuppositional Analysis – Post-Reformation Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 2 (Holy Scripture)
Presuppositional Analysis ofPost-Reformation Reformed Dogmatics, Volume 2: Holy Scripture—The Cognitive Foundation of Theologyby Richard A. Muller 1. Introduction to the Presuppositional Method A presuppositional reading of Richard A. Muller’s Holy Scripture: The Cognitive Foundation of
Post-Reformation Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 2 (Holy Scripture) Review
1. Bibliographic Information Title: Post-Reformation Reformed Dogmatics, Volume 2: Holy Scripture—The Cognitive Foundation of Theology (Second Edition)Author: Richard A. MullerPublisher (Year): Baker Academic (2003; second printing 2006)Length: 580+ pages (divided into two major parts, multiple
Doctrine of the Canon Part 3
Christ’s Testimony to the Old Testament Canon: A Model for the ChurchArticle 3 (Series 1) Introduction From the earliest centuries of Christianity, believers have found comfort and confidence in the fact that Christ Himself treated
Providential Preservation Series Part 3
Article 3: The Role of Providence in Scripture – How God’s Providence Ensures Textual Purity Introduction Within Christian theology, few concepts are as essential—and yet often misunderstood—as providence. Traditionally, providence denotes God’s continuous action of
Verbal and Plenary Inspiration Explained
How Reformed Theologians Understood Inspiration The 17th century was a defining era for Lutheran Orthodoxy, a period marked by rigorous theological discourse and defense of key doctrines inherited from the Reformation. Among these, the doctrine
Doctrine of Inspiration Part 3
Article 3: Scripture Through the Ages—Medieval to Reformation Throughout history, the Christian Church has consistently regarded the Bible as far more than a mere repository of religious ideas. From the early centuries to modern times,
Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 1 Part 3
Article 3: “Sundry Times and Divers Manners”: How God Revealed Himself (WCF 1.1) From the outset, the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF) recognizes that the God of Scripture has not always communicated His redemptive purposes
Objections to Confessional Bibliology – 2
Manuscript Variations in the Ecclesiastical Text:How Do We Know Which Readings Are Correct? 1. Introduction When we talk about Bible manuscripts—hand-copied versions of biblical books—we often hear about the differences between so-called text types or
The Comma Johanneum Part 2
Article 2: Early Church Witnesses: Tertullian and Cyprian(Drawing on insights from “In Defense of the Authenticity of 1 John 5:7” by C. H. Pappas ThM and “A History of the Debate over 1 John 5:7-8”
Understanding Confessional Bibliology: Historical, Theological, and Practical Perspectives Part 3
Article 3The Theological Architecture of Confessional BibliologySeries Title: “Understanding Confessional Bibliology: Historical, Theological, and Practical Perspectives” Introduction In the previous articles, we established the historical and confessional basis for Confessional Bibliology, observing how the Reformed
Modern Textual Criticism in the Light of Scripture – Part 2
The Rise of Enlightenment Rationalism: How Simon’s Methods Foreshadow Modern Skepticism Introduction Richard Simon (1638–1712) is often described as “the father of modern textual criticism.” More than a century before Enlightenment thinkers openly questioned the
Presuppositional Analysis of John Owen On Holy Scriptures
1. Introduction to the Presuppositional Method Biblical presuppositional apologetics begins with the recognition that the triune God, who created and sustains all things, speaks authoritatively in His Word. In other words, God’s self-attesting revelation—recorded in
John Owen On Holy Scriptures – A Review
1. Bibliographic Information Title: The Works of John Owen, Volume 16Author: John Owen (1616–1683)Publisher/Edition: Various printings exist; most modern reproductions follow the Banner of Truth Trust’s 16-volume set (originally edited by William H. Goold and
Doctrine of the Canon Part 2
Scripture as Divine Self-Revelation—Why Canon MattersArticle 2 (Series 1) Introduction The assertion that Scripture is divine self-revelation lies at the heart of historic Christian theology. It means that the texts we call “canonical” are not
Providential Preservation Series Part 2
Article 2: Biblical Foundations for Preservation – Key Scriptures on God’s Promise to Preserve His Word Introduction Few doctrines in Christian theology hinge so obviously upon Scripture’s own statements as the belief that God preserves
The Meaning and Significance of Sola Scriptura
Why This Principle Was Foundational to Reformed Theology When discussing the foundational principles of the Protestant Reformation, sola scriptura (Latin for “Scripture alone”) stands as a key doctrine. It formed the bedrock of Lutheran
Doctrine of Inspiration Part 2
Article 2: Scripture as ‘Holy Letters’—Getting to Know Theopneustia When the apostle Paul, in his second letter to Timothy, wrote the phrase “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,” he likely had no idea
Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 1 Part 2
Article 2: The Necessity of Scripture: Why God Spoke in Writing (WCF 1.1) The second article in this series focuses on the opening paragraph of the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF 1.1), which unequivocally affirms
Presuppositional Analysis of The King James Only Controversy by James R. White
Presuppositional Analysis of The King James Only Controversy by James R. White Purpose and Scope of Analysis: This presuppositional analysis critically evaluates The King James Only Controversy by James R. White, focusing on the author’s
Book Review: The King James Only Controversy by James R. White
1. Introduction: Title: The King James Only Controversy: Can You Trust Modern Translations? Author: James R. White Topic: An alleged critique of the King James Only (KJVO) movement, aimed at questioning the validity of limiting
Objections to Confessional Bibliology – 1
Confessional Bibliology and the Reformation Text: Exploring the Question of Older Manuscripts Introduction When you pick up a modern Bible in English—whether it’s the King James Version (KJV), the New International Version (NIV), the English
The Comma Johanneum Part 1
Article 1: Introduction: Why Defend 1 John 5:7?(Drawing on insights from “In Defense of the Authenticity of 1 John 5:7” by C. H. Pappas ThM and “A History of the Debate over 1 John 5:7-8”
Understanding Confessional Bibliology: Historical, Theological, and Practical Perspectives Part 2
Article 2Historical and Confessional FoundationsSeries Title: “Understanding Confessional Bibliology: Historical, Theological, and Practical Perspectives” Introduction In our first article, we introduced Confessional Bibliology as the robustly Reformed stance that God has preserved the authentic text
Modern Textual Criticism in the Light of Scripture – Part 1
Unmasking the Counter-Reformation Agenda: Richard Simon’s Assault on Sola Scriptura Introduction and Historical Context In the late seventeenth century, a French Oratorian priest named Richard Simon (1638–1712) laid the groundwork for what we now call
A Disputation on Holy Scripture Presuppositional Analysis
1. Introduction to the Presuppositional Method Within presuppositional apologetics, the hallmark is that all reasoning—historical, textual, or theological—presupposes either the triune God’s revelation or a competing ultimate authority. A text that accords well with the
Review of A Disputation on Holy Scripture
Book Review ofA Disputation on Holy ScriptureBy William Whitaker (1588) 1. Bibliographic Information Title: A Disputation on Holy Scripture: Against the Papists, Especially Bellarmine and Stapleton Author: William Whitaker Original Publication Date: 1588 (Several later
Doctrine of the Canon Part 1
What Is the Canon? Defining ‘Canon’ in Biblical and Historical ContextArticle 1 (Series 1) Introduction The term “canon,” in ecclesiastical contexts, describes far more than a mere collection of religious texts. It stands, historically, for
Providential Preservation Series Part 1
Article 1: Introduction to Providential Preservation – Defining the Doctrine and Its Significance Introduction For centuries, Christians have grappled with one enduring question: How can we be sure the Scriptures have come down to us,
Exploring 17th-Century Lutheran Views on Scripture
When we look back at the 17th century, especially within the Lutheran Church, we're peering into a fascinating time often dubbed the era of Lutheran Orthodoxy or Lutheran Scholasticism. Imagine a period where theologians were
Doctrine of Inspiration Part 1
The Grand Story of Scripture: Why Inspiration Matters When we open the pages of the Bible, we are immediately confronted with a sweeping narrative that spans from the dawn of creation to the consummation of
Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 1 Part 1
Article I: Introducing Chapter 1 of the Westminster Confession of Faith The opening chapter of the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF), entitled “Of the Holy Scripture,” is foundational not only to the Confession’s overall theological
Critique of James White’s The King James Only Controversy: An Introduction
The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible has played a monumental role in the history of Christianity, particularly within the English-speaking world. Revered by many for its literary elegance, historical impact, and doctrinal
Book Review Series: An Introduction
In the field of Confessional Bibliology, discerning readers often seek to deepen their understanding of scriptural preservation, Reformed theology, and the theological soundness of various texts that address these subjects. The purpose of this
Key Textual Variants and Doctrinal Implications Series: An Introduction
In the study of biblical manuscripts, one quickly encounters the term “textual variants”—differences among ancient copies of Scripture that arise from variations in wording, spelling, or phrasing. These variants may seem minor or purely
Canon Formation and Scriptural Authority Series: An Introduction
The concept of the biblical canon and the authority of Scripture stands at the heart of Reformed theology, as it forms the foundation for our understanding of divine revelation. How did the church come
Understanding Confessional Bibliology: Historical, Theological, and Practical Perspectives Part 1
Article 1: Introduction to Confessional BibliologySeries Title: “Understanding Confessional Bibliology: Historical, Theological, and Practical Perspectives” I. Setting the Stage 1. Defining “Confessional Bibliology.”At its core, Confessional Bibliology is the position that the original text of
Providential Preservation Series: An Introduction
The doctrine of providential preservation is one of the cornerstone beliefs in Reformed theology regarding the nature and authority of Scripture. While the concept of inspiration emphasizes that the Bible is divinely “breathed out” by
Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 1 Series: An Introduction
The Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF) remains one of the most significant doctrinal statements in the Reformed tradition, offering a comprehensive expression of core theological convictions. In particular, Chapter 1 of the Confession—Of the Holy
Scholarly Arrogance in Confessional Circles: A Call to Repentance
While the confessional view rightly upholds the doctrines of the authority, inspiration, and providential preservation of Scripture, a troubling trend has emerged among some who profess adherence to this view. Certain individuals, who claim fidelity
Modern Textual Criticism as Heresy: A Root Corruption of Autonomous Reason Part 4
Conclusion – Rebuilding Confidence in God’s Preserved Word The challenges posed by modern textual criticism to the authority, sufficiency, and reliability of Scripture are profound and far-reaching. Throughout this series, we have demonstrated that modern
Modern Textual Criticism as Heresy: A Root Corruption of Autonomous Reason Part 3
Reductio ad Absurdum – The Logical Collapse of Modern Textual Criticism Modern textual criticism, built on the unstable foundations of Enlightenment rationalism and naturalistic presuppositions, leads to absurd conclusions when subjected to careful logical analysis.
Historical Controversies Over the Canon of Scripture and Their Implications for Sola Scriptura Part 4
Section 3: The Church’s Role in Defending Sola Scriptura The church has a vital responsibility to defend and proclaim the authority of Scripture in the face of modern challenges. This responsibility includes equipping believers to
Modern Textual Criticism as Heresy: A Root Corruption of Autonomous Reason Part 2
The Logical Implications of Modern Textual Criticism Modern textual criticism is not merely an academic exercise; it carries profound theological and logical implications. By rejecting the providential preservation of Scripture and replacing it with human
Modern Textual Criticism as Heresy: A Root Corruption of Autonomous Reason Part 1
The Epistemic Foundation of Modern Textual Criticism Modern textual criticism of the New Testament begins from a fundamentally flawed epistemic foundation that undermines its claims to reliability and truth. By rejecting Scripture as its epistemic
Historical Controversies Over the Canon of Scripture and Their Implications for Sola Scriptura Part 3
Modern Challenges to Scriptural Authority and the Enduring Relevance of Sola Scriptura Section 1: A Detailed Critique of Modern Challenges The authority of Scripture faces relentless challenges in the modern era, from theological revisions to
Historical Controversies Over the Canon of Scripture and Their Implications for Sola Scriptura Part 2
Section 3: Historical Controversies Over the Canon The recognition of the biblical canon has not been without challenges. Throughout history, the church has faced significant controversies regarding the inclusion, exclusion, and authority of certain books.
Historical Controversies Over the Canon of Scripture and Their Implications for Sola Scriptura Part 1
Introduction The authority of Scripture is a doctrine that has been challenged and debated throughout the history of the church. Part 1 of this series established the foundational principles of sola scriptura, emphasizing that Scripture
The Authority of Scripture and Reformed Theology, Part 3
5. Challenges to Scriptural Authority The authority of Scripture has faced significant challenges throughout church history, from the time of the Reformation to the present day. These challenges have arisen from both external and internal
The Authority of Scripture and Reformed Theology, Part 2
3. Sola Scriptura: The Cornerstone of Reformed Theology The principle of sola scriptura—that Scripture alone is the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice—was central to the Reformation and remains the cornerstone of Reformed
The Authority of Scripture and Reformed Theology, Part 1
1. Introduction The authority of Scripture lies at the heart of Reformed theology. It is the foundational doctrine upon which all other theological principles rest. Without an authoritative Scripture, there can be no definitive basis
Textual vs. Conceptual Preservation: The Battle for Biblical Authority and Integrity Part 8
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
Textual vs. Conceptual Preservation: The Battle for Biblical Authority and Integrity Part 7
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
Ruckmanism vs. Reformed Theology: Analyzing the Authority and Inspiration of the King James Version Part 3
V. Why Ruckman’s View Is Not Biblical Peter Ruckman’s King James Onlyism departs fundamentally from the biblical teaching on inspiration, preservation, and the role of translations. This section demonstrates why his claims are inconsistent with
James R. White Doesn’t Exist
Textual Variants, Logical Contradictions, and the Principle of Explosion One of the fundamental presuppositions underlying Christian theological discourse is that Scripture is both authoritative and coherent. Within this framework, it is generally held that no
Textual vs. Conceptual Preservation: The Battle for Biblical Authority and Integrity Part 6
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
Ruckmanism vs. Reformed Theology: Analyzing the Authority and Inspiration of the King James Version Part 2
III. The Reformed View of Biblical Inspiration and Authority The Reformed tradition offers a biblically grounded and historically consistent view of the inspiration and authority of Scripture. Rooted in confessional standards such as the Westminster
Textual vs. Conceptual Preservation: The Battle for Biblical Authority and Integrity Part 5
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
Textual vs. Conceptual Preservation: The Battle for Biblical Authority and Integrity Part 4
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
The Noetic Effects of Sin: A Foundational Doctrine for Confessional Bibliology
The doctrine of the noetic effects of sin holds profound theological and epistemological significance, revealing the pervasive impact of human sinfulness on reasoning, understanding, and intellectual faculties. At its core, this doctrine asserts that the
Ruckmanism vs. Reformed Theology: Analyzing the Authority and Inspiration of the King James Version Part 1
I. Introduction Dr. Peter Ruckman’s advocacy for the King James Version (KJV) as the sole and ultimate authority in Christian theology has positioned him as a polarizing figure within textual and theological studies. His teachings,
Textual vs. Conceptual Preservation: The Battle for Biblical Authority and Integrity Part 3
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
Textual vs. Conceptual Preservation: The Battle for Biblical Authority and Integrity Part 2
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
Corrupt Trees, Corrupt Fruit: The Scriptural Case Against the Critical Text Part 3
V. Logical Implications of Critical Text Advocacy The advocacy of the critical text over the authentic Greek and Hebrew texts does not exist in an intellectual or theological vacuum. It carries significant logical implications, all
Corrupt Trees, Corrupt Fruit: The Scriptural Case Against the Critical Text Part 2
III. The Holy Ghost Bears Witness to the Authentic Texts 1. The Doctrine of Providential Preservation The doctrine of providential preservation asserts that God has preserved His Word throughout history in a manner consistent with
Textual vs. Conceptual Preservation: The Battle for Biblical Authority and Integrity Part 1
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
Corrupt Trees, Corrupt Fruit: The Scriptural Case Against the Critical Text Part 1
I. Introduction Purpose and Thesis Statement The doctrine of the preservation of Scripture is foundational to the Christian faith, as it directly pertains to the reliability of the Word of God and the authority it
The Sovereignty of the Text
The War for the Heart of Christendom The battle over the text of Scripture is not a peripheral issue nor a mere academic debate confined to seminaries or the realm of textual scholarship. It is
Conceptual Preservation vs. Verbal Preservation: A Theological and Exegetical Analysis
Introduction The doctrine of textual preservation has long been a cornerstone of confessional theology, particularly among those who uphold the Reformed view of Scripture. Matthew 5:18, a key verse in this doctrine, declares, “For verily
Reformed Ruckmanism Part 4
Errors in Patriarchal Ages in the Septuagint and the Methuselah Anomaly One of the most glaring errors in the Septuagint involves its modifications to the ages of the patriarchs in Genesis, particularly in the genealogy
Reformed Ruckmanism Part 3
Doctrinal Deviations and Translational Errors in the Septuagint An in-depth examination of the Septuagint reveals significant deviations from the Hebrew Masoretic Text, encompassing outright errors and, in some cases, doctrinal alterations reflecting the translators' interpretive
Reformed Ruckmanism Part 2
Historical Inaccuracy of the Septuagint The Septuagint’s historical origins are often traced to a legend known as the Letter of Aristeas, which claims that 72 Jewish scholars translated the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek for the
The Arianism of Mark Ward Part 5
Conclusion The translation choices made in modern versions of the Bible, particularly those based on the critical text, carry profound theological implications that go far beyond linguistic nuance. As we have explored in this article,
Reformed Ruckmanism Part 1
A Critique of the Septuagint as Corrective to the Hebrew Text Introduction The association of Dr. Peter Ruckman with “double inspiration” serves as a potent comparison for examining the trend in certain Reformed circles that
The Arianism of Mark Ward Part 4
Section 6: The Logical Consequence – Arianism in Modern Translations Throughout this article, we have examined how specific translation choices in modern versions, which depart from the traditional Textus Receptus and Masoretic Text, introduce theological
Lane Keister, Deceived by Satan Part 4
Section 7: Conclusion 7.1 Reaffirming the Scope of Matthew 5:18 Matthew 5:18 is a comprehensive declaration of the divine preservation of Scripture: “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot
The Arianism of Mark Ward Part 3
Section 4: John 1:18 – The Son vs. “God” John 1:18 is a crucial verse in the New Testament that directly addresses the identity of Christ. It traditionally reads, “the only begotten Son,” emphasizing the
Lane Keister, Deceived by Satan Part 3
Section 5: The Theological Necessity of Extending Jot and Tittle to the Greek New Testament 5.1 The Continuity of Preservation in the New Testament Matthew 5:18 declares: “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven
The Arianism of Mark Ward Part 2
Section 2: Examining Proverbs 8:22 – The “Created Wisdom” Controversy One of the most controversial passages used by Arian theologians to argue for a created Christ is Proverbs 8:22, where Wisdom is often interpreted as
Gird Up Your Loins: A Call to Confront False Doctrine in the Modern Church
The Leaven of Compromise: A challenge to the faithlessness in church leadership to contend for the authority of God's Word. Introduction: A Necessary Letter Initially, I had considered simply posting the video of the Ludacris
Lane Keister, Deceived by Satan Part 2
Section 3: Refutation of Lane Keister's Review 3.1 Inconsistency with the Doctrine of Preservation The preservation of Scripture is a cornerstone of biblical theology, yet Lane Keister’s Review presents a flawed and inconsistent view by
The Arianism of Mark Ward Part 1
Introduction In recent years, modern English Bible translations have increasingly favored critical Greek and Hebrew texts over the traditional Textus Receptus and Masoretic texts. Advocates of these modern translations, including prominent figures like Mark Ward,
The Bible as a Legal Document Part 3
6. The Binding Nature of the Bible and Textual Preservation If the Bible is a legal document, as Scripture affirms, its preservation is essential for maintaining its authority and efficacy. A covenant or testament cannot
Lane Keister, Deceived by Satan Part 1
The Fatal Consequences of Denying God’s Providential Preservation Introduction This series of posts is a direct response to the claims made by Lane Keister in his Chapter-by-Chapter Review of Why I Preach from the Received
The Bible as a Legal Document Part 2
4. The Necessity of Copies for Both Parties A key characteristic of legal documents, particularly covenants and testaments, is the necessity of providing copies to all parties involved. This ensures that both parties have access
The Bible as a Legal Document Part 1
1. Introduction Legal documents play a vital role in formalizing agreements between parties, providing a clear and binding record of obligations, promises, and conditions. Their authority rests on their immutability once ratified—alterations compromise their validity
The Enlightenment and the Crisis of Biblical Authority Part 4
6. Comparative Analysis: Richard Simon’s Methods versus Traditional Confessional Views Introduction to Comparative Analysis Having examined Richard Simon’s approach to textual criticism using the four-part framework of Arbitrariness, Inconsistency, Consequences, and Preconditions, we now turn
The Enlightenment and the Crisis of Biblical Authority Part 3
4. The Four-Part Analysis: Consequences in Richard Simon’s Textual Criticism Introduction to Consequences The Enlightenment influence on Richard Simon’s textual criticism introduced not just a new methodology but also significant and far-reaching consequences for the
The Enlightenment and the Crisis of Biblical Authority Part 2
2. The Four-Part Analysis: Arbitrariness in Richard Simon’s Textual Criticism Introduction to Arbitrariness Richard Simon’s Critical History of the Text of the New Testament exemplifies a methodology marked by arbitrary assumptions and speculative interpretations. Simon’s
The Enlightenment and the Crisis of Biblical Authority Part 1
A Critical Analysis of Richard Simon’s Textual Criticism 1. Introduction and Background The Historical Context of Richard Simon and Enlightenment Thought Richard Simon (1638–1712) occupies a pivotal position in the history of biblical textual criticism.
The Practical Relevance of Reformed Textual Criticism Today
Introduction: From Theory to Practice Textual criticism is often regarded as an academic discipline, confined to seminaries, libraries, or scholarly journals. Yet, for the Reformed Christian, textual criticism is not an abstract exercise. It is
The Origins and Evolution of Inerrancy: From Astronomy to Warfield and Beyond Part 3
VI. Critiques and Counterarguments The doctrine of inerrancy, particularly as articulated by B.B. Warfield and later codified in the Chicago Statement, has faced significant critique from scholars who argue that it represents a departure from
The Origins and Evolution of Inerrancy: From Astronomy to Warfield and Beyond Part 2
IV. The Inconsistencies of the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy (1978) is widely regarded as a definitive articulation of the doctrine of inerrancy within modern Evangelicalism. While it sought
Modern Challenges to Reformed Textual Criticism
Introduction: The Assault on Providential Preservation The advent of Modern Textual Criticism in the 18th and 19th centuries introduced profound challenges to the Reformed understanding of textual preservation. Rooted in Enlightenment principles of skepticism, naturalism,
The Origins and Evolution of Inerrancy: From Astronomy to Warfield and Beyond Part 1
I. Introduction: The Doctrine of Inerrancy – Origins and Implications The doctrine of biblical inerrancy, as commonly understood today, is a defining feature of modern Evangelical theology. It asserts that the Bible, in its original
The History of Reformed Textual Criticism
Introduction: Why History Matters in Textual Criticism Textual criticism is not a practice that emerged in a historical vacuum. It is deeply embedded in the theological, ecclesiastical, and intellectual contexts of its time. Understanding the
The Foundations of Reformed Textual Criticism
Introduction: The Essential Question of God’s Word and Its Preservation Few questions are as critical to the Christian faith as this: “What is the Word of God, and how has it been preserved for His
A Refutation of Jan Krans’ Critique of the Textus Receptus
Upholding the Confessional and Doctrinal Role of Providential Preservation Jan Krans’ article "Why the Textus Receptus Cannot Be Accepted" presents several critiques of the Textus Receptus (TR), aiming to discredit its standing as a reliable
The Impact of Enlightenment Thought on Modern Textual Criticism: An Introduction
The Enlightenment, a cultural and intellectual movement of the 17th and 18th centuries, brought about significant changes in Western thought, influencing disciplines from science and philosophy to theology and biblical studies. Textual criticism, which
The Self-Authenticating Nature of Scripture and Its Implications for Confessional Bibliology: An Introduction
The doctrine of Scripture’s self-authenticating nature lies at the heart of Confessional Bibliology, emphasizing the Bible’s intrinsic authority and truthfulness apart from external validation. This article serves as an introduction to a series on
Scriptural Integrity and the Reformation’s Response to Textual Corruption: An Introduction
The Reformation period was not only a time of theological reformation but also one of intense focus on the authenticity and integrity of the biblical text. For the Reformers, maintaining the purity of Scripture was
The Impossibility of Apologetics with the Critical Text: An Introduction
In the discipline of Christian apologetics, the authority and stability of Scripture are paramount. Apologetics requires a foundation that is both theologically sound and unchanging—one that communicates truth without ambiguity or alteration. The purpose
Translator Profiles of the Authorized Version: An Introduction
The Authorized Version of the Bible, commonly known as the King James Version (KJV), has stood as one of the most enduring translations of Scripture. Behind this monumental work were nearly 50 scholars who
Doctrine of Inspiration Series: An Introduction
The doctrine of inspiration lies at the foundation of Christian belief, affirming that the Scriptures are God’s direct revelation to humanity. In understanding what it means for the Bible to be inspired, we delve
Presuppositional Analysis of Books: An Introduction
In the realm of textual criticism and biblical theology, presuppositions—assumptions that authors bring to their work—play a crucial role in shaping interpretations, conclusions, and even methodologies. This article introduces our Presuppositional Analysis of Books series,
The Confessional Bibliology Project
A Return to the Doctrines of Providential Preservation and Scriptural Authority In the evolving landscape of modern textual criticism and theologically diverging perspectives on Scripture, a movement has emerged within the Reformed tradition that calls
The Place of the King James Bible in Today’s Church
The Place of the King James Bible in Today’s Church: A Case for Retention and Study References: TBS Word List Mark Ward's article where William Sandell Refutes his thesis in the comments: https://byfaithweunderstand.com/ The
Which Textus Receptus? A Response to Mark Ward’s Critique of Confessional Bibliology
Introduction The debate over the authenticity and authority of the Textus Receptus (TR) is not new, yet it remains a focal point of discussion within textual criticism and evangelical circles. Mark Ward’s Which Textus Receptus?
Debate Over the Preservation and Authority of Scripture. Part 5
8. Conclusion: Reaffirming Owen’s Legacy and the Doctrine of Preservation John Owen’s writings on the authority, inspiration, and preservation of Scripture provide a robust theological framework that stands in sharp contrast to Enlightenment-influenced approaches to
Debate Over the Preservation and Authority of Scripture. Part 4
6. Brash’s Reinterpretation in Light of Enlightenment Assumptions In his work, Richard Fraser Brash attempts to reframe John Owen’s views on Scriptural preservation within the broader context of Enlightenment-era developments in textual criticism. Brash argues
The Erosion of Authority
How Enlightenment Textual Criticism Undermined the Word and Weakened the Western Church Introduction In the centuries following the Reformation, the Word of God held a place of supreme authority in the life of the church.
Debate Over the Preservation and Authority of Scripture. Part 3
4. Owen’s Response to Walton’s Emphasis on Variants One of the most significant challenges to John Owen’s doctrine of Scriptural preservation came from Brian Walton’s Biblia Polyglotta. Walton’s work, published in the mid-seventeenth century, included
The Importance of the Word of God Concept
Understanding the Vox Dei in Lutheran Orthodoxy The concept of the Word of God occupies a central place in Christian theology, particularly within the Lutheran tradition. For Lutherans, the Word of God—or vox Dei (Latin
Debate Over the Preservation and Authority of Scripture. Part 2
2. Providential Preservation vs. Human Reconstruction John Owen’s doctrine of providential preservation stands in stark contrast to Enlightenment methodologies that rely on human efforts to reconstruct an "original" text. For Owen, the integrity and authority
Psalm 12:6-7 and Providential Preservation
An Analysis of the Foundation for Textual Preservation in Scripture Introduction Psalm 12:6-7 has become central in discussions on the doctrine of providential preservation, see Mark Ward's recent video in which he fumbles the ball,
Defining the King James Only Movement: Misrepresentations and Oversimplifications
Introduction In The King James Only Controversy, James R. White attempts to provide a comprehensive critique of what he terms the “King James Only” (KJVO) movement. White’s categorization of the KJV Only movement is segmented
The Foundational Role of Revelational Epistemology in the Doctrine of Preservation
The doctrine of the preservation of Scripture is a central pillar in Confessional Bibliology. This doctrine asserts that God, through His providence, has not only inspired the original manuscripts but also preserved His words across
Debate Over the Preservation and Authority of Scripture. Part 1
Introduction and Overview The Debate Over the Preservation and Authority of Scripture: John Owen, Enlightenment Critiques, and Modern Reinterpretations In the ongoing conversation about the preservation and authority of Scripture, few figures are as pivotal
How Modern Translations Undermine Christ’s Deity
A Confessional Analysis of Key Texts Introduction: The doctrine of Christ’s deity lies at the heart of orthodox Christian theology, encapsulating the belief that Christ is both fully divine and co-eternal with the Father. Any
A Critical Examination of Dr. Mark Ward’s Presuppositional Flaws in the KJV Readability Debate
The debate between Dr. Dan Haifley and Dr. Mark Ward on the readability of the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible reveals fundamental differences in their approach to the translation of Scripture. Mark Ward’s
Erasmus’ Greek New Testament & Back Translation
In refuting Jeffrey Stivason’s article Erasmus & the Final Verses of Revelation, it is crucial to address not only the historical inaccuracies but also the selective presentation of evidence that undergirds the popular claim of
The Linguistic Foundation of Accessibility
Anglo-Saxon Versus Latinized Words in Bible Translations The English language is a rich tapestry, woven from various linguistic influences over centuries. Of these, two primary strands dominate: Anglo-Saxon (Old English) and Latin-based vocabulary. This dichotomy
Revelational Epistemology and the Necessity of a Preserved Scripture
John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. The idea of revelational epistemology holds that human knowledge of truth must ultimately rest on a source that is transcendent, yet simultaneously accessible to
Erasmus and Beza vs Krans
Reformers in a Pre-Enlightenment Era and the Providential Preservation of Scripture In this analysis, we will explore the historical and theological contexts that shaped the textual work of Desiderius Erasmus and Theodorus Beza, the
Romans 4:25 and the Hermeneutics of Justification
A Critical Evaluation of Translational Differences The theological implications of Romans 4:25 are of critical importance to the study of soteriology and the doctrine of justification. This verse, used by the Apostle Paul to articulate
Richard Simon’s Critical History of the New Testament
A Deliberate Attack on Sola Scriptura Richard Simon, a 17th-century Catholic priest, published A Critical History of the Text of the New Testament in 1689. This work is often heralded as pioneering in the field
Revelational Epistemology and the Preservation of Scripture
Affirming the Confessional View Introduction: The Issue of Scriptural Foundation The debate over the preservation of Scripture centers on a pivotal question: on what authority do we rest our confidence that the Scriptures we
How Enlightenment Philosophy Distorts Biblical Preservation
A Response to Stephen Steele’s Modern Interpretation The ongoing debate about the preservation and authority of the biblical text centers around a critical question: what did the Reformers and the Westminster Divines believe regarding the
Confessional Bibliology vs. KJV-Onlyism
A Response to Mark Ward’s Mischaracterization In his recent critique, “Breaking My Two-Year Silence on Confessional Bibliology,” Mark Ward addresses what he perceives as the Confessional Bibliology movement’s similarities to KJV-Onlyism. Despite acknowledging key theological
The Truth Behind Tischendorf and the Codex Sinaiticus Part 3
Section 5: The Legacy of Tischendorf’s Narrative Constantin von Tischendorf’s dramatic account of discovering the Codex Sinaiticus has left a lasting legacy in the realms of biblical scholarship and cultural preservation. However, this legacy is
The Truth Behind Tischendorf and the Codex Sinaiticus Part 2
Section 3: Motive Behind Tischendorf’s Fabrication The story of Tischendorf’s discovery of the Codex Sinaiticus is as much a tale of personal ambition as it is of scholarly achievement. Examining the motives behind Tischendorf’s account
The Truth Behind Tischendorf and the Codex Sinaiticus Part 1
A Justification of Theft Introduction The discovery of the Codex Sinaiticus, one of the oldest and most complete manuscripts of the Bible, is often heralded as a monumental achievement in biblical scholarship. Central to this
Doctrine of Providential Preservation: Part 4b
Section Four: Providential Preservation in Personal Faith The doctrine of providential preservation is not just a theological construct or an academic debate; it profoundly impacts the daily lives of individual believers. Confidence in the preservation
Doctrine of Providential Preservation: Part 4a
The Practical and Pastoral Implications of Providential Preservation Introduction: Why Preservation Matters for the Church Today The doctrine of providential preservation is not a mere theological abstraction; it is a foundational truth with profound implications
Doctrine of Providential Preservation: Part Three
Modern Textual Criticism and the Challenge to Preservation Introduction: Confronting the Modern Challenge The doctrine of providential preservation assures believers that the Word of God has been safeguarded through His divine care, ensuring its integrity
Doctrine of Providential Preservation: Part Two
The Historical Testimony of Providential Preservation Introduction: The Church’s Witness to Preservation The doctrine of providential preservation is not merely a theological concept but a truth affirmed throughout the history of the church. From the
Doctrine of Providential Preservation: Part One
Understanding the Foundation of Providential Preservation Introduction: The Vital Role of Providential Preservation Providential preservation is a cornerstone doctrine that undergirds the church's confidence in the Bible as the inspired and authoritative Word of God.
Introduction to Confessional Bibliology: Part Four
Article 4: Introduction to Confessional Bibliology: Part Four The Practical Implications of Confessional Bibliology for the Church Section One: Confidence in the Scriptures Confessional Bibliology provides a much-needed antidote to the uncertainty and skepticism introduced
Introduction to Confessional Bibliology: Part Three
Modern Textual Criticism and the Challenge to Providence Section One: The Rise of Modern Textual Criticism The development of Modern Textual Criticism marks a significant shift in how scholars approach the biblical text. Emerging from
Introduction to Confessional Bibliology: Part Two
Introduction: The Historical Roots of Confessional Bibliology Confessional Bibliology is not a new or novel concept but a doctrinal framework rooted in the historic practices and beliefs of the Christian church. It stands on the
Introduction to Confessional Bibliology: Part 1
Introduction: The Centrality of Scripture in the Reformed Tradition For the Reformed church, Scripture is the foundation of faith and life. The doctrine of sola Scriptura—Scripture alone—is not merely a theological slogan but the bedrock
Matthew 17:21
Verse: Matthew 17.21 Textus Receptus/Byzantine Text: Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. (Matthew 17:21 Authorised Version) Nestle Aland 27: [Omit] Manuscript/Patristic Support:
No concord between Christ & textual atheists
"It is much the fashion to abuse the great men of the Reformation age, for what is called their intolerance and bitterness towards adversaries. Our moderns affect a great advance upon their manners, and are
Textual Tuesday – Mt 9:13b
Verse: Matthew 9.13b Textus Receptus/Byzantine Text: I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Matthew 9:13 KJV) Nestle Aland 27: I have not come to call the righteous,
1 John 5:7 Vindicated Serm1.Pt1
SERMON I. 1 JOHN. V. 7. For there are Three that bear Record in Heaven, the FATHER, the WORD, and the Holy Ghost; and these Three are One. 171 KNOW not a Passage
Textual Tuesday – Mt 5:44
Verse: Matthew 5.44 Textus Receptus/Byzantine Text: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them
Textual Tuesday – Matthew 6:13
Verse: Last half of Matthew 6.13 Textus Receptus/Byzantine Text: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (Mat 6:13 KJV) Nestle Aland 27: [Omit] Manuscript/Patristic Support:
RESTORATIONIST TEXTUAL CRITICISM’S VERIFICATION PROBLEM
IGNORING THE ISSUE With every textual claim put forth by advocates of RTC, whether Critical Text, Majority Text, or something else, they all suffer from the same flaw: an inability to verify their textual choices.
Textual Tuesday – Matthew 5:44
Verse: Matthew 5.44 Textus Receptus/Byzantine Text: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them
Textual Tuesday – Matthew 5:22
Verse: Matthew 5.22 Textus Receptus/Byzantine Text: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment… (Matthew 5:22 Authorised Version) Nestle
The Blinde Guide by William Jenkyn – Chap 1-Part 1
THE Blinde-Guide GUIDED. Chapter 1. Directed more particularly to the reverend and learned subscribers of the late testimony to the truth with-in the Province of London. Shewing the senseless railings, the gross untruths, the shameless boastings; expressed
Textual Tuesday – Matthew 6:1
Verse: Matthew 6.1 Textus Receptus/Byzantine Text: Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them… (Mat 6:1 KJV) Nestle Aland 27: "Beware of practicing your righteousness
The Blinde Guide by William Jenkyn Introduction
THE Blinde Guide, or the Doting Doctor. Composed by way of Reply to a late tediously trifling Pamphlet, Entitled, The Youngling Elder, &c. written by John Goodwin, and containing little or nothing in it, but what plainly speaketh
Confessional Bibliology Podcast Introduction
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1782594/8530000-confessional-bibliology-podcast-introduction.mp3?download=true
Theodore Letis on Richard Simon
The Age of Reason was generally hostile to how the Reformation determined the text—and soon Rome perceived this apparent weakness in the Protestant armor, as well. In 1689, a Roman Catholic priest named Richard Simon
Preserved Purity: An Introduction
In Garnet H. Milne's book Has the Bible Been Kept Pure?, he quotes extensively from the writings of the Reformers. However, if you're like me, you want to read the entire passage or even work
Learning Greek & Latin
Pastor Pooyan Mehrshahi asked me to put together a post with resources to help seminary students learn Greek. So here is what I used and am using. When it comes to learning Greek, one needs
The Strange Case of the Inconsistent Mr. White
In a previous post, James White denies the existence of Scripture, I pointed out that Mr. White's denial of an objective, universal, invariant standard was the logical equivalent of one denying the existence of Scripture.
Argument Analysis Introduction
This begins a series based in part off of Dr. Greg L. Bahnsen's series entitled Practical Apologetics. This series provides perhaps the best model for taking any argument and evaluating it Biblically. Above you can
James White denies the existence of Scripture
During the second debate between Mr. White and Dr. Riddle, there was a question and answer section at the end for the audience. I asked a question directed at him, which was the following: "What
Why this isn’t a textual issue
I've been away from this issue for a while to take a much needed break from the nonsense RTC Advocates engage in. And I have focused most of my time upon reading the works of
Confessional Bibliology Podcast Episode 001
Theodore Letis Resources: https://confessionalbibliology.com/the-resources/theodore-letis-resources/ Kept Pure in All Ages in March: https://www.fivesolas.church/conference-kept-pure-in-all-ages Dr. Jeff Riddle vs James R. White debate: Part 1 & Part 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KswCzsdvXxU&t=148s
Thomas Manton’s Preface to James
OR, A PREFACE WHEREIN, BESIDES AN EXPLICATION OF THE TITLE, SEVERAL NECESSARY PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS ARE HANDLED AND DISCUSSED. I INTEND, by the assistance of God’s Holy Spirit, in the weekly returns of this lecture, to
Thomas Manton on Preservation
SERMON XXIX Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.—JOHN 17:17. SECONDLY, The church hath owned the word. You see how God hath owned it; he saith it is my word. Let us see
Why New Testament Textual Criticism Can Never Arrive at Truth
RTC AS A THOUGHT EXPERIMENT So let’s pretend we have completed such an experiment. We begin our experiment by printing off a copy of the book of Matthew. This printed copy (autograph)
Captain Deflector vs The Glaring Inconsistency
In a recent comment dealing with this post by Taylor DeSoto’s There is No Modern Doctrine of PreservationThere is No Modern Doctrine of Preservation James White has decided he’s going to “examine” Taylor’s post. Here’s the
Captain Deflector vs The Reformation
JAMES WHITE’S LATEST LYING ESCAPADES The article in question: https://pulpitandpen.org/2019/09/18/five-good-reasons-reformed-and-confessional-christians-should-use-the-kjv/ Mr. White’s foolish response: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hf50qEUu6yU He mentions his written debate with Doug Wilson. Everyone should listen to this Word Magazine: WM # 80: Review: Douglas Wilson and James
The Arrogance of Scholars
One of the most common and socially acceptable sins in Christendom is the bearing of false witness. This sin usually takes the form of the logical fallacy known as the ad hominem. And while it is
Our Daily Metzger – Amos or Amon
In our previous post Asa or Asaph, we saw how Metzger had no qualms calling the Holy Ghost a liar when he stated, “the evangelist may have derived material for the genealogy, not from the Old Testament
Our Daily Metzger – Asa or Asaph
This is the first in a series that will cover some of the more outrageous and foolish claims by Dr. Bruce Metzger in his Textual Commentary. The series will also show that Restorationist Textual Criticism’s
Do we correct the Textus Receptus with new discoveries?
This objection to the Confessional View of Scripture keeps popping up along with the claim that we have no consistent methodology for textual criticism. Both of these are due to the assumption of RTC advocates that
Doctrinal Significance of John 1:18
HOW THE CRITICAL TEXT TEACHES THE GNOSTIC AND ARIAN HERESIES IN JOHN 1:18 AV/Textus Receptus/Byzantine Priority John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father,
The Verification Problem
IGNORING THE ISSUE With every textual claim put forth by advocates of RTC, whether Critical Text, Majority Text, or something else, they all suffer from the same flaw: an inability to verify their textual choices.
Lest Arius Be Offended
For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. – Galatians 1:10 Introduction What
Captain Deflector Hits a Truth Wall
This page is one of those originally lost when the site crashed. It contained a link to a pdf and screenshots exposing Mr. White's ignorance about science, papyri, and the longer ending of Mark. Here's
Textual Issue in John 10:29
From Dean Burgon’s Causes of Corruption We are sometimes able to trace the origin and progress of accidental depravations of the text: and the study is as instructive as it is interesting. Let me invite
The Doctrine Relating to Canon – Method of Faith – 3
CHAPTER IV THE ADVANTAGES OF THE METHOD OF FAITH. 416. The method of faith, on the contrary, by requiring you to study profoundly the divine facts recorded in the Word in order to find your
The Doctrine Relating to Canon – Method of Faith – 2
CHAPTER II OBJECTIONS TO THE METHOD OF SCIENCE. 410. This method of science, which can render such valuable service to the cause of God as long as it is not allowed to pass the limits
The Doctrine Relating to Canon – Method of Faith
The Doctrine Relating to Canon THE METHOD OF FAITH by Louis Gaussen 401. We are come to what, after all, forms the surest foundation of our confidence relative to the entire collection of the Scriptures.
Matthew 2:11 & WCF 1.8
As the Confessional Bibliology Facebook Group is a confessional group affirming the original intent of WCF/2LBCF 1.8 we have the following in our pinned post from Dr. Garnet Milne’s Has the Bible Been Kept Pure
Why New Testament Textual Criticism Can Never Arrive at Truth
RTC as a Thought Experiment https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=W3OatkjM1gU So let’s pretend we have completed such an experiment. We begin our experiment by printing off a copy of the book of Matthew. This printed copy (autograph) is
William Whitaker on the Canon – Part 2
CHAPTER IV. WHEREIN THE ARGUMENT OF THE ADVERSARIES IS PROPOSED AND CONFUTED. Having now premised a brief explanation of these matters, we will come to the discussion of the cause and question proposed. And first,
William Whitaker on the Canon – Part 1
THE FIRST CONTROVERSY. QUESTION I. CHAPTER I. WHEREIN THIS WHOLE CONTROVERSY IS DISTRIBUTED INTO ITS PARTICULAR QUESTIONS. We will lay the foundation of this controvery in those words of Christ which are to be found
The Doctrine Relating to Canon – Part 1
THE DOCTRINE RELATING TO THE CANON. The doctrine which concerns the canon of Scripture is this that God himself has made Himself its guarantee, that His almighty providence is engaged for the preservation of this
Kruger, White, & Lovecraft Walk Into a Bar
Kruger, White, & Lovecraft Walk Into a Bar At the recent G3 conference in Georgia, Dr. Michael Kruger & Mr. James White had a discussion on the Doctrine of the Canon*. The first part of
Robert Rollock – Whether the Scripture be the Word of God
THE NUMBER OF THE CONTROVERSIES WHICH ARE CONCERNING THE WRITTEN WORD : AND OF THE FIRST CONTROVERSY, WHETHER THE SCRIPTURE BE THE WORD OF GOD. There be two kinds of controversies concerning the holy Scripture.
Bullinger's Sermon on the Word of God
Of The Word Of God; The Cause Of It; And How, And By Whom, It Was Revealed To The World. THE FIRST SERMON. ALL the decrees of Christian faith, with every way how to live
James White, Inconsistency, & Lying
James White, Inconsistency, & Lying ##UPDATE#3 (29SEP2019): On the Dividing Line from 24 Sep 2019, (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YA9aoDtJx08) Mr. White attempted to deal with this post and failed multiple ways. First, he equivocated between disputed texts and
Are You a KJVO?
From time to time as one who holds to the Confessional (Biblical) Textual View you will be asked, Are You a KJVO? The very asking of this question when we are arguing not about a
Providentially Preserved?
Within Christendom there are two opposing views concerning the intent of the phrase by His [God's] singular care and providence, [the Scriptures are] kept pure in all ages. Does it refer to a generic preservation that
The Genuineness of 1 John 5.7 by David Martin 2.7
CHAP. VII. Of the Manuscript of Berlin. 'Tis here no longer that same Mr. Emlyn, who has been silent with regard to the Manuscripts mention'd in the Preface to the Louvain doctors, and that which F.
The Genuineness of 1 John 5.7 by David Martin 2.6
CHAP. VI. A Defence of the Manuscripts of Robert Stephens against certain Manuscripts produced from the Library of the King of France, which are pretended to be the same that Stephens used in his Editions.
The Genuineness of 1 John 5.7 by David Martin 2.5
CHAP. V. Of the obelus plac'd in the middle of the 7th Verse, There are three in heaven, &c. of the Manuscripts mention'd by the Divines of Louvain, and of that which F. Amelotte says
The Genuineness of 1 John 5.7 by David Martin 2.4
Of Robert Stephen's Manuscripts WE have seen in the foregoing Chapter the extreme perplexity in which Mr. Simon arid Mr. Emlyn are found with reference to the Manuscripts of Complutum and Erasmus; they could not
The Genuineness of 1 John 5.7 by David Martin 2.3
CHAP. III. The passage of St. John proved to be genuine from the Greek Manuscripts with some particular considerations upon the Manuscripts of Laurentius Valla, upon that of Complutum, and that of England or the
The Genuineness of 1 John 5.7 by David Martin 2.2
CHAP. II. Of the first Greek Editions, in which the Text of the three witnesses in heaven is read, and of those in which this Text is not inserted. Before I come to speak of
The Genuineness of 1 John 5.7 by David Martin 2.1
PART the SECOND. In which, the passage of St. John's Epistle, There are three in heaven, &c. is prov'd to be genuine from the Greek Copies, and the use of the Greek Church. CHAP. I.
Essay on the Right Estimation of MSS Evidence 1.0
Essay on the Right Estimation of MSS Evidence Preface & Introduction The present attempt to revise and improve our English Bible is mixed up inseparably with a further question, What is the true original Text
THE GREEK TEXT OF WESTCOTT AND HORT.
THE GREEK TEXT OF WESTCOTT AND HORT. THE CASE OF THE CONSERVATIVES. I HAVE been requested to state briefly and in as popular a form as the subject will admit, the case of the Conservatives
The Application of Thought to Textual Criticism by A.E. Housman
Taken from Proceedings of the Classical Association, Vol XVIII, August 1921 In beginning to speak about the application of thought to textual criticism, I do not intend to define the term thought, because I hope that
The Genuineness of 1 John 5.7 by David Martin 1.10
CHAP. X. What judgment must be passed upon the Latin of the Vulgate of St. Jerom, which have not the Text of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. WERE we so happy as
The Genuineness of 1 John 5.7 by David Martin 1.9
CHAP. IX. That the Text of the three witnesses, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, and these three are one, was always in St. Jerom's Version. MR. Emlyn does not deny but this
The Genuineness of 1 John 5.7 by David Martin 1.8
C H A P. VIII. Of the judgment St. Jerom has made of this Text, in his Prologue to the seven Catholick Epistles 'Tis impossible but that St. Jerom must have seen in the Italick Version
Treatise of the Holy Scriptures by John Jewel part 2
The Authority of the Fathers But what say we of the fathers, Augustine, Ambrose, Hierome, Cyprian, &c.? What shall we think of them, or what account may we make of them? They be interpreters of
Treatise of the Holy Scriptures by John Jewel part 1
TREATISE OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES, GATHERED OUT OF CERTAIN SERMONS, WHICH THE REVEREND FATHER IN GOD, BISHOP JEWEL, PREACHED AT SARISBURY, ANNO DOMINI 1570. Among all his creatures in heaven or earth God hath not
The Genuineness of 1 John 5.7 by David Martin 1.7
C H A P. VII. Other quotations of the Italick Verston in favour of the passage in St. John's Epistle, taken from two ancient Tracts, ascrib'd to St. Fulgentius. ST. Fulgentius, Bishop of Ruspe in
The Genuineness of 1 John 5.7 by David Martin 1.6
CHAP. VI. Containing some new reflexions upon the Profession of faith, which was presented to Huneric by the African Bishops. IN speaking of Vigilius Bishop of Tapsum, and the frequent quotations he has made of
The Doctrinal Various Readings of the New Testament Greek
Taken from R. L. Dabney's Discussions p.350 THE magnificent work whose name stands last in this list may be said to complete a marked stage in the progress, or at least in the rotation, of
The Genuineness of 1 John 5.7 by David Martin 1.5
Other proofs that the Text of the witnesses in heaven was in the old Italick Version. TO the age of St. Cyprian immediately succeeded that, in which St. Jerom flourish'd. The first Latin Version
The Genuineness of 1 John 5.7 by David Martin 1.4
That the Text of the three witnesses in heaven was from the first Ages in the Italick Version., prov'd from the quotations of Tertullian and St. Cyprian. IT is not from the MSS. themselves of
The Genuineness of 1 John 5.7 by David Martin 1.3
Of the nature of the proofs on which the genuineness of the Text of the three witnesses in heaven, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, must be established; and of the nullity of
John Owen on Providential Preservation
Below, John Owen provides 12 arguments in support of the Doctrine of Providential Preservation: We add, that the whole Scripture, entire as given out from God, without any loss, is preserved in the copies of
The Genuineness of 1 John 5.7 by David Martin 1.2
CHAP. II. The Text of the three witnesses in heaven clear'd up, for the better understanding the importance and force of it, which were spoke of in the foregoing Chapter. THE first thing, which here
The Genuineness of 1 John 5.7 by David Martin Part 1
This will be a 24-part series covering David Martin's The Genuineness of the Text of the First Epistle of Saint John V.7 The 7th Verse of the Fifth Chap. of St. John's first Epistle, There are
Edward Freer Hills and the Last 12 Verses of Mark
5. The Last Twelve Verses Of Mark Burgon's best known work in the field of textual criticism was his treatise on The Last Twelve Verses of Mark, which he published in 1871 after years of
Erasmian Myths: The Rush to Print
One of the more pernicious myths circulating about Erasmus concerns the quality of his Greek New Testament. The story goes that it was filled with errors because Erasmus was rushing to print. This myth was
Edward Freer Hills on the Comma Johanneum
Excerpt from his book The King James Version Defended 3. The Johannine Comma (1 John 5:7) In the Textus Receptus 1 John 5:7-8 reads as follows: 7 For there are three that bear witness IN
Francis Turretin and the Comma Johanneum
Francis Turretin & the Comma Johanneum One of the claims going around the internet about Francis Turretin is that he would not have defended 1 John 5:7, commonly called the Comma Johanneum. Below is a
The Revision Revised – Preface
PREFACE. The ensuing three Articles from the “Quarterly Review,”—(wrung out of me by the publication [May 17th, 1881] of the “Revision” of our “Authorized Version of the New Testament,”)—appear in their present form in compliance
Being Proud of Your Heresy
When it comes to the foundation of Christianity, the Bible, humor seems to be out of place. But occasionally the enemies of God's word provide us with a good laugh by telling the truth about
Well what's your methodology?
A common question that arises from those who support the unbiblical practice of textual criticism is, "Well what methodology do you use?" or, "Your methodology can't produce a text!" and other such nonsensical statements. Most
Presuppositions of Textual Criticism Examined
It’s been some time since I’ve posted due to work and building up the Miskatonic University site. But now that I have time, I’m going to focus on three of the canons of textual criticism
Textus Receptus – Default Text or Chosen Text?
One of the oft made claims of a popular apologist in evangelical circles is that the Reformers did not choose the Textus Receptus, but that they used it because they had no other options. Is
Confessional Bibliology Podcast #1 Introduction
Confessional Bibliology Podcast Episode #1 Introductions
John Gill On the Hebrew Vowel Points pt 4
On the Hebrew Letters, Vowel Points, & Accents by John Gill, D.D. Chapter 3. Concerning the Original of the Samaritans, their Language and Letters HAVING, in the preceding Chapter, shown that it is probable that
John Gill On the Hebrew Vowel Points pt 3
On the Hebrew Letters, Vowel Points, & Accents by John Gill, D.D. Chapter 2. Concerning the Antiquity of the Hebrew Letters IT has been a controversy among learned men, for a century or two past,
Dr. Edward Hills on The Logic of Faith
Dr. Edward Hills on The Logic of Faith 1. The Logic of Faith - How It Leads Us To The True Bible Text From the study of the Bible and of Church history two conclusions
Textual Criticism != Providential Preservation
Textual Criticism does not equal Providential Preservation. In his latest Dividing Line, Mr. White calls the non-CT views among other things "dangerous, counter-productive, non-confessional, ahistorical and indefensible." Now Mr. White holds to the mid-20th century
John Gill On the Hebrew Vowel Points pt 2
On the Hebrew Letters, Vowel Points, & Accents by John Gill, D.D. I OBSERVE there is much talk about the Masoretic Bible, and about Masoretic authority. As to the Masoretic Bible, I could never learn
John Gill On the Hebrew Vowel Points pt 1
On the Hebrew Letters, Vowel Points, & Accents by John Gill, D.D. The Preface. THE following Dissertation has long lain by me; nor was it written at first with any design to publish it
Of the Divine Original – Introduction Part 4
WITH AN ANSWER TO THAT INQUIRY, HOW WE KNOW THE SCRIPTURES TO BE THE WORD OF GOD. Continued from Part 3 CHAPTER 4. Innate arguments in the Scripture of its divine original and authority —
Of the Divine Original – Introduction Part 3
WITH AN ANSWER TO THAT INQUIRY, HOW WE KNOW THE SCRIPTURES TO BE THE WORD OF GOD. PREFATORY NOTE. THIS interesting treatise originated in the request of several persons, who had heard Owen preaching on
The Adventures of Captain Deflector Episode 1
James White's Red Herrings Pastor Robert Truelove posted the following OP on Facebook in various groups on Nov 13: Regarding having a meaningful apologetic for the Christian faith and the text of the New Testament...
Of the Integrity and Purity of the Hebrew & Greek Texts of Scripture
With Consideration on the Prolegomena and Appendix to the Late Biblia Polyglotta. Prefatory Note Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Prefatory Note: There is a
Idolatry & Atheism
The Idolatry & Atheism of Restoration Textual Criticism The current low view of Scripture held by those who contend for Restorationist Textual Criticism, was at one time considered by men such as John Owen to
Idolatry & Atheism
The Idolatry & Atheism of Restoration Textual Criticism The current low view of Scripture held by those who contend for Restorationist Textual Criticism, was at one time considered by men such as John Owen to
The Perfection of Scripture
QUESTION 16: Does Scripture contain whatever is necessary for their salvation to the extent that after it was given there was no need for unwritten traditions? Affirmative. I. In order to avoid the tribunal of
The Authenticity of the Vulgate
Question 15: Is the Vulgate version authentic? Negative, against the Roman Catholics I. It is not to be asked whether the Vulgate has value, and frequently presents the truth very effectively. No one denies this.
The Authenticity of the Vulgate
Question 15: Is the Vulgate version authentic? Negative, against the Roman Catholics I. It is not to be asked whether the Vulgate has value, and frequently presents the truth very effectively. No one denies this.
The Authenticity of the Septuagint
QUESTION 14: Is the Septuagint version of the Old Testament authoritative? Negative. I. Among the Greek versions of the Old Testament, that of the seventy-two translators rightly holds first place among us. It held this
Follow Up: Codex Montfortianus, Erasmus, and 1 John 5:7
In a previous article I addressed the issue of Codex Montfortianus and Erasmus and showed that the so called "British" Codex that Erasmus used could not be Codex Montfortianus. I was pleased to find out
Of the Divine Original – Introduction Part 2
OF THE DIVINE ORIGINAL, AUTHORITY, SELF-EVIDENCING LIGHT, AND POWER OF THE SCRIPTURES; For my own part, I must confess that I shall as soon believe a poor, deluded, fanatical Quaker, pretending to be guided by
Of the Divine Original – Introduction Part 1
OF THE DIVINE ORIGINAL, AUTHORITY, SELF-EVIDENCING LIGHT, AND POWER OF THE SCRIPTURES; WITH AN ANSWER TO THAT INQUIRY, HOW WE KNOW THE SCRIPTURES TO BE THE WORD OF GOD. ALSO, A VINDICATION OF THE PURITY
John Owen's Doctrine of Scripture
As part of the series of Index Posts on Reformed Bibliology, we have the John Owen series. Who was John Owen? John Owen (1616 - 1683) was an English theologian and "was without doubt not
On the Divine Original of the Scriptures – Preface
OF THE DIVINE ORIGINAL, AUTHORITY, SELF-EVIDENCING LIGHT, AND POWER OF THE SCRIPTURES; WITH AN ANSWER TO THAT INQUIRY, HOW WE KNOW THE SCRIPTURES TO BE THE WORD OF GOD. ALSO, A VINDICATION OF THE PURITY
The Need of Translations
QUESTION 13: Are translations necessary, and what is their authority and use in the church? I. There are two parts of this question: the first concerning the need for translations, and the second their authority.
NT Manuscripts Made to Order (Erasmus and I Jn5.7)
It is commonly known that Erasmus did not include a large section of 1 John 5:7 in the 1st and 2nd Editions of his Greek New Testament. This is the so called Comma Johanneum, "For
Matthew Henry, Cyprian, & the Comma
Matthew Henry on the Comma Johanneum, Cyprian, Thomas Aquinas, and the Complutensian Polyglot This post originated from a meme and a post in the Confessional Bibliology Facebook group and from the claim of a popular
The Authentic Version of Scripture
QUESTION 11: Are the Hebrew version of the Old Testament and the Greek of the New the only authentic ones? Affirmative, against the Roman Catholics. I. Some versions of Scripture are original and primary, originally
The Authentic Version of Scripture
QUESTION 11: Are the Hebrew version of the Old Testament and the Greek of the New the only authentic ones? Affirmative, against the Roman Catholics. I. Some versions of Scripture are original and primary, originally
The Purity of the Original Text
QUESTION 10: Has the original text of the Old and New Testaments come to us pure and uncorrupted? Affirmative, against the Roman Catholics. I. This question is forced upon us by the Roman Catholics, who
The Purity of the Original Text
QUESTION 10: Has the original text of the Old and New Testaments come to us pure and uncorrupted? Affirmative, against the Roman Catholics. I. This question is forced upon us by the Roman Catholics, who
The Canonicity of the Apocrypha
QUESTION 9: Are Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Ecclesiasticus, the first two books of Maccabees, Baruch, and the additions to Esther and Daniel properly included in the list of canonical books? Negative, against the Roman Catholics. I.
The Canonicity of the Apocrypha
QUESTION 9: Are Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Ecclesiasticus, the first two books of Maccabees, Baruch, and the additions to Esther and Daniel properly included in the list of canonical books? Negative, against the Roman Catholics. I.
The Canonicity of the Old Testament
QUESTION 8: Are the books of the Old Testament still part of the canon of faith, and the rule of conduct in the church of the New Testament? Affirmative, against the Anabaptists. I. This question
A Short Response to James White
Faulty Facts and Assumptions On Thursday, June 9th, James White posted in the Reformed Pub about the Comma Johanneum. Like most of Mr. White's previous interactions with those of us that hold to the Confessional
The Authenticity of the Hebrew Text
QUESTION 12: Is the present Hebrew text authentic and inspired both as to content and as to words, so that all versions are to be tested by its norm, and corrected if they differ? Or
The Preservation of the Canon
QUESTIQN 7 Will any canonical book ever have disappeared? Negative. I. In order more readily to discuss the various questions that are raised concerning the canon, a distinction must first be established. This word is
The Knowledge of Scriptural Authority
Question 6: How does the authority of the Holy (divinus) Scripture become known to us? Doesit, either in itself or on our part, depend upon the witness of the Church? Negative, against the Roman Catholics.
The Knowledge of Scriptural Authority
Question 6: How does the authority of the Holy (divinus) Scripture become known to us? Doesit, either in itself or on our part, depend upon the witness of the Church? Negative, against the Roman Catholics.
Apparent Contradictions in Scripture
QUESTION 5: Are there in Scripture true contradictions, or any irreconcilable passages, which cannot be resolved or harmonized in any way? Negative. I. When the divine quality of Scripture, which was argued in the preceding
Apparent Contradictions in Scripture
QUESTION 5: Are there in Scripture true contradictions, or any irreconcilable passages, which cannot be resolved or harmonized in any way? Negative. I. When the divine quality of Scripture, which was argued in the preceding
Erasmian Myths: Revelation Back Translated from the Vulgate?
One of the more notorious myths about Erasmus is that he backtranslated the last 6 verses of the book of Revelation. There are many articles on the internet purporting to prove conclusively that Erasmus did
The Authority of Scripture
QUESTION 4: Are the Holy Scriptures genuine and divine? Affirmative. I. The question of the authority (authoritas) of Scripture depends upon its origin, which has just been discussed. Since it is from God, it cannot
The Divine Imperative of Written Revelation
QUESTION 3: Was the Holy Scripture written because of the circumstances of the time (occasionaliter), and without divine command? Negative, against the Roman Catholics. I. This question is debated between us and the Roman Catholics,
The Divine Imperative of Written Revelation
QUESTION 3: Was the Holy Scripture written because of the circumstances of the time (occasionaliter), and without divine command? Negative, against the Roman Catholics. I. This question is debated between us and the Roman Catholics,
The Necessity of Scripture
QUESTION 2: Was it necessary for the word to be committed to writing? Affirmative. I. Since in the preceding question we have proved the necessity of the word, in this one the necessity of Scripture,
The Necessity of Scripture
QUESTION 2: Was it necessary for the word to be committed to writing? Affirmative. I. Since in the preceding question we have proved the necessity of the word, in this one the necessity of Scripture,
Francis Turretin's Doctrine of Scripture
Doctrine of Scripture This begins a series of 21 blog posts taken from the PDF 21 Questions of the Doctrine of Scripture by Francis Turretin. Other series will include the works of John Owen, John
The Necessity of Verbal Revelation
QUESTION 1: Was revelation by the word necessary? Affirmative. I. Since the word of God is the unique foundation (principium) of theology, its necessity is properly investigated at the very beginning: was it necessary for
Five Considerations About Arguments Based on Stylistic Differences
How should we think about arguments against the traditional human authorship of a certain passage or book of Scripture based on style and word choice, such as this one by Bart Ehrman: "its writing style
Four Reasons to Reject the Floating Tradition Argument Against the Pericope Adulterae
The "floating tradition" argument against the authenticity of the Pericope Adulterae (PA), John 7:53-8:11, is summarized well by Bruce Metzger in 1964, "The pericope is obviously a piece of floating tradition which circulated in certain
Erasmian Myths: Codex Vaticanus
Erasmus & Codex Vaticanus [Part 1: Erasmus & the Comma Johanneum] In part 2 of our series, The Erasmian Myths, we will deal with the oft repeated, but never proven claim, that Erasmus didn’t have
The Apostles and Prophets: Secretaries of the Holy Ghost
"The Scripture is the Word of God written in a language fit for the Church by men immediately called to be the Clerkes, or Secretaries of the Holy Ghost, 2 Peter 1:21: 'For prophecie came
Making Mountains Out of Molehills – Part 4
Making Mountains Out of Molehills Part 4 This is part 4 of the Apologia radio episode featuring James White. You can read the other parts here: [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3]. Again my comments
Making Mountains Out of Molehills – Part 3
Making Mountains Out of Molehills Part 3 This is part 3 in this series. Here are Part 1, Part 2, & Part 4. Again, my responses are in Italics. 43:28 “What I did, is I responded
Making Mountains Out of Molehills – Part 2
Making Mountains Out of Molehills Part 2 [Part 1][Part 3][Part 4] This is the 2nd part in the series covering Mr. White's Apologia episode. 31:00 People are afraid, they just want black and white 31:20
Making Mountains Out of Molehills – Part 1
Making Mountains Out of Molehills Part 1 [Part 2] [Part 3][Part 4] This series will cover the timeline of Mr. White's Apologia episode and provide some refutations to the more notorious claims made by Mr.
Defense of the Pericope by Dr. Edward Freer Hills
Defense of the Pericope by Dr. Edward Freer Hills The Woman Taken In Adultery (John 7:53-8:11) The story of the woman taken in adultery (called the pericope de adultera) has been rather harshly treated by
Response to James White on Augustine and the Pericope Adulterae
This post is in response to a few claims made in the video, Dr. White Answers Critics on Apologia TV, which James White recorded after our argument in the Reformed Pub Facebook group about the
William Whitaker on Augustine's View of the Apocrypha
We allow that the council of Carthage, and Gelasius with his seventy bishops, and Innocent, and Augustine, and Isidore call these books canonical. But the question is, in what sense they called them canonical. Now,
Welcome to the Revolution
A Welcome to Everyone Who is New There are many of you who are new to this issue or having heard someone expound the Confessional view in the Reformed Pub, you realized that it has
Argument Analysis Checklist
Argument Analysis Checklist This post in the main is from an older blog I no longer maintain. Why an argument analysis checklist? They’re easy for people to memorize. So I’m providing the checklist I follow
Argument Analysis Checklist
Argument Analysis Checklist This post in the main is from an older blog I no longer maintain. Why an argument analysis checklist? They’re easy for people to memorize. So I’m providing the checklist I follow
The Artificial Memory
So after reading the previous two posts on memory you should now be asking yourself, Where do I begin in the development my artificial memory? First we begin with the 3 keys of artificial memory.
The Artificial Memory
So after reading the previous two posts on memory you should now be asking yourself, Where do I begin in the development my artificial memory? First we begin with the 3 keys of artificial memory.
Rhetorica Ad Herennium on Memory
The following excerpt is from the Latin text Ad Herennium. Though written many centuries ago, the information it provides on improving the memory is still as useful today as it was when originally written. I
A History of Memory
(A post on memory from an old site I started.) In beginning any history on the techniques of memory, tradition requires the mention of the following story. It is much like writing the “Hello World!”
The Preservation of Scripture
One of the benefits that God gave Israel as his covenanted people was committing to them the oracles of God. What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? Much every way: chiefly, because that
Did Paul say what I think he just said?
This is my first article on the site and I wanted to thank Chris for the opportunity to contribute. I am by no means an expert when it comes to textual criticism, though I did learn
Are you Confessional, Atheistic, or Evangelical on the Doctrine of Scripture
Three Types of Consistency and Textual Criticism How we approach the work of textual criticism, must like all other doctrines, be derived from Scripture alone. This is evident from Chapter 1 of the WCF/2LBCF Confessions
Erasmian Myths: The Comma Wager
Erasmian Myths This year marks the 500th anniversary of the publication of Erasmus Greek New Testament and his Latin translation. And next week at Houston Baptist University there will be a conference on Erasmus and
Historical Resources on Textual Criticism, Bible Versions, etc.
The information in this post comes from the following Facebook note of Sean McDonald. They will be added to The Library over the next 2 weeks along with many other books. May 27, 2013 at
Learning Latin, Greek, & Hebrew
I've posted these a few times in the Confessional Bibliology Facebook group. But from time to time people ask for them again. The last time I posted them I added hashtags, but I think a
Learning Latin, Greek, & Hebrew
I've posted these a few times in the Confessional Bibliology Facebook group. But from time to time people ask for them again. The last time I posted them I added hashtags, but I think a
Where to begin in the textual debate?
All Roads Lead To? When it comes to learning about textual criticism the shear amount of reading necessary to understand just the basics seems monumental. Who do you read? Who do you ignore? Why
Where to begin in the textual debate?
All Roads Lead To? When it comes to learning about textual criticism the shear amount of reading necessary to understand just the basics seems monumental. Who do you read? Who do you ignore? Why
Upcoming posts
It's been a while since I posted due to life, updating the site theme, adding more resources, finding more resources and so on. That is changing. At most, there may be one or two new
Critical Text Onlyism: A New Doctrine
Can We Trust the Reformers? He never saw it coming. He had just started attending a strict confessional church and was completely unprepared for the onslaught when he posted the Confessional view of Scripture
Dan Wallace & Why a Little Research Goes a Long Way
In a Facebook group, a friend on FB tagged me on a discussion about the following article: Is "Lucifer" the Devil in Is 14:12. I've reproduced a couple of quotes below. But before I begin,
Dan Wallace & Why a Little Research Goes a Long Way
In a Facebook group, a friend on FB tagged me on a discussion about the following article: Is "Lucifer" the Devil in Is 14:12. I've reproduced a couple of quotes below. But before I begin,
The Second Helvetic Confession
The View of Scripture found in the Second Helvetic Confession CHAPTER I Of The Holy Scripture Being The True Word of God CANONICAL SCRIPTURE. We believe and confess the canonical Scriptures of the holy prophets
Welcome to Confessional Bibliology
Welcome to the site for Confessional Bibliology. The purpose of this site is to provide resources, discussions, and analysis on the Confessional view of Scripture as found in the Reformed Confessions. Here is a break