The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum "Scripture plus" principle of authority

I think you are missing a very crucial and fundamental fact. There were extant writings during David's time, e.g., the Pentateuch and possibly Job, which is the oldest of all the inspired writings. But the point which I think you need to consider and accept is the fact that David was one of those whom God inspired and through whom part of the Scriptures was to come through. Secondly, the manner in which God providentially governed men before the formation of the Canon, which I believe could be considered when John finished the book of Revelation, was far different than afterward. You say that there is no text which speaks of this, but I would beg to differ with you. I think that this passage speaks perspicuously and authoritatively concerning how God spoke and now speaks to men:

Hebrews 1:1-4 (ASV) God, having of old time spoken unto the fathers in the prophets by divers portions and in divers manners, hath at the end of these days spoken unto us in [his] Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds; who being the effulgence of his glory, and the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had made purification of sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; having become by so much better than the angels, as he hath inherited a more excellent name than they.

I am not going to give you a full-blown exegetical commentary on this passage, but what I would ask you to consider is the clear emphasis upon the "finality" of God's speaking to men and in the establishment of the kingdom in the Lord Christ, Who was the last of God's great Prophets. The apostle's were ordained and commissioned to spread the teachings of Christ as Prophet which were then written in letters, etc. Thus, the apostles were not a continuation of the prophetical office but rather spokesmen of and for Jesus Christ. Thus, God speaks to men through Christ and He in turn speaks to men through the writings of His representatives, who finalized His teachings in their inspired writings.

Further, we have such passages as 2Tim 3:16, which clearly says that the Scriptures are sufficient in and of themselves to instruct, guide, etc., in other words, in all areas of life. What we have in the Scriptures are not only specific commandments, etc., which guide us into what is true and false, right and wrong, pleasing to God and what is sin, but we have also have a complete volume of principles by which we are to use in making decisions. Too many people erroneously think that the Bible is and should be used like an encyclopedia. For example, if they want to know if they should by a Mercedes or a Pontiac Sunbird, they think they should be able to find the answer in the Bible, perhaps by consulting the section on "Shopping for automobiles"? However the Scriptures DO speak to even such decisions by way or principles which God has set forth, e.g., being a good steward, worldliness, desire for status before men, etc., etc. So, one should not expect to find a specific mandate for such decisions in Scripture. Nor, should they expect that God is going to whisper in their ear and tell them to go ahead and buy the Mercedes . . .or the Pontiac Sunbird.

Lastly, if one expects that God is somehow going to "speak to them" with specific guidance in all things pertaining to faith and godliness, then this view negates what the Scriptures teach concerning the doctrine of sanctification; i.e., that believers are to be responsible in "working out your salvation with fear and trembling"; to do good works, to glorify God in all that is done. Sanctification is synergistic. It is God and man working together toward a specific goal; holiness. If one expects that God is going to make all your decisions for you, then "responsibility" is nullified AND this also opens the possibility of God being charged with sinful acts. How many times have we heard from very deranged individuals, e.g., those who bomb abortion clinics, murder their fellowman, steal from others, prostitute their bodies, etc., that the reason they did what they did was because, "God told me to do it"? This can and also extends to those who cause schism in churches, setup private parachurch ministries, those who leave their work and even families to go to the mission field?

Personally, when I hear such claims by people that they did this or that because God told them that this is what they should do, it is evident to me, that what they are actually doing is taking any responsibility from themselves and putting it squarely upon God. I mean, who is going to question the veracity of their words and/or acts if GOD said to do it? Additionally, this type of claim is often used to bilk money from the unwary when they are told that GOD spoke to this person and told them that if they could raise, $xxxxxx in funds, then He would pour out His blessing,etc.

Lastly, I suspect that your present circumstance(s) in regard to this failed or tenuous relationship is greatly influencing your thinking; i.e., you are wanting to KNOW, not only what you should do but also a sort of guarantee that if you do what God wants you to do, then the outcome will be "perfect". Sorry..... but it ain't gonna happen. Decisions of this sort do not come from God but from knowing the abiding Word of God and all that it teaches by way of direct commandment and by its encompassing principles. We are to walk by faith . . . not sight. Stumbling is part of the Christian life. Making wrong decisions are part of the Christian life. And through all our stumbling, sins and wrong choices, we come to depend more upon the forgiveness of God in Christ Jesus and grow in grace. This exactly what Paul prayed for the believers at Colossae. Take note of the basis upon which they were to live and know God:

Colossians 1:9-14 (ASV) For this cause we also, since the day we heard [it], do not cease to pray and make request for you, that ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, to walk worthily of the Lord unto all pleasing, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, unto all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks unto the Father, who made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love; in whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins:

In His Grace,