On Handling Evidence

If six people received the same (uninspired) letter from a friend, the basic elements involved in interpreting the letter would be: (1) the letter itself, and (2) the handling of the content of the letter. Similarly, before anyone can be a good student of the Bible (i.e., accurately interpret the message God has for man), he must understand that the basic elements involved in Biblical interpretation are: (1) the total evidence, and (2) the handling of that evidence.

Though God through Scripture was only giving one message (Acts 17:11) to everyone (just as the “friend” in his letter to the six meant to do), failure on either of these two basic elements may (and very likely will) result in conflicting Bible interpretations by different people. Since most of us use texts of the Bible that are alike, this practically eliminates the problem of our receiving a “different letter”as being the primary cause of contradictory interpretations and divisive doctrines. So what is left to claim responsibility for such? The “handling” of the content as it involves logic or illogic.

The Evidence Itself

The phrase, the evidence, is synonymous with the expression, the total context, and refers to the adding together of three things: (1) the specific statement of the Bible under consideration, (2) the immediate context of that statement, and (3 the remote context of that statement. It is important to understand the meaning of these expressions.

Handling the Evidence

The mere reading (or even memorization) of the Bible text is not sufficient to guarantee that one will understand what the Bible actually teaches. One must surely know what the Bible says, that is, he must know the actual (explicit) statements making up Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. Additionally, one must learn how the various statements, paragraphs, chapters, and books relate to one another.

Rational or Irrational?

Basically, there are only two alternatives as to how one will react to evidence: (1) he can choose to be rational, or (2) he can choose to be irrational. Since the religious world has available for its use exactly the same totality of Bible statements or evidence, it should be perfectly clear to us all that it is not enough merely to know what the evidence consists of. One must also properly interpret that evidence. One can learn what the Bible means only by correctly reasoning about what the Bible says. In short, one must correctly apply the principles and rules of logic to the totality of statements making up the entire Bible.

Terry M. Hightower

“IF, AND ONLY IF…”

The title above expresses a formula in logic and mathematics regarding compound statements (i.e., “biconditionals”). The formula (IFF, abbrev.) applies if, and only if both statements are of exactly the same “truth value.” The IFF formula is a powerful way of expressing propositional facts and truths that are incontrovertible.  

The New Testament contains several statements that readily demonstrate this formula, but which men deny or ignore on a large scale to their own present and future detriment. Consider the following:  

“Except ye believe that I am he, ye shall die in your sins” (John 8:24). One will avoid dying in sin and being eternally condemned if, and only if one believes Jesus’ Deity claims. Those who deny that Jesus is the only begotten of the Father will be lost.  

“Except ye repent, ye shall all…perish” (Luke 13:3, 5). One will avoid perishing (eternally) if, and only if one repents of his sins (i.e., turns from them in purpose and in practice). Those who continue in sin will be lost eternally.  

“Except one be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). One may/can enter into God’s kingdom (either its earthly or heavenly state) if, and only if one is born of water and the Spirit. Jesus will deliver up to God in the heavenly kingdom only those who are in His kingdom here below (I Corinthians 15:24).  

“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16a). One will be saved from the ravages, guilt, and consequence (both now and in eternity) if, and only if one believes the Gospel and is baptized according to New Testament teaching. All others will not be saved (i.e., they will be lost).  

“Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins” (Acts 2:38). One will receive remission (forgiveness) of sins if, and only if one repents of his sins and is baptized according to New Testament teaching. Those who fail to do so will arrive at The Judgment with unforgiven sins and will thus be lost.  

“He [Jesus] became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation” (Hebrews 5:9). One will receive eternal salvation if, and only if one obeys Jesus Christ. It is not enough merely to believe in Him; one’s salvation depends upon obeying Him.  

“Be baptized, and wash away thy sins” (Acts 22:16). One’s sins are washed away if, and only if one is baptized according to New Testament teaching. Baptism is the God-ordained act in which one is cleansed of sin through the blood of Christ (I Peter 1:18–19; Revelation 1:5).  

These are but a few of many such statements indicating immutable Truth concerning eternal salvation damnation.

Dub McClish