Introduction
I was once told by an avid defender of Reformed Theology that human filtering from Reformation leaders was necessary. He claimed that Scripture had been lost for a time, then rediscovered by Catholicism and misinterpreted. It was implied that, without human filtering, the biblical message would be unknowable.
To illustrate the very sad results of what dependence upon human filtering can do, please consider the words of John 3:16.
If the humanistic filters of Calvin’s T.U.L.I.P. are applied to the most quoted verse in all the Bible, this would be the sad results.
“For God so loved some of the world (“Unconditional Election”) that He gave His only begotten Son, that just a select few (“Limited Atonement”) who are made to believe by God’s unconditional predestination (“Irresistible Grace”) will be once saved always saved (“Perseverance of the Saints”) and cannot possibly lose their everlasting life because they are not free to make freewill choices.”
On the other hand, John 3:16 according to Jesus reads like this:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (KJV)
Q: Who are you going to trust, human filtering or the undiluted, Divinely preserved words of Jesus?
Far too many begin with Calvin and make the Bible adapt to his views. Others start with the Bible and quickly discover that many of Calvin’s views cannot adapt to the Bible.
On the following pages, you will find 7 principles of the Divine preservation of Scripture.
1. God’s Promise
2. God’s Presentation
3. God’s Parallels
4. God’s Protection
5. God’s Prophecy
6. God’s Priming
7. God’s Prime Directive
Yes, you can trust in the Divine preservation of the inspired Word. Use it in your personal Bible study. Test every preacher, teacher and church leader by it. Filter all doctrines through it.
Man cannot be trusted with the greatest message of all time. In order to be sure of God’s message, always let the Bible interpret the Bible.