Passionate Theology Moments Ep. 6 Opening Scripture by Patrick Fairbairn
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Join us as we look at the first paragraph of Patrick Fairbairns work entitled "Opening Scripture"
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- Today, during Passionate Theology Moments, we're going to be looking at the first paragraph of Patrick Fairbairn's work entitled
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- Opening Scripture. Now the parenthetical title for this work is somewhat of a long statement, but let's read it.
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- A hermeneutical manual introducing the exegetical study of the New Testament.
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- I know some of you might be thinking to yourself, how can such a cold, dead statement put forth any kind of passion?
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- How can such a title spur or spark enthusiasm, excitement, and joy in the heart of the believer?
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- Well, it is just this energy, it is just this passion, it is just this enthusiasm that Patrick Fairbairn sets forth in this work.
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- He sets forth the importance for the man of God, for the gospel preacher, to understand and to rightly divide his word.
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- And so let's read this first paragraph concerning the original language of the
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- New Testament. And, as well, from its importance as from the peculiar character of the investigations belonging to it, this is now fitly assigned to a distinct branch of biblical study.
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- Next to it, in order and certainly not inferior in importance, is a correct and discriminating acquaintance with the original language of Scripture and the principles that should guide our inquiries into its meaning and purport.
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- All theology that is really sound and that will stand the test of time must have its foundation here.
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- The Reformers, to their credit, clearly perceived this and were hence led to doctrinal results, which in the main never have been and never can be displaced.
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- They proceeded on the sound maxim of Melanchthon that Scripture cannot be understood theologically unless it has been understood grammatically.
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- In such statements, of course, the term grammatical must be taken in its wider sense as comprehending all that is necessary to a just discernment of the import and spirit of the original language.
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- And if such a critical acquaintance with the mere language of sacred Scripture be but one element of success, it is still an element, a very peculiar moment to the well -furnished theologian, since it has respect to the ultimate source of all that is sound and valuable in theological attainment.
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- Thanks again for joining us for this Passionate Theology Moment.