Torch, Fall/Winter 2012

Finding Truth and Certainty in Scripture The Bible contains many important principles about what can be known and how it can be known. God is frequently presented as unlimited in knowledge. For example, Psalm 147:5 says, “Great is our Lord and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite.” Colossians 2:3 states that in Christ “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” God has revealed many aspects of what He knows through the natural world (Psa. 19:1–6; Rom. 1:20), through His work in history (Ex. 7:3–5), through human conscience (Rom. 2:14–15), through the ministry of Christ on earth (Heb. 1:1–3), through the Bible (Psa. 19:7–10; 2 Tim. 3:16–17), through His direct speech to humans (Matt. 3:17), and through agents such as prophets, apostles, and angels. God, however, has not revealed all that He knows (Deut. 29:29), with the result that humans can comprehend only part of His ways (Job 26:14). In addition, when Adam and Eve fell into sin, the human race became corrupted (Gen. 3:1–7; Rom. 5:12–19), and as a result the human mind was distorted (1 Cor. 2:14; Eph. 4:17–19). However, God has revealed some things in clear and absolute language so that humans can indeed know them (1 John 5:13) through the teaching of the Holy Spirit (John 16:13; 1 Cor. 2:10–13). As we consider all of these biblical principles together, what can we understand about truth and certainty? How can we translate these ambiguous terms into other words that we can comprehend clearly? In contrast to much of contemporary thought, the Bible teaches that there is an objective body of reality that is known fully by the all-knowing God. Because God has spoken through various means, humans are able to acquire reliable knowledge from Him. But God has not revealed the full extent 20 TORCH Cedarville Takes a Clear Stand I n August 2006, the Cedarville University Board of Trustees approved a resolution addressing the subjects of truth and certainty. The following statement, also prepared by the board of trustees, serves as an executive summary and articulates the essence of the complete resolution: The Holy Scriptures, as found in the books contained in the Old and New Testaments, constitute a sure and certain revelation from God. The Scriptures are both inerrant (con- tain no error) and infallible (will not lead astray). The limitations in human ability and the ravages of sin interfere with our ability to interpret the Bible’s message, but the message is true and certain in its entirety. The great doctrines of the faith are given in the Holy Scriptures with such clarity that we can be wholly certain of these truths. To learn more, visit www.cedarville.edu/truth .