session five discussion 10

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Colorado Christian University *

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101A

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Religion

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Dec 6, 2023

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docx

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Uploaded by MegaLightningLoris25

The defections from traditional Christianity in the 20th century have prompted two critical responses. The first is in J. Gresham Machen's Journal, and the second is in the Chicago Statement on Inerrancy. These responses defend the authority and inerrancy of Scripture as a traditional Christian belief. As we examine the relevance of Machen and the Chicago Statement for believers today, let's take a closer look at some of their key points. We will explore their historical context and their application to contemporary church concerns. The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy was drafted in 1978 to address challenges to the authority of the Bible that had arisen in the 20th century. It affirms that the Bible is without error in all its teachings. According to the statement, "Holy Scripture...is the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried." This emphasizes the unwavering commitment to the Bible's complete trustworthiness. The statement acknowledges the historical context of Scripture and its different literary forms but insists that these do not compromise its inerrancy. It recognizes the importance of interpreting Scripture within its historical and literary context. In his work "Christianity and Liberalism," Machen argued against the growing trend of theological liberalism in the early 20th century. He emphasized the importance of adhering to traditional Christian teachings and stressed the centrality of the Gospel message. Machen believed that Christians needed to understand the contrast between the teachings of Christianity and those of its modern rival. He stated, "If we are to be true Christians, then what we teach matters enormously, and it is not irrelevant to compare the teachings of Christianity with those of its chief modern rival" (Machen, J.G. 1923). Machen strongly emphasizes the authority of the Bible as the foundation of the Christian faith. He says, "Christianity finds all its roots in a book." This highlights the utmost importance of Scripture as believers' ultimate source of truth. Furthermore, Machen stresses the significance of the Gospel message, which lies at the core of Christianity. He critiques the liberal movement for watering the Gospel and reducing Christianity to a mere ethical system. Machen believes that salvation through Christ's atonement for sin is the central message of the Gospel, and this message should remain the focus of the Christian faith. The points made by Machen and the Chicago Statement on Inerrancy are highly relevant for modern-day believers, given the ongoing challenges to traditional Christian beliefs. In a world where various worldviews and ideologies compete for attention, the authority of Scripture remains crucial. To anchor their faith in

the unchanging Word of God, believers must prioritize the Gospel message and proclaim the message of salvation through Christ, resisting any attempts to dilute or redefine it. Affirming the inerrancy of Scripture provides believers with a solid foundation for their faith and helps address doubts and uncertainties, ensuring that God's Word can be trusted in all matters. Recognizing the historical context of Scripture can enhance our understanding of its teachings, allowing for a deeper and more nuanced interpretation of biblical passages. These points can be applied in the life of a local church in the following ways: - Teaching and Preaching: It is crucial to ensure that the teaching and preaching in the church is rooted in Scripture and prioritizes the Gospel message. - Doctrinal Clarity: Upholding and emphasizing the doctrine of biblical inerrancy is crucial to building a solid theological foundation within the congregation. -Historical Education: Providing opportunities for church members to learn about the historical context of the Bible can deepen their understanding of its teachings. Both Machen and the Chicago Statement on Inerrancy provide valuable arguments supporting traditional Christian doctrine. They emphasize the importance of Scripture's authority, the Gospel's centrality, and the Bible's inerrancy. These points are still relevant for contemporary believers and can be implemented in local churches to maintain and strengthen Christian teachings amidst a dynamic world. Marchen, J.G. (1923). Christianity and Liberalism. New York: MacMillan. Retrieved from http://www.ccel.org/m/machen/liberalism/home.html less

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