Sufficiency of the Bible

By Reverend Mark Hunnemann

We have come to the end of our series on the attributes of the Word of God. If we are living in the last times then this is especially indispensable information to grasp.The last is also, in a sense, the most important--the sufficiency of Scripture. Or, Sola Scriptura as the reformers called it. We may define it thus: Scripture contains all the divine words needed for any and all aspects of human life.Here is the Westminster Confession formulation. (this is a wonderful teaching tool, but it is not infallible)

The whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for His own glory, man's salvation, faith and life, is either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from Scripture: unto which nothing at any time is to be added, whether by new revelations of the Spirit, or traditions of men. Nevertheless, we acknowledge the inward illumination of the Spirit of God to be necessary for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in the Word: and that there are some circumstances concerning the worship of God, and government of the church, common to human actions and societies, which are to be ordered by the light of nature, and Christian prudence, according to the general rules of the Word, which are always to be observed." (WCF 1.6)  I will look at a few of these concepts.

Christians sometimes say the bible is sufficient for theology and spiritual matters but not for auto repair, scuba diving, zoology, or dentistry. Certainly the bible has more specific information relevant to theology than to auto mechanics, but that is not what we mean by sufficiency. In this context sufficiency is not sufficiency of specific information but sufficiency of divine words. Scripture has divine words for every aspect of human life. It contains all the divine words that the plumber needs--or scientist and modern ethicist-- and all the divine words that the theologian or preacher needs. So it is just as sufficient for plumbing as it is for theology! And we shall spend extra time showing how sufficient the bible is regarding paranormal issues.

Notice that the WCF states that the sufficient content of  the bible includes not only its explicit teaching, but what also may be properly logically deduced from it. Logic is a hermeneutical (interpretation) tool...a tool for bringing out meaning that is already there in the text.

Of course the sufficiency of Scripture means that nothing is to be added or subtracted to the bible--we do not need any more divine words than those in the bible. This does not forbid seeking information from other sources--our job requires it...and life in general.The last section of the WCF mentions the use of natural revelation--even regarding some issues in the church dealing with worship and government (Roberts' Rules...uugh!!)  Jesus had harsh words for the religious folks who elevated their traditions to the status of divine words.(Mark 7:8) The theological heritage I hold dear (Presbyterian/Reformed) has some traditions regarding worship which I know to be unbiblical...that is why we must be ever reforming!

2 Tim. 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." "(see Rom.15:4   "Every" refers to sufficiency.

Scripture is clear enough to make us responsible for carrying out our present responsibilities to God. Like clarity, sufficiency is an ethical doctrine. It takes away excuses for disobedience. When we violate God's commandments, we cannot claim that they were unclear, or that they were insufficient. (John Frame--The Doctrine of the Word of God...pg 226)

Here is a crucial text for applying across the situational board...1 Cor. 10:31  "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."  And Col. 3:23 "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men."

The other day I was outside cutting the lawn, and I asked myself how the sufficiency of Scripture applied to that activity?I smiled as I remembered 1 Cor. 10:31...it is interesting how practical the results can be when you earnestly attempt to cut the grass to God's glory!  You see, this verse is sufficient regarding the divine words that I needed. Of course, additional information is needed for whatever the vocation, but the divine words in the bible are sufficient! If you are a plumber (fill in the blank) and read the bible everyday, then the fresh illumination of the Holy Spirit will astound you with how relevant the bible is on a daily basis.

There are principles in Scripture which apply to EVERYTHING...including thorny modern ethical issues . There is sufficient divine words to render inexcusable the reprehensible wickedness of abortion. That is THE most significant social/moral issue in our country. God is merciful and forgiving to any of you affected..okay? If He has forgiven you, then that should be sufficient--forgive yourself and move on.

The cultural mandate in Gen. 1:28 implies the acquisition of information gleaned from general revelation for your job...including our studies at school and work. But God's divine words in the bible are sufficient for you.Let me gently urge you to apply throughout your day today just 1 Cor.10:31 and see what happens!

This is a large subject but I need to apply this to our paranormal context.Though Scripture is sufficient regarding every area of human life, it has MORE divine words if the issue is critical. For example, the bible is filled with texts regarding how to be saved..

The paranormal--from what we have learned, the bible contains what God considers sufficient information.

When I began research for my book back in 2009, I thought that I might write a short pamphlet on "what the bible says about who ghosts really are". Man, was I mistaken! What struck me early on was how massive and wide-ranging the ramifications were for believing that humans could get trapped here after death. It has a deleterious effect on EVERY major doctrine in the bible...not to mention the catastrophically futile attempt to fit the notion of ghosts within a biblical worldview.

Take Deuteronomy 18:9-22...that one text SHOULD be sufficient for Christians who are  curious, confused, or attempting communication with alleged dead people. In that text we are presented with a clear choice--glorifying God by listening/obeying God's clear and sufficient revelation as revealed by His prophets--or glorifying self (and grieving the Holy Spirit as well as coming under divine discipline...and demonic assault on you and your loved ones) by seeking supernatural information from God's hated enemies--demons. God or demons--which do you want to communicate with?

It will revolutionize how investigations are done, but Christians must not solicit EVP's...NEVER!

As we end this series, I remind you that Scripture which is not applied is contrary to what the whole purpose of Scripture is--APPLICATION!  Bowing before the sufficiency of Holy Scripture is bowing before the Lordship of Christ. Let us resolve to live Sola Scriptura!

What Are Shadow Figures?

By Reverend Mark Hunnemann

What are shadow figures? Most folks would answer that by saying that they are trapped human spirits. However, the more unmoored from a biblical worldview we become, the more “unreal” and fantastical the speculation has become regarding their identity. I have come to a different conclusion. It is true that, in addition to logic and science, I approach this issue from a biblical worldview, but as I argue in "Seeing Ghosts through God's Eyes"we all have a worldview and it informs and shapes our conclusions we come to just as "intrusively". We all wear worldview spectacles that affect the way we see data; I simply make mine explicit. (an important but distinct issue, is determining which worldview is true—corresponds to reality). The biblical worldview is coherent (internally consistent), and corresponds to what we know instinctively about ourselves and the world we live in. In an age of irrationality, which is unprecedented in the history of mankind, the bible trumpets the reality of true truth—which is objective and absolute—the Oracles of the Living God (bible) as we saw last week...

When I saw my first shadow figure—solid, black humanoid shaped--12 years ago, I knew instinctively what it was: a demon.Since then, I have experienced a lot of supernatural activity, and shadow figures seem to be the most common form it chooses to take—which is significant in itself. Let me give the reasons for why I believe ALLshadow figures are demonic in nature, and not a shadowy presence of a loved one.

First, our understanding of the nature of God is central to our worldviews--most of which are held unconsciously. The infinite/personal God of the Bible is holy. The refulgence of His glory is blinding…brighter than the noon-day sun. Jesus said He is the Light of the world as opposed to Satan who is the Prince of darkness, This is not a black versus white issue, it is a light versus darkness issue. I could pile up references that speak of good in terms of light and evil in terms of darkness (see John 3). Darkness signifies distance from God and affinity with evil. Now shadow figures are invariably dark. From head to toe there is no light emanating--just walking darkness. The sheer darkness would seem to suggest that they are “pure evil”…which is precisely what they are.

Second, logic and science imply that a self--existent and eternal God, as well as infinite and personal, had to create paranormal phenomena. An impersonal physical realm cannnot give rise to a supernatural end personal entity--that would be like water rising above its source. Having said that, do we really believe that God would create our essence (souls) to appear in such a fashion that they frighten loved ones when they see them? Some argue that in this case you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. As an author I know people do judge books by their cover and our first impressions of shadow figures are almost always fearful. I ask again—do we really think God would allow our essence to become so freaky looking that it scares the daylights out of loved one’s?

Third, if there is one word that summarizes the general behavior of shadow figures it is "furtive"--they slyly dart from shadow to shadow, trying to avoid detection, or are seen in one’s peripheral vision. (I know there are exceptions—they stand at the foot of one’s bed—but these exceptions prove the rule) Furtive behavior is normally associated with spiritual and moral decay. Consider the first furtive act in the history of mankind. After committing cosmic treason against a holy God, we are told that Adam and Eve slunk around in the garden ashamed of their nakedness--which was indicative of a spiritual and moral nakedness.. Hence, not only the appearance but the behavior of shadow figures belies their demonic nature. As pure evil,. they slink around, always aware of the GAZE of the holy God, against whom they have rebelled..

Yes, there are manifestations of shadow figures that stand at the foot of the bed, or rape the occupant in the bed, but most SHADOWS are caught out of the corner of the eye…are they not? I am not interested in sneering argument or endless conjecture—the presence of shadow figures are prominent in the demonic infestations that the Lord brings to me to cleanse. Often, it is the observed departure of a shadow figure demon, that signals their surrender and exit.

Fourth, while on earth an essential trait of our souls is invisibility. No surgeon has ever seen a soul, but they exist. How is it then that after we die, some souls gain the trait of potential visibility? Do you really believe that the shadow figure you saw the other night is the soul or essence of a human being? If so, who gave them this new ability to manifest as frightening looking shadows?. How did the essentially invisible, take on visivility?

Lastly, one of the widely held paranormal maxims is: as in life, so in death. If a man was a jerk while alive, then he will be a jerk as a ghost. If ghosts exist then that makes sense. I would press it further: upon death, there must be 100 percent continuity of moral character and personality. So shadow figures, or ghosts in general, must represent a true cross section of American citizens. Aunt Sally was an extrovert, never met a stranger, and she was very vocal about her love for Jesus. Where are the Aunt Sally’s in the shadow figure population? Or the whole alleged ghost population for that matter? I've heard a couple of EVP’s that say “God” or "Jesus", but where is the EVP expressing warm worship of Him? Where is the shadow figure that declares the gospel or asserts Jesus is their shield and defender? The “as in life, so in death” principle is shattered by these godless entities.

Jesus stated that what we say is expressive of the habits/nature of our hearts—whatever fills our hearts will come out of our mouths. Hence, the universal lack of praising the glory of the Person and work of Christ amongst shadow figures, gives us a glimpse into the Christ-hating habits of their hearts. If shadow figures are really demons, then this is precisely what one would expect. Ocham’s razor would indicate that the simplest explanation of the identity of shadow figures is that they are demonic.

A couple of further thoughts—these entities should NOT be referred to as “shadow people” because they are not people!! They are pure evil… unclean spirits, bent on the destruction of people. Amy Allan of the TV show The Dead Files is deathly afraid of these shadow creatures because, according to her, they almost killed her when she was four years old—they persuaded her to bite into an electrical cord. But she has stated that she has no clue as to who they are or where they come from. As with all paranormal entities, the true identity of shadow figures is not a paranormal or scientific issue—it is a theological issue. How sad that folks would get excited about observing that which intends to destroy them. For God’s glory, let us expel them in the name of Jesus.

Letter to the New Agers

By Stephen Piersall, God’s Preservation Ministry, http://sfprs.org/

The New-Age movement is running rampant across our country and has over 20 million enthusiastic members with focus and importance on individual personal holiness and its effects and principles on society. YOU the new agers would rather live without God, Bible, of the truth. Remember we reap what we sow. I remember going through school and always hearing “learn from our mistakes, learn from our past, and things will turn out to be a better life for you. Hmmmm

Let me give you a wake-up call from the past. How about Germany, in how Hitler’s Nazi regime disguised its eventual immoral objectives from most of humanity. This only validates how endangered we all are to the impulses of Satan. There is a thin obscure boundary between good and evil, and that is why we are in danger to false doctrines and will continue to live in and practice deception through Satan, Demons (ghosts), spirit guides, witches, psychics, mediums, ghost hunting, EVP's, spirit boxes, divination, etc. 

 

One thing about the new-age leaders is that they preach about awareness of self-deity. People do not even realize that they are performing the exact same worship to their “Gods" as what the real God has demanded for thousands of years. They instead embrace a theology of live for today. There is no Heaven or Hell, and these spirit guides come to him or her with messages. Only they don’t realize that it all is coming from Satan, which when he got kicked out of Heaven with 1/3^rd of the Angels, promised to wreak havoc and do what he could to turn people’s lives away from God. That is why you always hear how Satan, and His demons are a master of disguises.

Hey You, Ghost Hunter! Do you honestly believe if you were in a tragic accident, and your spouse and 5-year-old daughter died; some future ghost hunting team will find them stuck here on earth, and their spirit needs someone to pray for them to cross over? On the other hand, that your spouse who was a mean person, and mistreated you and your child and smoked, drank and used drugs, is still around to haunt people. Seriously?! 

 

My God is full of love and forgiveness, and not cruel and unjust like Satan. When a crisis occurs, the unbelievers fall apart, cry, and blame God for everything. Even in their own self-righteous minds, they still remain confused, angry, and troubled and blame everyone or anything. Where was your spirit guide, psychic medium, self-serving attitudes that you have to prevent this from happening?

All these unbelievers agree that the solution for everything is in their control. The arrogant mindset will not let them fall down on their knees and ask God for forgiveness. God instructs us to be humble and meek, love one another, and repent of our sinful ways, as well for us to forgive others of any infractions against you.

Recite the following out loud and slowly, and think about what these words mean:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

 

That is one powerful prayer, and it is short, straight to the point, and inspired by God himself. We all have to "report" to somebody for our actions, whether at work, parents, school, driving along the road. Why is it so hard to turn from your selfish ways and report to God? Some say we are at the beginning of “End of Days." Whether we are or not, I for one will continue to do what I can to walk the straight and narrow that God’s plan for my life dictates.

It is not too late to allow God into your life. Just read four books of the Bible to add to your New Year’s resolutions; Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The four Gospels that give witness to Jesus in how he loved, forgave, healed, cast out demons, and to give us all an example, of how we should live. 

 

On a side note, one of my pet peeves on blogs is when I read comments of gossip and bickering. It makes me wonder if it is children, or adults acting as children behind the “anonymous” name. Debating a point is a fair game. However, does it have to get so ridiculous and slam each other? Grow up, act responsible, be respectful, and stop hiding behind a fake name. Rodney King once said, “Can we all get along?”