|
 We
do not know who first used the expression “necessary inference”
but its equivalent found in works of Aristotle and other Greek
teachers of the reasoning process. When evidence is collected
and we draw a conclusion, the conclusion is our inference.
It is “necessary” to the extent the evidence demands it.
There is a colloquial use of “inference,” i.e., “surmise,
guess, hint, etc.” but this is not its use in
legitimate discussion of reasoning and Bible authority.
I
would charitably assume that any gospel preacher knows that God
made His will known to man by sending His Holy Spirit to chosen
messengers, to guide them in speaking and writing what He wanted
us to know. It seems uncharitable to have to say that this
inspired message is understandable, for God’s process of
imparting information is thwarted if it is not. But how does man
understand the Bible? Exactly as he understands any other
written message. He must be able to read — to translate words
into mental images. He accumulates information, contemplates,
reasons, and draws conclusions. These conclusions are “inferred”
in the strict and logical meaning of the term.
The
inspired history written by Luke records that Peter commanded
some people in Jerusalem to “repent and be baptized.”
|
|
This is related to God’s promise to those
“afar off.” We have sufficient evidence to conclude that
this was a portion of the message Christ wanted proclaimed to
“every creature” so we “necessarily infer” that we also
must repent and be baptized. Our understanding is the
result of a process of human reasoning upon the word God.
That
reasoning can be true and productive of good (2 Tim. 2:15; Eph.
3:4) or it can be faulty and productive of bad (2 Pet. 3:16);
depending upon the attitude and purpose one has in approaching
God’s word (Jn. 7:17). We may “infer” without sufficient
evidence — and that is why “evidence is prefixed to “inference”
when discussing Bible interpretation. We are individually
responsible before our use of His message.
But
the miracle of revelation in the giving and confirming, not
in the process of reception. God made the man, for whom He made
the word.
Is
a “necessary inference” binding upon the conscience? Yes!
When careful study of God’s word impresses with an inescapable
conclusion, ever conveyed, you must receive it or be untrue to
yourself and to God.
[Previous
Article] [Next
Article]
|
