Irrelevant Proof Texts
The sermon critiques the misuse of Scripture by Wesleyan writers, highlighting the importance of using pertinent proof texts and the consequences of misinterpreting Scripture.
Daniel Steele criticizes the Wesleyan theory of sanctification, accusing its advocates of misinterpreting and misusing Scripture to support their beliefs. He points out that even prominent figures in Methodism, including the founder, have promoted this doctrine with strong proof texts that, upon closer examination, do not necessarily align with the intended meaning. Steele argues that sanctification is a decisive work, not a continuous process, and highlights the importance of interpreting Scripture accurately and contextually.
Text
COMPLAINT is made of "unwarrantable perversions of Scripture to which the special advocates of this theory (the Wesleyan) find themselves driven. The utmost violence is continually done both to the text and the context." This is a sweeping accusation brought against a whole class of writers, not against some more zealous than wise in the promotion of this doctrine and experience.
The author well knows that some of the strongest men in Methodism have specially advocated this doctrine, beginning with its founder, the scholarly Oxonian, and that they used strong and pertinent proof texts, some of which he quotes on page 171 in a lump, and then makes this brief comment on them in the gross that they contain "no note of time whatever, and not the slightest suggestion of the peculiar doctrine to maintain which they have been so strenuously laid hold of." Any jury of twelve laymen with a common school education would decide that these texts all relate to the present life and not to the resurrection; and any jury of candid Greek scholars, noting the aorist tenses, would give a unanimous verdict that the sanctification was not a continuous series of acts, but a decisive work, done once for all.
While slurring over these great texts, he finds room to amplify on irrelevant texts to the extent of several pages.
Sermon Outline
- The Problem of Irrelevant Proof Texts
- The Author's Knowledge of the Issue
- The Author's Misuse of Scripture
- The Consequences of Misusing Scripture
- Misleading the audience
- Undermining the authority of Scripture
Key Quotes
“The utmost violence is continually done both to the text and the context.” — Daniel Steele
“Any jury of twelve laymen with a common school education would decide that these texts all relate to the present life and not to the resurrection;” — Daniel Steele
“Any jury of candid Greek scholars, noting the aorist tenses, would give a unanimous verdict that the sanctification was not a continuous series of acts, but a decisive work, done once for all.” — Daniel Steele
Application Points
- It is essential to carefully consider the context and meaning of Scripture to avoid misinterpreting its message.
- Using pertinent proof texts can provide a clear and accurate understanding of Scripture, while irrelevant texts can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.
- The authority of Scripture should be respected and its message interpreted in a way that is faithful to its original meaning.