Everything Is Illuminated

It has become commonplace in popular Christian culture for readers of Scripture to simultaneously neglect the doctrines of inspiration and illumination yet attempt to follow Scripture’s instruction for living. The result is often confused application of Scripture and quasi-religious living, devoid of the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. The issue at hand is the cultural minimizing of the role and power of Scripture in the life of a believer. The result is neglecting the doctrines of inspiration and illumination, yet striving for application of Scripture through obedient living. While practical faith is of much importance, what is overlooked and neglected is the revelatory nature of Scripture: the inspired authority, illumined understanding, and empowered obedience that follows. The true purpose of Scripture is to see Christ. Neglecting inspiration and illumination results in a failure to see true mission and true good works: the missio Dei and the gospel work of Jesus Christ.

An Inseparable Connection

Although inseparable, it should be noted that good works follow the saving grace of the gospel. The evidence of this grace is the good works that result. The Holy Spirit applies the redeeming work of Christ to the believer. Scripture is the means by which this grace is understood as the gospel message is communicated through the Word. The Holy Spirit works through Scripture both in inspiration and illumination. These two facets of his work are closely connected and inseparable. Each hinges on the other for efficacious application of Scripture, and the evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work is the obedient living of believers. The Word and the Spirit are inseparable. The Scripture is authoritative because it is inspired. Scripture can only be understood by illumination. Illumination is effective in producing obedience. Whether one is a preaching pastor or a new believer, the inseparable connection between the Word and the Spirit are vital. This series will explore some facets of this connection: the initial and ongoing work of the Spirit in and through the Word. To be continued.