Summary:
...No prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. God hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son (the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us). Jesus said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
...Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught. And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?
...Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
...Jesus said, These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.
...Reason
out of the scriptures: The holy scriptures, which are able to
make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ
Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable
for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished
unto all good works. For through him we both have access by one
Spirit unto the Father. Study to shew thyself approved unto God,
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the
word of truth. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God,
that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall
be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For
he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind
and tossed. Henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro,
and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight
of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive:
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things,
which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly
joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth,
according to the effectual working in the measure of every part,
maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
The word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart,
that thou mayest do it. The word of the Lord endureth for ever.
And this is the word which
by the gospel is preached unto you.
...Your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery (allegorically; comparing spiritual things with spiritual), even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
...If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
...As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God. The word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it. The word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. For one is your Master, even Christ. Who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
Further reading:
(1) Know this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, 2Pe0120,21.
(2) God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son (the Word was made flesh, Jhn0114), whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows, Heb0101-09.
(3) And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? Heb0110-14.
(4) For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him, Jhn0117,18. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him, Jhn0334. The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life, Jhn0663.
(5) Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself, Heb0725-27.
(6) For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin, Heb1014-18.
(7) Therefore
being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord
Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace
wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And
not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation
worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad
in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when
we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the
ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure
for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth
his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ
died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood,
we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were
enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much
more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not
only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
by whom we have now received the atonement, Rom0501-11.
(8) Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into
the temple, and taught. And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth
this man letters, having never learned? Jesus answered them, and
said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man
will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be
of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself
seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent
him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him, Jhn0714-18.
(9) For
he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth
not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son,
and hath given all things into his hand. He that believeth on
the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son
shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him, Jhn0334-36.
(10) Jesus said, If a man love me, he will keep my words:
and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make
our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings:
and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which
sent me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present
with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the
Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and
bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto
you (and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him, Heb0203).
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world
giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither
let it be afraid, Jhn1423-27.
(11) This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved, Act0411,12.
(12) Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? Heb0201-04.
(13) And my (Paul's) speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory, 1Co0204-08.
(14) Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin. He that hateth me hateth my Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause. But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning, Jhn1520-27.
(15) The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it, Luk1616.
(16) Christ sent me (Paul) not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men, 1cO0117-25.
(17) I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ, Gal0106-12.
(18) But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me, Gal0206.
(19) As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power, Col0206-10. But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ, 1Co1103. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved, Act0412.
(20) As it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ, 1Co0209-16.
(21) If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself, 1Tm0603-05.
(22) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness, 2Tm0215,16.
(23) Reason
out of the scriptures, Act1702. The holy scriptures, which are
able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in
Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and
is profitable
for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished
unto all good works, 2Tm0315-17. The anointing which ye have received
of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you:
but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth,
and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide
in him, 1Jn0227.
(24) Study
to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not
to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. If any of you
lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally,
and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask
in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave
of the
sea driven with the wind and tossed, Jas0105,06.
(25) Be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love, Eph0414-16. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God, 1Pe0410,11. For one is your Master, even Christ, Mat2310. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you, 1Pe0125.
(26) If
ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is
given me (Paul) to youward: How that by revelation he made known
unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby,
when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of
Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of
men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets
by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of
the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace
of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto
me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given,
that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches
of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the
mystery, which from the
beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things
by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities
and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the
manifold wisdom of
God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ
Jesus our Lord. In whom we have boldness and access with confidence
by the faith of him, Eph0302-12. For through him we both have
access by one Spirit unto the Father, Eph0218.
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e-mail: bryanspencer@precepts.org