Fundamental Questions

What are fundamental questions? They are often overlooked and neglected. Even in Christian circles. We never really get beyond the fact that we believe something. How often do you ask the question "why?". Children in learning ask this question to the annoyance of their parents but it is a great question that should not be discouraged but encouraged. Why do we, as we mature, cease to ask why? "What is the reason for this? What does this really mean?" You believe X, Y, and Z, but why? This is the question of the philosophers of the past. They were in search of the answers to this question. They asked "why?" to everything. They would try to go beyond what seemed to be obvious and come to some satisfaction in their minds. We as Christians should be in the habit of asking why. Because by asking this question and finding it in the source of all truth, the Word, we will be able to better answer those who ask us "for the reason of the hope that is in us". We must be able to say why we believe what we believe. We will also be better grounded ourselves. We will be more convinced of our own belief when we know why we believe them not only that we believe them.

These questions are what brought me to a greater understanding of God and ultimately to a desire for Him. I was challenged in my early teen years to answer these questions. I knew what I believed but I did not really know why I believed it. How do I know that what I believe is right? It is easier to know what you believe than why you believe it. Until I really searched out these things I just believed what I had been taught. The strength of my faith was very weak because it was not my faith but my parent's faith. I was standing on their beliefs not my own. My foundation now is much stronger than it was then. The faith of a child was great but it was not placed where it should be placed. We are to have the faith of a child, but that faith is to be in the Word not the views of anyone else… even those of godly men. So even my posts here I want the Word alone to convince you not just my views of the Word.

I want to begin to consider several key things over my next few blog posts. Exact topics are yet to be determined but by posting this I feel like I obligate myself to get to it soon! We'll see if it gets done! There is no way to be exhaustive but I will attempt to be thorough and conclusive to the best of my ability. If you have any ideas I am open to consider them.

"The faith will totter if the authority of the Holy Scriptures loses its hold on men. We must surrender ourselves to the authority of Holy Scripture, for it can neither mislead or be misled." – Augustine

In Submission to the Word,

Justin

Eis Ton Logon - An Introduction

So... this is my second attempt at a blog. My last one lasted for about 3 posts before it was neglected. Lord willing this one will endure beyond its predecessor. Now as to the name of this blog: What does it mean and why did I choose it? "Eis ton logon" is koine Greek (the Greek of the New Testament) for "into the word".

I am committed to a high view of scripture. I believe that the Bible in its original manuscripts is the Word of God and is thus verbally and plenarily inspired, inerrant, unalterable, and the ONLY source of absolute truth. It is because of this truth that I will, and must, stand on it alone.
I want to be able to say as Martin Luther did in the Reformation,

"I have made a covenant with God that He sends me neither visions, dreams, nor even angels. I am well satisfied with the gift of the Holy Scriptures, which give me abundant instruction and all that I need to know both for this life and for that which is to come. "

The question I always want to ask, and then try to answer, is this: What does the Word say? And to find out I must get "into the word". I recognize my own weakness and welcome any constructive and loving criticism based on the Word of God.
Now - "Into the Word!"
Justin