Is the affirmation of the moral legitimacy of same-sex sexuality grounds for church discipline if the believer affirms the inerrancy and authority of Scripture?
Affirming biblical inerrancy is necessary, but it does not guarantee an accurate handling of the biblical text. Paul told Timothy, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15). The task of interpreting Scripture is indeed complex, but the character of Scripture provides us with a basic framework for the interpretive process: read Scripture as God speaking; interpret Scripture by other Scripture; affirm and presuppose the theological unity of Scripture; and approach Scripture with faith seeking understanding. The only way one can neutralize and subvert the clear teachings of
Scripture-so clear that even the most honest advocates of the sexual revolution admit its consistent negative judgment-is by treating Scripture as something other than inerrant. Regrettably, many who claim to affirm the inerrancy of Scripture treat Scripture as if it is not.
Scripture-so clear that even the most honest advocates of the sexual revolution admit its consistent negative judgment-is by treating Scripture as something other than inerrant. Regrettably, many who claim to affirm the inerrancy of Scripture treat Scripture as if it is not.
Furthermore, we must always remember that the interpretive community of Scripture is not the individual-the interpretive community of Scripture is the believing church. This does not mean we should adopt a Roman Catholic notion of an authoritative magisterium within the church. Nor does this suggest an anointed priesthood. Instead, the New Testament points to the believing congregation as the interpretive community of Scripture. Ir is simply not enough to affirm the inerrancy of Scripture propositionally. One must also stand with today's faithful believers and those throughout the ages in their reading of and obedience to God's Word.
