In the last issue I introduced the Eastern Church’s idea of Theoria with regard to the Bible. Thus it is obvious that the interpretation of the Scriptures according to Theoria mandates not only a recognition of the Bible’s inspiration, but that we too, as students of the Bible, be enlightened by the same Spirit. Before Pentecost, even the Disciples were often confused as to the exact meaning of many of Christ’s words. Truly, how can one ever discern the spiritual meaning of the Scriptures without the Spirit’s inspiration? Today we too will become confused if we try to interpret the Scriptures in disregard of the Spirit’s ministry.

God’s Word is not bound by ink or held captive by bookbinding. His Word existed before the invention of books and would continue to exist even if e3very Bible were destroyed. God’s Word is the “Living Voice” which those who have united themselves to Christ can bear witness to as being of God. Thus, God’s Word is understood in relationship, not in reading. The early Church was in deep communion with God’s Word not because they had a Bible, but because they had a New Covenant relationship with the Living Word, Jesus Christ.

The Truth of God’s Word has been revealed not only to God’s people but in God’s people. This gives the members of the Church alone the ability to understand the Scripture as Scripture. This divinely orchestrated marriage of Spirit and humanity makes the Bible truly sufficient in the Church. Unlike the heretics, the Church’s members recognize its true message, for the “anointing of truth” which rests upon them lets them know the teaching. The Bible is their book and they are of the “like Spirit” with it. Their Christian life and experience, which includes the experiences of their brethren before them, attests to the Bible’s true teaching.

Without question, the Scriptures are an invaluable and essential expression of Divine Tradition. But when they are set apart from the Holy Spirit’s ministry in the Church, they are no longer “a sure foundation.” Outside the Church, the Bible’s stabilizing legs are cut off by contradictory interpretations of “individuals”. Our call to understand the Scriptures in concert with the Church prevents such an abuse. But this attentiveness to the Church is not an exhortation to sleepily submit to an ecclesiastical court. It is a call to take responsibility: to evaluate the reasons behind our present beliefs instead of accepting them without question. Hopefully this has brought some light to you on inspiration!