same
Matt Black,
You said...
"2. Re Pauline theology vs Jesus theology: in theory, both being the Word of God (IMO!), there should be no conflict, but in pratice Catholics and other 'higher' Churches emphasis the latter and evangelicals the former, thus creating conflict. For instance, the five Protestant solas are largely found in Paul's epistles, whereas some of Jesus' teaching (eg: the Sheep and the Goats in Matt 25) seem to suggest the necessity of good works."
Its all the word of God. It doesnt make an ounce of difference wether Jesus Christ said something that ended up in Gods scriptures or wether Paul said something that ended up in the scriptures.
There is without a doubt a progression of revelation in Gods scriptures. Pretty much everyone understands and acknowledges that we read the old testament "in light of" the new testament. Meaning that the new testament explains, clarifies and teaches in great detail things that are sometimes given obscurely...types and shadows...in the old testament.
What sometimes causes problems is when people fail to understand that the same thing applies to the Epistles in relation to the Gospels.
Jesus said...
"These things I have spoken to you in figurative language. But the time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but I will tell you plainly about the Father."
The
fullness of new covenant church doctrine is NOT found in the gospels but in the epistles. That shouldnt be a stumbling block, but for some strange reason with some it is.
There is absolutly nothing in the Gospels that comes even remotely close to the "in depth", comprehensive, and exaustive new covenant doctrinal teachings found in books like Romans, Galatians, Ephesians, Phillipians, Collosians and Hebrews.
That is where the
fullness of church doctrine is found.
Where Jesus might give a parable(that would have people scratching their heads), God would later give
three or 4 in depth and detailed chapters through Paul.(or someone else, but usually Paul)
Where Jesus might allude to and old testament "type" and give a quick little nugget of truth to chew on, God would later give chapter after chapter after chapter of clear, concise, detailed doctrinal truth.
Obviously, the idea that anyone would dismiss Paul to accept Christs teachings, or dismiss Christs teachings to heed Pauls teachings is ridiculous.
But the reality of the "progression of revelation" in the scriptures is so very important. The
new testament explains the
old, and the
epistles explain the
gospels.
I was speaking with someone a while back at work and this guy said..."But these are the words of CHRIST in the sermon on the mount!!!
I just couldnt get him to understand how irrelavent that is.
ANYTHING that
ends up in scripture is the WORD OF ALMIGHTY GOD!
The same God who WAS Jesus Christ also spoke and taught through Paul, Peter, and the others. (But regarding church doctrine, most voluminously through Paul.)
Grace and peace,
Mike