SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY

By

Bernard Cox

Before we enter into the pros and cons of the manner in which theologians throughout time have pursued
the quest for truth and understanding of the Word of God, let us first determine Gods provided way
of receiving His truth.

AMOS 3:7 Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the
prophets.

And what has been the way of men?

JEREMIAH 18:18 Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not
perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us
smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.

And what has God to say of this...

JEREMIAH 28:9 The prophet which prophesieth of peace, when the word of the prophet shall come to
pass, then shall the prophet be known, that the LORD hath truly sent him.

MATTHEW 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips;
but their heart is far from me.

MATTHEW 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Does Gods Word prophesy of Him revealing the Word to Christians through prophets?

Perhaps we ought to define what the English language determines to be a prophet.

Def: Prophet: Someone who speaks by divine inspiration; someone who is an interpreter of the will of
God

The answer to the question is a solemn YES!

Jesus told of the fulfilling of Malachi 4: 5-6 in Matthew 17: 10-11 and in Mark 9: 12-13.

It should be noted that at the time of this prophecy being spoken by Jesus, John the Baptist, who walso
came, in the spirit of Elias, (Elijah) to prepare the way for the Lord... had already been beheaded.
And to ad... there wasnt a restoration required in the day of John the Baptist.

And just to confirm that this prophecy does not refer to John the Baptist, allow me to present scriptural
proof, (in context) of the elders and scribes of the Pharisees, (a denomination of that age) to ask
John if he was the prophet referred to in Malachi 4: 5-6... and he replied with a definite, NO!.

JOHN 1:19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask
him, Who art thou?

JOHN 1:20 And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.
JOHN 1:21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet?
And he answered, No.

I mention this because Proof Texting by theologians has erred in claiming that the following texts of
scripture pertain to John the Baptist. The fact is, the restoration refers to the restoration of the
original doctrines that the Roman Catholic Church corrupted sending the world into the Dark ages.

There are seven distinct church ages or eras throughout the Christian dispensation and to each age, God
sent a message via a messenger. We see this in the first chapter of Revelations and I refer to the
symbols of the Stars in the Hand of the Lord and the seven golden candlesticks in the midst wherein
Jesus was seen standing.

REVELATION 1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a
book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and
unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

REVELATION 1:12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven
golden candlesticks;

REVELATION 1:13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed
with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

REVELATION 1:16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp
twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

REVELATION 1:20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven
golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven
candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

Returning to the presentation of the prophecies...

MATTHEW 17:10 And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first
come?

MATTHEW 17:11 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all
things.

MARK 9:11 And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come?

MARK 9:12 And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it
is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought.

MARK 9:13 But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they
listed, as it is written of him.

We also find the ministry described in Luke 17: 30...

LUKE 17:26 And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.

LUKE 17:27 They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that
Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.

LUKE 17:28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold,
they planted, they builded;

LUKE 17:29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and
destroyed them all.
LUKE 17:30 EVEN THUS SHALL IT BE IN THE DAY WHEN THE SON OF MAN IS
REVEALED.

This final ministry in our age, the restoration ministry of the seventh of seven as previously noted
messengers, is again described in Revelations 10:7

REVELATION 10:7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, THE
MYSTERY OF GOD SHOULD BE FINISHED, As He Hath Declared To His Servants The
Prophets.

These seven ministries are recorded in Revelations chapters 2 and 3.

REVELATION 2:1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus, (Paul) write; These things saith he that
holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;

REVELATION 2:2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them
which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found
them liars:

REVELATION 2:3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not
fainted.

REVELATION 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

REVELATION 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works;
or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou
repent.

REVELATION 2:6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

REVELATION 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that
overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

REVELATION 2:8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna, (Irenaeus) write; These things saith the
first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

REVELATION 2:9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich ) and I know the
blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

REVELATION 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some
of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto
death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

REVELATION 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that
overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

REVELATION 2:12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos (Martin) write; These things saith he
which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

REVELATION 2:13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou
holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my
faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

REVELATION 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the
doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat
things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
REVELATION 2:15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

REVELATION 2:16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the
sword of my mouth.

REVELATION 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that
overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone
a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

REVELATION 2:18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira, (Columba) write; These things saith
the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;

REVELATION 2:19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy
works; and the last to be more than the first.

REVELATION 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman
Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit
fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

REVELATION 2:21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

REVELATION 2:22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great
tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.

REVELATION 2:23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he
which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

REVELATION 2:24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine,
and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other
burden.

REVELATION 2:25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.

REVELATION 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give
power over the nations:

REVELATION 2:27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be
broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.

REVELATION 2:28 And I will give him the morning star.

REVELATION 2:29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

REVELATION 3

REVELATION 3:1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis, (Luther) write; These things saith he that
hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou
livest, and art dead.

REVELATION 3:2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have
not found thy works perfect before God.

REVELATION 3:3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If
therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I
will come upon thee.
REVELATION 3:4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they
shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

REVELATION 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out
his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his
angels.

REVELATION 3:6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

REVELATION 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia, (Wesley) write; These things saith he
that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and
shutteth, and no man openeth;

REVELATION 3:8I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it:
for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

REVELATION 3:9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are
not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I
have loved thee.

REVELATION 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour
of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

REVELATION 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

REVELATION 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go
no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God,
which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon
him my new name.

REVELATION 3:13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

REVELATION 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans, (William Branham) write;
These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

REVELATION 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

REVELATION 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of
my mouth.

REVELATION 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing;
and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

REVELATION 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white
raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint
thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

REVELATION 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

REVELATION 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door,
I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

REVELATION 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also
overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

REVELATION 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Now, as you have noticed, I have inserted the names of the men that I believe God elected to minister the
Word setting the Gospel in order beginning with Paul, (Saul of Tarsus) and maintained under
vicious persecution by Irenaeus, Martin and Colomba, and then the restoration after the Dark Ages
by Luther, Wesley and climaxing with William Branham in the last days when it will be light in the
evening time.

ZECHARIAH 14:7 But it shall be one day which shall be known to the LORD, not day, nor night: but it
shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light.

Defining exactly what Systematic Theology is and how

conclusions, (doctrines) are formulated!
Historically speaking, Systematic theology has been one of the most influential ways Christians have built
theology. In fact, it would be difficult to find a follower of Christ anywhere in the world who has
not been touched by systematics. When we speak of God as Trinity, that God exists in three persons
who share the same one essence, we're depending on the work of systematic theologians; when we
speak of Christ as one person who is fully divine and fully human, we are working with doctrines
explained in systematic theology. When we use words like regeneration, faith, repentance,
sanctification, and glorification, we're using terms that have been defined for us by Systematic
theologians. Yet, as influential as systematic theology has been, most Christians today have only
vague ideas of what it is.

As you can imagine, theologians have defined this approach to theology in different ways. But we can
grasp the central concerns of traditional protestant systematic theology by looking at a definition that
comes from Louis Berkhof's well-known Systematic Theology, which he wrote in the middle of the
twentieth century.

In the fourth chapter of this work, Berkhof defined his discipline in this way:

Systematic theology seeks to give a systematic presentation of all the doctrinal truths of the Christian
religion.

This straightforward definition highlights three aspects of systematic theology: First, it concerns itself
with "truth." Second, it attempts to present truth in a "systematic" fashion, according to the logical
relationships between the different truths. And third, systematic theology is constructed within the context
of the "Christian religion."

These elements of Berkhof's definition will lead our discussion in three directions: In the first place, we'll
look at the fact that systematic theology strives to be biblical by adhering to the truths presented in
Scripture. In the second place, we'll see that systematic theology attempts to be logically coherent by
constructing a system in which every biblical truth can be understood in relation to others. And in the
third place, we'll consider the ways in which Systematic theology follows traditional theological
emphases and priorities. Consider first the fact that Systematic theology must be biblical.

Whats Wrong with Systematic Theology.

by Stephen Hebert on Monday - 29 March 2010

in Biblical Studies

Allow me to state first that I have great respect for many of the Churchs systematic theologians. Thomas
Aquinas comes to mind. That guy was a stud. Augustine, Barth, Erasmus, Origen, Tillich, all make my list
of dudes I respect (hrmno women heresad), and all engaged in certain systematic pursuits. I think
theres a lot to be said for systematic theology, but I do have a problem with it: too often it smacks of
proof-texting, ignorance of context and genre and other literary concerns, and the inability to give the
other side a fair shake annoys me to no end.

Perhaps no well-reviewed work of systematic theology annoys me more than Wayne Grudems aptly
titled Systematic Theology. Grudem goes about creating his system by the aforementioned proof-texting
route without paying much attention to the context. What is laudable about his book is also what is
condemnable: Grudems conciseness. The book is so concise, in fact, that Grudem didnt find room to
offer any serious reflection on Scripture. There is a reason that Barth had to stretch Church Dogmatics out
into 13 volumes while only covering a few of the very large categories because careful theology
requires careful exegesis. Of course, to criticize Grudem for this is to ignore what hes trying to do.
Grudems aims were accessibility Systematic Theology prefers to live on the bookshelves of lay people
rather than professional clergy with an eye toward serious theological reflection. I get that. Unfortunately,
it doesnt make it less frustrating.

So, heres the thing. Id rather take a cue from the greatest theologian of the 20th century (Mr. Barth), and
focus on the paradox here. To me, what is most interesting and compelling about Christianity are the
paradoxes. For example, Jesus Christ himself represents the most incredible paradox: God and Man in
one. Serious reflection on this idea requires pages and pages and pages of thought to work out.

Another example of a paradox is systematic theology itself. Here we have a human attempting to
systematize, categorize, and make easily referenced that which defies and even denies systematization. As
Paul says in 1 Cor 13:12: For now we see in a mirror dimly (I CORINTHIANS 13:12 For now we see
through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am
known.) Sure, we understand some attributes of God. We can offer some kind of mental assent to Gods
infinitude and the paradoxes inherent within (e.g., love and justice | eternal and temporal | etc.). But, at the
end of the day, we only have a faint impression of his fullness. The best Christian thinkers are like Monet
in his later periods, stricken with cataracts that alter his perception of color we are painting a half-blind
impression of the fullness of God.

The Dangers!!! Of Proof Texting

September 20, 2012bykentash

What is Proof Texting?

Proof texting is the practice of taking disparate (diverse), unrelated versus of Scripture, often out of
context, to prove that our position squares with the Bible. (George Barna)

Wrongly using Proof Texting has resulted in the majority of the wrong doctrines so prevalent in
Christianity. What happens is that a person, Pastor or Theologian approaches the Scripture with a
preconceived belief or bias. Then to prove their bias or position, they will hunt out a verse here and
there from Scripture, often pulling it out of context. They will then use these obscure verses as proof of
their preconceived ideas.

Using the scriptures without thoughtful consideration of the verses meaning as understood within a
greater context is dangerous.
It is irresponsible exegesis, lazy theology and, inadequate preaching. When we proof-text we are coming
to Scripture to make it back up what we already believe. We try to enlist Scriptures authority to defend
our position. Its very easy when proof-texting to twist and contort the meaning of a passage so that it
says something it never meant to say.

Examples of the Dangers of Proof Texting

Using proof texting a person can use the scripture to prove a claim that There is NO God. Psalms
14:1 says There is no God. BUT is that what the context implies? No, the context of this verse reads
Fools say in their hearts, There is no God. They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is no one
who does good. (Psalm 14:1). Can you see the danger of just pulling a verse out of its context? It can
result in saying the exact opposite of what the Scripture says. Taken out of context, this quote says there is
no God. But the context around this verse is not saying this at all.

Here is another example Mat 5:18. For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one
tittle shall in no wise pass from the law. Many would see this as proof that enforces the Old Covenant
Law (the 10 Commandments) but what they fail to realize is that the verse quoted is not complete. The
actual verse reads - For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no
wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Mat 5:18. To rightly divide the Word of Truth we need to
submit a verse to the rest of Scripture. But what does the rest of scripture say when TAKEN IN
CONTEXT. In the book of the Acts we find a commentary on the word "fulfil" as used in Matt. 5:17. Acts
13:15 "The law and the prophets.", vs 20 "Until Samuel the prophet, vs 25 "John fulfilled his course.", vs
33 The promise had been "fulfilled.", vs 39 "The law of Moses.". To "fulfil" means to reach the end of the
prediction. It has been completed not to repeated. The following passages show clearly how the word is
used in the Scriptures "Until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled." (Luke 21:24), "And as John fulfilled
his course."(Acts 13:25), "What shall be the sigh when all these things shall be fulfilled?" (Mark
13:4.),"The voices of the prophets, they have fulfilled. (Acts 13:27.), "And when they had fulfilled all
that was written of him." (Acts 13: 29.), "The promise which was made unto the fathers, God hath
fulfilled." (Acts 13: 32, 33.). After this manner, then, Jesus came to "fulfil" all that had been written
concerning himself -"All things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the
prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me." (Luk 24:44.)

The example above shows the danger of taking Mat.5:17 out of context and in isolation to what the rest of
scripture says. This one isolated scripture has been a major poof text that certain Christian groups make
use of to prove that the Law is still ongoing for a Christian. But taken within the context of other New
Covenant Scripture clearly shows us that the opposite is the case (Gal.4:21-31, 1 Tim.9-10, Gal.319, 24-
25, Rom.6:14, Mat.11:13, Rom.7:4, etc.).

From the text examples above...

Gal.4:21-31

GALATIANS 4:21 Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?

GALATIANS 4:22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a
freewoman.

GALATIANS 4:23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman
was by promise.

GALATIANS 4:24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount
Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.
GALATIANS 4:25 For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and
is in bondage with her children.

GALATIANS 4:26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.

GALATIANS 4:27 For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that
travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.

GALATIANS 4:28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.

GALATIANS 4:29 But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the
Spirit, even so it is now.

GALATIANS 4:30 Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the
son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.

GALATIANS 4:31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

1 Tim.9-10

The writer erred in his presentation of this particular text reference... But in researching the entire first
book of Timothy, the only verse 9 referring to the Law per se is found in chapter 1.

So! In an attempt to pursue accuracy and thoroughness in context, I present the following...

I TIMOTHY 1:5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good
conscience, and of faith unfeigned:

I TIMOTHY 1:6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;

I TIMOTHY 1:7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof
they affirm.

I TIMOTHY 1:8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;

I TIMOTHY 1:9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and
disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and
murderers of mothers, for manslayers,

I TIMOTHY 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for
liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;

I TIMOTHY 1:11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

GALATIANS 3:19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the
seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a
mediator.

GALATIANS 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be
justified by faith.

GALATIANS 3:25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

ROMANS 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: FOR YE ARE NOT UNDER THE LAW, But
Under Grace.
ROMANS 6:15 What then? SHALL WE SIN, BECAUSE WE ARE NOT UNDER THE LAW, but under
grace? GOD FORBID.

ROMANS 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to
whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

MATTHEW 11:13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

ROMANS 7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye
should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit
unto God.

What do we make of this? The claim of the writer is that proof texting can, and often is, corrupt as
a result of failure to embrace all scripture on a topic in context with the rest of scripture with a
view to prove ones own preconceived theory/perception!

I put it to you that this writer has erred in the very same way. From what we understand by the
scriptures he has presented to build his case, which determines that the law is of no further
significance, is in fact a grand example of how Systematic Theology, which bases its doctrines,
(which oftentimes are nothing more than dogmas) of the scriptures on this very principle, fails
mankind most dismally.

Allow me to explain!

When we embrace the teachings of James regarding this subject... the theory that, the law is of no
further significance is exposed as an outright dogma based upon failed Proof Texting.

I ask you to reconcile the following scriptures before condemning the Law of Moses to
insignificance.

JAMES 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as
thyself, ye do well:

JAMES 2:9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as
transgressors.

JAMES 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

JAMES 2:11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no
adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.

JAMES 2:12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.

JAMES 2:13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy
rejoiceth against judgment.

JAMES 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not
works? can faith save him?

JAMES 2:15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

JAMES 2:16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled;
notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
JAMES 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

JAMES 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy
works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

JAMES 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and
tremble.

JAMES 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

JAMES 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son
upon the altar?

JAMES 2:22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

JAMES 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was
imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

JAMES 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

JAMES 2:25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the
messengers, and had sent them out another way?

JAMES 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

JAMES 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

JAMES 4:11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and
judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art
not a doer of the law, but a judge.

JAMES 4:12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest
another?

ROMANS 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath
fulfilled the law.

ROMANS 13:9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal,
Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it
is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Some might say that Jesus came to provide a new law... But nay, He came to fulfil the law and to
magnify it. Following are the teachings of the Lord regarding the Law... and these we are obliged to
take cognisance of in our attempt to master the snare-filled practice of Proof Texting.

MATTHEW 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to
destroy, but to fulfil.

MATTHEW 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in
no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
MATTHEW 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall
teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and
teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

MATTHEW 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness
of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

MATTHEW 5:21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and
whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:

MATTHEW 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause
shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger
of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

MATTHEW 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy
brother hath ought against thee;

MATTHEW 5:24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy
brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

MATTHEW 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at
any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou
be cast into prison.

MATTHEW 5:26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast
paid the uttermost farthing.

MATTHEW 5:27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit
adultery:

MATTHEW 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath
committed adultery with her already in his heart.

MATTHEW 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is
profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be
cast into hell.

MATTHEW 5:30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is
profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be
cast into hell.

MATTHEW 5:31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of
divorcement:

MATTHEW 5:32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause
of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced
committeth adultery.

MATTHEW 5:33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not
forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:

MATTHEW 5:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:

MATTHEW 5:35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of
the great King.
MATTHEW 5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white
or black.

MATTHEW 5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than
these cometh of evil.

MATTHEW 5:38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:

MATTHEW 5:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy
right cheek, turn to him the other also.

MATTHEW 5:40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy
cloke also.

MATTHEW 5:41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

MATTHEW 5:42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not
thou away.

MATTHEW 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate
thine enemy.

MATTHEW 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to
them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

MATTHEW 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his
sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

MATTHEW 5:46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the
publicans the same?

MATTHEW 5:47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the
publicans so?

MATTHEW 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

MATTHEW 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even
so to them: FOR THIS IS THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS.

MATTHEW 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that
leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

MATTHEW 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few
there be that find it.

MATTHEW 22:36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

MATTHEW 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and
with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

MATTHEW 22:38 This is the first and great commandment.

MATTHEW 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
MATTHEW 22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

LUKE 10:25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I
do to inherit eternal life?

LUKE 10:26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?

LUKE 10:27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with
all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

LUKE 10:28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.

LUKE 10:29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?

LUKE 10:30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and
fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him
half dead.

LUKE 10:31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he
passed by on the other side.

LUKE 10:32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed
by on the other side.

LUKE 10:33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him,
he had compassion on him,

LUKE 10:34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on
his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

LUKE 10:35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the
host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again,
I will repay thee.

LUKE 10:36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the
thieves?

LUKE 10:37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do
thou likewise.

Note that the Lord speaks of, That All Things Must Be Fulfilled, Which Were Written In The Law
Of Moses in the following text of scriptures... but take note of the last two words...
CONCERNING ME

LUKE 16:17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.

LUKE 24:44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet
with you, That All Things Must Be Fulfilled, Which Were Written IN THE LAW Of Moses, And In
The Prophets, And In The Psalms, CONCERNING ME.

Note also in the following text How Jesus magnifies the Laws as delivered by God to Moses. The
fact is that God is an unchanging God; being the same yesterday, today and forever. His original
statutes will never change... not a dot or a tittle.

JOHN 8:5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
JOHN 8:6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped
down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.

JOHN 8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is
without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

Jesus demonstrated by stooping and writing with His finger on the ground, that He was God and
that the very finger which wrote the original was dictating that the Law still stands within the grace
of the eternal sacrifice that is able to obliterate the original sin wherewith we were born. THAT
DOESNT MEAN THAT WE NO LONGER HAVE TO ABIDE BY THE LAW. To contravene the
Law is to sin; and therefore repentance is a requirement and so is forgiveness.

ROMANS 3:30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and
uncircumcision through faith.

ROMANS 3:31 DO WE THEN MAKE VOID THE LAW THROUGH FAITH? GOD FORBID:
YEA, WE ESTABLISH THE LAW.

ROMANS 5:19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of
one shall many be made righteous.

ROMANS 5:20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded,
grace did much more abound:

ROMANS 5:21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through
righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

ROMANS 6

ROMANS 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

ROMANS 6:2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

ROMANS 7:7 What shall we say then? IS THE LAW SIN? GOD FORBID. Nay, I had not known
sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.

ROMANS 7:8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of
concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.

ROMANS 7:9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived,
and I died.

PROOF TEXTING AND THE DOGMA OF THE TRINITY!

Another topic which has been corrupted as a result of failed Proof Texting is the dogma of the
Trinity. How can the dogma stand in the midst of the following texts of scripture?

We will first address the perception of the term or should we rather use the term Father. We will then
go on to address the issue of the Son having already dealt somewhat with the Holy Spirit.

The first thing we should understand is that God is a Spirit as I shall prove by scripture below. He is a
holy, pure, gentle Spirit which is omnipresent, (is everywhere) omnipotent, (all powerful) and omniscient,
(all knowing). In addition, the Spirit we call God is eternal, (no beginning; no end), infinite,
(unlimited) and self-existing, (not-created I Am, that I Am; the great I Am). By Jesus own Words, we
are led to understand that Elohym, (the father) is a Spirit.

JOHN 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

When we read the events of the original creation in the first chapter of John, it becomes very clear that in
the beginning there was nothing but this almighty power which is a life creating spiritual essence wherein
everything that was ever created was created 'in' the 'Spirit' which is the creator of all things. Jesus called
It the 'Father' because that Spirit conceived/created all things including 'the Word' (see John 1) which is
the 'soul' the Father created for Himself in the image of a man before anything else was created. In fact, it,
like everything else was preconceived in the minds eye of Elohiym and thereby perfected unto His
perfect will for His ultimate purpose; before He spoke the first creative words... Let it be according to
my will!

Because the soul is a spiritual being, the soul that God first perceived to reflect that which He would one
day seek to incarnate into a fleshly body, He embellished it in a halo of light which students of the Word
term the Logos.

When that Logos descended like a light at Jesus' baptism indwelled His being, that union became 'the
fullness of the Godhead'. In that light was the Soul the Father created before the foundations of the
world. We call It the Logos. It is His soul wrapped in the Shekinah, (is the English transliteration of a
Hebrew noun meaning dwelling or settling, and denotes the dwelling or settling of the Divine Presence of
God.) glory of a holy, amber light so we will be able to see where It is when It is present. It was the Holy,
pure, sacred Spirit, the soul of the Father Who conceived Jesus and referred to Him as the Word... the
Word through Whom all things were created.

It was this Logos that left Jesus in the Garden before He was crucified rendering Him as a mere man, led
to the Slaughter as a lamb explaining why Jesus exclaimed, Father, Father, why hast thou forsaken me?
That soul dwells in Jesus immortal body today.

Now lets have a look at the creation. Just as a matter on interest, the Genesis Garden of Eden episode
relates to the eventual dressing of the earth and the manifestation of Gods thoughts regarding the creation
of all living entities upon the Earth... not the creation of the Earth.

REVELATION 1:1 THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST, which God gave unto him, to shew unto
his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his
servant John:

REVELATION 1:2 WHO BARE RECORD OF THE WORD OF GOD, AND OF THE TESTIMONY OF
JESUS CHRIST, and of all things that he saw.

REVELATION 1:4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from
him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his
throne;

REVELATION 1:5 AND FROM JESUS CHRIST, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of
the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in
his own blood,

REVELATION 1:8 I AM ALPHA AND OMEGA, THE BEGINNING AND THE ENDING, SAITH THE
LORD, WHICH IS, AND WHICH WAS, AND WHICH IS TO COME, THE ALMIGHTY.

REVELATION 1:18 I AM HE THAT LIVETH, AND WAS DEAD; AND, BEHOLD, I AM ALIVE FOR
EVERMORE, AMEN; AND HAVE THE KEYS OF HELL AND OF DEATH.
REVELATION 3:20 BEHOLD, I STAND AT THE DOOR, AND KNOCK: IF ANY MAN HEAR MY
VOICE, AND OPEN THE DOOR, I WILL COME IN TO HIM, AND WILL SUP WITH HIM, AND HE
WITH ME.

REVELATION 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also
overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

JOHN 1:1-14 In the beginning was the Word, (the soul of God/Jesus) and the Word was with God,
(Elohiym) AND THE WORD WAS GOD, (immediately we are told that Jesus is God). The same was in
the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was
made. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto
his own, and his own received him not. BUT AS MANY AS RECEIVED HIM, TO THEM GAVE HE
POWER TO BECOME THE SONS OF GOD, EVEN TO THEM THAT BELIEVE ON HIS NAME:
WHICH WERE BORN, NOT OF BLOOD, NOR OF THE WILL OF THE FLESH, NOR OF THE WILL
OF MAN, BUT OF GOD. AND THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH, AND DWELT AMONG US, (and
we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

ISAIAH 43:10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may
know and believe me, and understand that I am he: BEFORE ME THERE WAS NO GOD FORMED,
NEITHER SHALL THERE BE AFTER ME. I, even I, am the LORD; AND BESIDE ME THERE
IS NO SAVIOUR.

In the following scriptures you will notice that it was the angel Gabriel that was sent to Mary, (by God,
(the Logos)) to deliver the message of good tiding... If there is three Gods in heaven as most
denominations insist, then we have a question that they just cannot answer and I dont imply the
nonsensical dogma of 3 gods in 1. That doesnt even make sense and mathematically it doesnt equate.
But lets allow the Word to define who the Father of Jesus is.

Lets analyse the message; and this is what it said, THE HOLY GHOST, (the Logos) SHALL COME
UPON THEE, and THE POWER OF THE HIGHEST SHALL OVERSHADOW THEE... Matthew
confirms that, SHE WAS FOUND WITH CHILD OF THE HOLY GHOST, (the Logos) and also
THAT WHICH IS CONCEIVED IN HER IS OF THE HOLY GHOST, (the Logos).

MATTHEW 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused
to Joseph, before they came together, SHE WAS FOUND WITH CHILD OF THE HOLY GHOST, (the
Logos).

MATTHEW 1:20 But while he, (Joseph) thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared
unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: FOR
THAT WHICH IS CONCEIVED IN HER IS OF THE HOLY GHOST (the Logos).

LUKE 1:26 And in the sixth month THE ANGEL GABRIEL WAS SENT FROM GOD UNTO A CITY
OF GALILEE, NAMED NAZARETH,

LUKE 1:27 TO A VIRGIN ESPOUSED TO A MAN WHOSE NAME WAS JOSEPH, of the house of
David; AND THE VIRGIN'S NAME WAS MARY.

LUKE 1:28 AND THE ANGEL CAME IN UNTO HER, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured,
the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

LUKE 1:29 AND WHEN SHE SAW HIM, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what
manner of salutation this should be.
LUKE 1:30 And THE ANGEL SAID UNTO HER, FEAR NOT, MARY: for thou hast found favour
with God.

LUKE 1:31 And, BEHOLD, THOU SHALT CONCEIVE IN THY WOMB, AND BRING FORTH A
SON, AND SHALT CALL HIS NAME JESUS.

LUKE 1:32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give
unto him the throne of his father David:

LUKE 1:33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

LUKE 1:34 THEN SAID MARY UNTO THE ANGEL, HOW SHALL THIS BE, SEEING I KNOW
NOT A MAN?

LUKE 1:35 And THE ANGEL ANSWERED AND SAID UNTO HER, THE HOLY GHOST, (the
Logos) SHALL COME UPON THEE, AND THE POWER OF THE HIGHEST SHALL
OVERSHADOW THEE: therefore ALSO THAT HOLY THING WHICH SHALL BE BORN OF THEE
SHALL BE CALLED THE SON OF GOD.

The Logos, I repeat, indwells Jesus immortal body and all that is created, including heaven, exists in the
Father; that this almighty power which is a life creating spiritual essence wherein everything that was
ever created was created.

Herewith some recorded visitations of the Logos in times past as recorded in the Bible.

Moses witnessed It in the not-burning bush, John the Baptist along with the crowd with him saw the
Logos enter into Jesus at His baptism. Saul was blinded by the Logos on his way to Damascus.

ACTS 9:3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: AND SUDDENLY THERE SHINED ROUND
ABOUT HIM A LIGHT FROM HEAVEN:

ACTS 9:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, SAUL, SAUL, WHY
PERSECUTEST THOU ME?

ACTS 9:5 And he said, WHO ART THOU, LORD? AND THE LORD SAID, I AM JESUS WHOM
THOU PERSECUTEST: IT IS HARD FOR THEE TO KICK AGAINST THE PRICKS.