Ch 1 - Reading & Understanding The Bible

Question 1

Causative Authority

Answer 1

The ability of the scripture to testify to its own truthfulness as God’s word independent of human authorities.

Question 2

Formal Equivalent Translation

Answer 2

A translation technique and philosophy that seeks to preserve as much of the form (Word order, sentence length, parts of speech, and so forth) of the source language in the target language. This technique is often inaccurately called literal translation.

Question 3

Formal Principle

Answer 3

The ultimate source of information in a belief system or philosophy. In Lutheran theology, Scripture alone is the formal principal.

Question 4

Functional Equivalent Translation

Answer 4

A translation technique and philosophy that seeks to find words in the target language that function to convey meaning in a similar manner as the words in the source language convey meaning, even if the form of the source text is not preserved. This theory is sometimes called dynamic equivalent or inaccurately characterized as paraphrase.

Question 5

Gospel

Answer 5

In the wide sense, refers to the first four books of the New Testament. In its proper sense, gospel refers to the doctrine that humanity has been saved from sin and death by the work of Christ alone and that this belief is given solely by grace, apart from human works.

Question 6

Higher Criticism

Answer 6

An approach to biblical interpretation that seeks to determine a work’s literary history and the purpose and meaning of the authors by human reason without accepting the assertions made in the text itself about such matters. Also called Historical-Criticism.

Question 7

Historical-Criticism

Answer 7

An approach to biblical interpretation that seeks to determine a work’s literary history and the purpose and meaning of the authors by human reason without accepting the assertions made in the text itself about such matters. Also called Higher Criticism.

Question 8

Inspiration

Answer 8

The Holy Spirit’s work of revealing and preserving God’s Word in the Bible. Because of inspiration, the Bible is the very word of God.

Question 9

Law

Answer 9

In its wide sense, a synonym for the entire Word of God. In its proper sense, it refers to God’s word of command. Although the Law is perfect, fallen humans are unable to fulfill its demands.

Question 10

Material Principle

Answer 10

The main, essential teaching. Justification by grace through faith is the material principal of Lutheranism.

Question 11

Messiah

Answer 11

From the Hebrew word for anointed, a term used to describe the promised Savior in the Old Testament. The equivalent term derived from Greek is Christ

Question 12

Normative Authority

Answer 12

The ability of the Scripture to determine correct Christian doctrine and practice apart from human opinions and philosophies.

Question 13

Scripture

Answer 13

A writing or writings considered to contain revelation from God.

Question 14

Semantics

Answer 14

In linguistics the relationship between a sign (e.g. a word) and its meanings.

Question 15

Syntax

Answer 15

In linguistics the way that elements (e.g. words) combine to form larger units, such as phrases, clauses, or sentences.

Question 16

Verbal Inspiration

Answer 16

Indicates the doctrine of inspiration, the actual words themselves are inspired and not simply the ideas of the text.