January 2009

How the Bible Teaches: Necessary Inference

[Editor’s Note: I ran across this article while doing some research. I’ve not been able to trace its origin but it may come from The Gospel Advocate. I know little of Hugo McCord but appreciate so much his clear thinking on the matter of necessary inference. His long list of what we know from inference and even showing that Jesus used necessary inference is very well done. At a time when many are denying Bible authority, and specifically attacking the idea that the Bible authorizes through inference, this material is greatly needed. -mdr]

A gospel preacher scorns the “doctrine of necessary inferences,” asserting that it is “tragic,” resulting in “splits and factions,” and that it is “clumsy” and “dangerous.” Unfortunately, he and others with faulty advanced scholastic degrees, have strayed after empty talk, wanting to be teachers of the law, but understanding neither what they are saying, nor the things about which they are so sure (1 Timothy 1:6-7).

The Joy of a New Year

I love January 1. I love New Year’s. It is such a wonderful finish to the holiday season. I love New Year’s parties and kissing my wife at midnight. I love the Tournament of Roses Parade. I love watching more college football in one day than I have seen the rest of the year. But more than anything else, I love the feeling of a fresh start that each January 1 brings. I am an incurable optimist and so I relish the New Year and its chance to examine where we’ve been, think a little about where we’re going and try to do just a bit better. I love this time when we can start anew.