In his discussion of the 'pre' element in predestination, Berkouwer
insists that "he who speaks of God's counsel in terms of human
categories will have to be aware of the inadequacy of his words" (Divine
Election, p. 152). In this respect, Berkouwer closely follows Bavinck
who, in his discussion of predestination, insists that "one cannot speak
of before or after with respect to God" (Divine Election, p. 152).
Recognizing the inadequacy of human language, Berkouwer seeks to
understand the language of predestination in connection in terms of the
"depth-aspect" of salvation (Divine Election, pp.113, 150, 168). He
emphasizes that "the depth-aspect of salvation ... is not a matter of
hiddenness which goes beyond the knowledge of faith ... not something
far distant, not a vague threatening reality, but the foundation of
salvation ... " (Divine Election, pp. 113-114).
E J Young argues that one’s doctrine of Scripture is derived from either experience or Scripture, either natural man or supernatural God. Young does speak of the human character of Scripture. It does, however, seem that the supernatural-natural dichotomy underlies his doctrine of Scripture. He turns to the Bible “to discover what it has to say of itself” (p. 40). It is questionable, however, whether his view is not grounded in a notion which tends to set divine and human activity over against each other. Young rejects a mechanical theory (p. 65). It does, however, appear that his own view is really no more than a modification of this view. His interpretation of the working of the Spirit in the inspiration of Scripture is not directly identifiable with mechanical dictation (pp. 79-80). It does seem, however, that there is a tendency to move in that direction. * Here are some statements from Young. - “Without Him (God) there could have been no Bible. Without man th...
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