Jesus Creed Here’s a list. Click through for details

(No one I suppose believed each of these with the same emphases, nor can I develop each of the points Graves makes here. A list gives a powerful set of images for us to see how the fathers thought about Scripture. Can anyone deny these elements are bits of historic orthodox thinking about Scripture?)

1. Useful for instruction.

2. Every details is meaningful.

3. Solves every problem we might put to it.

4. Biblical characters are examples for us to follow.

5. Supreme authority in Christian belief and practice.

6. Divine illumination is required for biblical interpretation.

7. Scripture has multiple senses.

8. Accurately predicted the future, especially about Jesus.

9. Speaks in riddles and enigmas.

10. Etymologies convey meaning.

11. God is directly and timelessly the speaker in Scripture.

12. Represent stylistically fine literature.

13. Events actually happened.

14. No errors in its facts.

15. Does not conflict with “pagan” learning.

16. The original text is authoritative.

17. Internally consistent.

18. Does not deceive.

19. Agrees with a recognized external authority.

20. Teachings must be worthy of God.