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As I have been reading The Cosmos Christ of the Scriptures, I found myself in a whirl wind of new, confusing, and interesting ideas. The confusion came from unfamiliarity with the author’s style of writing. (My training has in the area of science and we present things in a direct, all at once manner) He was sketching out a picture of God’s three revelations, how they relate to one another and to us. With time and familiarity, the confusion was resolved into a beautiful picture of God’s revelation to mankind.
I was surprised to discover that God has given us three revelations. Nature, or the cosmos as our teacher likes to call it, and Scriptures were the two that I was previously familiar with; however, considering Christ to be a relation of God was something I have never really considered. I find it amusing. Christ came to show us God’s character and reveal who He really is to the human family but I never thought to set Him side by side with His scripture and His creation.
In all, I have been enjoying considering how each revelations has its authority in its particular area and how they work in concert to give us a more complete picture of our God. And I looking forward to seeing the other details and facets of the picture I have never seen before.
God’s three books – incarnation, inspiration and creation are powerful evidence to the fact that there is a God who not only created but is eternally loving, merciful, patient and gracious toward His erring creation (especially humanity, the crown of all the created things on earth). These three books constitutes the comprehensive and exclusive revelation of God to humanity. Therefore, it is crucial that we read the three books, but even more crucial that we understand how to read these books aright. It is the misreading and misinterpretation of these books that has led to diversity of beliefs and proliferation of churches within Christendom. But interestingly enough, the gospel is simple for even the simple at heart to understand for God has not only spoken but also condescended to level of His creation (humanity, in Christ). However, the incarnation (“life and ministry of Christ”) points to creation and inspires us to godliness. Therefore, “the veil of misunderstanding is taken away in Christ” (2 Corinthians 3:14). But interestingly, the “Scripture does not eclipse Christ” nor does it eclipse the “revelation of Christ in the cosmos which He created.” Hence, an intimate relationship with Christ is the key to understanding the cosmos and inspiration (Scripture).
I am fully share with Martin F. Hanna his persuasion on the intrinsic and inseparable relationship of God’s three books.
ELEMS, Ugochukwu GSEM510 Revelation Hermeneutics & Inspiration 9/12/2006 7:27 AM
This is a much shorter blog than my original which just got deleted from the comments box when I went to preview what I had presented. So because of super frustration this is shorter.
In short I wanted to touch on the idea that a for a proper hermeneutic we must have each of Gods three books, Cosmos, Scripture, and Christ Incarnate. It has been shown that if one of these is removed, the revelation of God is reduced. Also it has been shown in parts 1,2 & 3 that these work together and are always in agreement. Meaning that if they look like they aren’t, we need to dig deeper for a proper understanding. With this is mind I have been pondering the use of scripture through time. For an example Paul, in writing parts of the NT, used the Law and the Prophets or Torah and his experience as his rule of faith. Moses used the 10 Commandments as well as his experience with God in writing the Pentateuch, which was used by the rest of the prophets and which together were used by Paul. This means that if we were to remove 1 of the 10 Commandments now, the who foundation for Christian belief would collapse. Is it any wonder why Satan has tried so hard to diminish the Commandment’s importance? I say this because if we are to think logically about what we believe, we must always agree with the earlier revelations of God in scripture to be valid and relevant in our time (Isa 8:20) This in essence means that if we as Christians remove the Commandments we remove our very foundation for being Christian because these are the revelation of Gods character which is more fully shown in Christ. They are what enlightened Moses and then later the other prophets who enlightened Paul and the other NT writers who are Christian. More importantly Jesus used the scriptures which are based on these 10 from Gods own hand to understand who He was and His mission in the incarnate word of God. Does this make sense? Help me understand how I am wrong if I am missing something. 9/12/2006 3:42 PM
As I have been reading The Cosmic Christ of Scripture, I have appreciated the way that the three revelations of God (Scripture, Christ, and Cosmos) are so interrelated and interwoven. I especially appreciated the application of “to and fro” from Daniel 12:4 to the three revelation model on pages 39 to 41 of The Cosmic Christ of Scripture. This is a reminder to us that the three revelations cannot be stand-alone entities. We must be actively moving between them and pursuing each revelation of God. I believe that our purpose for actively going to each of the three revelations must be for more than simply knowledge. As I read this section in Dr. Hanna’s book, I was reminded of the words of another Bible scholar about the cycle of discipleship found in the book of Mark. I see some clear parallels between both concepts. Jesus calls the disciples in Mark 1-3. They spend some time with Him observing and being taught (parallel to learning from scripture). Then, in Mark 6, Jesus sends them out into the world (cosmos) to share what they have learned. Finally, later in Mark 6, after the disciples have come back to Jesus and reported what they have done, He calls them to come to a quiet place with Him to rest (Christ/Incarnation). If a concept like this one is applied to Dr. Hanna’s model, it can remind us that we should not just focus on gaining knowledge from God’s revelations. That knowledge must be practical, and we must use it in the cycle of discipleship and sharing with others.
In Part two of Hanna's book we encounter the true hermeneutical approach to understanding Scripture in the end time: it must be Christcentered, Biblical and Relevant to our experience in this world. The fascinating thing is how he writes about escatology so subtly staying within the tracks of his main theme of revelation-inspiration throughout the book. As Adventist we know that as the times come to an end there is an increasingly intensified warfare between Good and Evil, Christ vs. Satan, in the Great Controversy theme. The world is polarized into either side of the extremes and people will reflect more the image of their faithful allegiance. It is therefore proper for Hanna to note that in the end time the "righteous" recieve greater understanding of God's revelation (Dan 12:3,4,10). This by going to and fro from Scripture to Scripture; between the cosmos (science) and Scripture; and Christ with Science and Scripture; all in harmony. He explains all this in chapter 3. Now watch how subtly he transitions from an escatological hermeneutics towards an examination of Ellen White's writings in chapter 4. This chapter not only expounds on what Ellen White confirms to be the relationship between the three books of revelation, but it seems to be a support for the Spirit of Prophecy for the last days in the ministry of Ellen White as the Messenger of the Lord (Rev. 12:17; 19:10; 1:2). How else could there be such a connection between knowledge increasing in the end times and Ellen White expounding on Scripture in the end times with an appropiate hermeneutics (Christcentered, biblical and relevant) for us to follow? 9/14/2006 10:28 PM
Any careful reader will recognize that the book "Cosmic Christ of Scripture" is a impressive research in revelation, inspiration and hermeneutics. As i critically examined the introduction of this book i am confronted with God's three books:Incarnation, Inspiration and Creation. These are concepts that i have been exposed to before, but never in this profound and wholistic way. The author lays the foundation that our theology must be Christ centered, biblically based and relevant to the cosmos. Such a concept constitutes the wholistic model being promoted by this academician. As i read how he dealt with with 2 Cor.3:14-16 in the light of our misunderstanding of scripture i was enlightened. The author showed the importance of removing the veil of misunderstanding as it regards the relationship that exists among scripture, Christ, and nature.These three are intricately linked and must be examined as such.The interdependce of these three concepts reveals something profound about the triniy-there is unity. Man's undertstanding of revelation has been thwarted over the centuries , and the author brings a balance understanding to his treatment of the subject matter. He emphasized that " the Cosmic Christ points to the truth that the veil of misunderstanding of scripture is taken away."(CC.17) Praise the Lord that the veil is removed! Now we no longer see through the glasses of our false presuppositions, but we look upon the face of Jesus and make His Word the basis of our presupposition. It is only then that a better understanding of his revelations will appreciated. It is my feeling that our understanding and appreciation of God's three books must lead us to dialogue with Him. As we talk to God and He talks to us, we will be better able to talk of and about Him to others. This will make our theology meaningful especially in a crooked post-modern context where everything seems so relatavistic. As i continue my journey through this most beautiful book i believe that there are still new truths to discover and yet deeper things to unearth. 9/27/2006 10:34 PM
Whenever you start reading a book the first words, or we often see the epigraph to the book or chapter, lead the whole farther study. All those verses cited from the Bible in the beginning of the first chapter of the book direct our attention on the importance of reading. I think this is the crucial edge that has to be considered by a serious searcher of the Bible. Keeping in mind these holy words read in the beginning it was much easier to comprehend the message of the book.
It found a nice response in my mind that there are three revelations of God as they are presented by the respected author: Cosmos, the Bible, and Christ. As far as all of them appear in the Cosmic context they are all important as solitary issues, but still have deep connections between each other. Christ can be understood only within the Cosmos, and the Holy Scripture can be comprehended within the Cosmos. This is a discourse that covers a lifelong line. The more you read, meditate and study the more “revelation” will be revealed to you.
I do appreciate the chosen approach to the whole theme of God’s revelation. As soon as we all live in the postmodern epoch we need to realize that the vital truth can be found in the Cosmic Christ of Scripture. 9/28/2006 4:19 PM
Your book the Cosmic Christ of scripture is very insightful. I have enjoyed reading it. I have particulary liked your insistent that our theology should be relevant to the world in which we live. Also I have always believed in the three books of God as you call them in this book. I believe the book Seventh-day Adventists Believe on page 13 indicates that these three,rightly understood, are in perfect harmony. The same book goes on to say that sin has limited how much we can learn about God from nature;I would add that our ability to learn from scripture and from the incarnate word is equally affected. I must also say that your bicycle-wheel illustration of the complementary nature of the three books is excellent. But just to make sure that I represent you correctly; would I be wrong to say that your model still accomodates the hierarchy of revelation from general revelation to special and to the supreme? Since you present srcipture as the theoretical framework which norms the interpretation of scripture, christ and nature( and rightly so); is it correct to conclude that we cannot be informed by nature( by nature I am icluding human nature; reason, experience or tradition/culture) on spiritual issues where scripture is silent? You recognize in your book that Holy scriptures are the standard of character and test of experience; could there be situations where a "thus says" the Lord is ringing from the book of nature and yet His written word is mute/unclear. Is it correct that your concept of "to and fro" among the three books does not suggest the scenario above. I am using a "learning" device here doc. just to make sure I am on the same page with you.
The issue has come up in our discussions as to whether I am suggesting in my book that God's three books are equal. In other words. are Christ, Scripture, and the cosmos equal to each other.
What I propose is that each of God's books is a revelation of God and should be accepted as such. At the same time, these revelations are NOT equal to each other.
Christ IS God, Scripture and the cosmos ARE NOT God. As such Christ is unique as the supreme revelation of God.
Scripture is unique (one and only) as the primary/final rule of Christian faith, practice, and knowledge. As such it is the norm/standard for our views of Christ and the cosmos.
The cosmos is a unique revelation of God which is the context within which the other revelations are given. It is also the context within which Christ-centered and biblical theology is relevant.
Does Scripture revelation make it unnecessary for Christians to be Christ-centered in theology and the application of biblical theology? NO!
Does Scripture revelation make it unnecessary for Christians to be relevant to the cosmos in the application of their Christ-centered biblical theology? NO!
Does Scripture revelation provide information which is not revealed in extra-biblical experience of Christ and the cosmos? YES!
Is Scripture revelation the norm/standard for Christian theological interpretation of Christian experience of Christ and the cosmos? YES!
The holistic view to see the cosmos, and the bible as a non-contradiction evidence of God’s total revelation to human been is a well practice belief from the Seventh Day Adventist church. Dr Hanna has inverted a lot of energy to refresh these concepts in his book. My question to discuss is: Why did he want to call a huge attention to something that more SDA pastor should know by memory?
I thin k SDA church members as any Christian denomination believers have a dichotomy in their mind. There is a difference between what they believe with what they are practicing in their daily life. It is a concept vs. practice. Some are aware about it, but other even don’t pay attention. It is a struggle to fit our belief system into a practice. I believe this is a primer reason Dr Hanna’s call.
The second is the actual worldview theological concept. It has permeated very deeply in our SDA interpretation theology. The post- modernity concept of dual living has softened the spiritual ayes of many believers. There is not a pain mind conflict about a professing truth with a practical truth. I just notice a call from Dr Hanna to come back to the holistic SDA and biblical Truth.
Now after giving my two point of how Dr Hanna is calling SDA attention, I would like to give him a suggestion. I have noticed that in his book he doesn’t give a practical or meaningful modern story to compare his theological point. I believe a good way to cast a idea and a concept is by illustrate it. I just hear the student from his class asking him for a story. Most of them like me get the message after it.
As important as it is to read and accept the authority of Scripture, so it is to apply the right methodology.
The proposal that "the authority of the divine revelation in the book of Scriture defines the theological authority of the divine revelations in the 'books' of Christ and the cosmos" is a recurent principle throughout Scripture.
Although Christ is the most profound and "fulness" of the revelation of God, it is by the authority of the scripture that He (Jesus Christ) was first accepted as the Christ (anointed One) and Messiah. To the doubting Jews He said, "Search the scriptures; for them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are that testify of me." He was introduced by Scrpiture (Genesis 3:15; 12:3; Gal 3:16; Isa 7:14; 9:6) and He derived His authority from the Scrpitures (Matthew 4:4,7,10; John 5:39; Matt 5:17-19).
Indeed, "All Scripture (tota) and Scripture alone (sola) is the standard for the theological reading of revelation and yet first (prima)of the revelations.
“Let the Scriptures Speak” I am trying desperately to find a glitch in the model that is being put forward here by the author to prove him wrong—so far, no luck. This is one of those theories that one would say, “I wish I had thought about that.” It sounds so simple, yet it is so profound. Hanna makes a very crucial statement that may have in it the clue to unlocking the issues of doctrine. He postulates that people treat the Scriptures as a child and not just as a father but the divine Father. Is a father an autocratic tyrant or is he a democratic? The consequences here are very mind boggling and as such it invites my undivided attention. Daniel 12:4 can never be read and understood the same again if the principles outlined in this chapter chronicles any grounded truth. Christian theology should go to and fro among the revelations of Christ, Scripture and the Cosmos. “Divine authority cannot be reduced to Scripture without contradicting Scripture.” If this statement means what it says then it would mean that Scripture suggests that divine authority rests in the hands of God. If that is the case, why do we need to follow the Scriptures and not just wait on a personal revelation from God? To an extent then it appears as if the Scriptures, Cosmos and Christ function as the Trinity. They agree in all points but in this case there is a subordinate concept which may cause mental conflicts. This may be answered in the realization that Christ and the Cosmos illuminate Scripture. Without a shadow of a doubt, while this chapter may spark a controversy, it has certainly shed a bright light on the antagonism towards authority and the susceptibilities of science. While I want to continue reading this book, I have to be cognizant of the fact that I need to remain sane—these are deep thoughts, as such I will take my time and wait to proceed to the next chapter.
Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. verse 7 If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well" (John 14:6, 7). In this statement alone we can deduce that Christ is making a claim that He is at the center of all realites: all of ontology, epistemology, and axiology. Christ simply is at the center of authentic theology because to know Him is to know the Father. It is important to know that Jesus said He and the Father are one, and of course He is one with the Holy Spirit, too.
Dr. Hanna makes the claim that authentic theology is biblical, Christ-centered, and relevant. It couldn't be put any better than he already did. This is great. Prof. Hanna points then shows us how to arrive at such a theology. Properly understood, the Scriptures, Christ, and nature can help us understand "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6)
What I'm yearning to find in this book is a chapter on the Holy Spirit. I'm sure we all know the complementary work of the Holy Spirit. I had to face this reality late in life. The Holy Spirit is real and He is our best friend. Chirst is present with us through the Holy Spirit. Christ guides us into all truth through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit takes our minds to new heights of divine understanding.
The issue of ontological and epistemological primacy involves what I call semantic complexity. That means that the issue is not easy to put in words and that our words must be precisely defined. In this connection, I suggest that both Christ and Scripture have ontological and epistemological status.
Christ and Scripture are revelations and therefore are sources of information. In particular, Christ is the source of Scripture. These are ontological as well as epistemological statements.
This does not imply that Scripture and Christ are ontologically and epistemologically equal. Christ has ontological primacy as the epistemological revelation Who is God. Scripture has epistemological primacy as the revelation that tells us that Christ is the epistemological source of Scripture.
You may notice that this involves not only semantic complexity but circularity. Christ is the ontological/epistemological source of Scripture. At the same time, Scripture has epistemological primacy in that it tells us that Christ is its ontological/epistemological source.
This circularity between ontology and epistemology is inevitable not only in theology but in any discussion of reality. Ontology and epistemology can be distinguished but they cannot be dichotomized (separated). This is the reason for the concept of ontological and epistemological primacies which allows both Christ and Scripture to be described ontologically and epistemologically.
On page 47 of your book you mention that Ellen White asked us to focus on the Bible and make it our study. Later on you refer to Daniel Chapter 12, and where it talks about running to and fro and increasing in knowledge. Here you apply the tota scriptura principle to the text as we say that by going here a little and there a little we can come to an understanding of what the Bible is referring to on this subject.
There are two other quotes of interest that you made from the writings of Ellen White. The first was “The book of Daniel is now unsealed, and the revelation made by Christ to John is to come to all the inhabitants of the earth. By the increase of knowledge a people is to be prepared to stand in the latter days.”
In speaking about the book of nature and the writings of Scripture, Ellen White says that “Nature still speaks of her Creator. Yet these revelations are partial and imperfect. And in our fallen state, with weakened powers and restricted vision, we are incapable of interpreting aright. We need the fuller revelation of Himself that God has given in His written word.”
Nature is a revelation of God, but yet it, especially because of sin is not revealing it’s knowledge of the creator as freely as it once did. The Scripture according to E.G. White gives us a clearer revelation about God than does nature.
It is good to know, though, that these to revelations (Scripture and the cosmos) compliment each other and each helps us to understand the other better. As we continue to study God’s word, going here a little and there a little, we can see God’s will clearer and help others to be ready for Jesus’ soon return.
This chapter is going to deal with how Scripture as source of authority of God relating to Christ and Cosmos. The big problem comes in the fact that if God speaks through the Bible, how can result so many understanding from the word of God. Does the word of God present so many basics of understanding? Could be so many cultures reached the Bible with their presuppositions? What the Bible teaches us according to Itself? In this Chapter, we are going to see that the Holy Scripture presents three basic ways for seekers. First, Scripture is the word of God. God cannot err. God has message, or divers messages in harmony for the whole humanity. The principle of Sola Scriptura must be applied in any circumstances civilizing subject. Timothy 3: 16, the entire Bible is inspired, so It can convince us of the will of God. In any disagreement, we must firs set the word of God to increase light and to get unity. Secondly, the Holy Scripture reminds us to be silent before the word of God. That means, the Holy Scripture has prior over cultural matters. You may come to the Bible as you want but you may be willing to be shaped according the Revelation of God. Thirdly, to have a better understanding of the Holy Scripture, you must go back and forth to seek, and to seize the real meaning of the word of God for us.
How to read God’s three books This book is trying to put together a real sense of reading Christ, Scripture and Cosmos as a revelation of God to human being. This is a totality of God’s presence in the word, so that not anyone could ever say that he has not had the occasion to experience God creation. The real is not focus on the possibility to read about God in three way but how to have a serious lecture of God in those three ways in concordance and harmonious? Answering this question is not so easy. To overcome this, two understandings must be taken in consideration. Firs, each of three books relates God in a particularly way that takes it special. It does not mean that each has equal value. Look, Christ is the type of God. He is the perfect image of God, we may know, see, experience God through Him. Christ assumes that Scripture is the breath of God; He also recognizes that God has created the Cosmos. However, Christ cannot be equal the Scripture or the Cosmos. I pray Christ; I cannot pray the Bible neither the Cosmos. Secondly, the Scripture is the word of God; it is the thought of God to us. It has been announcing Christ has the Son of God, and as the King of King, and presenting the whole Creation as the work of God. Third, the Cosmos reveals that to be existed, it must have have a God preceded the creation. It is the natural proof that a Great God has made a marvelous creation. Do the three primacies equal? This is can be a matter of arguing. Look, for us who have Bible, and be able to go deep in the explanation of Bible, it is easier for us to maintain that Christ has prior over those two primacies. If some once from another culture, having no ideal about Christ and Bible, I suppose for Him, the Cosmos should be the first primacy. I mean that the order of primacies depends of the background of people.
In part III of Dr. Hanna's book, I found the concept of Christ as the supreme revelation of God. I found interesting how Dr. Hanna explain in a simple and dynamic form the three conection of Christ center in Scripture. Concepts as the place of Christ among the divine persons, the nature of Christ as the divine-human person, and the Christ-centered connnections among divine and human person, are concepts that many scholars today are not agree at all. I think that Dr. Hanna' positions are biblical. One role of Christ to become one with the humanity family is to restore us. As Elle White quote: "He was the divine Son of God. The human and the divine were blended, and those who humbly seek God through Him will be made partakers of the divine nature." May we take benefit of this gift (Christ) so that His pray for unity may be a reality in our lives.
In part III of Dr. Hanna's book, I found the concept of Christ as the supreme revelation of God. I found interesting how Dr. Hanna explain in a simple and dynamic form the three conection of Christ center in Scripture. Concepts as the place of Christ among the divine persons, the nature of Christ as the divine-human person, and the Christ-centered connnections among divine and human person, are concepts that many scholars today are not agree at all. I think that Dr. Hanna' positions are biblical. One role of Christ to become one with the humanity family is to restore us. As Elle White quote: "He was the divine Son of God. The human and the divine were blended, and those who humbly seek God through Him will be made partakers of the divine nature." May we take benefit of this gift (Christ) so that His pray for unity may be a reality in our lives.
Several times in this book, Dr. Hanna has quoted the statement Ellen White made in Christ’s Object Lessons page 125-126. “The great storehouse of truth is the word of God – the written word, the book of nature, and the book of experience.” The statement is very similar to his model of the three books of God being Christ, Scripture, and the cosmos. There was some discussion in this book of how our experiences play into these three books. There is a footnote on page 55 which briefly states that the cosmos include human nature and therefore also our experiences. Since Ellen White differentiated between nature and experience, I expected more discussion as to why Dr. Hanna lumped them together. The distinction between Christ and Scripture also seems somewhat artificial to me. While I certainly agree that Christ is the greatest revelation of who God is, our knowledge of that revelation is almost exclusively known through the scriptures. For me personally, I see a bigger distinction between nature and our own experiences than I do between Christ and the Scriptures. I’m not really disagreeing with Dr. Hanna’s model, just asking for more support for the distinctions he makes in choosing the books and a clearer description of what is included in the book of the cosmos.
Some have raised the question of why I emphasize a distinction between Christ, Scripture, and Cosmos. My answer is that Scripture makes the same distinctions (John 3:39-40; Rom 1:20). Ellen White also makes these distinctions. In Christ’s Object Lessons (125-126) she distinguishes the book of Scripture, the book of nature, and the book of experience (which she identifies with the experience of Christ).
I point out in my book that the experience of Christ may be distinguished but not separated from the experience of nature and the experience of Scripture. While we can distinguish the various aspects of our experience we cannot separate them. Our experience of Christ is to be evaluated according to the revelation of Scripture. Similarly, our experience of the Christ of Scripture is embedded within our experience of the cosmos. At the same time distinctions are necessary lest we confuse the true worship of Christ with the false worship of Scripture or the of the cosmos.
Chapter 4—“Are Ellen G. White’s Writings Biblical?” I can say this unequivocally. This chapter should be read by all who still doubt the biblical support and foundations of White’s writings. As a Bible believer, I am extremely thrilled to know that the specifics here do, with extreme clarity, delineate the truths that cannot be denied. The articulation and substantiation purported here is undeniably very accurate. As the diagrams illustrate, her writings were a lesser light pointing to a greater light which is the bible. One person once told me to randomly select any book from her writings and close my eyes while selecting any paragraph and there will be names of or relating to God well within sight within moments. Understandably, her last words at a gathering or council were “Brethren and sisters, I commend unto you this book” lifting up the bible. As Hanna rightly postulates, the book of Scripture and the book of nature never disagree. This is a perception that White agrees with and, as is shown in this chapter, she lived by up until her death. One could not deny that Ellen White is quoted extensively in this chapter to support all other claims that he is proposing especially in this chapter. A high note of reference here is the channels of God’s revelation and the book of experience especially as it relates to illumination. The bible and the bible alone is the standard and is supported and strongly pushed by Ellen White herself. If anything else, this chapter suggests strongly, and with sound support, that Ellen White does support the model, at least from the citations, of the author. I wished though that Hanna would spend more time talking here about the evidences surrounding the biblical relevance of White. However, what is mentioned is adequate enough to dispel any rumors by even the staunchest detractor. The test of a prophet is highlighted in Isaiah 8:20 and there is no reason, after reading this chapter, that one could determine that she is not. In fact, I am even more convinced that the Bible was, is, and will remain the supreme authority for God’s people—not Ellen White’s writings. Praise God.
On page 124, of ‘The Cosmic Christ of Scripture’ Dr. Hanna states that “we need adequate light in order to read well.” The question is however, how we get the light we need. Is it by reading? But then, ‘we need light in order to read well.’ Can we read with, so to speak, ‘no light’ to gain light? It seems to be a circular argument, but reading will give light, or at least enhance the light in order to read well. Let us unpack this a little. God revealed himself in three ‘books’, according to the model proposed by dr. Hanna. Christ, Cosmos and Scripture. If we will study these three ‘books’ independently it might not be possible to gain the light we need, in order to read well. However, if we study all three together, we will discover that they all give light to each other. If we study the Cosmos, we will better understand Scripture, we will better understand the work of Christ. If we study Scripture, we better understand the cosmic events happening around us and see more clearly the purpose of the work of Christ. In other words, the three different books are seemingly interrelated, shedding light upon the others. So, don’t worry, if you feel that you have ‘no light’, start reading the three books and you will gain light.
25 comments:
As I have been reading The Cosmos Christ of the Scriptures, I found myself in a whirl wind of new, confusing, and interesting ideas. The confusion came from unfamiliarity with the author’s style of writing. (My training has in the area of science and we present things in a direct, all at once manner) He was sketching out a picture of God’s three revelations, how they relate to one another and to us. With time and familiarity, the confusion was resolved into a beautiful picture of God’s revelation to mankind.
I was surprised to discover that God has given us three revelations. Nature, or the cosmos as our teacher likes to call it, and Scriptures were the two that I was previously familiar with; however, considering Christ to be a relation of God was something I have never really considered. I find it amusing. Christ came to show us God’s character and reveal who He really is to the human family but I never thought to set Him side by side with His scripture and His creation.
In all, I have been enjoying considering how each revelations has its authority in its particular area and how they work in concert to give us a more complete picture of our God. And I looking forward to seeing the other details and facets of the picture I have never seen before.
9/28/2006 2:45 PM
How to Read God’s Three Books
God’s three books – incarnation, inspiration and creation are powerful evidence to the fact that there is a God who not only created but is eternally loving, merciful, patient and gracious toward His erring creation (especially humanity, the crown of all the created things on earth). These three books constitutes the comprehensive and exclusive revelation of God to humanity. Therefore, it is crucial that we read the three books, but even more crucial that we understand how to read these books aright. It is the misreading and misinterpretation of these books that has led to diversity of beliefs and proliferation of churches within Christendom. But interestingly enough, the gospel is simple for even the simple at heart to understand for God has not only spoken but also condescended to level of His creation (humanity, in Christ).
However, the incarnation (“life and ministry of Christ”) points to creation and inspires us to godliness. Therefore, “the veil of misunderstanding is taken away in Christ” (2 Corinthians 3:14). But interestingly, the “Scripture does not eclipse Christ” nor does it eclipse the “revelation of Christ in the cosmos which He created.” Hence, an intimate relationship with Christ is the key to understanding the cosmos and inspiration (Scripture).
I am fully share with Martin F. Hanna his persuasion on the intrinsic and inseparable relationship of God’s three books.
ELEMS, Ugochukwu
GSEM510 Revelation Hermeneutics & Inspiration
9/12/2006 7:27 AM
This is a much shorter blog than my original which just got deleted from the comments box when I went to preview what I had presented. So because of super frustration this is shorter.
In short I wanted to touch on the idea that a for a proper hermeneutic we must have each of Gods three books, Cosmos, Scripture, and Christ Incarnate. It has been shown that if one of these is removed, the revelation of God is reduced. Also it has been shown in parts 1,2 & 3 that these work together and are always in agreement. Meaning that if they look like they aren’t, we need to dig deeper for a proper understanding. With this is mind I have been pondering the use of scripture through time. For an example Paul, in writing parts of the NT, used the Law and the Prophets or Torah and his experience as his rule of faith. Moses used the 10 Commandments as well as his experience with God in writing the Pentateuch, which was used by the rest of the prophets and which together were used by Paul. This means that if we were to remove 1 of the 10 Commandments now, the who foundation for Christian belief would collapse. Is it any wonder why Satan has tried so hard to diminish the Commandment’s importance? I say this because if we are to think logically about what we believe, we must always agree with the earlier revelations of God in scripture to be valid and relevant in our time (Isa 8:20) This in essence means that if we as Christians remove the Commandments we remove our very foundation for being Christian because these are the revelation of Gods character which is more fully shown in Christ. They are what enlightened Moses and then later the other prophets who enlightened Paul and the other NT writers who are Christian. More importantly Jesus used the scriptures which are based on these 10 from Gods own hand to understand who He was and His mission in the incarnate word of God. Does this make sense? Help me understand how I am wrong if I am missing something.
9/12/2006 3:42 PM
As I have been reading The Cosmic Christ of Scripture, I have appreciated the way that the three revelations of God (Scripture, Christ, and Cosmos) are so interrelated and interwoven. I especially appreciated the application of “to and fro” from Daniel 12:4 to the three revelation model on pages 39 to 41 of The Cosmic Christ of Scripture. This is a reminder to us that the three revelations cannot be stand-alone entities. We must be actively moving between them and pursuing each revelation of God. I believe that our purpose for actively going to each of the three revelations must be for more than simply knowledge. As I read this section in Dr. Hanna’s book, I was reminded of the words of another Bible scholar about the cycle of discipleship found in the book of Mark. I see some clear parallels between both concepts. Jesus calls the disciples in Mark 1-3. They spend some time with Him observing and being taught (parallel to learning from scripture). Then, in Mark 6, Jesus sends them out into the world (cosmos) to share what they have learned. Finally, later in Mark 6, after the disciples have come back to Jesus and reported what they have done, He calls them to come to a quiet place with Him to rest (Christ/Incarnation). If a concept like this one is applied to Dr. Hanna’s model, it can remind us that we should not just focus on gaining knowledge from God’s revelations. That knowledge must be practical, and we must use it in the cycle of discipleship and sharing with others.
9/13/2006 11:37 AM
In Part two of Hanna's book we encounter the true hermeneutical approach to understanding Scripture in the end time: it must be Christcentered, Biblical and Relevant to our experience in this world. The fascinating thing is how he writes about escatology so subtly staying within the tracks of his main theme of revelation-inspiration throughout the book. As Adventist we know that as the times come to an end there is an increasingly intensified warfare between Good and Evil, Christ vs. Satan, in the Great Controversy theme. The world is polarized into either side of the extremes and people will reflect more the image of their faithful allegiance. It is therefore proper for Hanna to note that in the end time the "righteous" recieve greater understanding of God's revelation (Dan 12:3,4,10). This by going to and fro from Scripture to Scripture; between the cosmos (science) and Scripture; and Christ with Science and Scripture; all in harmony. He explains all this in chapter 3. Now watch how subtly he transitions from an escatological hermeneutics towards an examination of Ellen White's writings in chapter 4. This chapter not only expounds on what Ellen White confirms to be the relationship between the three books of revelation, but it seems to be a support for the Spirit of Prophecy for the last days in the ministry of Ellen White as the Messenger of the Lord (Rev. 12:17; 19:10; 1:2). How else could there be such a connection between knowledge increasing in the end times and Ellen White expounding on Scripture in the end times with an appropiate hermeneutics (Christcentered, biblical and relevant) for us to follow?
9/14/2006 10:28 PM
Any careful reader will recognize that the book "Cosmic Christ of Scripture" is a impressive research in revelation, inspiration and hermeneutics. As i critically examined the introduction of this book i am confronted with God's three books:Incarnation, Inspiration and Creation. These are concepts that i have been exposed to before, but never in this profound and wholistic way. The author lays the foundation that our theology must be Christ centered, biblically based and relevant to the cosmos. Such a concept constitutes the wholistic model being promoted by this academician. As i read how he dealt with with 2 Cor.3:14-16 in the light of our misunderstanding of scripture i was enlightened. The author showed the importance of removing the veil of misunderstanding as it regards the relationship that exists among scripture, Christ, and nature.These three are intricately linked and must be examined as such.The interdependce of these three concepts reveals something profound about the triniy-there is unity. Man's undertstanding of revelation has been thwarted over the centuries , and the author brings a balance understanding to his treatment of the subject matter. He emphasized that " the Cosmic Christ points to the truth that the veil of misunderstanding of scripture is taken away."(CC.17)
Praise the Lord that the veil is removed! Now we no longer see through the glasses of our false presuppositions, but we look upon the face of Jesus and make His Word the basis of our presupposition. It is only then that a better understanding of his revelations will appreciated.
It is my feeling that our understanding and appreciation of God's three books must lead us to dialogue with Him. As we talk to God and He talks to us, we will be better able to talk of and about Him to others. This will make our theology meaningful especially in a crooked post-modern context where everything seems so relatavistic. As i continue my journey through this most beautiful book i believe that there are still new truths to discover and yet deeper things to unearth.
9/27/2006 10:34 PM
Whenever you start reading a book the first words, or we often see the epigraph to the book or chapter, lead the whole farther study. All those verses cited from the Bible in the beginning of the first chapter of the book direct our attention on the importance of reading. I think this is the crucial edge that has to be considered by a serious searcher of the Bible. Keeping in mind these holy words read in the beginning it was much easier to comprehend the message of the book.
It found a nice response in my mind that there are three revelations of God as they are presented by the respected author: Cosmos, the Bible, and Christ. As far as all of them appear in the Cosmic context they are all important as solitary issues, but still have deep connections between each other. Christ can be understood only within the Cosmos, and the Holy Scripture can be comprehended within the Cosmos. This is a discourse that covers a lifelong line. The more you read, meditate and study the more “revelation” will be revealed to you.
I do appreciate the chosen approach to the whole theme of God’s revelation. As soon as we all live in the postmodern epoch we need to realize that the vital truth can be found in the Cosmic Christ of Scripture.
9/28/2006 4:19 PM
Your book the Cosmic Christ of scripture is very insightful. I have enjoyed reading it. I have particulary liked your insistent that our theology should be relevant to the world in which we live. Also I have always believed in the three books of God as you call them in this book. I believe the book Seventh-day Adventists Believe on page 13 indicates that these three,rightly understood, are in perfect harmony. The same book goes on to say that sin has limited how much we can learn about God from nature;I would add that our ability to learn from scripture and from the incarnate word is equally affected. I must also say that your bicycle-wheel illustration of the complementary nature of the three books is excellent. But just to make sure that I represent you correctly; would I be wrong to say that your model still accomodates the hierarchy of revelation from general revelation to special and to the supreme? Since you present srcipture as the theoretical framework which norms the interpretation of scripture, christ and nature( and rightly so); is it correct to conclude that we cannot be informed by nature( by nature I am icluding human nature; reason, experience or tradition/culture) on spiritual issues where scripture is silent? You recognize in your book that Holy scriptures are the standard of character and test of experience; could there be situations where a "thus says" the Lord is ringing from the book of nature and yet His written word is mute/unclear. Is it correct that your concept of "to and fro" among the three books does not suggest the scenario above. I am using a "learning" device here doc. just to make sure I am on the same page with you.
9/28/2006 9:46 PM
The issue has come up in our discussions as to whether I am suggesting in my book that God's three books are equal. In other words. are Christ, Scripture, and the cosmos equal to each other.
What I propose is that each of God's books is a revelation of God and should be accepted as such. At the same time, these revelations are NOT equal to each other.
Christ IS God, Scripture and the cosmos ARE NOT God. As such Christ is unique as the supreme revelation of God.
Scripture is unique (one and only) as the primary/final rule of Christian faith, practice, and knowledge. As such it is the norm/standard for our views of Christ and the cosmos.
The cosmos is a unique revelation of God which is the context within which the other revelations are given. It is also the context within which Christ-centered and biblical theology is relevant.
Does Scripture revelation make it unnecessary for Christians to be Christ-centered in theology and the application of biblical theology? NO!
Does Scripture revelation make it unnecessary for Christians to be relevant to the cosmos in the application of their Christ-centered biblical theology? NO!
Does Scripture revelation provide information which is not revealed in extra-biblical experience of Christ and the cosmos? YES!
Is Scripture revelation the norm/standard for Christian theological interpretation of Christian experience of Christ and the cosmos? YES!
9/29/2006 12:05 PM
The holistic view to see the cosmos, and the bible as a non-contradiction evidence of God’s total revelation to human been is a well practice belief from the Seventh Day Adventist church. Dr Hanna has inverted a lot of energy to refresh these concepts in his book. My question to discuss is: Why did he want to call a huge attention to something that more SDA pastor should know by memory?
I thin k SDA church members as any Christian denomination believers have a dichotomy in their mind. There is a difference between what they believe with what they are practicing in their daily life. It is a concept vs. practice. Some are aware about it, but other even don’t pay attention. It is a struggle to fit our belief system into a practice. I believe this is a primer reason Dr Hanna’s call.
The second is the actual worldview theological concept. It has permeated very deeply in our SDA interpretation theology. The post- modernity concept of dual living has softened the spiritual ayes of many believers. There is not a pain mind conflict about a professing truth with a practical truth. I just notice a call from Dr Hanna to come back to the holistic SDA and biblical Truth.
Now after giving my two point of how Dr Hanna is calling SDA attention, I would like to give him a suggestion. I have noticed that in his book he doesn’t give a practical or meaningful modern story to compare his theological point. I believe a good way to cast a idea and a concept is by illustrate it. I just hear the student from his class asking him for a story. Most of them like me get the message after it.
As important as it is to read
As important as it is to read and accept the authority of Scripture, so it is to apply the right methodology.
The proposal that "the authority of the divine revelation in the book of Scriture defines the theological authority of the divine revelations in the 'books' of Christ and the cosmos" is a recurent principle throughout Scripture.
Although Christ is the most profound and "fulness" of the revelation of God, it is by the authority of the scripture that He (Jesus Christ) was first accepted as the Christ (anointed One) and Messiah. To the doubting Jews He said, "Search the scriptures; for them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are that testify of me." He was introduced by Scrpiture (Genesis 3:15; 12:3; Gal 3:16; Isa 7:14; 9:6) and He derived His authority from the Scrpitures (Matthew 4:4,7,10; John 5:39; Matt 5:17-19).
Indeed, "All Scripture (tota) and Scripture alone (sola) is the standard for the theological reading of revelation and yet first (prima)of the revelations.
ELEMS, Ugochukwu
“Let the Scriptures Speak”
I am trying desperately to find a glitch in the model that is being put forward here by the author to prove him wrong—so far, no luck. This is one of those theories that one would say, “I wish I had thought about that.” It sounds so simple, yet it is so profound. Hanna makes a very crucial statement that may have in it the clue to unlocking the issues of doctrine. He postulates that people treat the Scriptures as a child and not just as a father but the divine Father. Is a father an autocratic tyrant or is he a democratic? The consequences here are very mind boggling and as such it invites my undivided attention. Daniel 12:4 can never be read and understood the same again if the principles outlined in this chapter chronicles any grounded truth. Christian theology should go to and fro among the revelations of Christ, Scripture and the Cosmos. “Divine authority cannot be reduced to Scripture without contradicting Scripture.” If this statement means what it says then it would mean that Scripture suggests that divine authority rests in the hands of God. If that is the case, why do we need to follow the Scriptures and not just wait on a personal revelation from God? To an extent then it appears as if the Scriptures, Cosmos and Christ function as the Trinity. They agree in all points but in this case there is a subordinate concept which may cause mental conflicts. This may be answered in the realization that Christ and the Cosmos illuminate Scripture. Without a shadow of a doubt, while this chapter may spark a controversy, it has certainly shed a bright light on the antagonism towards authority and the susceptibilities of science. While I want to continue reading this book, I have to be cognizant of the fact that I need to remain sane—these are deep thoughts, as such I will take my time and wait to proceed to the next chapter.
Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. verse 7 If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well" (John 14:6, 7). In this statement alone we can deduce that Christ is making a claim that He is at the center of all realites: all of ontology, epistemology, and axiology. Christ simply is at the center of authentic theology because to know Him is to know the Father. It is important to know that Jesus said He and the Father are one, and of course He is one with the Holy Spirit, too.
Dr. Hanna makes the claim that authentic theology is biblical, Christ-centered, and relevant. It couldn't be put any better than he already did. This is great. Prof. Hanna points then shows us how to arrive at such a theology. Properly understood, the Scriptures, Christ, and nature can help us understand "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6)
What I'm yearning to find in this book is a chapter on the Holy Spirit. I'm sure we all know the complementary work of the Holy Spirit. I had to face this reality late in life. The Holy Spirit is real and He is our best friend. Chirst is present with us through the Holy Spirit. Christ guides us into all truth through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit takes our minds to new heights of divine understanding.
-Kendrick Cid
GSEM510 Revelation Hermeneutics
& Inspiration
The issue of ontological and epistemological primacy involves what I call semantic complexity. That means that the issue is not easy to put in words and that our words must be precisely defined. In this connection, I suggest that both Christ and Scripture have ontological and epistemological status.
Christ and Scripture are revelations and therefore are sources of information. In particular, Christ is the source of Scripture. These are ontological as well as epistemological statements.
This does not imply that Scripture and Christ are ontologically and epistemologically equal. Christ has ontological primacy as the epistemological revelation Who is God. Scripture has epistemological primacy as the revelation that tells us that Christ is the epistemological source of Scripture.
You may notice that this involves not only semantic complexity but circularity. Christ is the ontological/epistemological source of Scripture. At the same time, Scripture has epistemological primacy in that it tells us that Christ is its ontological/epistemological source.
This circularity between ontology and epistemology is inevitable not only in theology but in any discussion of reality. Ontology and epistemology can be distinguished but they cannot be dichotomized (separated). This is the reason for the concept of ontological and epistemological primacies which allows both Christ and Scripture to be described ontologically and epistemologically.
Martin Hanna.
On page 47 of your book you mention that Ellen White asked us to focus on the Bible and make it our study. Later on you refer to Daniel Chapter 12, and where it talks about running to and fro and increasing in knowledge. Here you apply the tota scriptura principle to the text as we say that by going here a little and there a little we can come to an understanding of what the Bible is referring to on this subject.
There are two other quotes of interest that you made from the writings of Ellen White. The first was “The book of Daniel is now unsealed, and the revelation made by Christ to John is to come to all the inhabitants of the earth. By the increase of knowledge a people is to be prepared to stand in the latter days.”
In speaking about the book of nature and the writings of Scripture, Ellen White says that “Nature still speaks of her Creator. Yet these revelations are partial and imperfect. And in our fallen state, with weakened powers and restricted vision, we are incapable of interpreting aright. We need the fuller revelation of Himself that God has given in His written word.”
Nature is a revelation of God, but yet it, especially because of sin is not revealing it’s knowledge of the creator as freely as it once did. The Scripture according to E.G. White gives us a clearer revelation about God than does nature.
It is good to know, though, that these to revelations (Scripture and the cosmos) compliment each other and each helps us to understand the other better. As we continue to study God’s word, going here a little and there a little, we can see God’s will clearer and help others to be ready for Jesus’ soon return.
Sterling Thompson.
This chapter is going to deal with how Scripture as source of authority of God relating to Christ and Cosmos. The big problem comes in the fact that if God speaks through the Bible, how can result so many understanding from the word of God. Does the word of God present so many basics of understanding? Could be so many cultures reached the Bible with their presuppositions? What the Bible teaches us according to Itself? In this Chapter, we are going to see that the Holy Scripture presents three basic ways for seekers. First, Scripture is the word of God. God cannot err. God has message, or divers messages in harmony for the whole humanity. The principle of Sola Scriptura must be applied in any circumstances civilizing subject. Timothy 3: 16, the entire Bible is inspired, so It can convince us of the will of God. In any disagreement, we must firs set the word of God to increase light and to get unity. Secondly, the Holy Scripture reminds us to be silent before the word of God. That means, the Holy Scripture has prior over cultural matters. You may come to the Bible as you want but you may be willing to be shaped according the Revelation of God. Thirdly, to have a better understanding of the Holy Scripture, you must go back and forth to seek, and to seize the real meaning of the word of God for us.
How to read God’s three books
This book is trying to put together a real sense of reading Christ, Scripture and Cosmos as a revelation of God to human being. This is a totality of God’s presence in the word, so that not anyone could ever say that he has not had the occasion to experience God creation. The real is not focus on the possibility to read about God in three way but how to have a serious lecture of God in those three ways in concordance and harmonious?
Answering this question is not so easy. To overcome this, two understandings must be taken in consideration. Firs, each of three books relates God in a particularly way that takes it special. It does not mean that each has equal value. Look, Christ is the type of God. He is the perfect image of God, we may know, see, experience God through Him. Christ assumes that Scripture is the breath of God; He also recognizes that God has created the Cosmos. However, Christ cannot be equal the Scripture or the Cosmos. I pray Christ; I cannot pray the Bible neither the Cosmos. Secondly, the Scripture is the word of God; it is the thought of God to us. It has been announcing Christ has the Son of God, and as the King of King, and presenting the whole Creation as the work of God. Third, the Cosmos reveals that to be existed, it must have have a God preceded the creation. It is the natural proof that a Great God has made a marvelous creation.
Do the three primacies equal? This is can be a matter of arguing. Look, for us who have Bible, and be able to go deep in the explanation of Bible, it is easier for us to maintain that Christ has prior over those two primacies. If some once from another culture, having no ideal about Christ and Bible, I suppose for Him, the Cosmos should be the first primacy. I mean that the order of primacies depends of the background of people.
In part III of Dr. Hanna's book, I found the concept of Christ as the supreme revelation of God. I found interesting how Dr. Hanna explain in a simple and dynamic form the three conection of Christ center in Scripture. Concepts as the place of Christ among the divine persons, the nature of Christ as the divine-human person, and the Christ-centered connnections among divine and human person, are concepts that many scholars today are not agree at all. I think that Dr. Hanna' positions are biblical.
One role of Christ to become one with the humanity family is to restore us. As Elle White quote: "He was the divine Son of God. The human and the divine were blended, and those who humbly seek God through Him will be made partakers of the divine nature." May we take benefit of this gift (Christ) so that His pray for unity may be a reality in our lives.
In part III of Dr. Hanna's book, I found the concept of Christ as the supreme revelation of God. I found interesting how Dr. Hanna explain in a simple and dynamic form the three conection of Christ center in Scripture. Concepts as the place of Christ among the divine persons, the nature of Christ as the divine-human person, and the Christ-centered connnections among divine and human person, are concepts that many scholars today are not agree at all. I think that Dr. Hanna' positions are biblical.
One role of Christ to become one with the humanity family is to restore us. As Elle White quote: "He was the divine Son of God. The human and the divine were blended, and those who humbly seek God through Him will be made partakers of the divine nature." May we take benefit of this gift (Christ) so that His pray for unity may be a reality in our lives.
Several times in this book, Dr. Hanna has quoted the statement Ellen White made in Christ’s Object Lessons page 125-126. “The great storehouse of truth is the word of God – the written word, the book of nature, and the book of experience.” The statement is very similar to his model of the three books of God being Christ, Scripture, and the cosmos. There was some discussion in this book of how our experiences play into these three books. There is a footnote on page 55 which briefly states that the cosmos include human nature and therefore also our experiences. Since Ellen White differentiated between nature and experience, I expected more discussion as to why Dr. Hanna lumped them together. The distinction between Christ and Scripture also seems somewhat artificial to me. While I certainly agree that Christ is the greatest revelation of who God is, our knowledge of that revelation is almost exclusively known through the scriptures. For me personally, I see a bigger distinction between nature and our own experiences than I do between Christ and the Scriptures. I’m not really disagreeing with Dr. Hanna’s model, just asking for more support for the distinctions he makes in choosing the books and a clearer description of what is included in the book of the cosmos.
Chad Hess
Some have raised the question of why I emphasize a distinction between Christ, Scripture, and Cosmos. My answer is that Scripture makes the same distinctions (John 3:39-40; Rom 1:20). Ellen White also makes these distinctions. In Christ’s Object Lessons (125-126) she distinguishes the book of Scripture, the book of nature, and the book of experience (which she identifies with the experience of Christ).
I point out in my book that the experience of Christ may be distinguished but not separated from the experience of nature and the experience of Scripture. While we can distinguish the various aspects of our experience we cannot separate them. Our experience of Christ is to be evaluated according to the revelation of Scripture. Similarly, our experience of the Christ of Scripture is embedded within our experience of the cosmos. At the same time distinctions are necessary lest we confuse the true worship of Christ with the false worship of Scripture or the of the cosmos.
Martin Hanna.
Chapter 4—“Are Ellen G. White’s Writings Biblical?”
I can say this unequivocally. This chapter should be read by all who still doubt the biblical support and foundations of White’s writings. As a Bible believer, I am extremely thrilled to know that the specifics here do, with extreme clarity, delineate the truths that cannot be denied. The articulation and substantiation purported here is undeniably very accurate. As the diagrams illustrate, her writings were a lesser light pointing to a greater light which is the bible. One person once told me to randomly select any book from her writings and close my eyes while selecting any paragraph and there will be names of or relating to God well within sight within moments. Understandably, her last words at a gathering or council were “Brethren and sisters, I commend unto you this book” lifting up the bible. As Hanna rightly postulates, the book of Scripture and the book of nature never disagree. This is a perception that White agrees with and, as is shown in this chapter, she lived by up until her death. One could not deny that Ellen White is quoted extensively in this chapter to support all other claims that he is proposing especially in this chapter. A high note of reference here is the channels of God’s revelation and the book of experience especially as it relates to illumination. The bible and the bible alone is the standard and is supported and strongly pushed by Ellen White herself. If anything else, this chapter suggests strongly, and with sound support, that Ellen White does support the model, at least from the citations, of the author. I wished though that Hanna would spend more time talking here about the evidences surrounding the biblical relevance of White. However, what is mentioned is adequate enough to dispel any rumors by even the staunchest detractor. The test of a prophet is highlighted in Isaiah 8:20 and there is no reason, after reading this chapter, that one could determine that she is not. In fact, I am even more convinced that the Bible was, is, and will remain the supreme authority for God’s people—not Ellen White’s writings. Praise God.
On page 124, of ‘The Cosmic Christ of Scripture’ Dr. Hanna states that “we need adequate light in order to read well.”
The question is however, how we get the light we need. Is it by reading? But then, ‘we need light in order to read well.’ Can we read with, so to speak, ‘no light’ to gain light?
It seems to be a circular argument, but reading will give light, or at least enhance the light in order to read well. Let us unpack this a little.
God revealed himself in three ‘books’, according to the model proposed by dr. Hanna. Christ, Cosmos and Scripture. If we will study these three ‘books’ independently it might not be possible to gain the light we need, in order to read well.
However, if we study all three together, we will discover that they all give light to each other. If we study the Cosmos, we will better understand Scripture, we will better understand the work of Christ. If we study Scripture, we better understand the cosmic events happening around us and see more clearly the purpose of the work of Christ.
In other words, the three different books are seemingly interrelated, shedding light upon the others.
So, don’t worry, if you feel that you have ‘no light’, start reading the three books and you will gain light.
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