Theological Term of the Week

redaction criticism
The “study of the role of the redactor (editor) in the final compostion of the biblical text.”1

(Evangelical redaction criticism presupposes the supernatural nature of scripture, and is used to discover the particular emphasis of a biblical author. But more commonly, redaction criticism is done from anti-supernatural presuppositions, and used to confirm the (supposedly) human origin of scripture. Some of the linked articles under Learn More below denounce redaction criticism generally, but they do so under the assumption that all redaction criticism has anti-supernatural presuppositions.)

• From 40 Questions About Interpreting the Bible by Robert L. Plummer:

[W]hile many biblical authors had both firsthand knowledge of events (e.g., the apostle John) and oral and written sources from which to draw (e.g., Luke 1:1-4), the redactor ultimately showed his theological interests and purposes through selecting, omitting, editing, and summarizing the material for his text. (Of course, Christians assume the Holy Spirit was working through the redactors in this process.) 

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Heidelberg Catechism

Question 56. What do you believe concerning “the forgiveness of sins”?

Answer: I believe that God, for the sake of Christ’s satisfaction, will no more remember my sins, nor my corrupt nature, against which I have to struggle all my life, (a) but will graciously impute to me the righteousness of Christ, (b) that I may never come into condemnation. (c)

(Scriptural proofs after the fold.)

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Sunday's Hymn: This Is My Father's World

This is my Father’s world,
And to my list’ning ears,
All nature sings, and round me rings
The music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world:
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father’s world,
The birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white,
Declare their Maker’s praise.
This is my Father’s world:
He shines in all that’s fair;
In the rustling grass I hear him pass,
He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father’s world,
O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world:
The battle is not done;
Jesus who died shall be satisfied,
And earth and heav’n be one.

—Maltbie D. Babcock

Other hymns, worship songs, prayers, sermons excerpts, or quotes posted today:

• In Christ There Is No East or West at Graces Daily
• Give Thanks to God, for Good Is He at The Happy Wonderer
• Justice and Mercy Kiss at Tried With Fire
• Lifting Up Our Hearts - 41 at The Upward Call
• You Are the Perfect Icon of God from Trevin Wax
• Lord’s Day 40, 2014 at The Thirsty Theologian
• Your weekly dose of Spurgeon: We cannot expect two rewards at Pyromaniacs

Have you posted a hymn (or sermon, sermon notes, prayer, etc.) today and I missed it? Let me know by leaving a link in the comments or by contacting me using the contact form linked above, and I’ll add your post to the list.