Charles,

1) "Analogy of Faith" is a biblical principle that originates from Scripture itself and is not some man-made idea. It simply means "comparing Scripture with Scripture". A simple but unassailable example is the New Testament which is comprised of nearly 85% of Old Testament quotes and references. Jesus admonished the Jews of His day to "search the scriptures" (cf. Jh 5:39) which all testified of Him. If one rejects the "analogy of faith" in order to ascertain the truth then the old adage rings true, "A text out of context is nothing more than pretext!" <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

2) There are several legitimate methods of studying the Bible, all of which are complimentary to each other. For example, there is "Biblical Theology", "Systematic Theology", etc. Each is dependent upon using the "analogy of faith".

3) The system that Fuller has created is much like "Biblical Theology", i.e., starting at the beginning of redemptive history and working through to the end of God's written revelation to mankind. And if my assessment is accurate, then one would be remiss if they didn't read through Geerhardus Vos' Biblical Theology.

4) Daniel Fuller is hardly a Calvinist and methinks one would have to play linguistic gymnastics to include him in that circle. Further, Fuller Theological Seminary is hardly conservative and it's liberal influence has caused John Piper no little friction over some of the things he has written.

At this point I am going to have to admit that I'm not quite sure what alleged "problem" you are trying to resolve? <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/scratch1.gif" alt="" /> Historic biblical Calvinism has had no problem asserting the full sovereignty of God, the full responsibility of man and affirming that God has and does interact with the world and individuals. In what reading I have done, every single person who has set forth some kind of "disclaimer" to what the Reformed Faith teaches; particularly in this area of the freedom of the will is decidedly opposed to God's ultimate control and the limits with which man is endowed. But again, I am not sure what it is you are wrestling with. And I, for one, would be grateful if you could perhaps communicate that in another way and possibly I might be able to better understand. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

In His grace,


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simul iustus et peccator

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