Necessary Inferences Judging what is Right

2 What is a Necessary Inference? “That which, though neither expressly stated nor specifically exemplified, [yet] is necessarily implied by the clear import and meaning of the language used.” -Walking by Faith, Cogdill, 14

3 What is a Necessary Inference? It is judging “righteous judgment” based on revealed truth, John 7:24It is judging “righteous judgment” based on revealed truth, John 7:24 It is deduced from what God has said in Scripture, Matthew 22:31-32It is deduced from what God has said in Scripture, Matthew 22:31-32 Every inference is not necessary, Jno. 21:20-23Every inference is not necessary, Jno. 21:20-23 It is not drawn from subjective sources such as personal feelings, conscience or opinions, Acts 26:9; 23:1It is not drawn from subjective sources such as personal feelings, conscience or opinions, Acts 26:9; 23:1

4 Using Necessary Inferences NI will harmonize with all that is revealed and previously known to be true, cf. 2 Peter 3:4-9NI will harmonize with all that is revealed and previously known to be true, cf. 2 Peter 3:4-9 Some said the Lord was not returning because they inferred everything has always stayed the same (3:4). Their inference was flawed because…Some said the Lord was not returning because they inferred everything has always stayed the same (3:4). Their inference was flawed because… They willfully failed to take into account the flood (3:5-7) and the nature of God (3:8-9)They willfully failed to take into account the flood (3:5-7) and the nature of God (3:8-9) Flawed inference leads to false teaching!Flawed inference leads to false teaching!

5 Using Necessary Inferences NI is the only conclusion that can be drawn from what is statedNI is the only conclusion that can be drawn from what is stated “ In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth,” Genesis 1:1“ In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth,” Genesis 1:1 We necessarily infer that God existed before the creation, although it is not directly statedWe necessarily infer that God existed before the creation, although it is not directly stated The only conclusion to infer from what is saidThe only conclusion to infer from what is said

6 Using Necessary Inferences NI is the only conclusion that can be drawn from what is statedNI is the only conclusion that can be drawn from what is stated “ When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water…” (Matthew 3:16)“ When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water…” (Matthew 3:16) We necessarily infer that Jesus went down into the water before He “came up…from the water”We necessarily infer that Jesus went down into the water before He “came up…from the water”

7 Using Necessary Inferences NI is a conclusion or judgment that is concluded from what is known, Luke 12:54-57NI is a conclusion or judgment that is concluded from what is known, Luke 12:54-57 They inferred “a shower is coming” when there was “a cloud rising out of the west,” Luke 12:54They inferred “a shower is coming” when there was “a cloud rising out of the west,” Luke 12:54 When they saw the south wind blow they inferred “there will be hot weather” and were correct, Luke 12:55When they saw the south wind blow they inferred “there will be hot weather” and were correct, Luke 12:55

8 Using Necessary Inferences NI is a conclusion or judgment that is concluded from what is known, Luke 12:54-57NI is a conclusion or judgment that is concluded from what is known, Luke 12:54-57 Jesus expects us to use NI to know the truth, Luke 12:56-57Jesus expects us to use NI to know the truth, Luke 12:56-57 John 3:2: Nicodemus necessarily inferred Jesus was a “teacher come from God” because:John 3:2: Nicodemus necessarily inferred Jesus was a “teacher come from God” because: Jesus was working miraclesJesus was working miracles Miracles only occur by power & presence of GodMiracles only occur by power & presence of God Therefore, Jesus must be from GodTherefore, Jesus must be from God

9 Using Necessary Inferences NI is a proper and decisive way to establish Bible authorityNI is a proper and decisive way to establish Bible authority Authority not to bind circumcision on Gentiles for salvation is based on necessary inference in Acts 15:12Authority not to bind circumcision on Gentiles for salvation is based on necessary inference in Acts 15:12 Authority to eat the Lord’s Supper every first day of the week is based on necessary inference in Acts 20:7Authority to eat the Lord’s Supper every first day of the week is based on necessary inference in Acts 20:7