2. The Bible Authorizes By Direct Statement Direct Statements are the explicitly “spelled-out” propositions which the Bible records. Direct Statements are the explicitly “spelled-out” propositions which the Bible records. In the past, attention has been given only/specifically to authorization by command, but this is not sufficient to cover the matter. “Command” is part of a larger study of direct statements, of which there are several types by which we find authorization in the NT. In the past, attention has been given only/specifically to authorization by command, but this is not sufficient to cover the matter. “Command” is part of a larger study of direct statements, of which there are several types by which we find authorization in the NT. Direct statements can be classified upon the basis of various “moods” and “natures” in the Greek NT. “Mood” means “the relationship of the action indicated in the verb to the realm of reality.” Direct statements can be classified upon the basis of various “moods” and “natures” in the Greek NT. “Mood” means “the relationship of the action indicated in the verb to the realm of reality.” – Either the action is real or the action is potential. – Is the action taking place or is it only potential?

3. The Bible Authorizes By Direct Statement Examples of Direct Statements in Greek NT include: Examples of Direct Statements in Greek NT include: – Declarative Statements Mark 16:16; Acts 17:30 Mark 16:16; Acts 17:30 – Imperative Statements Acts 2:38; Mark 16:15 Acts 2:38; Mark 16:15 – Interrogative Statements 1 Corinthians 1:13, 12:29-30; 14:36; 15:12; Romans 6:1 1 Corinthians 1:13, 12:29-30; 14:36; 15:12; Romans 6:1 – Hortatory Statements Hebrews 6:1; 12:1; Romans 6:2 Hebrews 6:1; 12:1; Romans 6:2 – Conditional Statements Romans 7:2-3; 1 Corinthians 15:12-20; Colossians 3:1 Romans 7:2-3; 1 Corinthians 15:12-20; Colossians 3:1 – Prohibitory Statements Ephesians 4:28; 2 Corinthians 6:14; Colossians 3:9 Ephesians 4:28; 2 Corinthians 6:14; Colossians 3:9

4. The Bible Authorizes By Implication Implication is not mere assertion, personal interpretation or wishful thinking. It is a logical relationship among terms of a proposition in which one derives/ascertains/deduces truths which lie inherently in the terms of the explicit propositions. In implication, conclusions are necessitated and cannot be avoided given certain premises. Implication is not mere assertion, personal interpretation or wishful thinking. It is a logical relationship among terms of a proposition in which one derives/ascertains/deduces truths which lie inherently in the terms of the explicit propositions. In implication, conclusions are necessitated and cannot be avoided given certain premises. That which the Bible teaches implicitly is just as true, just as binding, just as authoritative as is that which it teaches explicitly. These are conclusions that must be drawn! That which the Bible teaches implicitly is just as true, just as binding, just as authoritative as is that which it teaches explicitly. These are conclusions that must be drawn! Brethren often speak of “inference,” but “inference” deals with correct reasoning with regard to what God already authorized by implication in His explicit statements. Brethren often speak of “inference,” but “inference” deals with correct reasoning with regard to what God already authorized by implication in His explicit statements. The authority inherent in that which is implied lies not in the fact that I have reasoned correctly regarding an explicit statement, but in the fact that GOD HAS IMPLIED IT! The authority inherent in that which is implied lies not in the fact that I have reasoned correctly regarding an explicit statement, but in the fact that GOD HAS IMPLIED IT!

5. The Bible Authorizes By Implication There is a vast difference between “inference” and “assumption.” Some call things “inferences” but are actually “assumptions.” We must be careful to distinguish what a text actually says and implies from what “we want it to say.” There is a vast difference between “inference” and “assumption.” Some call things “inferences” but are actually “assumptions.” We must be careful to distinguish what a text actually says and implies from what “we want it to say.” For example: For example: – Acts 16:15 states that Lydia and her household were baptized. – It is often claimed that, therefore, Lydia was married, that she had children, and that some of these children were infants, and that, therefore, it is Scriptural to practice infant baptism. – There is here a great amount of “assumption” but no “inference.” We must stay within what a text teaches and authorizes and not conjecture or assume things that are not within Scripture. We must stay within what a text teaches and authorizes and not conjecture or assume things that are not within Scripture.