Illumination of the Scripture
The illumination of Scripture is a theological phrase that is used to describe how the Holy Spirit helps someone reading the Bible. This theological usage of the terminology is not always common to the average Christian in the pew. Clark H. Pinnock says theological works usually mention the phrase but do not give an extensive development of the theology. [1] This paper will attempt to develop the concepts of the doctrine by discussing various views of the illumination of Scripture, followed by exegesis of a key Scripture passage, 1 Cor 2:14. Then three specific theologians' views on illumination will be examined: Augustine of Hippo, John Calvin and John Owen. The position taken in this paper is that the illumination of Scripture is the Holy Spirit empowering the church to embrace and apply the Bible. ...