SCJ says that the knowledge of God/ the word of God is the answer. You cannot follow/ believe people or religion. (Matt 7:22-23) people will prophesy in His name, drive out demons, and even perform miracles. But God will say He doesn't know them!
Their biblical reasonings: It is only through the word of God, the revealed truth, through ONE person. We would know the truth from the falsehood through this chosen one.
You need to know the word and so that you can follow the shepherd (John 10:3-4, 27)
Destruction comes because you don't have knowledge (Hos 4:6)
Faith comes from hearing. (Rom 10:17)
There needs to be someone to preach the word of God, someone sent by God (Rom10:14-15)
SCJ connects it to the promised pastor
"…they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge." (Rom 10:2)
It is true that we need to know the word of God, but even Satan uses the scripture to test Jesus! Then, what is this knowledge that we need to know about? [Romans 10]
Paul talks about some people who may have zeal but not knowledge. Then right after that verse, he talks about what they are "ignorant" about, and that is the righteousness of God
"… they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness." (:2-3)
what is that knowledge about?
The righteousness of God. Characteristic of God
"Righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe" (Rom 3:22)
This knowledge is that we receive Righteousness of God through faith in Christ. The Gospel!
Also, it is not just ONE, special person who is sent who will preach the word like SCJ says.
"how can THEY preach unless THEY are sent?" (Rom 10:15)
It is multiple people who share the "good news" (:15)
The good news/ gospel: that there is life through Christ. (Romans 1:1-6)
It is not about the hidden truth but the GOSPEL that we have new life in Christ
Bible points to Jesus (John 5:39) (Luke 24:27)
[Hosea]
This story is about Hosea and his prostitute wife to represent the relationship between God and Israel
Wife forgets the fact that Hosea is the one who provides. "not acknowledged that I was the one who gave her the grain, the new wine and oil…" (Hosea 1:8)
In the same way, God provides Israelites the resources, but "they used [them] for Baal" (Hosea 1:8)
People did not acknowledge God… (Hosea 5:4, 6:3, 6)
What is this knowledge that Hosea 4:6 is talking about?
Knowledge about GOD. That He is the provider.
God wants His people to remember Him and return to him (Hosea 12:6, 14:1, 4)
[John]
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" (John 10: 27)
Jesus is the gate for the sheep. He is our shepherd. We are to hear HIS voice and HIS words not someone else's (John 10:7)
Jesus is the good shepherd. (John 10:11)
The quality of a good shepherd: lay down his life for the sheep. (John 10:11)
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10)
Therefore, to follow the word of Jesus in John 10 means to follow Him and recognize Him as our only shepherd. One shepherd (:16)
To have the word of God is not about knowing something special. It is the knowledge of God.
Righteousness of God. God who provides. God who works through Christ.
Satan uses the scripture to depict a wrong picture of God.
The serpent implied the following to Eve:
'God lies': you will not die even if you eat the forbidden food (Gen 3:4)
'God is taking something away from you.' He is not sharing everything with you: you will be wiser if you eat the forbidden food (Gen 3:5)
And Satan will not take responsibility but leave us. A wrong shepherd who "comes only to steal and kill and destroy" (John 10:10)
But God is good. (Luke 18:19 ) He is love (1 John 4:8) He wants to save us all. (1 Tim 2:3-4)
God wants mercy not sacrifice (Hosea 6:6).
CONCLUSION: --> Yes, the word of God is important to distinguish what someone says about God as true or not. But it is more important to see whether it points to the right image of God, what the Bible is trying to describe as a whole. Not just small pieces here and there, but the image of God who is love.
SCJ describes God as someone who chooses some people and not others, being selective and not welcoming all. Only selected people and chosen people get to know the special truth and special/ hidden knowledge. But God of the Bible welcomes everyone and wants all to have the knowledge of God. It is also not through one individual that God speaks but multiple individuals.
"This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (1 Tim2:3-4)
