Deep Dive into Consonance in the English Bible

Consonance is the harmonious agreement of diverse parts within a unified whole, meaning the Bible is heard as a single, steady voice rather than a "bundle of contradictions." This concept is the theological fruit of the doctrine of inspiration, reflecting the nature of the single divine Author—the triune God—who is unchanging and cannot speak contradictory words.

The Reformed tradition champions this agreement, referring to it confessionaly as "the consent of all the parts". This consent is an inherent property of Scripture, meaning the unity is already present, woven into the text by the Holy Spirit. This conviction stands in sharp contrast to modern criticism and liberal theology, which deny consonance and often portray Scripture as conflicting theologies.

The practical rule for interpreting this unified text is the analogy of faith (analogia fidei), which the Westminster Confession defines as the "infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself." Because the Bible speaks with one mind, this rule demands that one part of Scripture must interpret another, with clearer passages shedding light on the obscure. The analogy of faith strictly forbids interpretations that would make Scripture contradict itself. When apparent tensions arise—such as between Paul and James on justification—precise reading confirms consonance by showing that they address different aspects of one gospel.

To ensure this unity is perceived, the church relies on an essentially literal, "word-for-word" translation philosophy. This approach preserves consistent terminology, allowing stable theological terms like "covenant" and "justification" to recur. This stability helps the English reader perceive the threads of connection and the coherent shape of doctrine.

Ultimately, consonance functions as a crucial practical safeguard for the church, stabilizing discipleship and guarding public ministry. It encourages expository preaching and equips believers to recognize the unity of scriptural truth, assuring them that their hope is not divided because the God who speaks to them has not changed.

Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian

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