'A field of divine activity': Divine aseity and holy scripture in dialogue with John Webster and Karl Barth. Issue 3 (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rempel, Brent A.
• Is Part Of: Scottish journal of theology. Volume 73:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: 203
• Page End: 215
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: aseity, -- Karl Barth, -- holy scripture, -- Trinity, -- John Webster; Theology -- Periodicals; 260
• DOI: 10.1017/S0036930620000320
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0036-9306

Abstract

Abstract: In dialogue with John Webster and Karl Barth, this essay considers the intersection of divine aseity and holy scripture. I argue that the doctrine of holy scripture is constituted by a backward reference, namely, the plentiful life of the triune God. The doctrine of divine aseity denotes God's self-existent triune life, which anchors God's bestowal of life. Construed negatively, aseity establishes the incommensurability of God and creatures by distinguishing, without sundering, scripture and God's self-communicative presence. Construed positively, aseity constitutes scripture as 'a field of divine activity', the sphere of the life-giving missions of the Word and Spirit. The triune God who lives a se, elects the texts of scripture to serve as intermediaries of God's vivifying address.