The Marks of Scripture

"In this important contribution, Castelo and Wall propose an understanding of Scripture that avoids the problems inherent in the old incarnational analogy. To read their deft and decisive exposition of the role of Scripture in salvation and sanctification is to feel immediately that they have moved the discussion away from sterile categories to fruitful theological ground. A groundbreaking work."--Michael Legaspi, Penn State University"This book challenges the church to think critically about what Scripture is and what purpose it serves. The authors' fresh church-Scripture analogy will stimulate the reader's imagination about the triune God's work in the world and about the canon of Scripture as an ongoing means of grace. A great contribution to the church."--Carla Swafford Works, Wesley Theological Seminary"For those who affirm Scripture's authority and its continuing relevance, Castelo and Wall provide an original way for understanding and applying Scripture. The four historic marks of the church--one, holy, catholic, and apostolic--help us better to understand what Scripture is and what it is for, serving as a means of grace to justify and sanctify people. They conclude by applying their ecclesial analogy to exegesis, describing the practical role of Scripture in providing the Holy Spirit with a sanctified means by which to form a holy people. In a progressively skeptical world, Castelo and Wall help Christians to understand and defend the authority of Scripture, and to apply it to real-life issues."--Donald Thorsen, Azusa Pacific University and Seminary"Castelo and Wall offer a fresh and thought-provoking set of proposals for how to think about Scripture, in a discussion which is attractively grounded in and directed toward the practices of the church. Whether we end up agreeing or disagreeing, their book makes a sharp case for the usefulness of analogy to challenge and clarify settled ideas on this topic."--Jennie Grillo, University of Notre Dame"Students of the Bible will find chapter after chapter that explore the 'marks' of Scripture in new and creative ways. This visionary work is destined to contribute to conversations about Scripture that treat the Bible as a theological category capable of enriching and transforming the lives of those who read in community."--John Christopher Thomas, Pentecostal Theological Seminary; Centre for Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies, Bangor University, North Wales