The Use of Logic in Rightly Dividing

While some may balk at the mere mention of utilizing logic in the interpretation of Scripture, I
would like to point out that the laws of logic were not invented; rather, they were discovered.
Our God, Creator of the visible and invisible, established these governing laws, demonstrating
that He is a reasonable being.

As a matter of fact, He calls to mankind: 

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall
be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool (Isaiah 1:18).” 

So, our prayer is the prayer of the apostle Paul—especially in the realm of apologetics or
evangelism—that we may be “delivered from unreasonable and wicked men.”
Unfortunately, in a generation hooked on the greatest drug known to man—social media and
content—learning to think has become an unwelcome pastime. There is no quiet in which to
reflect; our minds are constantly stimulated through our eyes and ears, rather than from within
the stillness of our thoughts. The result: people who cannot think. 

It was astronomer Johannes Kepler who believed that by studying the universe and its
mathematical laws, he was essentially “thinking God’s thoughts after Him.” This belief stemmed
from his Christian faith and conviction that God, being rational, would have created a rational
and comprehensible universe.¹

The Three Foundational Laws of Logic 

• The Law of Identity 

• The Law of Non-Contradiction 

• The Law of the Excluded Middle 

Understanding these laws can help us in both our study and defense of Scripture.²

1. The Law of Identity

Examples: 

• Justification = Justification 

• Sanctification = Sanctification

While this may seem overly simplistic, allow me to demonstrate how this law is consistently
violated:

• Foreknowledge = Predestination 

If you have any history with disputing Calvinism, you understand this example very well.
Many moderate, less-educated Calvinists equate God knowing all things with God
choosing all things. Simple logic can clear up a lot of false doctrine. 

• Justification = Sanctification

 It has been said that justification is God pulling you out of the world, while sanctification
is Him pulling the world out of you. The former happens in an instant; the latter takes a
lifetime. However, those who equate doing good works or holy living with salvation have
violated the Law of Identity by failing to maintain proper definitions.

The Law of Identity protects us from several logical fallacies. One fallacy commonly used is
equivocation, otherwise known as bait and switch. This is the fallacy demonstrated above. It
occurs when the same word or phrase is used with two or more meanings.³

To apply this in our study of the word of God, we must be careful in our definitions and use of
words and terms. As Bible believers, we hold to the truth that “every word of God is pure.”

In our preaching and teaching of the Scriptures, we must take great care to allow the Bible to
define itself—and then be careful to maintain consistency in that definition. 

2. The Law of Non-Contradiction 

A proposition cannot be both true and false simultaneously in the same respect. Utilizing this law
preserves doctrinal consistency—meaning Scripture, as God’s Word, is true and coherent.
Therefore, it cannot affirm contradictory doctrines. For example:

If Scripture says that salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9), it cannot also teach
that salvation is by works at the same time and in the same sense (Romans 11:6).

To uphold the law of non-contradiction, we must avoid interpretations that pit one verse against
another in a way that cannot be harmonized. Apparent contradictions must be reconciled by
context, distinctions of covenants, audience, or definitions, and not accepted as true
contradictions. The method used to accomplish this is called dispensationalism.
Dispensationalism handily resolves what may appear to be a contradiction on the surface.

But what about at different times or places? 

If I say it is raining at my house, it cannot equally be true that it is not raining at my house.
However, if I say it is not raining, that does not mean it didn’t rain yesterday. Likewise, if I say it
is raining in North Carolina, a simultaneous sunny day in California does not contradict that. 

Here’s what I mean theologically: 

“For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what
saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now
to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.”
– Romans 4:2–4

Vs.

“Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the
altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And
the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for
righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is
justified, and not by faith only.”
– James 2:21–24

We know, due to the Law of Non-Contradiction, that there cannot be a true contradiction here for
these statements to both be true. So, how do we resolve this apparent contradiction?
Dispensationalism.

Understanding the Law of Non-Contradiction gives us the ability to contend for the faith that
was once delivered to the saints, while also allowing us to resolve the contradictions between
dispensations.

It also upholds the truth claims made by Jesus Christ. This logical law places Him into one of the
following categories: Lord, lunatic, or liar. He cannot be a good teacher but violate the claims He
made concerning Himself.

3. The Law of the Excluded Middle 

• Saved / Lost 

• Justified / Condemned 

• Believer / Unbeliever

The Law of the Excluded Middle rules out interpretations that try to straddle contradictory
positions or refuse to commit to a truth claim. It also allows one to approach the Bible as a
source of objective truth, not through subjective emotions. As with the Law of NonContradiction, Jesus Christ is either Lord or He is not. There is no middle ground for a claim of
that magnitude. While postmodern approaches suggest that truth is fluid, interpretive, or
dependent on perspective, the Law of the Excluded Middle reminds us that truth is not relative,
but rather absolute. 

Further Scriptural Examples: 

Conclusion