Argument from Scripture in Fundamental Theology and Determinants of its Motivational Value

Abstract

One of the essential arguments in fundamental theology invoked to authenticate the divine dignity of Jesus of Nazareth is the argument from Scripture. This argument demonstrates that in the historical person of Jesus of Nazareth the messianic prophecies and saving promises of the Old Testament were fulfilled. This line of thought was already present in the auto-apology of Jesus of Nazareth and in the evangelizing activity of the Apostolic Church.

The aim of this article is to point out the historical and theological determinants of the motivational value of this argument, which have not been sufficiently shown so far. To achieve this goal, the historical overview of the argument was first presented. Next, three important determinants of its motivational value were shown. Invoking this argument to authenticate the messianic claims of Jesus of Nazareth, one must first bear in mind the fact of the multiformity of Judaism at the time in which He lived. No less important is the correct understanding of the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies in Jesus of Nazareth. Related to this is the third issue – the practice of relecture of the sacred text in the Jewish tradition. The outlined determinants, properly taken into account in the lecture of fundamental theology, can contribute to a more effective motivation to the Christian faith by means of a biblical argument.