In a previous article, consideration was given to the laws of logic and their basic usage in studying the Bible. In particular, logic was defined and shown to be respected by God; furthermore, two of the laws of logic were noted. These two were the law of identity and the law of non-contradiction. The law of identity is that a statement is equal to itself and is different from every other statement. The law of non-contradiction states that a proper statement and its opposite cannot both be true at the same time and in the same way. When Jesus declared, “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free,” He made comments that can only rightly be interpreted using the laws of logic. (Jn. 8:32) For example, the law of identity demands the understanding that this is what Jesus said. Thus, Jesus said that there is truth that makes one free. The law of non-contradiction affirms, regarding this statement, that this statement and its opposite cannot both be true. Hence, statements such as it is not possible to know the truth and the truth cannot make you free and one cannot be made free are not in harmony with the statement Jesus made. Let us continue this study.
The third law of logic – the law of the excluded middle – states that a proper statement is either true or false. In other words, there are only two options relative to the statement. Consider Paul’s statement: “for whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Rom. 10:13) This statement is what Paul declared, harmonizing with the law of identity. Furthermore, this statement (in accordance with the law of non-contradiction) is entirely different from for whosoever shall not call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Now, according to the law of the excluded middle, the statement is proper and is therefore either true or false. The law of noncontradiction affirms the uniqueness of what was said, and the law of the excluded middle declares the uniqueness of the interpretation.
Perhaps a more careful study of Jesus’ statement in Mk. 16:16 is in order at this point. Jesus said, “he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” Apply the law of the excluded middle to this statement. The statement made by Jesus is either true or false. If it is true, then the only persons to be saved are those who believe and are baptized. On the other hand, if the statement made by Jesus is false, then it is possible for a person to be saved without either belief or baptism. Here is the simple thrust of the law of the excluded middle. It is not possible to cling to faith in Jesus and find a loophole that excludes belief or baptism from the requirements for salvation. Both belief and baptism are required according to Jesus, and the law of the excluded middle provides a solid and simple foundation. What logic can possibly remove baptism from this statement by Jesus? The law of identity and the law of the non-contradiction imply that this statement in Mk. 16:16 is what Jesus said and that both this statement and its opposite cannot be true at the same time in the same way. Moreover, the law of the excluded middle now reveals two paths – the one corresponding to the statement being true and the other corresponding to the statement being false. Think about the law of the excluded middle in relation to these additional passages. Worship must be in spirit and in truth. (Jn. 4:24) The law of the excluded middle eliminates acceptable worship on all grounds except that it be offered both in spirit and in truth. Faith must be demonstrated by works. (Jam. 2:17ff) The law of the excluded middle removes the possibility of an acceptable faith without appropriate works.
In many instances of daily life, using these laws is natural. Common actions and beliefs proceed on the foundation of the interpretation using these laws. Only when it comes to the Bible do many people forfeit these laws of logic, obviously clinging to the hopeless and illogical position which they espouse. Yet, so much of the word of God is easily interpreted using these laws. It is necessary, of course, to set aside preconceptions and biases and allow the scriptures to speak for themselves. Note the reference to what man calls logic in the following passage. “The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12)