The Mystical Janus: A Scriptural Contemplation of Mystical Theology

of Mystical Theology.

i) James 2:19.

believe. i) That is, however, a poor excuse. The knowledge Wissenschafft original: "Wissenschafft." In this context, it refers to a systematic or intellectual understanding of doctrine. of the Devil and that of the unconverted are very far removed from one another. In the understanding of certain doctrinal articles Lehr-Sätze, they are indeed equal to one another—which is what James is aiming at—but in other circumstances, they are entirely unequal. The Devil’s knowledge Erkantniß does not come from the Holy Spirit through the preaching of the Word, as it does with humans: for the Bible was not written for his sake, nor was the office of preaching Predig-Amt established for him. The Devil’s knowledge does not aim at his conversion Bekehrung, whereas it is directed toward that end in humans. Whatever the Devil may know, he cannot convert himself. The stubborn human will not convert, though he should do so according to God’s will. Since there is now such a great difference between the knowledge of the Devil and that of humans, why would one then give a Divine matter such a contemptible name? The author is defending the idea that even an "unconverted" person's knowledge of the Bible is a gift from God, not something "devilish," because it is intended to lead them to salvation.

Just as the illumination Erleuchtung of the Holy Spirit and His instruction are necessary before repentance Busse The German "Busse" carries the dual meaning of repentance (the internal change of heart) and penance (the outward expression of sorrow for sin). and during repentance, so they are also necessary after repentance and union in the renewal Erneuerung. For