Scripture has an outer logic and an inner logic. Back in the day this was referred to as its outer and inner clarity (perspicuity of Scripture). In some ways the rift between the 
disciplines of biblical studies and systematic theology pivots on which one of these the practitioner is focused on. That is to say, the biblical studies folks, typically focus on the outer components of the text; i.e., its grammar, philology, sitz im leben (e.g., historical situadedness), composition, transmission, and other “text critical” factors. Whilst the systematic theology folks focus more on the inner-theo-logic of the text; attempting to “lay bare” what is there, and allows the text to make the assertions that it does in its outer realm. But to focus on one or the other is a mistake of “Enlightened” proportions.
As Christians we are to come to the text based on the analogy of the incarnation. That is, we are to recognize that just as the Logos of God came in an outer (and real!) physical body, so too on analogy, the text of Scripture comes with this “two-natures-in-one-person” mode of presentation just the same. As TF Torrance would say, there is a “depth dimension” to Holy Scripture wherein the outer signum (signage) of the text, points beyond itself to its deeper and inner res (reality) in Jesus Christ and the triune God.
To have departments in seminaries and bible colleges that focus on “biblical studies” and/or “systematic theology,” is simply a turn to the Enlightenment way wherein there is continuous competition between the binary of the natural (the outer) and the supranatural (the inner); or the accidents (the outer) and the essence (the inner). This is not the Christian approach to doing biblical studies or theology.
Indeed, “a turn to the Enlightenment way wherein there is continuous competition between the binary of the natural (the outer) and the supranatural (the inner); or the accidents (the outer) and the essence (the inner)… is not the Christian approach to doing biblical studies or theology.”
Simply put, the testimony of Scripture bears witness to truth by reasonable and expected “outer” means that are natural and consistent with human communication and transmission… flesh to flesh, so to speak. Yet it is the spiritual work of the Holy Spirit to mediate spiritual things,“not in words taught by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit”… spiritual words… “explaining spiritual things to spiritual people.”
“For the natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he is not able to understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:14)
But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, this person ⌊does not belong to him⌋.
But if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. (Romans 8:9-10)
Fundamentals 101, (as I know you know, Bobby)… just saying for the sake of any who are in need of hearing.
For sure, Richard. The Gospel is a Novum, with no earthy analogies. It is a category breaker and miracle, as such it requires some way of intelligible communication that us creatures might know God through. The wisdom of God: to become us that we might become Him (by grace).