Wheels in motion

Charles Simeon on Calvinist v. Arminian systems in Scripture:

"The author is disposed to think that the Scripture system is a of a broader and more comprehensive character than some very dogmatical theologians are inclined to allow; and that, as wheels in a complicated machine may move in opposite directions and yet subserve one common end, so may truths apparently opposite be perfectly reconcilable with each other and equally subserve the purpose of God in the accomplishment of man's salvation. The author feels it impossible to avow too distinctly that it is an invariable rule with him to endeavour to give to every portion of the Word of God its full and proper force, without considering what scheme if favours, or whose system it is likely to advance."

(p.79, cited in HCG Moule, Charles Simeon)

I'm not sure how helpful the machine analogy is for Calvinism v. Arminian interpretations of the bible. But it is a very helpful way of thinking about how Scripture works more generally. In particular how it works as law and Gospel. Law and Gospel in Scripture work against each other in some ways, but as part of the whole work together for a common end. If we try and force one of the cogs to work in the same way as the other cogs the whole machine will malfunction.

Another reason I like the analogy is because it is a description of Scripture which is full of movement. I think that the Bible is a book full of movement from one truth to another. From one feeling to another.