WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES ABOUT THE SCRIPTURES

ABOUT THE SCRIPTURES

II TIMOTHY 3:14-17

Some times it is easier to say what we don’t believe than it is to say what we do believe. The Bible is still the best seller among books, but it is also the most widely rejected book of all. Many have a Bible but do not believe what it says.

A characteristic of Baptists throughout history is that they take the Bible alone as their rule of faith and practice.

Psa 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

Psa 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

Psa 19:8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

Psa 19:9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

Psa 19:10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

Psa 19:11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

Psa 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Psa 119:133 Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

Psa 119:140 Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.

Psa 119:169 TAU. Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word.

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1. WHAT THE BIBLE IS.

1. The word “Bible” comes from the Greek “Biblia” meaning books.

2. It is a Divinely given library of sixty-six books, divided into Old and New Testaments, twenty-seven books in the New and thirty-nine books in the Old Testament.

3. It was written by about forty different writers on three continents, in three languages over a period of about 1500 years with an interval of about 400 years between the last of the Old Testament books and the coming of John the Baptist. The first five books were written about 1400 B.C. Revelation was written about 100 A.D.

4. Languages: Ancient Hebrew, Syriac-Chaldee (Aramaic in minor portions), and Koine Greek (language of the common people).

5. Translations:

1. The Old Testament was translated from ancient Hebrew into Greek about 280 B.C.

2. The Latin Vulgate was translated by Jerome from originals, 385-405 A.D.

3. The First English translation was by John Wycliffe, 1324-1384.

4. The King James (Authorized Version) was completed in 1611 by 47 scholars of the Church of England.

Note: Most modern translations contain much bias, skepticism, and infidelity. The Revised Standard Version was brought out in 1952 by the National Council of Churches. Many believe it discredits, (1) the Virgin Birth, (2) the Deity of Christ, and (3) the Inspiration of the Bible.)

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2. HOW WE GOT OUR BIBLE.

It is reasonable that God would not leave men with no revelation of Himself. The Bible declares: “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (II Peter 1:21). When we say the Bible is inspired of God, what do we mean? There are several theories held by men. Examine them:

1. THE DICTATION THEORY makes the writer as a recording machine, such as a tape recorder.

2. THE IDEATION THEORY is that God gave to men the idea and left them to write as best that they could (naturally they would make some mistakes).

3. THE ASPIRATION THEORY teaches that God inspired the writers in the same manner in which Poe, Longfellow, Shakespeare, and others were inspired. They saw things in their daily activities that caused them to concentrate, speculate, and aspire to write of high morals and truth.

4. THE SCRIPTURAL POSITION holds that God revealed by the Holy Spirit the exact words the writers were to write. The Holy Spirit guided the writers and guarded them from recording error. This is VERBAL INSPIRATION. The writer was permitted to use his own vocabulary, but the Holy Spirit restrained him from the use of any word that would not state exactly what God wanted written (I Peter 1:10-12: John 14:24-26; 16:13).

3. ALL OF THE BIBLE IS TRUE.

The Bible tells the truth about evil men, about God, about the past and about the future (II Timothy 3:15-17).

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4. HOW ARE WE TO KNOW WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES?

Many just open it and start reading, applying all to themselves. Understanding of the Scriptures mus come:

1. By right division (II Timothy 2:15).

2. By comparing scripture with scripture (I Corinthians 2:13; II Peter 1:20).

An example of contradiction unless there is right division is: I John 1:8; 3:9.

3. Men can wrest the scriptures to their own destruction (II Peter 3:16).

4. Rules to go by in studying the Bible.

1. WHO is speaking?

2. ABOUT WHAT is he speaking? What is the SUBJECT.

3. TO WHOM is he speaking?

4. WHEN WAS he speaking?

5. WHY was he speaking?

6. Use as much wisdom in studying the Bible as you would in reading a newspaper.

5. THE BIBLE REVEALS THE PRINCIPLES BY WHICH GOD SHALL JUDGE US (JOHN 12:47,48; ROMANS 2:1-6).

6. THE BIBLE REVEALS ITSELF TO BE THE STANDARD BY WHICH ALL HUMAN CONDUCT, CREEDS, AND OPINIONS SHOULD BE JUDGED.

Does it measure up to God’s Word? Is it confirmed by God’s Word? (I John 4:1).

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7. THE BIBLE REVEALS HOW MAN CAN COME INTO THE PRESENCE OF GOD UNCONDEMNED.

(See John 3:3, 16-18; Acts 16:31; Romans 10:8-13; John 1:11,12.)

1. If the Bible is not the Word of God, then man is groping in darkness, helpless and without hope for the future.

2. If the Bible is not true, those who have believed it are none the worse for having believed it.

3. They are as well off as those who have refused to believe it.

4. But if it is true, we are better off than they are.

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