|
LESSON 4
THE HOLY SCRIPTURES
Teaching Copyright (C) 1999 John Iuliano (M.A. Min). All rights reserved. Published here with permission.
WE BELIEVE in the verbal, plenary inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, namely the Old and the New
Testaments in their original writings. All scriptures is given by inspiration of God and is infallible,
inerrantly revealing the will of God, concerning us all, in all things necessary to our salvation, and is
absolutely supreme and sufficient authority in all matters of faith and conduct. The Bible does not
simply contain the Word of God, but is, in reality, the complete revelation and the very Word of God,
inspired by the Holy Spirit, so that whatever is not contained therein is not to be enjoined as an
article of faith.
Matthew 5:17 -18; 24:35; John 4:39; 2 Tim 3:16, 17; 2; Peter 1:19 - 21.
Introduction
It makes sense to believe that the Creator of humanity would leave a written document explaining the purpose
of life and how to have a relationship with Him. We believe that this document is the Bible. The Bible is
divided into 2 sections, the Old Testament containing 39 books and the New Testament containing 27 books.
1. Verbal, plenary inspiration.
2 Tim 3:16, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness."
1. Verbal - the words.
2. Plenary - extending to all parts equally.
3. Inspiration - divinely breathed out.
What this means is, God inspired men to write what He wanted written using their vocabulary and
background. He did not dictate what to write down, but breathed into them divine inspiration.
This accounts for different styles of writers, but what is consistent is the fact that every word written was
inspired and breathed by God. No part of the Bible is more inspired than another, but all of it has equal and
total dependence on the Holy Spirit's inspiration.
2. Divine inspiration.
2 Peter 1:20 -21, "..no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by
the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit".
The Bible is not a book of private, human inspiration. It does not contain some of God's words, written around
human words. It is God motivated, God inspired and God initiated. God has given us His permitted revelation
and nothing must be removed or added to distort that which He has already revealed.
Bible claims to be divinely inspired at least 3000 times alone in the Old Testament. We have statements like:
"Now the Lord spoke to Moses saying .."(Ex 14.1, 15,26).
Moses was commanded to write what God told him in a book (Ex 17:14; 34:27) and we are told that he did
this (Ex 24:4; 34:29). Some of the other prophets claim likewise.
1:2; Jer 11:1; Ezek 1:3; Hosea 1:1, Joel 1:1).
New Testament writers also claim likewise. Paul said the things he wrote were the commandments of God (1
Cor 14:37) "The things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord".
3. The inerrancy of the Bible.
Inerrancy means without mistake.
The original writings in their Hebrew (O.T), Aramaic (Dan 2:46 - 7:28; Ezra 4:6:18, 7:12 -26; Jer 10:11) and
Greek (N.T.) contain no mistakes. They are infallible, without error whatsoever.
Matthew 24:35 says, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.�
4. Absolute authority of the Scriptures.
The biblical record takes precedent over any traditions of man, or differences. The Bible is the chief source of
correction, teaching and guidance concerning salvation and the will of God, and how we should conduct our
lives. An article of faith cannot be founded on anything except a clear revelation from the Bible.
2 Tim 3:15, "... you have known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through
faith which is in Christ Jesus".
Conclusion
The Bible is the revelation of God Himself. It clearly declares His nature and His abundant love for humanity.
Those who love His Word and partake of it, actually reveal that they love God and are partakers of His nature.
Heb 4:12 says "For the Word of God is living and powerful.."
James 1:21, " ...receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls."
Ps 107:20, "He sent His word and healed them".
What we have in the Bible is not just a simple book but the most powerful source of divine revelation known to
mankind.
Eternal Godhead | The Lord Jesus Christ | The Holy Spirit | The Holy Scriptures | The Devil | The Fall of Man |
The Atonement | Salvation of Man | The Church | Water Baptism | The Lord's Supper | Sanctification |
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit | Gifts | Divine Healing | The Second Coming of Christ | The Millenium |
The Punishment of the Wicked | The New Heaven and the New Earth | Creation | Home
|
Other Lessons
The Bible
The Nature of God
The Plan of God
The Law of God
The Good News
Repentance
Faith
Prayer
Baptism in Water
Baptism in the Holy Spirit
Fellowship and Church
Our Mission as Christians
Deliverance from Evil
Handling Resources
Sanctification
Grace
How to Grow
a Home Group
Bible Questions
Answered! NEW!
Spirit, Soul and Body
Power in your Words
God's will on Prosperity
Secret Pre-trib Rapture?
Fasting
Divine Healing
Spiritual Warfare
The Tree of Life
Tree of Knowledge
Eternal Security
The Lord's Supper
Evangelism
Prayers based on the Word
Audios
|
