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Explore the divine inspiration and reliability of the Bible as the Word of God, examining its teachings and authority. Understand the significance of maintaining the original text's integrity and trustworthiness. Discover the importance of upholding biblical truths.
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Is What We Have in our Bibles the Word of God?
Introduction Canon- books were accepted as Scripture if written by the apostles or a faithful associate of an apostle. “This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you in which I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken by your apostles.” (2 Peter 3:1-2) The apostles had binding and loosing authority from the Lord as we studied last night. (Matthew 16:18-19; 18:18)
Introduction Even though Paul was not an original apostle chosen by Jesus, he saw the resurrected Lord (1 Cor. 15:8) and was inspired by God to write many letters. “Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things…” (2 Peter 3:15-16a)
Introduction The apostle Paul’s words were to be obeyed also. Paul said, “If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I am writing to you are the Lord’s commandment.” (1 Cor. 14:37) These inspired writings were to be obeyed by all the churches. The apostle Paul taught the same thing in every church. (1 Cor. 4:17) “So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.” (2 Thess. 2:15)
When Writings Were Considered Scripture… ….Brethren were commanded to read it. “I adjure you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brethren.” (1 Thess. 5:27) …They were commanded to circulate it to other churches and read the letters from other congregations. “When this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part read my letter that is coming from Laodicea.” (Colossians 4:16) …Brethren were commanded not to add or take away from it. (1 Cor. 4:6; Rev. 22:18-19)
The Bible Teaches that Every Word of God is Inspired, Infallible, and Inerrant “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Jesus said in response to the devil’s temptation, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4) Do you believe that the Bible is the inspired, infallible, and inerrant word which we can depend on for eternal life? (John 12:48-50)
The World Doesn’t Believe that the Bible is Inspired but Some Brethren don’t either “No. Have to be honest. In fact my Lord Jesus demands that I be intellectually honest. I can't be a follower of Jesus and not be. And I think the evidence tips the scales in favor of their authenticity. And that's what I would argue, that's what I've tried to argue here. But I would have to say, I can't just be dogmatic about that, I'm not a hundred percent certain about that" Brethren, what if I taught that publicly? Would you accept it? I would hope you wouldn’t! (Marty Pickup, The Canonicity of the General Epistles, Florida College Annual Lectures, [8 Feb. 2000]).
Scripture Says- It Will Never Pass Away “the word of our God stands forever” (1 Pt. 1:23) “Heaven and earth shall pass away by My words shall never pass away” (Matthew 24:35) “I commend you to God and the word of His grace which is able to build you up and give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified” (Acts 20:32) But we don’t have the original autographs. How do we know that there aren’t significant changes due to copyist’s errors, additions, or subtractions?
Use Test for All Ancient Documents How many copies of the document are available? (the more the better to compare it) Where were the copies found? (if they come from one place, collusion is possible) How long passed between the original & its copies? (if there is a long time period, many changes could have been made and we wouldn’t know it) What differences exist between the copies? (if there are only a few and if minor, then they can be trusted to be faithful to the original, but if not, how can you trust it?)
