THE BIBLE, Pt. 3

The Bible makes some claims about itself that no other book would dare make.  Let us note three of these claims:  First, the Bible claims to be infallible.  The term refers to the totality of Scripture; it makes no mistakes, it is without error in the truth it conveys.  David said, "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul:  the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.  The statues of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart:  the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.  The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever:  the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether" (Psalm 19:7-9).  Psalm 119:160 says, "Thy word is true from the beginning:  and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever."

Second, the Bible claims to be inerrant.  This word means without error.  Solomon said, "Every word of God is pure [flawless]:  he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him" (Proverbs 30:5).  Not only can the Bible be trusted because it is infallible (in its totality), it is infallible because its very words are without error (inerrant).

Third, the Bible claims to be effective in its intended purposes.  The prophet Isaiah said, "For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth:  it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it" (Isaiah 55:10-11).

With these claims in mind, we note, that the Bible backs them up by the biblical writers giving testimony to their accuracy.  Paul, when writing to the Galatians said that he received his message directly from God:  "But I certify (assure) you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.  For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ" (Galatians 1:11-12).  Peter said, "That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour (2 Peter 3:2).  What Peter is doing here is affirming the authority of the Old Testament prophets and equating the apostles teaching with theirs.  Jesus said, "And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail" (Luke 16:17).  The accuracy of the Bible can be trusted; and that which we will now look at should confirm this in your mind.

THE BIBLE AND REVELATION

Revelation is the act of making known that which was previously unknown.  God has made Himself known through the Scriptures.  In the Old Testament we see that God spoke to the Jewish fathers through the prophets.  He also spoke in dreams, prophecies, symbols, ceremonies, theophanies, and by His voice.  The Old Testament is not a collection of mans wisdom but the very words of God.

In the New Testament the writers tell us that God spoke through His Son.  The gospels record His life and teachings.  Acts records the spread of His message through the apostles and the early church.  The epistles teach the meaning and application of His life and teachings.  Revelation records His return and the consummation of the world.

The writer of Hebrews said, "God, who at sundry (various) times and in divers (different) manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds" (Hebrews 1:1-2).

by

Jerry W. Arnold

All Rights Reserved

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