The Bible (both Old and New Testaments) are the inspired, inerrant, authoritative, Word of God. The Bible is sufficient to provide us with all that pertains to truth, life and Godliness. There are no other sacred writings or revelations inspired by God. Many claim to have inspired texts other than the Bible (additions, parallels, companions, interpretations, included) but there is yet to be one proven true. Furthermore, every one tested has miserably failed.
The word “Bible” simple means “books.” Our Bible is a collection of 66 books penned by 40 writers as they were inspired by the Holy Spirit. “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Peter 1:21) and “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)
The Bible was written over a period of approximately 1600 years. Each book has been proven to be, by extensive and exhaustive criticism, the inspired Word of God.
The Bible speaks to its own defense and makes claims no other book could offer. The credibility of Scripture is seen in: history, geography, archeology, astronomy, pattern, (numbers, colors, materials) prophecy, and countless changed lives. The Bible claims itself to be “the Word of God… quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) The Word of God “is a lamp unto (our) feet and a light unto (our) path.” (Psalm 119:105)
Although many of the 40 writers lived centuries apart, never knowing one another, nor conspiring together, the harmony and singularity of their message is amazing. Liberal critics have declared the Bible to be filled with inconsistencies and contradictions. However, with careful examination of the text, the student of Scripture will find that the Bible is reliable and accurate; it contains no contradictions.
Prophecy: the declaration of events yet future, written at times hundreds of years before fulfillment, ranks the Bible above all other books, both sacred and secular. No other written record has predicted with even moderate accuracy the specific details concerning persons, places and events, which the Scriptures declare with perfect accuracy. For example, there are over 300 specific and detailed prophesies in the Old Testament concerning Jesus Christ first coming to the earth. Each of these declared His coming with graphic detail, ranging from the place of His birth to the process of His death and resurrection. Clearly this allows the Bible to carry authority unlike any other book in the world.
The Bible speaks to the present hour and to our individual lives with the same accuracy and detail as it did to all others in history. Therefore, we believe that every prophecy recorded in the Bible, yet to be fulfilled, will be fulfilled with the same detail and accuracy.
The Scriptures address the creation of life on earth as well as that of the heavens. It declares to us the facts of eternity, and the specific needs of the human race. The Bible claims itself to be sufficient in its proclamation, definition and instruction of man and defines man as a tri-part being fashioned with body, soul and spirit. The Scriptures address every facet of mankind and provides instruction benefiting the whole person: physical, psychological and spiritual. The Scriptures record, “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.” (2 Peter 1:2-3) We are instructed to “Study to show (ourselves) approved unto God, … workman that need not…be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) David, the great king of Israel, wrote: “Your Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Blessed are You, O LORD: teach me Your statutes… I will meditate in Your precepts, and have respect unto Your ways. I will delight myself in Your statutes: I will not forget Your Word.” (Psalm 119:11-16)
It is my desire “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power to (we) who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: and hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the Church, which is His body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all.” (Ephesians 1:17-23) “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)
Daily study the Scriptures. Believe them, know them, understand them, defend them, teach them, and “continue in them: for in doing this you shall both save thyself, and those who hear you.” (1 Tim. 4:16)
May the Lord richly bless you and pour out His Spirit upon you as you study His Word.
Blessings to you all,
Pastor Paul