BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS EXTRA RESOURSES

THE NATURE OF THE BIBLE

This lesson concerns itself with an overall picture of the Bible, in preparation for a detailed study of the doctrine of the Scriptures.

ITS NAMES AND TITLES

Many names are used for the Christian's Book, the "Holy Bible."   Some of the more common names and titles are:

The Books.

See: Mark 12:26; Luke 3:4; 20:42; Acts 1:20; 7:42.

Mark 12:26 KJV 1900

And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?

Luke 3:4 KJV 1900

As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

Luke 20:42 KJV 1900

And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

Acts 1:20 KJV 1900

For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.

Acts 7:42 KJV 1900

Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?

[...]

The Bible is not a book, but THE Book!

The Old And New Testaments.

See: Luke 22:20; I Corinthians 11:25; II Corinthians 3:6,14; Hebrews 9:15; 12:24.

Luke 22:20 KJV 1900

Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

1 Corinthians 11:25 KJV 1900

After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

2 Corinthians 3:6 KJV 1900

Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

2 Corinthians 3:14 KJV 1900

But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.

The Scriptures.

See: II Timothy 3:15,16.

2 Timothy 3:15 KJV 1900

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 3:16 KJV 1900

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

The Word Of God.

See: Romans 10:17; Hebrews 4:12.

[...] God's Book.

Psalteric Titles.

See: Psalm 19:7-9; 119:1,2,4-7.

Psalm 119 is the "Word of God Psalm," and it uses a number of names for the Bible:

1. Law -- v1 2. Testimonies -- v2 3. Precepts -- v4 4. Statutes -- v5 5. Commandments -- v6 6. Judgments -- v7

ITS CONTENTS

A. The Bible Consists Of 66 Books.

1. The Old Testament has 39 Books. 2. The New Testament has 27 Books.

B. The Bible Is One Book.

1. It bears witness of ONE God 2. If forms ONE continuous story 3. It has ONE plan of salvation 4. It has ONE central theme--Jesus Christ.

C. Augustine (354-430 A.D.) "The NEW is in the OLD concealed--the OLD is in the NEW revealed."

ITS COMPOSITION

A. Its Writers.

Approximately 40 human writers were used to pen the Word of God. These men were separated by time and in their station in life.

Some of the occupations of the Bible writers were: prophets, kings, statesmen, herdsmen, fishermen, pastors, soldiers, ex-Pharisees, &c.

B. Its Period Of Writing.

The Bible was written down over a period of approximately 1,600 years: from Moses (c. 1500 B.C.) to John (c. 100 A.D.)

C. Its Languages.

Generally speaking, the OLD Testament was written in HEBREW, and the NEW Testament in koine (common) GREEK.

Some parts of Daniel were written in Syriac.

Some words in the New Testament are Aramaic.

ITS CONSTRUCTION The divisions of the Old Testament are given in Luke 24:44.

A. Moses--"Torah"

The Books of the Law: Genesis-- Deuteronomy

B. The Prophets--"Nebhiim"

Former (The historical Books: Joshua--Kings, except Ruth) Latter (The prophetic Books: Isaiah--Malachi, except Daniel & Lamentations)

C. The Psalms--"Kethubhim"

The sacred Writings: Chronicles--Canticles, plus exceptions above

In dividing the Books of the Bible in our Bibles we often use the "4 x 4 Construction" as follows:

OLD TESTAMENT LAW --- Genesis-Deuteronomy HISTORY --- Joshua - Esther WISDOM --- Job - Song Of Solomon PROPHECY --- MAJOR --- Isaiah - Daniel MINOR --- Hosea - Malachi

[...]   These are termed the Four Hundred Silent Years.

NEW TESTAMENT GOSPELS --- Matthew - John HISTORY --- Acts EPISTLES --- PAULINE --- Romans - Philemon GENERAL --- Hebrews - Jude PROPHECY --------------- The Revelation

ITS SYMBOLS A number of symbols are used to describe the Bible:

A Mirror. Revealing power--James 1:23-25

A Seed. Regenerative power--I Peter 1:23

A Lamp. Illuminating power--Psalm 119:105,130; Proverbs 6:23; II Peter 1:19.

A Sword. Convicting power--Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12

A Hammer. Destructive power--Jeremiah 23:29

A Tree. Flourishing power--Proverbs 3:18; 4:7-9

Water. Cleansing power--John 15:3; Ephesians 5:25-27; Psalm 119:9,11

Milk, Meat, Bread, and Honey. Nourishing, sustaining, and satisfying power--I Peter 2:2; I Corinthians 3:1,2; Hebrews 5:12-14; Psalm 19:10; 34:8; 119:103; Amos 8:11; Matthew 4:3,4.

ITS THEME The theme of the Bible is the Lord Jesus Christ, John 5:39.

The following chart shows this theme unfolded:

CHRIST ---- OLD TESTAMENT (Anticipation)--LAW --- Foundation for Christ --HISTORY --- Preparation for --POETRY --- Aspiration for --PROPHECY --- Expectation of Christ-- NEW TESTAMENT (Realization)--GOSPELS --- Manifestation of Christ --HISTORY --- Propagation of --EPISTLES --- Interpretation of --PROPHECY --- Consummation in Christ

(This chart was adapted from: G., N. L. & N., W. E. ... ... 1981: pg 11.)

DVM: - # 1: John 5:39

REVELATION AND THE BIBLE

[...] God desires to make Himself known to man, and has in fact revealed Himself at various times and in different ways.   See: Hebrews 1:1,2; 2:1-4.

REVELATION DEFINED

"Revelation is the unveiling of something previously hidden so that it may be seen for what it is."

All revelation is supernatural in that it has God for its source and truth as its end. See: Deuteronomy 29:29

REVELATION EXPLAINED

[...]

General Revelation. General (or Natural) Revelation is that knowledge of God which is derived from the light of natural things.

General Revelation is accessible to all men and is addressed to all intelligent creatures.   It is the revelation of God to man in:

Creation Psalm 19:1-6; Isaiah 40:12,26; Acts 14:17; Psalm 8:1; 104:24

History Psalm 9:16a

Conscience Romans 2:15

General Revelation bears witness to the existence of God, the power of God, and the need for God.   However it does not testify to the personality of God or the plan of salvation.

According to Romans 1:18-20, the effect of General Revelation is to condemn man.   Why?   See: Romans 1:21.

[...]

a. Creation has been affected by the entrance of sin.   See: Genesis     3:17; Romans 8:22

b. Man himself has also been affected by sin, [....]

Special Revelation. Special Revelation is direct, divine intervention in the affairs of this world, and is God revealing Himself through special acts done by His Person.

This kind of revelation has come to man by various means:

1. Through Dreams--Genesis 37:5-10 2. Through Visions--Daniel 8:1 3. Through Urim and Thummim--Numbers 27:21 4. Through Audible Voices--I Samuel 3:1-10 5. Through Animals--Numbers 22:28 6. Through Angels--Luke 1:26-37 etc.

The "crown" of God's special revelation of Himself to man was in the coming to earth of the Lord Jesus Christ.   See: John 1:14; 14:9.

The "completion" of God's special revelation of Himself to man is the BIBLE.

According to Psalm 19:7-14, the effect of special Biblical revelation is to save man.   Thus this kind of revelation is redemptive and remedial.

Special Revelation is necessary because of:

a. The effects of sin (as outlined above.)

b. The transcendence of God (the fact that He is so separated, holy,       that man could not find Him.)

c. The Personality of God (the fact that He is a God of love Who       desires fellowship with man.)

"[...] (Romans 1:20.)

[...]"1

REVELATION CONTRASTED

A number of terms are [...] contrasted below:

A. Revelation vs. Inspiration.

1. Revelation makes truth known. Inspiration provides for its inerrant recording. 2. The Bible contains Revelation. The entire Bible is Inspired. a. Special revelation--i.e. things that only God could make known. e.g. the account of Creation, the fall of Satan, etc. b. Personal observation--i.e. known facts that resulted from what the writer saw, e.g. the crossing of the Red Sea, or, from existing documents, e.g. Ezra 6:1-12. 3. Revelation is progressive. Inspiration is plenary.

1 Warfield, B. B.   ..., 1948

God did not reveal all truth at the beginning.   Much truth was revealed progressively over centuries.   (See: I Peter 1:9-12).   Some examples of this would be:

a. The Name of God. b. The Coming of Messiah.

[...] All parts of the Bible are inspired of God, and equally inspired.

Revelation vs. Illumination. Illumination is the Holy Spirit-given understanding of revelation or revealed truth.

The believer enjoys this blessing today as he studies the Word of God. See: I John 2:20,21,27.

The presence or absence of illumination with the writers of the Word of God had no bearing on the inspiration of the Bible.

1. Sometimes the words of the Biblical writers were the result of careful     research.   e.g. Luke 1:1-4.

2. Sometimes the Biblical writers both understood what they were writing     and recognized the words they were penning as coming directly from     God.   e.g. II Samuel 23:2.

3. Sometimes the Biblical writers did not know the importance of the     words they penned, recognizing them as divine, but not understanding     them.   e.g. Daniel 12:8,9.

4. In some cases, the source of the words neither understood the words     nor recognized them as divine.   e.g. John 11:49-52.

The point is, whether the writer had illumination or not, inspiration provided that God's exact message was truthfully recorded.

Note: I Corinthians 2:9,10--REVELATION--"Disclosure" I Corinthians 2:12 --ILLUMINATION--"Discovery" I Corinthians 2:13 --INSPIRATION--"Documenting"

THE INSPIRATION OF THE BIBLE--DEFINED

[...]

The Bible itself is very clear as to its origins and its inspiration.

BIBLICAL STATEMENTS CONCERNING INSPIRATION

The two outstanding Scripture references regarding the doctrine of inspiration are:

II Peter 1:21.

1. Human Penmanship--"...holy men of God spake...."

2. Divine Authorship--"...moved by the Holy Ghost."

An analysis of this particular verse makes it clear that God was the active source of the Scriptures.   The word "moved" means "borne along."   [...]   As God gave the words, they wrote. (The same Greek word is translated "driven" in Acts 27:17, where the ship was totally controlled by the wind, at the mercy of the storm.)

[...]

II Timothy 3:16.

The important phrase is "...inspiration of God...[.]"   Those who delight in the original languages tell us the Greek word translated "inspired" "theopneustos," literally means "God-breathed."   This Scripture clearly teaches its divine Authorship.

INSPIRATION DEFINED

[...]

Confluent Inspiration.

[...]   For example:

1. Acts 4:25--

2. Acts 13:35--     See also: Isaiah 8:1; 30:8

[...]

Note: [...] Paul in I Corinthians          7:12, [...]

[...]   A comparison of this Scripture with verses 10, 25, and 40 will explain further.

Verbal Inspiration. By this we mean that the very words of Scripture are God's words. [...]

I Corinthians 2:13; Matthew 24:35; Jeremiah 1:9

In fact, according to Matthew 5:18, inspiration extends to even the letters (jot--"yodh") and the parts of letters (tittle).   cf. Luke 16:17.

Many Scriptures show the emphasis God places upon "words": Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 6:6; 12:28; 17:19; 18:18; 27:3; 31:12; 32:1,45,46; Joshua 8:34,35; 24:26; I Samuel 8:10; II Samuel 23:2; Psalm 12:6; Proverbs 30:6,7; Jeremiah 7:27; 23:36; 26:2; 30:2; Ezekiel 3:10; Daniel 10:9-11; Matthew 4:4; Luke 4:4; John 8:47; 17:8; I Timothy 4:6; II Peter 3:2; Jude 17; Revelation 1:3; 22:18,19.

Plenary Inspiration.

[...]

II Timothy 3:16--"All scripture is given by inspiration of God..."

Inerrant Inspiration.

[...] Inerrant Inspiration means the Bible was written down correct in every detail.   Hebrews 6:18b; Titus 1:2c; Numbers 23:19; John 10:35.

[...]

"What Scripture says, God says--through human agents and without error."1

The proof of this statement may be seen by comparing Romans 9:17 and Galatians 3:8 (where the "Scripture" says) with Exodus 9:16 and Genesis 12:1,3, resp. (where the "Lord" says).

1 B., J. M.   ...: pg.13

Infallible Inspiration. This means the Bible is without error in its teaching.   It is incapable of teaching deception.

Psalm 119:160; John 17:17.

[...]

SEVEN FACTS ABOUT THE INSPIRED WORD OF GOD

It Is Infallible. Without error--Psalm 119:160.

It Is Invariable. Without change--Numbers 23:19; Psalm 119:89; James 1:17b

It Is Inexorable. Without yielding--John 10:35b.

It Is Invincible. Without conquest--Isaiah 55:11; Jeremiah 23:29; Hebrews 4:12.

It Is Inevitable. Without failure--Psalm 126:5,6; Matthew 5:18; 24:35; I Peter 1:23-25.

It Is Incomparable. Without equal--Psalm 119:72.

It Is Invaluable. Without price--because:

1. It Convicts. Hebrews 4:12

2. It Converts. Romans 10:17; James 1:18,21; I Peter 1:23.

3. It Corrects. II Timothy 3:16.

4. It Cleanses. Psalm 119:9,11; John 15:3; 17:17; Ephesians 5:26.

5. It Conceives. Matthew 4:4; John 6:63

6. It Conquers. Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12

7. It Comforts. I Thessalonians 4:18 3

DVM: - # 2:   II Peter 1:21

DVM: - # 3:   II Timothy 3:16

3   The material under this section above was derived from: Melton, J. H.   What The Bible      Teaches And Fundamental Baptists Believe   Springfield, Missouri: Crescendo      Publications: pp17,18

THE INSPIRATION OF THE BIBLE--DEMONSTRATED

[...] may be classified as follows:

1. Direct Claims for inspiration

2. Internal Evidence for inspiration

3. External Evidence for inspiration

DIRECT CLAIMS FOR OLD TESTAMENT INSPIRATION

Over and over, [...]   We may categorize these claims as follows:

Old Testament Writers Were Prophets.

[...] in Deuteronomy 18:18-22 shows that true prophets could only speak as God gave them His words.

See also: Exodus 7:1,2; Numbers 22:18; I Kings 14:18c; Ezekiel 3:17; Amos 3:8.   [...]

1. Moses Hosea 12:13; Deuteronomy 34:10

2. Samuel, Nathan, Gad I Chronicles 29:29

3. David Acts 2:30

4. Solomon I Kings 11:9 with Numbers 12:6

5. Daniel Matthew 24:15

6. Ahijah, Iddo II Chronicles 9:29

Add to these the writers of all the prophetic Books, and we have covered many of the writers God used.

Old Testament Writers Cited Other Old Testament Books.

1. Joshua--acknowledged the Law of Moses. Joshua 1:8

2. Ezra--refers to Jeremiah as "the word of the LORD[.]" Ezra 1:1

3. Ezra--also recognizes the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah. Ezra 5:1

4. Daniel--accepted the Book of Jeremiah and the Law of Moses as the Word of God. Daniel 9:2,11-13.   Note also a mention of the Book of Judges.

5. Zechariah--alludes to the "former prophets" (the historical Books) in Zechariah 7:12.

Old Testament Books Were Reverenced By Israel.

1. The tables of the Law were kept in the ark. Deuteronomy 10:2

2. The Books of Moses were commanded to be read. Joshua 1:8

3. Samuel's writings were kept in the tabernacle. I Samuel 10:25.

4. Israel stood at the reading of the Law. Nehemiah 8:5.

Direct Claims For The Inspiration Of The Law (Torah).

1. Exodus 20:1 -- "God spake all these words..." (also: Exodus 32:16; 35:1)

2. Leviticus 1:1 -- Lord spake

3. Leviticus 8:9 -- Lord commanded

4. Numbers 1:1 -- Lord spake

5. Numbers 2:1 -- Lord spake

6. Numbers 4:1 -- Lord spake

7. Deuteronomy 1:3 -- "...the Lord had given him in commandment."                                      (Also: 4:2)

See also: Judges 3:4; I Kings 8:53; II Kings 14:6; II Chronicles 34:14; 35:6; Daniel 9:12; Ezra 6:18; Nehemiah 13:1.

Direct Claims For The Inspiration Of The Prophets (Nebhiim).

1. The Former Prophets.

a. Joshua 24:26,27; I Kings 16:34

b. Judges 1:2--

c. I Chronicles 29:29

2. The Latter Prophets. [...] occurs over 3,800 times.   e.g. Isaiah 1:2,10; 8:1; 45:1; 50:1; Jeremiah 1:6-9; 2:1,2; 10:1,2; 11:1; Ezekiel 1:3; 2:7.

Direct Claims For The Inspiration Of The Writings (Kethubhim).

1. David II Samuel 23:2

2. Solomon I Kings 3:9,10 (fulfilled in The Proverbs;) Ecclesiastes 12:10

3. Job Job 42:7a

New Testament Testimony For Old Testament Inspiration.

[...]

There are 332 direct quotations and references to the Old Testament in the New Testament, and a total of over 1,000 quotes, references, and allusions.

This testimony covers:

The Old Testament As A Whole.

a. In their primary application, verses such as II Timothy 3:16; John 10:35; Acts 17:11; Hebrews 4:12; etc., refer to the Old Testament. See also: Mark 7:13. Romans 15:4 -- "[...]"

b. Phrases such as "The Scriptures" (52 times,) "it is written" (133 times,) "that it might be fufilled" (over 30 times,) and "the Oracles of God" (4 times) all indicate the accepted authority of the Old Testament.

2. Particular Sections Of The Old Testament.

a. The Law. See: Matthew 5:17,18; 7:12; 12:5; Acts 13:39; 24:14; I Corinthians 14:21; II Corinthians 3:15; Galatians 3:10; Hebrews 10:28.

b. The Prophets. See: Matthew 26:56; Luke 1:70; 18:31; John 1:45; Acts 3:21; 7:42; 28:25; Hebrews 10:15-17 with Jeremiah 31:33,34; Romans 1:2; I Peter 1:11.

c. The Writings. See: Luke 24:44; Acts 1:16; 4:25; Matthew 22:43,44.   Note the context of John 10:35 is [...] the Psalms (82:6).

3. Particular Books Of The Old Testament.

[...] (Hebrews 11:32; Matthew 23:35 resp.) and [...] (John 5:1; 4:10 resp.) are found in the New Testament.

The Testimony Of Christ To The Inspiration Of The Old Testament. [...] See: Luke 24:25,27,44,45.   For example:

Jesus quoted Old Testament verses--Matthew 4:4; Deuteronomy 8:3

Jesus verified the Genesis account of Creation--Matthew 19:4-6

Jesus accepted the Genesis account of the Flood--Matthew 24:37- 39

Jesus believed the story of Sodom and Gomorrah--Luke 17:28,29

Jesus verified the story of Jonah--Matthew 12:40,41

Jesus often quoted from Isaiah--Matthew 13:14,15

Jesus acknowledged Daniel as a prophet--Matthew 24:15

Jesus taught and believed in the divine inspiration and infallibility of the Old Testament. Matthew 5:18; John 10:35; Matthew 24:35

[...]

Each one of the above mentioned points (1 to 7) have been attacked by "Higher Critics."

See also: Matthew 6:29; 8:4; 12:3,4,42; 19:5-7; 22:31,32; Mark 2:24-28; 7:10; 12:19,26; Luke 4:25-27; 11:51; 20:37; John 3:14; 6:32,49.

Christ began (Matthew 4:4) and ended (Luke 24:46) His earthly ministry with "It is written."

THE INSPIRATION OF THE NEW TESTAMENT

The inspiration of the New Testament rests upon 3 factors:

The Promise Of Christ. John 14:26 and 16:13 See: I Corinthians 2:13; Acts 21:11.

The Direct Statements Of The New Testament.

1. II Peter 3:15,16 refers to Paul's writings as Scripture.

2. I Timothy 5:18b quotes Luke 10:7 as Scripture.

The Claims Of The New Testament.

1. Luke 1:1-4 "...perfect understanding..."

2. Romans 16:26; Galatians 1:12; Ephesians 2:20; 3:3,5; I Thessalonians 2:13; I Corinthians 14:37c.

3. I Timothy 4:11 with 13

4. Revelation 1:1

INTERNAL EVIDENCES FOR INSPIRATION [...]

Such evidences include:

Details Of Events Beyond Human Knowledge. The Bible gives details of things such as Creation, the words of Satan, and what was in the heart of certain people, which no human could possibly know about.   Only God could give these things.

The Remarkable Unity Of The Book. [...]

The Supernatural Doctrines In The Book. [...]

1. The Doctrine Of God.

2. The Doctrine Of Man.

3. The Doctrine Of Sin.

4. The Doctrine Of Salvation.

Fulfilled Prophecy. [...]

EXTERNAL EVIDENCES FOR INSPIRATION [...]

The Bible's Credibility. See: Unit 1, Lecture 7

The Bible's Transforming Results. (II Corinthians 5:17).

The Bible's Inexhaustible Treasures. (Psalm 19:10; 119:162)

The Bible's Honored Promises. e.g. Joshua 1:8

The Bible's Mystery To Unregenerate Minds. II Corinthians 4:3; I Corinthians 2:14.

The Bible's Unique Adaptability For Translation.

The Bible's Standards--Holy, But Workable. The Ten Commandments were once the basis of ... Law.   [...]