BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS LESSON 1b

Before we start this lesson today allow me to show a copy of a post from Facebook concerning the importance of Doctrine

Theology Matters’—Why One Worship Leader Can No Longer Support Hillsong, Elevation, Bethel

July 15, 2021By Stephanie Martin-

Screen grab from Facebook: @Mackenzie Morgan Holloway

A July 12 Facebook post about “false teachings” in some popular Christian music is striking a chord.

The statement by Tennessee recording artist and worship leader Mackenzie Morgan, who says she can no longer “stay silent” about heretical lyrics, already has more than 7,000 likes. After lots of studying, Morgan writes, she “was met with a terrible feeling of grief and sadness for what I was supporting”—specifically naming Hillsong, Elevation and Bethel Music.

“Maybe it’s time we start looking at the Scriptures to see what God truly calls for in worship and get over what we want,” she adds. Mackenzie Morgan: Why Pay for Falsehoods?

Although Morgan says the problems with some modern worship music are “too numerous” for her post, she elaborates on “churches such as Elevation and the teachings of Steve Furtick,” pointing to “his belief in modalism, which is…heresy.”

She adds, “As for Bethel, that one should be pretty obvious.”

Elevation, a North Carolina megachurch, is organized around a vision that founder Furtick says he received from God.

California-based Bethel Church has been controversial partly because of its focus on supernatural ministry.

Hillsong, a global megachurch based out of Australia has faced controversy in recent months most famously for Hillsong East Coast’s pastor Carl Lentz‘s firing due to infidelity, but also for alleged spiritual abuse and for promoting a celebrity culture.

Former Hillsong Dallas pastors Jess and Reed Bogard have been accused of mishandling church funds, and Hillsong has launched an investigation into allegations of financial abuse that have been levied at the church as a whole.

“Theology matters,” Morgan writes. “I can’t even stress that enough. It matters if a song is weak in theology and is not accurately displaying the Holiness of our God. It matters if churches are spreading a prosperity Gospel that is different from the Gospel found in Scripture.

It MATTERS that each Sunday churches pay royalties to these churches in order to be able to sing their music, furthering [their] outreach and their false gospel message.” The 24-year-old worship leader indicates regretting that she had “supported these churches” with her money and time while “opening up the doors for others to discover their false teachings.”

Morgan initially wondered if she was “overthinking” the debate, but now she asks, “What if the majority of the church is leading its people astray singing music that is less than worthy of a Sovereign and Holy God?”

As an example, she points to God’s fiery disapproval of worship offered by Aaron’s sons in Leviticus 10:1-3.

Instead of judging music by its popularity or your church’s traditions, says Morgan, “Compare it with Scripture…. There are no gray areas in God’s Word.”

She recommends using songs from sources such as CityAlight and Sovereign Grace Music. (Sovereign Grace Churches, however, have their own controversial history.)

We Need to Discuss This Lovingly, Says Mackenzie Morgan

In a Facebook Live video on July 13, Morgan expresses gratitude for the unexpected response to her post.

She says she was “mentally prepared” for more people to disagree with her and has been energized by discussing these very “real concerns” with fellow Christians.

Because of the “overwhelming response” to her comments, Morgan says she’s working with her church—Refine Church in Lascassas, Tennessee—to help answer questions and “be a reliable source” about worship music.

“Something’s gonna be coming,” she promises, adding that it’s important for Christians to talk about this issue “lovingly” and with grace. This worship debate isn’t new, writes Dallas Pastor Todd Wagner on The Gospel Coalition website.

For centuries, Christians have had to make decisions about “false or errant theology and practices,” he says.

A 2020 video from Texas Pastor David Henneke explaining why his church no longer uses Bethel, Hillsong or Elevate music has been viewed more than 3.5 million times.

Now allow us to get on with our lesson tonight

D. Authority

That which the Scriptures proclaim, they speak with the absolute authority of “Thus saith the Lord.”

Since it is the Word of the Almighty God, it is binding upon all men (Matthew 21:42; 22:29-32; John 5:39; cf.Matthew 5:17-18; 26:53-54).

Matthew 21:42 KJV 1900

Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

Matthew 22:29–32 KJV 1900

Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.

John 5:39 KJV 1900

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

Matthew 5:17–18 KJV 1900

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

Matthew 26:53–54 KJV 1900

Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?

It is, therefore, man’s absolute authority for faith and practice.

E. Canonicity

The word “canon” comes from the Hebrew word for a measuring instrument or “that which keeps a thing straight” and implies the idea of a “standard.”

The Scriptures are an authoritative standard for the faith and practice not because they passed man-made tests, but because they are God-breathed, or inspired.

During the process of determining canonicity, the Holy Spirit simply led men to recognize that which was already fact.

The Old Testament canon consists of thirty-nine books (cf. Joshua 8:31-35; 23:6; 1 Kings 2:3; 2 Kings 4:6; Ezra 7:6; Malachi 4:4; also Matthew 5:17; Luke 24:27,44; Matthew 23:35; 2 Timothy 3:16).

Joshua 8:31–35 (KJV 1900)

As Moses the servant of the Lord commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the book of the law of Moses, an altar of whole stones, over which no man hath lift up any iron: and they offered thereon burnt offerings unto the Lord, and sacrificed peace offerings.

And he wrote there upon the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he wrote in the presence of the children of Israel.

And all Israel, and their elders, and officers, and their judges, stood on this side the ark and on that side before the priests the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord, as well the stranger, as he that was born among them; half of them over against mount Gerizim, and half of them over against mount Ebal; as Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded before, that they should bless the people of Israel.

And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessings and cursings, according to all that is written in the book of the law.

There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua read not before all the congregation of Israel, with the women, and the little ones, and the strangers that were conversant among them.

Joshua 23:6 (KJV 1900)

Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left;

1 Kings 2:3 (KJV 1900)

And keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:

2 Kings 4:6 (KJV 1900)

And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed.

Ezra 7:6 (KJV 1900)

This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the Lord God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the Lord his God upon him.

Malachi 4:4 (KJV 1900)

Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, Which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, With the statutes and judgments.

Matthew 5:17 (KJV 1900)

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

Luke 24:27 (KJV 1900)

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

Luke 24:44 (KJV 1900)

And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

Matthew 23:35 (KJV 1900)

That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

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 New Testament canon consists of twenty-seven books (cf. John.14:26; 16:12-15; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 5:27: 1 Corinthians 2:7-13; 2 Thessalonians 3:16; 2 Peter 3:15-16).

John 14:26 (KJV 1900)

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 16:12–15 (KJV 1900)

I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 (KJV 1900)

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

1 Thessalonians 5:27 (KJV 1900)

I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.

1 Corinthians 2:7–13 (KJV 1900)

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 (KJV 1900)

Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.

2 Peter 3:15–16 (KJV 1900)

And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

F. Illumination

Illumination is the work of the Holy Spirit whereby He gives individuals the ability to understand the Word of God.

Because of sin, man’s understanding has been darkened so that no one can understand Scripture properly without Divine assistance (Romans 1:21; Ephesians 4:18; 1 Corinthians 2:14).

Romans 1:21 (KJV 1900)

Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Ephesians 4:18 (KJV 1900)

Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

1 Corinthians 2:14 (KJV 1900)

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

It is the Holy Spirit which enlightens the mind of the believer to understand the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 2:6-16; 1 John 2:20,27; cf. John 16:8; 2 Corinthians 4:4).

1 Corinthians 2:6–16 (KJV 1900)

Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

1 John 2:20 (KJV 1900)

But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.

1 John 2:27 (KJV 1900)

But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

John 16:8 (KJV 1900)

And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

2 Corinthians 4:4 (KJV 1900)

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

G. Interpretation

The Scriptures must be interpreted on the basis of sound exegesis (explanation, exposition) and the illuminating ministry of the Holy Spirit.

The Scriptures are to be interpreted literally giving consideration to the historical, cultural, and grammatical context of the passage.

The premillennial, dispensational system of interpretation is the correct approach to understanding the progressive unfolding of God’s plan.

H. Preservation

God has providentially worked to assure that His Word is kept accurate through the centuries (Isaiah 40:8; 55:11, 1 Peter 1:23- 25; Psalm 12:6,7; Psalm 119:89; Psalm 119:152; Matthew 24:35; Luke 21:33; Matthew 5:18).

Isaiah 40:8 (KJV 1900)

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: But the word of our God shall stand for ever.

Isaiah 55:11 (KJV 1900)

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.

1 Peter 1:23–25 (KJV 1900)

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:

But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

Psalm 12:6 (KJV 1900)

The words of the Lord are pure words: As silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

Psalm 12:7 (KJV 1900)

Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, Thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

Psalm 119:89 (KJV 1900)

LAMED. For ever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven.

Psalm 119:152 (KJV 1900)

Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old That thou hast founded them for ever.

Matthew 24:35 (KJV 1900)

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

Luke 21:33 (KJV 1900)

Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

Matthew 5:18 (KJV 1900)

For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

Because the originals no longer exist, these verses are either not true or God has kept His word and promise through copies of the original and in other languages.

Our church’s position is that God has preserved His eternal Word for English people today in the Authorized Version, also known as the King James Version of 1611.

We believe all other English versions deviate from the truth, leave out passages, change meanings of words, verses and texts and weaken the major doctrines of the faith.

For example: of the 5332 complete New Testament manuscripts in the original Greek still in existence today, only ten of them leave out portions or all of Acts 8:37. The New Inernational Version (NIV) deletes this verse completely.

Acts 8:37 (KJV 1900)

And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

According to Dr. Floyd Jones, Th. D., Ph.D., the NIV (New International Version) has 2,922 fewer words in the New Testament than the KJV and over 6,300 less words than the KJV in the whole Bible.

“The 1611 KJV is from a superior text, translated by superior translators into a superior English,” said Bible historian Dr. Jewell Smith.

There were fifty-four translators of the KJV 1611. Each was commissioned by King James and knew how to fluently speak between three and ten languages.They were not religionists but linguists.

Thousands of martyrs have given their lives to protect and promote the Textus Receptus (Received text from which we get the KJV). It is hard to find anyone who ever died to protect the perverted texts. They are not worth dying for.

II. REVELATION: The providential source of the Bible

A. The Definition of Revelation:

Throughout history God has made Himself known to man.

1. The term "revelation" simply describes God's communication to man of truths which man did not know and could not discover for himself.

To reveal Himself to man, God used natural means (creation and conscience) and supernatural means (words - Heb. 1:1).

Hebrews 1:1 (KJV 1900)

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

2. The Biblical terminology

a. The Hebrew term "qalah" - to uncover, strip, remove (Examples: Gen. 8:13; Num. 22:31)

Genesis 8:13 (KJV 1900)

And it came to pass in the six hundredth and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth: and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and, behold, the face of the ground was dry.

Numbers 22:31 (KJV 1900)

Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.

b. The Greek term, "apokalypsis" - to take a covering or veil from off of something (Mt. 11:27; Rev. 1:1)

The New Testament uses the word " Mystery" to describe something that was previously unknown, which now has been revealed (I Cor. 15:5; Eph. 1:9, 3:4 & 9, 5:32, 6:19; Col. 1:26, 27, 2:2).

Matthew 11:27 (KJV 1900)

All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.

Revelation 1:1 (KJV 1900)

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

1 Corinthians 15:5 (KJV 1900)

And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:

Ephesians 1:9 (KJV 1900)

Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

Ephesians 3:4 (KJV 1900)

Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

Colossians 1:26 (KJV 1900)

Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

Colossians 1:27 (KJV 1900)

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Colossians 2:2 (KJV 1900)

That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

Truth about God's plan for the Church age was hidden, but now, like a treasure chest, has been opened up because God has revealed Himself.

B. The Necessity for Revelation In order for man to come to any understanding of God and His truth, God must reveal Himself to man, for two reasons:

1. By nature (creation) man is unable to discover God.

a. Man cannot see God - Is. 45:15; I Tim. 6:15-16.

Isaiah 45:15 (KJV 1900)

Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour.

b. Man cannot know God - Is. 55:9; I Cor. 2:14

1 Timothy 6:15–16b (KJV 1900)

Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

Isaiah 55:9 (KJV 1900)

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are my ways higher than your ways, And my thoughts than your thoughts.

1 Corinthians 2:14 (KJV 1900)

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

2. By the fall (sin of Adam) man is uninterested in discovering God.

a. Because of sin, man now hides from God (Gen. 3:8)

Genesis 3:8 (KJV 1900)

And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden.

b. Because of sin, man views spiritual things as " foolishness" (I Cor. 2:14)

1 Corinthians 2:14 (KJV 1900)

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

c. Because of sin, man is totally depraved--" dead to spiritual things" (Eph. 2:1-5)

Ephesians 2:1–5 (KJV 1900)

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

When man fell in the Garden, he broke fellowship and contact with God.

Man died spiritually (Gen. 2:17) and now has a mind that: forgets God, tends toward error , is easily deceived , etc.

Genesis 2:17 (KJV 1900)

But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

If God had not revealed Himself to us (via the Scriptures), we would all end up in Hell!

Remember, only God can give a revelation or disclosure of truth (about His person, will, and plan for the future).

Man's job is not to invent truth, but to discover it and interpret it.

C. The Two Types of Revelation:

*General Revelation (natural)

* Special Revelation (supernatural)

D. General Revelation (natural)

1. A Definition of General Revelation:

God has revealed Himself to all men in a general (basic) sense by natural means.

a. General revelation comes to man as man (special revelation: man as sinner).

b. All general revelation was established before the fall.

c. General revelation comes through the natural order of things (special revelation: God interrupts regular history).

d. General revelation comes to all rational men (All have creation to look at; not all have a Bible).

2. The Channels of General Revelation:

a. Creation (The objective nature of the universe) (Scripture: Ps. 19:1; Is. 40:12-14; Acts 14:15-17) SEE: Rom. 1:18-21

Psalm 19:1 (KJV 1900)

The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament sheweth his handywork.

Isaiah 40:12–14 (KJV 1900)

Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, And meted out heaven with the span, And comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, And weighed the mountains in scales, And the hills in a balance?

Who hath directed the Spirit of the Lord, Or being his counseller hath taught him?

With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, And taught him in the path of judgment, And taught him knowledge, And shewed to him the way of understanding?

Acts 14:15–17 (KJV 1900)

And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:

Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.

Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

Romans 1:18–21 (KJV 1900)

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

What does creation reveal?

1) The visible creation shows the invisible creator.

a) "Eternal power" - His might points to God's everlasting nature (His "alwaysness"), which shows God to be sufficient to create the universe.

b) "Godhead" - His majesty: points to God's divine nature (His Deity); shows God to be worthy of worship.

NOTE: from creation we do not know God, but we know what He is like.

2) Creation shows man to be without excuse No one will defend himself at the Judgment by saying, "God, you didn't reveal yourself to me."

NOTE: General (natural) revelation via creation cannot save, only condemn.

b. Conscience (the innate nature of man)

1) Man was created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-27); therefore, man has a personality which is self -conscious and God-conscious (cp. Prov. 20:27).

Genesis 1:26–27 (KJV 1900)

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

Proverbs 20:27 (KJV 1900)

The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, Searching all the inward parts of the belly.

2) Man's conscience is marred because of sin (It can be seared - I Tim. 4:2; and defiled - Tit. 1:15; and it needs to be purged - Heb. 9:14).

1 Timothy 4:2 (KJV 1900)

Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

Titus 1:15 (KJV 1900)

Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

Hebrews 9:14 (KJV 1900)

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

3. The Purpose of general revelation

a. While general revelation (creation and conscience) is not enough to save a man, it prepares the way for special revelation (cp. Ps. 19:1-6, cp. 19:7-14; Prov. 30:4; Acts 17:26-31).

Psalm 19:1–6 (KJV 1900)

The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament sheweth his handywork.

Day unto day uttereth speech, And night unto night sheweth knowledge.

There is no speech nor language, Where their voice is not heard.

Their line is gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,

Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, And rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.

His going forth is from the end of the heaven, And his circuit unto the ends of it: And there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.

Proverbs 30:4 (KJV 1900)

Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? Who hath gathered the wind in his fists? Who hath bound the waters in a garment? Who hath established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son’s name, if thou canst tell?

Acts 17:26–31 (KJV 1900)

And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.

And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

b. General revelation is man's " Introduction to Theology."

General revelation should put a desire in the heart of man to learn more about God.

c. General revelation is the foundation or basis upon which special revelation builds (man could not comprehend special revelation apart from general revelation).

NOTE: The Bible never proves God's existence; it assumes it and asserts it. Creation is all the objective "proof" man will ever get. And it is enough evidence to condemn him.

E. SPECIAL REVELATION (supernatural)

1. A Definition of special revelation: God has revealed Himself to specific men at specific times by supernatural means.

2. The Channels of special revelation (God's special [supernatural] revelation was given in "divers manners," i.e. many different ways - Heb. 1:1)

Hebrews 1:1 (KJV 1900)

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

a. Miracles - the mighty acts of God in history. When God spoke by "event revelation," He always had a messenger to interpret it with "word revelation." EXAMPLE: the Exodus - Ex. 5:1-2, cp. 7:4-5; Ps. 106:7-9.

Exodus 5:1–2 KJV 1900

And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness. And Pharaoh said, Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go.

b. Theophanes - physical appearance of God to man.

Psalm 106:7–9b KJV 1900

Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; They remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; But provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea. Nevertheless he saved them for his name’s sake, That he might make his mighty power to be known.

1) Natural theophany (appearances in nature) - Ex. 3 (burning bush) Ex. 13:21-22 (pillar of cloud and fire)

Exodus 3 KJV 1900

Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God. And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites. Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt. And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain. And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations. Go, and gather the elders of Israel together, and say unto them, The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared unto me, saying, I have surely visited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt: And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey. And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The Lord God of the Hebrews hath met with us: and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God. And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand. And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go. And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty: But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians.

Exodus 13:21–22 (KJV 1900)

And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:

He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.

2) Auditory theophany (God's voice could be heard) - Ex. 19:1-3; Lk. 3:22. 3) Bodily theophany (The Angel [Messenger] of the Lord) - a preincarnate appearance of Christ - Gen. 16:10; Judges 2:1ff.

Exodus 19:1–3 (KJV 1900)

In the third month, when the children of Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt, the same day came they into the wilderness of Sinai.

For they were departed from Rephidim, and were come to the desert of Sinai, and had pitched in the wilderness; and there Israel camped before the mount.

And Moses went up unto God, and the Lord called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel;

Luke 3:22 (KJV 1900)

And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

Genesis 16:10 (KJV 1900)

And the angel of the Lord said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.

Judges 2:1ff KJV 1900

And an angel of the Lord came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you. And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this? Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you. And it came to pass, when the angel of the Lord spake these words unto all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice, and wept. And they called the name of that place Bochim: and they sacrificed there unto the Lord. And when Joshua had let the people go, the children of Israel went every man unto his inheritance to possess the land. And the people served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the Lord, that he did for Israel. And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died, being an hundred and ten years old. And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnath-heres, in the mount of Ephraim, on the north side of the hill Gaash. And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the Lord, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel. And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and served Baalim: And they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the Lord to anger. And they forsook the Lord, and served Baal and Ashtaroth. And the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies. Whithersoever they went out, the hand of the Lord was against them for evil, as the Lord had said, and as the Lord had sworn unto them: and they were greatly distressed. Nevertheless the Lord raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them. And yet they would not hearken unto their judges, but they went a whoring after other gods, and bowed themselves unto them: they turned quickly out of the way which their fathers walked in, obeying the commandments of the Lord; but they did not so. And when the Lord raised them up judges, then the Lord was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the Lord because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them. And it came to pass, when the judge was dead, that they returned, and corrupted themselves more than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them, and to bow down unto them; they ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way. And the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel; and he said, Because that this people hath transgressed my covenant which I commanded their fathers, and have not hearkened unto my voice; I also will not henceforth drive out any from before them of the nations which Joshua left when he died: That through them I may prove Israel, whether they will keep the way of the Lord to walk therein, as their fathers did keep it, or not. Therefore the Lord left those nations, without driving them out hastily; neither delivered he them into the hand of Joshua.

c. Urim & Thumim - two precious stones, used like lots, to determine God's will for Israel - Ex. 28:30; Num. 27:21; Dt. 33:8).

Exodus 28:30 (KJV 1900)

And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron’s heart, when he goeth in before the Lord: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the Lord continually.

Numbers 27:21 (KJV 1900)

And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the Lord: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.

Deuteronomy 33:8 (KJV 1900)

And of Levi he said, Let thy Thummim and thy Urim be with thy holy one, Whom thou didst prove at Massah, And with whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah;

d. His Word

1) Direct words (Ex. 33:11)

2) Direct writing (Ex. 3

3) Dreams (Dan. 7:1)

Daniel 7:1 (KJV 1900)

In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, and told the sum of the matters.

4) Visions (Ez. 1:1)

Ezra 1:1 (KJV 1900)

Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,

5) Jesus Christ - the incarnate Word (Jn. 1:17; Heb. 1:1)

John 1:17 (KJV 1900)

For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 1:1 (KJV 1900)

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

6) Scriptures - the written Word (Ex. 17:14, 24:4, 7; Dt. 31:24; II Tim. 3:16)

Exodus 17:14 KJV 1900

And the Lord said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.

Exodus 24:4 (KJV 1900)

And Moses wrote all the words of the Lord, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.

Exodus 24:7 (KJV 1900)

And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient.

Deuteronomy 31:24 (KJV 1900)

And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished,

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:

3. The purposes of special revelation: that God's specific will (desires) and ways (plan for the ages) might be understood by man.

a. God spoke that we might " know Him" (I Jn. 5:20).

1 John 5:20 (KJV 1900)

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

b. God spoke that we might " Trust Him" (I Jn. 5:13).

1 John 5:13 (KJV 1900)

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

c. God spoke that we might " Glorify Him" (II Cor. 1:20).

2 Corinthians 1:20 (KJV 1900)

For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

III. INSPIRATION: The production of the Bible.

A. False Views of Inspiration:

1. Liberal view - the Bible is not inspired by God.

They would say: "The Bible is only a remarkable human book - authored by men."

*The term used to describe this view would be "Natural Inspiration."

The Bible was produced by religious men who followed their intuition in collecting and piecing together good religious statements.

They would say: "The Bible is `inspired' in the same sense as Shakespeare's writings or Beethoven's music."

2. Neo-Orthodox view - the Bible can become inspired by God.

They would say: "When the Scriptures speak to an individual, it becomes the Word of God to him at that point."

*The term used to describe this view would be "Potential Inspiration."

Carl Barth, the father of neo-orthodoxy, believed that the Bible uniquely reveals God to man--not in propositions about God, but as a means of personal encounter by God with man in an act of revelation.

In this existential experience--crisis encounter--the meaningless ink blots on the pages leap from the Bible to speak to man concretely and meaningfully.

At this "moment of meaning" the Bible becomes the Word of God to the individual. (Geisler & Nix, p. 40).

3. New-Evangelical view - the Bible is partially inspired by God.

NOTE: Not all new-evangelicals deny the Biblical doctrine of inspiration, but many do.

*The term used to describe this view would be "Partial Inspiration."

This view has many varieties:

a. Illumination theory - God gave illumination (insight or an intensified religious perception) to the writers of Scripture so that at certain points of their writing, they wrote God's Word (what points? No one knows).

b. Demythologizing theory - God inspired the truths found in the Bible.

They say that the true Bible is found by removing the cultural myths (EX: miracles) (Bultmann).

c. Concept theory - God inspired the ideas, thoughts, or concepts but not the words.

Each writer was free to record it in his own words.

The Spirit did not guide him in his choice of words.

d. Essential portion theory - God inspired only portions of Scripture which describe salvation.

This view, also held by the Roman Catholic church, says that the Bible is without error in matters central to the Bible, but has errors in "peripheral matter."

B. Faulty Views of Inspiration

1. Dictationist view: The Bible is inspired by God, but there is no real human participation in its production.

*The term used to describe this view would be: "Verbal Dictation" or "Mechanical Dictation."

Each word was dictated to the writer, who served only as a secretary.

Human writers served only as "pen men" or "typists."

God used only their physical bodies, not their minds or personalities.

NOTE: Some parts of Scripture were dictated (much of the book of Revelation; Ex. 24), but this view overlooks the fact that God utilized the various personalities of those He selected to write Scripture, and yet they still wrote every word He wanted.

Exodus 24 (KJV 1900)

And he said unto Moses, Come up unto the Lord, thou, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel; and worship ye afar off.

And Moses alone shall come near the Lord: but they shall not come nigh; neither shall the people go up with him.

And Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the Lord hath said will we do.

And Moses wrote all the words of the Lord, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.

And he sent young men of the children of Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen unto the Lord.

And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basons; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar.

And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient.

And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the Lord hath made with you concerning all these words.

Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel:

And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.

And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink.

And the Lord said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them.

And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God.

And he said unto the elders, Tarry ye here for us, until we come again unto you: and, behold, Aaron and Hur are with you: if any man have any matters to do, let him come unto them.

And Moses went up into the mount, and a cloud covered the mount.

And the glory of the Lord abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days: and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud.

And the sight of the glory of the Lord was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel.

And Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and gat him up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights.

"Let us not be mistaken.

We do not speak of a stiff, mechanical, dictated inspiration of the Word.

This would be completely unworthy of a divine revelation.

A mechanical inspiration (automatic dictation) is found in occultism, spiritism, and therefore demonism, where the evil inspiring spirit works by setting aside and excluding the human individuality.

Divine revelation, however, has nothing to do with such suppression of the human personality . . . Divine revelation desires not passive `mediums' but active men of God; not dead tools, but living, sanctified coworkers with God; not slaves, but friends (Jn. 15:15)."

John 15:15 (KJV 1900)

Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

(Erich Sauer, Eternity to Eternity, p. 104-105).

C. Biblical View of Inspiration

1. Definition of Inspiration: Inspiration describes the unique process of the Holy Spirit in which He controlled and directed the hearts, minds, and wills of chosen men as they wrote exactly and totally what God wanted, so that the original manuscript was without error or omission.

2. A Breakdown of this Definition:--Inspiration was the unique process of the Holy Spirit (Jn. 14:26).

John 14:26 (KJV 1900)

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

--The Holy Spirit controlled and directed the hearts, minds, and wills of chosen men ( II Peter 1:20-21 ).

2 Peter 1:20–21 (KJV 1900)

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

--Chosen men wrote exactly and totally what God wanted (II Tim. 3:16).

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 result was that the original manuscript was without error or omission (Mt. 5:17-18; Jn. 10:35).

Matthew 5:17–18 (KJV 1900)

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

John 10:35 (KJV 1900)

If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;

a. Inspiration was the unique process of the Holy Spirit (Jn. 14:26).

John 14:26 (KJV 1900)

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

1) Unique a) Inspiration is a unique process only true of Scripture and of no other literature (cp. II Tim. 3:16 - "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God . . .").

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:

b) Inspiration is inexplicable.

Man's comprehension cannot totally grasp all that occurred when the Holy Spirit directed the words that He used men to write.

2) Process Inspiration describes the actual process that occurred when the Holy Spirit guided men as they were in the act of writing God's Word.

3) Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit guided every word that was penned by the apostles and prophets. David wrote "by the Holy Ghost" (Mk. 12:36).

"The Holy Ghost" spoke by Isaiah (Acts 28:25-26).

God spoke "by the prophets" (Heb. 1:1-2).

Hebrews 1:1–2 (KJV 1900)

God, who at sundry times and in divers 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;

Cp. I Cor. 2:13; II Pet. 1:20-21.

1 Corinthians 2:13 (KJV 1900)

Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

b. The Holy Spirit controlled and directed the hearts, minds, and wills of chosen men (II Pet. 1:20-21).

2 Peter 1:20–21b (KJV 1900)

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

2 Peter 1:20–21 (KJV 1900)

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

1) Controlled and directed Scriptures are not a product of human investigation, reason, or origin.

Men wrote as they were "moved by the Holy Ghost." "Moved" - lit. "borne alone"; "carried along."

The Spirit lifted them up, causing them to be led to write what God wanted.

"The metaphor here is that the prophets raised their sails and the Holy Spirit filled them and carried their craft along in the direction He wished" (Rienecker, p. 773)

2) The hearts, minds, and wills "Men of God spake": Even though it was God's Word, it was men who wrote/spoke it.

EX: Jesus credited Moses with commands of God (Mk. 7:10).

Mark 7:10 (KJV 1900)

For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:

He credited Isaiah with prophecy of God (Mt. 13:14).

Matthew 13:14 (KJV 1900)

And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:

Peter credited Paul with Scripture from God (II Pet. 3:15-16).

2 Peter 3:15–16 (KJV 1900)

And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

Even though Scripture came from the very mouth of God, He in His wisdom used the instrumentality of men.

God, in using men, controlled and directed them, not stifling their own personalities or using them as machines or robots but as conscious, sober instruments.

On the one hand, while it can be said that man had nothing to do with the production of Scripture (he was passive), on the other hand, he did have an active part in its production.

This is a paradox. [NOTE: However, man's part was also controlled by God - what occurred was "passive activity," in which God so worked in the writers that He gave them the will and the ability to write what He wanted (cp. Phil. 2:12-13).]

Philippians 2:12–13 (KJV 1900)

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Throughout the entire life of a prophet or apostle, God's providential control prepared him with the particular talents, education, and experience which would be needed for the message which he was to give orally or by writing (Boettner, p. 24).

--God used the extensive education and patience of Moses to write the Pentateuch.

--God made use of the worshipful tender heart of David to write most of the Psalms.

--God employed the wisdom of Solomon to write Proverbs.

--God utilized the heavy heart of Jeremiah to write Lamentations.

--God applied the loving heart of John to write the Gospel and Epistles of love that bear his name.

--God exercised the detailed thinking of Dr. Luke to write Luke and Acts.

--God put into service the logical mind and appropriate religious background of Paul to write Romans and his other deep epistles.

[Remember, however, that it was God who equipped these men with the qualifications and personalities which they had.]

"God is One who in His infinite power can use as His agents and instruments fallible human beings, who can bring into His employ all the gifts, talents, and characteristics of those human beings, and yet can cause them to pen His own Word, and keep that Word utterly separate and distinct from their own sinful nature and the consequent imperfections which are the result of that nature" (Young, Thy Word is Truth, p. 74).

3) Chosen men "Holy men of God" - men whom God had sep apart for the special task of writing His Word. God chose specific men to write His Word.

These prophets and apostles proved that they were authorized to write Scripture by the signs and miracles that God did by their hands.

God always vindicated His messengers (Ex. 4:28-31; II Cor. 12:13; Heb. 2:3-4).

Exodus 4:28–31 (KJV 1900)

And Moses told Aaron all the words of the Lord who had sent him, and all the signs which he had commanded him.

And Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel:

And Aaron spake all the words which the Lord had spoken unto Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people.

And the people believed: and when they heard that the Lord had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.

2 Corinthians 12:13 (KJV 1900)

For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.

Hebrews 2:3–4 (KJV 1900)

How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

When God chose select men to write His Word, He assured them that He would put His words into their mouths (EX: Moses - Ex. 4:11-16; Jeremiah - Jer. 1:5-9).

Exodus 4:11–16 (KJV 1900)

And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord?

Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.

And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.

And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.

And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do.

And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God.

Jeremiah 1:5–9 KJV 1900

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord. Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.

c. Chosen men wrote exactly and totally what God wanted (II Timothy 3:16).

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 translated "inspiration" is derived from the Greek Word "theopneustos" ("theo" meaning "God"; "pneustos" meaning "breathed").

Because the word is passive in its usage, it should be translated "breathed of God" or "God-breathed."

Scripture was "produced by the creative breath of the Almighty . . . it was God-given" (Boettner, Studies in Theology, p. 21).

The word "pneustos" which refers to both "breath" or "spirit" implies the divine creative action of God.

Just as the universe has its source in the God who spoke it into existence (Heb. 11:3; Ps. 33:6), and just as man's life had its source in the creative breath of God (Gen. 2:7; Job 33:4), the Scriptures came to man in the same way--right out of the mouth of God!

Hebrews 11:3 (KJV 1900)

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

Psalm 33:6 (KJV 1900)

By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; And all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.

Genesis 2:7 (KJV 1900)

And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

Job 33:4 (KJV 1900)

The Spirit of God hath made me, And the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.

Therefore, they are exactly what God wanted written.

NOTE: The word "God-breathed" does not suggest that God breathed into Scriptures that already existed; rather, He breathed the Scriptures out of Himself.

Isaiah 45:23 - "The word is gone out of my mouth."

Isaiah 45:23 (KJV 1900)

I have sworn by myself, The word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, Every tongue shall swear.

Matthew 4:4 - "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."

Matthew 4:4 (KJV 1900)

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

1) "Wrote" - "All Scripture": The word translated scripture is from the Greek word "graphe," which refers to that which was written.

The word "graphe" refers to sentences, phrases, and words! (not just ideas).

Inspiration can only be applied to the writings, and not to the writers (i.e., God did not inspire the writers but the Scriptures).

2) Exactly what God wanted - "All Scripture" - the word "all" refers to every individual, written part.

Every detail of the Bible was inspired!

Right down to the words, letters, and distinguishing parts of letters!

This is called "Verbal Inspiration."

"Christ did not say of His thoughts, but of His words that they are spirit and life" (John 6:63).

John 6:63 (KJV 1900)

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

-- Luther The message of Scripture at times depends on a single word.

Therefore, God inspired every detail.

Cp. Gal. 3:16 - singular as opposed to plural

Galatians 3:16 (KJV 1900)

Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

Cp. Jn. 8:58 - present tense as opposed to past

John 8:58 (KJV 1900)

Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

NOTE: God put specific words into the mouths of His prophets - Jer. 1:7-9; Num. 22:38, 23:12, 16; II Sam. 23:2.

Jeremiah 1:7–9 (KJV 1900)

But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.

Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord.

Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.

Numbers 22:38 (KJV 1900)

And Balaam said unto Balak, Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any power at all to say any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak.

Numbers 23:12 (KJV 1900)

And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which the Lord hath put in my mouth?

Numbers 23:16 (KJV 1900)

And the Lord met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, Go again unto Balak, and say thus.

2 Samuel 23:2 (KJV 1900)

The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, And his word was in my tongue.

NOTE: The grammatical/syntactical study of Scripture is based entirely upon the acceptance of verbal inspiration.

(Those who have a low view of Scripture don't preach expositionally, and don't care about the details of the Bible)

3) Totally what God wanted - The whole complete Bible was inspired.

This is called "Plenary Inspiration."

If only parts of the Bible came from God's mouth, it would be left up to man to determine which parts were inspired and which parts were not.

The Bible would be all guess-work.

"All Scripture is God-breathed"; therefore all Scripture is without error (defect) and is fully authoritative (profitable).

Paul's entire purpose for placing the clause "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God" in II Timothy 3:16 is to give a basis or support for the profitableness of Scripture for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction.

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:

If Scripture's source was not the mouth of God, it has no authority and no ultimate profit.

d. The result was that the original manuscript was without error or omission (Matt. 5:17-18; John 10:35).

Matthew 5:17–18 (KJV 1900)

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

John 10:35 (KJV 1900)

If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;

1) "Original manuscript" - Inspiration only describes the Holy Spirit's superintendence of the original manuscript (by this we mean, the first copy written).

--Scribes who copied the autographa or copied from copies of the autograph were not inspired; nor was inspiration occurring while they copied.

--Translators were not inspired, nor were their translations.

Inspiration describes a miracle of God that happened only once!

God certainly would strengthen and help a scribe or translator who would sincerely ask Him.

But He would not breath out any new revelation to them.

2) "Without error" - Jesus claimed authority for every letter that was written, even the parts of written letters (distinguishable marks that differentiated one letter from another were also inspired!)

See Mt. 5:18 "Jot" = the smallest Hebrew letter, called the yodh y (See Ps. 119:73).

Matthew 5:18 (KJV 1900)

For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

Psalm 119:73 (KJV 1900)

JOD. Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: Give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.

"Tittle" = a part of a letter that would distinguish one letter from another (compare the daleth d with the resh r ).

"John Wesley said, `If there be any mistakes in the Bible, there may as well be a thousand.

If there is one falsehood in that Book, it did not come from the God of truth'."

(Ryrie, Inerrancy, p. 26).

3) "Without omission" - The Scriptures are complete.

All that God intended for us to have, He has given.

The Scriptures, as God gave them, are free from all errors, defects, or imperfections.

This is called "inerrancy." Since the Bible was

1) inspired, it is

2) inerrant (because God could not make a mistake); and because the Scriptures are inerrant, they are

3) infallible (incapable of failing or leading you astray; the Bible is wholly true and wholly authoritative - Jn.17:17).

John 17:17 KJV 1900

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

D. Additional Features of Inspiration

1. Inspiration often involved writing an unwelcomed message (Jer. 20).

Jeremiah 20 KJV 1900

Now Pashur the son of Immer the priest, who was also chief governor in the house of the Lord, heard that Jeremiah prophesied these things. Then Pashur smote Jeremiah the prophet, and put him in the stocks that were in the high gate of Benjamin, which was by the house of the Lord. And it came to pass on the morrow, that Pashur brought forth Jeremiah out of the stocks. Then said Jeremiah unto him, The Lord hath not called thy name Pashur, but Magor-missabib. For thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will make thee a terror to thyself, and to all thy friends: and they shall fall by the sword of their enemies, and thine eyes shall behold it: and I will give all Judah into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall carry them captive into Babylon, and shall slay them with the sword. Moreover I will deliver all the strength of this city, and all the labours thereof, and all the precious things thereof, and all the treasures of the kings of Judah will I give into the hand of their enemies, which shall spoil them, and take them, and carry them to Babylon. And thou, Pashur, and all that dwell in thine house shall go into captivity: and thou shalt come to Babylon, and there thou shalt die, and shalt be buried there, thou, and all thy friends, to whom thou hast prophesied lies. O Lord, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived: Thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision daily, Every one mocketh me. For since I spake, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil; Because the word of the Lord was made a reproach unto me, And a derision, daily. Then I said, I will not make mention of him, Nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, And I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay. For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, saying, Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, And we shall take our revenge on him. But the Lord is with me as a mighty terrible one: Therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: They shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: Their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten. But, O Lord of hosts, that triest the righteous, And seest the reins and the heart, Let me see thy vengeance on them: For unto thee have I opened my cause. Sing unto the Lord, praise ye the Lord: For he hath delivered the soul of the poor from the hand of evildoers. Cursed be the day wherein I was born: Let not the day wherein my mother bare me be blessed. Cursed be the man who brought tidings to my father, saying, A man child is born unto thee; Making him very glad. And let that man be as the cities which the Lord overthrew, and repented not: And let him hear the cry in the morning, and the shouting at noontide; Because he slew me not from the womb; Or that my mother might have been my grave, And her womb to be always great with me. Wherefore came I forth out of the womb To see labour and sorrow, That my days should be consumed with shame?

2. Inspiration often involved writing a message that the prophet or apostle did not totally understand (Dan. 12:8-9; Rev. 5:1-4).

Daniel 12:8–9 KJV 1900

And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.

Revelation 5:1–4 KJV 1900

And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.

3. Inspiration often involved writing a message that was not too "inspiring" (Judges 19 & 20) or truthful from the standpoint of the one who is being quoted (EX: Satan is quoted - Gen. 3:4, 5; Mt. 4:8, 9).

Judges 19 KJV 1900

And it came to pass in those days, when there was no king in Israel, that there was a certain Levite sojourning on the side of mount Ephraim, who took to him a concubine out of Beth-lehem-judah. And his concubine played the whore against him, and went away from him unto her father’s house to Beth-lehem-judah, and was there four whole months. And her husband arose, and went after her, to speak friendly unto her, and to bring her again, having his servant with him, and a couple of asses: and she brought him into her father’s house: and when the father of the damsel saw him, he rejoiced to meet him. And his father in law, the damsel’s father, retained him; and he abode with him three days: so they did eat and drink, and lodged there. And it came to pass on the fourth day, when they arose early in the morning, that he rose up to depart: and the damsel’s father said unto his son in law, Comfort thine heart with a morsel of bread, and afterward go your way. And they sat down, and did eat and drink both of them together: for the damsel’s father had said unto the man, Be content, I pray thee, and tarry all night, and let thine heart be merry. And when the man rose up to depart, his father in law urged him: therefore he lodged there again. And he arose early in the morning on the fifth day to depart: and the damsel’s father said, Comfort thine heart, I pray thee. And they tarried until afternoon, and they did eat both of them. And when the man rose up to depart, he, and his concubine, and his servant, his father in law, the damsel’s father, said unto him, Behold, now the day draweth toward evening, I pray you tarry all night: behold, the day groweth to an end, lodge here, that thine heart may be merry; and to morrow get you early on your way, that thou mayest go home. But the man would not tarry that night, but he rose up and departed, and came over against Jebus, which is Jerusalem; and there were with him two asses saddled, his concubine also was with him. And when they were by Jebus, the day was far spent; and the servant said unto his master, Come, I pray thee, and let us turn in into this city of the Jebusites, and lodge in it. And his master said unto him, We will not turn aside hither into the city of a stranger, that is not of the children of Israel; we will pass over to Gibeah. And he said unto his servant, Come, and let us draw near to one of these places to lodge all night, in Gibeah, or in Ramah. And they passed on and went their way; and the sun went down upon them when they were by Gibeah, which belongeth to Benjamin. And they turned aside thither, to go in and to lodge in Gibeah: and when he went in, he sat him down in a street of the city: for there was no man that took them into his house to lodging. And, behold, there came an old man from his work out of the field at even, which was also of mount Ephraim; and he sojourned in Gibeah: but the men of the place were Benjamites. And when he had lifted up his eyes, he saw a wayfaring man in the street of the city: and the old man said, Whither goest thou? and whence comest thou? And he said unto him, We are passing from Beth-lehem-judah toward the side of mount Ephraim; from thence am I: and I went to Beth-lehem-judah, but I am now going to the house of the Lord; and there is no man that receiveth me to house. Yet there is both straw and provender for our asses; and there is bread and wine also for me, and for thy handmaid, and for the young man which is with thy servants: there is no want of any thing. And the old man said, Peace be with thee; howsoever let all thy wants lie upon me; only lodge not in the street. So he brought him into his house, and gave provender unto the asses: and they washed their feet, and did eat and drink. Now as they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, certain sons of Belial, beset the house round about, and beat at the door, and spake to the master of the house, the old man, saying, Bring forth the man that came into thine house, that we may know him. And the man, the master of the house, went out unto them, and said unto them, Nay, my brethren, nay, I pray you, do not so wickedly; seeing that this man is come into mine house, do not this folly. Behold, here is my daughter a maiden, and his concubine; them I will bring out now, and humble ye them, and do with them what seemeth good unto you: but unto this man do not so vile a thing. But the men would not hearken to him: so the man took his concubine, and brought her forth unto them; and they knew her, and abused her all the night until the morning: and when the day began to spring, they let her go. Then came the woman in the dawning of the day, and fell down at the door of the man’s house where her lord was, till it was light. And her lord rose up in the morning, and opened the doors of the house, and went out to go his way: and, behold, the woman his concubine was fallen down at the door of the house, and her hands were upon the threshold. And he said unto her, Up, and let us be going. But none answered. Then the man took her up upon an ass, and the man rose up, and gat him unto his place. And when he was come into his house, he took a knife, and laid hold on his concubine, and divided her, together with her bones, into twelve pieces, and sent her into all the coasts of Israel. And it was so, that all that saw it said, There was no such deed done nor seen from the day that the children of Israel came up out of the land of Egypt unto this day: consider of it, take advice, and speak your minds.

Genesis 3:4 KJV 1900

And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

Genesis 3:5 KJV 1900

For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

Matthew 4:8 KJV 1900

Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;

Matthew 4:9 KJV 1900

And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

E. The Bible's Own Claim to Inspiration

1. In the Old Testament, various phrases make this claim - 3,808 times ("The Lord spoke"; "the word of the Lord came to me," etc.).

2. The Pentateuch alone makes this claim 420 times.

3. The prophets identified their written message as the Word of God. For example Isaiah - 120 times Jeremiah - 430 times Ezekiel - 320 times Amos - 53 times Haggai - 27 times Zechariah - 53 times

4. The New Testament writers claim to have spoke and written the Word of God. Paul - I Cor. 14:37; I Thes. 2:13 John - I Jn. 5:10 Peter - II Pet. 3:2 5.

1 Corinthians 14:37 KJV 1900

If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 KJV 1900

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

1 John 5:10 KJV 1900

He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.

2 Peter 3:2 KJV 1900

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:

To quote the Old Testament was to quote God Himself.

Rom. 9:17 - quote from Ex. 9:16 Gal. 3:8 - quote from Gen. 12 Acts 4:32 - quote from Ps. 2:2

Romans 9:17 KJV 1900

For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.

Exodus 9:16 KJV 1900

And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.

Galatians 3:8 KJV 1900

And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

Genesis 12 KJV 1900

Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran. And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came. And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land. And the Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the Lord, who appeared unto him. And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Beth-el, and pitched his tent, having Beth-el on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the Lord, and called upon the name of the Lord. And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south. And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land. And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon: Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive. Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee. And it came to pass, that, when Abram was come into Egypt, the Egyptians beheld the woman that she was very fair. The princes also of Pharaoh saw her, and commended her before Pharaoh: and the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house. And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels. And the Lord plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram’s wife. And Pharaoh called Abram, and said, What is this that thou hast done unto me? why didst thou not tell me that she was thy wife? Why saidst thou, She is my sister? so I might have taken her to me to wife: now therefore behold thy wife, take her, and go thy way. And Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him: and they sent him away, and his wife, and all that he had.

Acts 4:32 KJV 1900

And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

Psalm 2:2 KJV 1900

The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying,

F. Christ's Declaration of Inspiration

1. Christ accepted the Old Testament as fully authoritative (Lk. 24:44; Mt. 5:18; Lk. 16:31).

Luke 24:44 KJV 1900

And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

Matthew 5:18 KJV 1900

For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

Luke 16:31 KJV 1900

And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

2. Christ stated that the Scriptures cannot be broken (Jn. 10:35).

John 10:35 KJV 1900

If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;

3. Christ regarded prophecies of Scripture as being certain of fulfillment (Mt. 24:15).

Matthew 24:15 KJV 1900

When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)

4. Christ stated that His own words possessed absolute authority (Mt. 24:35; cp. Mt. 7:29).

Matthew 24:35 KJV 1900

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

Matthew 7:29 KJV 1900

For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

5. Christ pre-authenticated the words of His apostles as being the authoritative, trustworthy words of God (Jn. 17:20).

John 17:20 KJV 1900

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

G. Eight Rational Proofs for Inspiration

1. Unity - The Bible was written by means of 40 different writers, in three languages (Hebrew and Aramaic - O.T.; Greek - N.T.), over a 1,500 year period, and yet the Scriptures have only one theme: namely, Jesus Christ and His salvation of mankind through His sacrificial and substitutionary death (See: Lk. 24:25-27; Jn. 5:39, 46; Acts 10:43, 18:28; I Cor. 15:3).

Luke 24:25–27 KJV 1900

Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

John 5:39 KJV 1900

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

John 5:46 KJV 1900

For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.

Acts 10:43 KJV 1900

To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

Acts 18:28 KJV 1900

For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:3 KJV 1900

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

2. Prophecy - Fulfilled by Jesus at His first coming (Mt. 5:17; Lk. 24:27; Jn. 19:24) EX: Ps. 22 - written about 1,000 B.C. Is. 53 - written about 750 B.C.

Matthew 5:17 KJV 1900

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

Luke 24:27 KJV 1900

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

John 19:24 KJV 1900

They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.

Psalm 22 KJV 1900

To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; And in the night season, and am not silent. But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. Our fathers trusted in thee: They trusted, and thou didst deliver them. They cried unto thee, and were delivered: They trusted in thee, and were not confounded. But I am a worm, and no man; A reproach of men, and despised of the people. All they that see me laugh me to scorn: They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, He trusted on the Lord that he would deliver him: Let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him. But thou art he that took me out of the womb: Thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother’s breasts. I was cast upon thee from the womb: Thou art my God from my mother’s belly. Be not far from me; for trouble is near; For there is none to help. Many bulls have compassed me: Strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round. They gaped upon me with their mouths, As a ravening and a roaring lion. I am poured out like water, And all my bones are out of joint: My heart is like wax; It is melted in the midst of my bowels. My strength is dried up like a potsherd; And my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; And thou hast brought me into the dust of death. For dogs have compassed me: The assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: They pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all my bones: They look and stare upon me. They part my garments among them, And cast lots upon my vesture. But be not thou far from me, O Lord: O my strength, haste thee to help me. Deliver my soul from the sword; My darling from the power of the dog. Save me from the lion’s mouth: For thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns. I will declare thy name unto my brethren: In the midst of the congregation will I praise thee. Ye that fear the Lord, praise him; All ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; And fear him, all ye the seed of Israel. For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; Neither hath he hid his face from him; But when he cried unto him, he heard. My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him. The meek shall eat and be satisfied: They shall praise the Lord that seek him: Your heart shall live for ever. All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the Lord: And all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee. For the kingdom is the Lord’s: And he is the governor among the nations. All they that be fat upon earth shall eat and worship: All they that go down to the dust shall bow before him: And none can keep alive his own soul. A seed shall serve him; It shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation. They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness Unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this.

Isaiah 53 KJV 1900

Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, And as a root out of a dry ground: He hath no form nor comeliness; And when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; A man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: And we hid as it were our faces from him; He was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, And carried our sorrows: Yet we did esteem him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: The chastisement of our peace was upon him; And with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned every one to his own way; And the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, Yet he opened not his mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, So he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: And who shall declare his generation? For he was cut off out of the land of the living: For the transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, And with the rich in his death; Because he had done no violence, Neither was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, He shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: By his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; For he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, And he shall divide the spoil with the strong; Because he hath poured out his soul unto death: And he was numbered with the transgressors; And he bare the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.

3. Honesty - Shows people as they really are.

The Bible's heroes are not "sugar-coated!" Rather, the faults of even the greatest are brought out (Abraham, Moses, David, Peter).

The Bible also describes sin as it is; heaven and hell as they are; and God as He is (example of the tension between election and free will - If man wrote the Bible, he would have relieved it).

4. Durability - The Bible has lasted through the ages, though attempts have been made to exterminate this Book as no other (EX: Jer. 36:1-2, 27-28).

Jeremiah 36:1–2 KJV 1900

And it came to pass in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, that this word came unto Jeremiah from the Lord, saying, Take thee a roll of a book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken unto thee against Israel, and against Judah, and against all the nations, from the day I spake unto thee, from the days of Josiah, even unto this day.

Jeremiah 36:27–28 KJV 1900

Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, after that the king had burned the roll, and the words which Baruch wrote at the mouth of Jeremiah, saying, Take thee again another roll, and write in it all the former words that were in the first roll, which Jehoiakim the king of Judah hath burned.

Voltaire, the French infidel, said: "Another century, [and] there will not be another Bible on earth." After his death, his printing press was used to print Bibles!

5. Power - To change (transform) lives.

6. Freshness - George Mueller said: "I read through the Bible 100 times, and each time it is new to me."

7. Scientific Accuracy – The earth is round (a circle) – Is. 40:22 The earth hangs on nothing – Job 26:7 The life of the flesh is in the blood (Gen 9:4; Lev. 17:11) Circumcision on 8th day – Lev. 12:3 Universal flood Uncountable multitudes of stars – (Gen. 15:5, Jer. 33:22) 100 billion stars in our Galaxy alone!

Isaiah 40:22 KJV 1900

It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, And the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; That stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, And spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:

Job 26:7 KJV 1900

He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, And hangeth the earth upon nothing.

Genesis 9:4 KJV 1900

But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.

Leviticus 17:11 KJV 1900

For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.

Leviticus 12:3 KJV 1900

And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.

Genesis 15:5 KJV 1900

And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.

Jeremiah 33:22 KJV 1900

As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured: so will I multiply the seed of David my servant, and the Levites that minister unto me.

Plants and Animals reproduce only after their Kind (Species) Gen. 1 etc

Genesis 1 KJV 1900

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day. And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day. And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good. And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the third day. And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the fourth day. And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. And the evening and the morning were the fifth day. And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so. And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

8. Historical Accuracy – Proven by – Recent Archaeological disco verier (cities discovered customs proven etc.)

Proven by – Comparing the Bible with other Historical writings contemporary with the Bible Ex. Josephus- cp.

Acts 12 – Herod’s speech and Death With Josephus. Antiquities Book XIX chap. 7:2-5 & 8:1-2

Acts 12 KJV 1900

Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place. Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode. And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king’s chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king’s country. And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost. But the word of God grew and multiplied. And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

IV. PRESERVATION: The perseverence of the Bible

IV.PRESERVATION: THE PERSEVERANCE OF THE BIBLE DEFINITION OF PRESERVATION:

God has providentially guarded (protected) His Word, so that it would be kept completely intact, pure, and trustworthy throughout all ages.

A. God has providentially guarded (protected) His Word.

1. Promises of Preservation

a. Psalm 119:89 - "Forever, O LORD, Thy word is settled in heaven" ("settled" = stands firm).

Psalm 119:89 KJV 1900

LAMED. For ever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven.

b. Psalm 119:152 - "Concerning Thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them forever."

Psalm 119:152 KJV 1900

Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old That thou hast founded them for ever.

c. Psalm 119:160 - "Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth forever."

Psalm 119:160 KJV 1900

Thy word is true from the beginning: And every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

d. Isaiah 40:8 - "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever."

Isaiah 40:8 KJV 1900

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: But the word of our God shall stand for ever.

e. Matthew 5:18 - "For verily (truly) I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the Law, till all be fulfilled" (cp. Lk. 16:17).

Matthew 5:18 KJV 1900

For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

Luke 16:17 KJV 1900

And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.

f. Matthew 24:35 - "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away."

Matthew 24:35 KJV 1900

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

g. I Peter 1:23-25 - "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

1 Peter 1:23–25 KJV 1900

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass.

The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever.

And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you."

2. Bible illustrations of preservation:

a. Jeremiah 36:1-22 - A portion of Scripture is lost by deliberate destruction, and God directly intervenes to restore and preserve the text. [God was careful to preserve His Word, yet did so through men.]

Jeremiah 36:1–22 KJV 1900

And it came to pass in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, that this word came unto Jeremiah from the Lord, saying, Take thee a roll of a book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken unto thee against Israel, and against Judah, and against all the nations, from the day I spake unto thee, from the days of Josiah, even unto this day. It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the evil which I purpose to do unto them; that they may return every man from his evil way; that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin. Then Jeremiah called Baruch the son of Neriah: and Baruch wrote from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the Lord, which he had spoken unto him, upon a roll of a book. And Jeremiah commanded Baruch, saying, I am shut up; I cannot go into the house of the Lord: Therefore go thou, and read in the roll, which thou hast written from my mouth, the words of the Lord in the ears of the people in the Lord’s house upon the fasting day: and also thou shalt read them in the ears of all Judah that come out of their cities. It may be they will present their supplication before the Lord, and will return every one from his evil way: for great is the anger and the fury that the Lord hath pronounced against this people. And Baruch the son of Neriah did according to all that Jeremiah the prophet commanded him, reading in the book the words of the Lord in the Lord’s house. And it came to pass in the fifth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, in the ninth month, that they proclaimed a fast before the Lord to all the people in Jerusalem, and to all the people that came from the cities of Judah unto Jerusalem. Then read Baruch in the book the words of Jeremiah in the house of the Lord, in the chamber of Gemariah the son of Shaphan the scribe, in the higher court, at the entry of the new gate of the Lord’s house, in the ears of all the people. When Michaiah the son of Gemariah, the son of Shaphan, had heard out of the book all the words of the Lord, Then he went down into the king’s house, into the scribe’s chamber: and, lo, all the princes sat there, even Elishama the scribe, and Delaiah the son of Shemaiah, and Elnathan the son of Achbor, and Gemariah the son of Shaphan, and Zedekiah the son of Hananiah, and all the princes. Then Michaiah declared unto them all the words that he had heard, when Baruch read the book in the ears of the people. Therefore all the princes sent Jehudi the son of Nethaniah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Cushi, unto Baruch, saying, Take in thine hand the roll wherein thou hast read in the ears of the people, and come. So Baruch the son of Neriah took the roll in his hand, and came unto them. And they said unto him, Sit down now, and read it in our ears. So Baruch read it in their ears. Now it came to pass, when they had heard all the words, they were afraid both one and other, and said unto Baruch, We will surely tell the king of all these words. And they asked Baruch, saying, Tell us now, How didst thou write all these words at his mouth? Then Baruch answered them, He pronounced all these words unto me with his mouth, and I wrote them with ink in the book. Then said the princes unto Baruch, Go, hide thee, thou and Jeremiah; and let no man know where ye be. And they went in to the king into the court, but they laid up the roll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe, and told all the words in the ears of the king. So the king sent Jehudi to fetch the roll: and he took it out of Elishama the scribe’s chamber. And Jehudi read it in the ears of the king, and in the ears of all the princes which stood beside the king. Now the king sat in the winterhouse in the ninth month: and there was a fire on the hearth burning before him.

b. II Kings 22:8 (II Chron. 34:14-16) - A portion of Scripture is lost by human neglect and carelessness, and God providentially uncovers the missing Scripture.

2 Kings 22:8 KJV 1900

And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord. And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it.

2 Chronicles 34:14–16 KJV 1900

And when they brought out the money that was brought into the house of the Lord, Hilkiah the priest found a book of the law of the Lord given by Moses. And Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord. And Hilkiah delivered the book to Shaphan. And Shaphan carried the book to the king, and brought the king word back again, saying, All that was committed to thy servants, they do it.

c. Daniel 12:4, 9 - God promised to keep Daniel's prophecy closed up and sealed (meaning - kept intact) so that it will help those living in the future Tribulation days when it will be fulfilled.

Daniel 12:4 KJV 1900

But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

Daniel 12:9 KJV 1900

And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.

3. God's providence in preservation It is not by mere chance or coincidence that the Bible has persevered the test of time, and has been protected from its enemies who have sought to destroy it.

God has been sovereignly superintending (watching over) His Word throughout the ages and has providentially preserved it.

The doctrine of "preservation" is not miraculous in nature like "inspiration" is, but it is providential.

God has left men with the responsibility of safeguarding His truth. The commands in Deuteronomy 4:2, 12:32; and Proverbs 30:6 as well as the warnings in Jeremiah 26:2 and Revelation 22:18, 19 reveal the following:

Deuteronomy 4:2 KJV 1900

Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.

Deuteronomy 12:32 KJV 1900

What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

Proverbs 30:6 KJV 1900

Add thou not unto his words, Lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

Jeremiah 26:2 KJV 1900

Thus saith the Lord; Stand in the court of the Lord’s house, and speak unto all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the Lord’s house, all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word:

Revelation 22:18 KJV 1900

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:

Revelation 22:19 KJV 1900

And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

a. God is serious about His Word.

b. The possibility exists for man to corrupt God's Word either by adding to it or taking away from it (some have corrupted it - EX: Readers Digest Version; New Revised Standard Version).

c. Man is responsible to safe-guard Scripture from such corruption.

Examples of how God has providentially protected His Word while using man to do it:

1) Old Testament: Stringent rules were followed by scribes to keep errors from creeping in.

EX: The Masoretes (from A.D. 500 - 900) counted letters on each page and compared with original.

The Dead Sea Scrolls discovered in 1947 revealed that the Masoretic text was accurate (these Scrolls dated almost 1,000 years earlier than the Masoretic text).

2) New Testament: Multitudes of Bible manuscripts have been discovered (when compared with each other, the agreement is outstanding).

Consider these comparisons:

Document Name Number of Manuscripts Earliest Date

Caesar's Gallic Wars 10 A.D.900

Livy's History of Rome 20 A.D. 400

Thucydides' History 8 A. D. 900

Herodotus' History 8 A.D. 900

The New Testament 14,000 A.D. 125

Chart taken from Can I Really Trust the Bible? Radio Bible Class, 1986, p. 16

NOTE: The 14,000 New Testament manuscripts include:

5,000 mss (manuscripts) in Greek

8,000 mss in Latin

1,000 ancient versions (EX: Syriac and Egyptian coptic translations which are dated pre-200 A.D.)

B. God has kept His Word completely intact. Jesus said: "The Scripture cannot be broken" (Jn. 10:35) (no part of Scripture may be severed from the rest).

Question: Since the Bible was written so many years ago, and since other books have been written that claim to also be from God, how do we know what is and isn't Scripture?

1. Canonicity (man's recognition of God's Word)

a. Definition of "canon" A "canon" was a measuring rod or a reed used to measure (Ezek. 40:3) The word "canon" comes from the Greek word "kanon" which referred to a standard or rule by which one's writings or practices were measured (EX: II Cor. 10:13; Gal. 6:16; Phil. 3:16).

Ezekiel 40:3 KJV 1900

And he brought me thither, and, behold, there was a man, whose appearance was like the appearance of brass, with a line of flax in his hand, and a measuring reed; and he stood in the gate.

Exodus 2 KJV 1900

And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi. And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months. And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river’s brink. And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him. And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river’s side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it. And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews’ children. Then said his sister to Pharaoh’s daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee? And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, Go. And the maid went and called the child’s mother. And Pharaoh’s daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the woman took the child, and nursed it. And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water. And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren. And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand. And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow? And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known. Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well. Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock. And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock. And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to day? And they said, An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and also drew water enough for us, and watered the flock. And he said unto his daughters, And where is he? why is it that ye have left the man? call him, that he may eat bread. And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter. And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land. And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.

Galatians 6:16 KJV 1900

And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

Philippians 3:16 KJV 1900

Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

Canonicity deals with the recognition and acceptance of Scripture by men.

Whereas inspiration reveals how the Bible received its authority, canonization tells how the Bible received its acceptance.

NOTE: Men can only discover which books were inspired.

It is God who determined which books were inspired.

"A book is not inspired because men made it canonical; it is canonical because God inspired it." (See Geisler & Nix, p.135-137)

b. Necessity of a canon Having criteria to measure the authenticity of books, and then making a list of recognized books was necessary for the following reasons:

1) The death of the apostles

2) The abundance of false teachers

3) The production of false writings

a) The Old Testament Apocrypha (14 "hidden" books) I Esdras, II Esdras, Tobit, Judith, the rest of Esther, the Wisdom of Solomon, Ecclesiasticus (the wisdom of Jesus, Son of Sirach), Baruch, the Son of the Three Holy Children, the History of Susanna, Bel and the Dragon, the Prayer of Manasseh, I Maccabees, II Maccabees.

*These books were written during the silent years - 400 B.C. -- the birth of Christ.

b) New Testament Pseudepigrapha ("false writings") A large number of Jewish works attributed to men of Scripture, but were false (EX: I Enoch, Martyrdom of Isaiah, Sibylline Oracles).

Exodus 1 KJV 1900

Now these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt; every man and his household came with Jacob. Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, Dan, and Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt already. And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation. And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them. Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph. And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we: Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land. Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses. But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel. And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour: And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour. And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah: And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live. But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive. And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men children alive? And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them. Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty. And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses. And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive.

c) The New Testament Apocrypha Books that circulated during the early stages of the Christian era which supposedly related details about Christ and the apostles, but were never considered to be canonical.

EX: The Gospel of Peter, The Gospel of the Egyptians, The Gospel of Thomas, The Gospel of Nicodemus, the Epistle to the Laodiceans (which was a plagiarization of Philippians). Why were the apocryphal and pseudepigraphal books rejected?

1) They abound in historical and geographical inaccuracies (EX: II Maccabees)

Exodus 2 KJV 1900

And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi. And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months. And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river’s brink. And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him. And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river’s side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it. And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews’ children. Then said his sister to Pharaoh’s daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee? And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, Go. And the maid went and called the child’s mother. And Pharaoh’s daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the woman took the child, and nursed it. And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water. And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren. And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand. And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow? And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known. Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well. Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock. And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock. And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to day? And they said, An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and also drew water enough for us, and watered the flock. And he said unto his daughters, And where is he? why is it that ye have left the man? call him, that he may eat bread. And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter. And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land. And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.

2) They teach doctrines which are false and contrary to inspired Scripture (much docetism, gnostisism and immorality [EX: Judith])

3) They resort to literary types and display an artificiality of subject matter and style inconsistent with inspired Scripture (EX: Tobit)

4) They propagate the fanciful, mystical (EX: Bel and the dragon), and fictitious.

5) They lack the distinctive elements which give genuine Scripture its divine character. Much imitation and plagiarism. (EX: II Esdras, the Epistle to the Laodiceans, the Epistle of Barnabas)

Exodus 2 KJV 1900

And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi. And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months. And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river’s brink. And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him. And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river’s side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it. And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews’ children. Then said his sister to Pharaoh’s daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee? And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, Go. And the maid went and called the child’s mother. And Pharaoh’s daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the woman took the child, and nursed it. And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water. And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren. And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand. And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow? And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known. Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well. Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock. And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock. And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to day? And they said, An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and also drew water enough for us, and watered the flock. And he said unto his daughters, And where is he? why is it that ye have left the man? call him, that he may eat bread. And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter. And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land. And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.

c. Rules for acknowledging canonicity Principles were employed by early historians (Eusebius

d. 340) and believers (Polycarp d. 155) in order to recognize which books measured up to the canon (standard).

NOTE: While no official list has been discovered of the rules they used, a compilation of their comments about Scripture in their writings would reveal the following criteria which they demanded before they would accept a book as being from God:

1) Apostolic origin or authority (Jn. 16:13; Jn. 2:22; Eph. 2:20-22; I Cor. 14:37; II Pet. 3:1517; Heb. 1:1-3) Either an apostle wrote it, or stood behind the man who wrote.

2) Doctrinal consistency with former revelation and apostolic teaching (Gal. 1:8-9; Dt. 13) God never contradicts Himself.

3) Evidence of divine inspiration A believer who has the Holy Spirit will be able to discern truth from error (I Jn. 4:1). [Was the book under consideration able to influence or transform a person unto godliness?]

4) Reception and preservation by New Testament believers Scripture was to be read publicly (I Thes. 5:27; I Tim. 4:13) and circulated (Col. 4:16).

5) Christological - Is the book centered around Jesus Christ? Luke 24:27 - "Moses - Prophets" II Cor. 5:20 - "I beseech you in Christ's stead"

C. God has kept His Word pure and trustworthy throughout all ages. "Thy Word is truth" (Jn. 17:17).

John 17:17 KJV 1900

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Question: Does the Bible contain errors or contradictions?

NO! All of the "so-called errors" or alleged "contradictions" are consistently resolved when principles of hermeneutics are strictly followed.

Jumping to the conclusion that the Bible has an error, contradiction, or doctrinal discrepancy usually is caused by:

1. Mis-interpretation The Bible is often misinterpreted because of: the nature of man.

a. Man's darkened mind has been prejudiced by sin (some read the Bible looking for "errors")

b. Man often has pre-conceived ideas.

c. Finite man often has difficulty comprehending an infinite God.

The Bible is often misinterpreted because of the reader's failure to follow hermeneutical principles of interpretation.

a. Failure to consider the context.

b. Failure to follow rules of grammar.

c. Failure to compare properly Scripture with Scripture (EX: in synoptic gospels)

2. Misunderstanding of Biblical circumstances.

a. Historical

b. Geographical (EX: 2 Jerichos; Mt. 20:29-34; Mk. 10:46-52)

Exodus 2 KJV 1900

And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi. And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months. And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river’s brink. And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him. And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river’s side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it. And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews’ children. Then said his sister to Pharaoh’s daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee? And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, Go. And the maid went and called the child’s mother. And Pharaoh’s daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the woman took the child, and nursed it. And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water. And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren. And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand. And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow? And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known. Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well. Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock. And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock. And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to day? And they said, An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and also drew water enough for us, and watered the flock. And he said unto his daughters, And where is he? why is it that ye have left the man? call him, that he may eat bread. And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter. And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land. And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.

Matthew 20:29–34 KJV 1900

And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David. And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David. And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you? They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened. So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

Mark 10:46–52 KJV 1900

And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.

c. Cultural

d. Chronological (EX: Matthew's gospel is arranged thematically not chronologically)

e. Different modes of computation - Different writers may arrive at different dates when describing the same event because they use different calendars.

3. Mistranslation When someone says, "There is an error in the Bible," say, "No.

There may be a poor translation from the Hebrew or Greek, but not an error in the Bible."

V. TRANSLATION: The popular language of the Bible

V. TRANSLATION: THE POPULAR LANGUAGE OF THE BIBLE

A. Where did our English Bible come from?

Revelation

Autographa

(Original Manuscript)

Copies of Autographa

Copies of Copies

(2 major text types)

BYZANTINE TEXT ALEXANDRIAN TEXT

(Majority of N.T. manuscripts) (Oldest N.T. manuscripts)

The work of Erasmus in 1516 Siniaticus & Vaticanus

& Stephanus 3rd edition (1550) MSS (early 300 A.D.)

& Elzevir Brothers (1633) Westcott & Hort - 1881

Textus Receptus (T.R.) Critical text

(received text)

KJV - 1611 ASV - 1901

RSV - 1952

NASV - 1963

NIV - 1978

I am profitably engaged in reading the Bible.

Take all of this Book that you can by reason and the balance by faith,

and you will live and die a better man.

It is the best Book which God has given to man.”

-Abraham Lincoln

· Our King James Bible is an “every word” bible.

Meaning that nothing has been taken out or added to.

Therefore, it can be trusted and relied upon for your continued growth in Christ.

“Things that are different are not the same” – Curtis Hutson

The Translations that Came Before the King James Version.

Many people do not realize that the King James Bible was not the first Modern English translation.

There were actually 6 other translations published before the KJV:

1525 - Tyndale Bible

1535 - Coverdale Bible

1537 - Matthew Bible

1539 - Great Bible

1560 - Geneva Bible

1568 - Bishops Bible

Someone may ask why the Wycliffe Bible is not included in the list. It is not included for two reasons:

1. The Wycliffe Bible was not in Modern English.

It was in Middle English.

The period of Middle English is considered to be the time from 1154-1485.

Wycliffe translated the Bible in the 1380s.

2. The Wycliffe Bible was not translated from the original languages (Greek and Hebrew).

It was translated from the Latin Catholic Vulgate.

The 6 Modern English translations leading up to the KJV were all translated from various editions of what we call today the Greek "Textus Receptus."

The first several of these printed Greek editions were published by Desiderius Erasmus, and later editions used to produce the Geneva Bible and Bishops Bible were published by Robert Estienne a.k.a Stephanus.

The KJV translators also translated from the Greek Textus Receptus, using the editions of Erasmus, Stephanus, and Beza.

Modern Bible versions are translated from a completely different source.

They are translated by critical texts edited by Nestle/Aland and the United Bible Societies in the 20th Century.

These modern Greek editions are based on corrupt manuscripts like Codex Vaticanus and Codex Sinaiticus, as well as more recent Egyptian papyri discoveries.

It is not a coincidence that Egypt is the source of the corruption underlying modern perversions like the NIV, ESV, NLT, etc.

The 6 Bibles leading up to the KJV were all translated from the Textus Receptus (the correct Greek textual tradition) and are therefore consistent with the KJV.

They agree with the KJV. The modern versions, on the other hand, are dramatically different.

Therefore, if a person accepts the modern Bible versions as accurate, they are not only rejecting the King James Version.

They are also rejecting every English Bible that came before it!

According to them, every English translation before the 20th Century has been wrong!

The King James Bible is the culmination of the 6 Bibles that led up to it. It is the culmination of almost 100 years of scholarship and sacrifice that gave us our English Bible.

That is why the 6 earlier translations eventually went out of print, and the KJV became the standard English Bible used by virtually all Christians until recently.

People recognized that the KJV was the final draft of the English Bible, so it replace the 6 rough drafts that led up to it.

The 6 Bibles before the KJV were good Bibles, and the KJV could never have been the magnificent Bible that it is without having had those 6 excellent rough drafts.

"The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times." - Psalm 12:6

Psalm 12:6 KJV 1900

The words of the Lord are pure words: As silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

----- copied

(1) "There seems to be a contest among modern translations to see which one can be the most innovative, the most free in its rendering of the text.

Formerly Bible translations were expected to meet three standards:

1) a translation should not add anything to the text;

2) a translation should not leave out anything in the text;

3) a translation should not twist anything in the text to change its meaning.

Modern translations systematically violate all three standards." -- Stewart Custer, Faith for the Family, "Twisted Translations."

(2) Some translations of modern times that should be rejected:

(a) The Living Bible - a paraphrase by Kenneth Taylor

(b) Good News for Modern Man - a deliberate attempt to pervert the Word of God

(c) The New English Bible - liberal and ecumenical in spirit

(d) The Phillips Paraphrase - a very loose paraphrase (e) The Jerusalem Bible - designed to further the ecumenical movement

(f) The Revised Standard Version

(g) The Readers Digest Bible - omits large sections of Scripture (whole chapters in Numbers)

(h) New World Translation (Jehovah's Witness Bible) - mistranslates Scripture involving the deity of Christ, etc.

C. Why do modern versions differ from KJV?

1. The Greek Text they used (T.R. vs. Critical Text)

2. The use of modern English

3. The personal input of the translators Every translation has a theological bias (to some degree, every translation is slanted in favor of the beliefs of the ones who translated it).

This is unavoidable.

The way one understands the Bible as a whole will be reflected in how he translates the parts.

So when we begin looking for a good, trustworthy translation, we should look for one that was translated by genuine believers, who literally interpreted God's Word according to the grammatical, theological and historical context in which it was written.

4. The philosophy about translating

a. Literal - KJV,

b. Dynamic Equivalent (may add or delete or alter words to give the sense of the passage) - NIV

VI.ILLUMINATION: THE PERCEPTION OF THE BIBLE

A. The Definition of Illumination:

Illumination describes the Holy Spirit’s enlightenment of man's mind to comprehend the written Word of God.

Whereas "revelation" described God's Word revealed (manifested); and "inspiration" described God's Word written; "illumination" describes God's Word understood.

B. The Differences between Inspiration and Illumination:

1. Inspiration involved the writing of God's Word; Illumination involves the reading of God's Word.

2. Inspiration was a miracle (not to be repeated); Illumination occurs daily as men gain insight into God's Word.

3. Inspiration involved the Holy Spirit moving specific, chosen men; Illumination involves the Holy Spirit teaching any believer who is willing and eager to learn.

C. The Bible's Teaching on Illumination:

1. Illumination is needed by the unsaved.

a. The unsaved ("natural man") is without spiritual understanding. He views spiritual things (as revealed in the Bible) as foolishness (I Cor. 2:14).

1 Corinthians 2:14 KJV 1900

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

b. The unsaved man has a blinded mind (II Cor. 4:4)

2 Corinthians 4:4 KJV 1900

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

2. Illumination begins at salvation.

a. Heb. 6:4 - "once enlightened" b. Heb. 10:32 - "ye were illuminated"

Hebrews 6:4 KJV 1900

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

Hebrews 10:32 KJV 1900

But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;

3. Illumination is a work of the Holy Spirit (I Cor. 2:9-16)

1 Corinthians 2:9–16 KJV 1900

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

a. The Holy Spirit reveals God's Word only to believers (I Cor. 2:9-10)

1 Corinthians 2:9–10 KJV 1900

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

b. The Holy Spirit reveals the "deep things of God" (I Cor. 2:10)

1 Corinthians 2:10 KJV 1900

But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

c. The Holy Spirit convicted men of sin, righteousness and judgment (Jn. 16:8).

John 16:8 KJV 1900

And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

d. The Holy Spirit is our guide into all truth (Jn 16:13 ).

John 16:13 KJV 1900

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

VII. TRANSFORMATION: The power of the Bible

VII.TRANSFORMATION: THE POWER OF THE BIBLE

A. Definition of Transformation -

The Holy Spirit's use of the Bible to change (totally transform) a person's life from condemnation to salvation and from sin unto Godliness.

Note the following word pictures which depict the unique power of the Bible:

1. The Bible is a Sword (Heb. 4:12; Eph. 6:17)

Hebrews 4:12 KJV 1900

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged 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.

a. The Holy Spirit's offensive and defensive weapon is the Bible (Eph. 6:17). God is speaking by no other means today.

Ephesians 6:17 KJV 1900

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

b. According to Heb. 4:12, the Bible as a sword is:

Hebrews 4:12 KJV 1900

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged 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.

(1) Living ("quick" KJV)

(2) Powerful

(3) Piercing - ("sharper...piercing")

(4) Penetrating ("dividing asunder")

(5) Convicting ("discerner [judge] of the thoughts and intents of the heart")

2. The Bible is a Mirror (James 1:23-25) It reflects the mind of God and the true nature and condition of man.

James 1:23–25 KJV 1900

For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

3. The Bible is a Seed (Mk. 4:1-20 *v. 14) As a seed, the Bible produces life, growth and fruit.

Mark 4:1–20 KJV 1900

And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land. And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine, Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred. And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them. And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables? The sower soweth the word. And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.

4. The Bible is water (Eph. 5:26) The Bible cleanses and quenches thirst.

Ephesians 5:26 KJV 1900

That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

5. The Bible is a Lamp and Light (Ps. 119:1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 105) It offers protection from danger and guidance into the right way.

Psalm 119:1 KJV 1900

ALEPH. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, Who walk in the law of the Lord.

Psalm 119:2 KJV 1900

Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, And that seek him with the whole heart.

Psalm 119:3 KJV 1900

They also do no iniquity: They walk in his ways.

Psalm 119:4 KJV 1900

Thou hast commanded us To keep thy precepts diligently.

Psalm 119:6 KJV 1900

Then shall I not be ashamed, When I have respect unto all thy commandments.

Psalm 119:7 KJV 1900

I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, When I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.

Psalm 119:105 KJV 1900

NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And a light unto my path.

6. The Bible is a hammer (Jer. 23:29) It has ability to tear down (humble) and build up (edify).

Jeremiah 23:29 KJV 1900

Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?

7. The Bible is a Fire (Jer. 20:9; Lk. 24:32). It convicts, judges, and purifies.

Jeremiah 20:9 KJV 1900

Then I said, I will not make mention of him, Nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, And I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.

Luke 24:32 KJV 1900

And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

8. The Bible is Nourishing Food

a. It is milk that causes growth (I Pet. 2:2)

1 Peter 2:2 KJV 1900

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

b. It is meat that gives strength (Heb. 5:14; I Cor. 3:1-3)

Hebrews 5:14 KJV 1900

But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

1 Corinthians 3:1–3 KJV 1900

And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

God's Word IS the Final Authority

Text: 2 Tim. 3:14 - 17 Introduction: We are living in a day where there seems to be the absence of absolute final authority. People are confused and mixed up about everything under the sun.

2 Timothy 3:14–17 KJV 1900

But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 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. 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 perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

What is the truth people are always seeking? This message will hopefully clarify this subject. I. A Believer Must Live In The Scriptures - V. 14

A. Timothy had been taught the Scriptures all of his life.

When he was only a child, his mother Eunice and his grandmother Lois had rooted him in the Scriptures.

They were both strong believers in the Lord. Paul had also grounded Timothy in the Scriptures.

But note a most critical point:

1. It is not enough to have learned the Scripture.

2. It is not enough to be assured that the teachings of Scripture are true.

3. It is not enough to know that your teachers teach the truth.

B. Timothy knew all this.

He had learned the Scriptures and he had found the Scriptures to be true.

The claims and promises of Scripture had worked in his own life.

Timothy also knew his teachers; their lives bore testimony to the truth of Scripture.

But this was not enough.

Note the word “continue” (mene PWS: 763). It means to abide, dwell, remain, and stay in the Scripture.

Simply stated, Timothy had to live in the Scripture—live, move, and have his being in the Scripture.

And more, he had to live out the Scripture—continue to walk and live in the truths of the Scripture.

He had to do what Scripture said. II. Scripture Makes A Person Wise Unto Salvation - V. 15

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16). “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). A. Holy Scripture tell us how we can be saved through God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. No other book reveals this to man. The only wisdom that can ever save this world is the wisdom of God Himself, and that wisdom is found in His Holy Scriptures, the Holy Bible.

Romans 1:16 KJV 1900

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Romans 15:4 KJV 1900

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

III. Scripture Is Inspired By God - V. 16

A. This is an extremely important verse in understanding the nature of Scripture, that is, in understanding just what the Scripture is, its nature and authority. Note several facts. 1. Paul was, of course, referring to the Old Testament Scriptures; the New Testament Scriptures had not yet been completed. However, this passage is certainly applicable to the New Testament. The point is this: all Scripture—both the Old and New Testament—is inspired by God. The phrase “inspired of God” (theopneustos PWS: 2165) means God-breathed. What does this mean? What does it mean to say that God breathed the Holy Scriptures? The idea is that God breathed out the Scripture or God produced the Scripture somewhat like He did creation. “By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth” (Psalm 33:6). For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men spoke as they were moved or carried forth by the Holy Ghost, 2 Peter 1:21. The prophets and apostles did not speak from themselves, but what they received of the Lord that they delivered unto us” A. The Holy Spirit is the author of the Scriptures (2 Peter 1:21) B. The writers of the Old Testament claim that the Bible is the Word of God C. The writers of the New Testament claim that the Bible is the Word of God. (1 Cor. 2:13) Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. D. Jesus Christ claims that the Bible is the Word of God. Mark 7:6-9,13 Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.

Psalm 33:6 KJV 1900

By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; And all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.

2 Peter 1:21 KJV 1900

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

2 Peter 1:21 KJV 1900

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

1 Corinthians 2:13 KJV 1900

Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

Mark 7:6–9 KJV 1900

He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

Mark 7:13 KJV 1900

Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

7Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

8For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.

9And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.  

13Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

IV. The Bible is absolutely trustworthy - The Final Authority!

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. Mat. 24:35  It should be the basis for all of our beliefs and doctrines.

Matthew 24:35 KJV 1900

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.