Theology Thursday - The Doctrine of Bibliology

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Psalm 119:105–112 KJV 1900
105 NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And a light unto my path. 106 I have sworn, and I will perform it, That I will keep thy righteous judgments. 107 I am afflicted very much: Quicken me, O Lord, according unto thy word. 108 Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord, And teach me thy judgments. 109 My soul is continually in my hand: Yet do I not forget thy law. 110 The wicked have laid a snare for me: Yet I erred not from thy precepts. 111 Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: For they are the rejoicing of my heart. 112 I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes Alway, even unto the end.
Introduction: Martin Luther and the Authority of Scripture
The Doctrine of Bibliology—the study of the nature and authority of the Bible—is foundational to our faith as Christians. At the heart of this doctrine is the understanding that the Bible is not just a book written by men but the very Word of God, inspired, infallible, inerrant, and immutable. This truth has been at the core of Christian theology throughout history, shaping how believers understand God and live out their faith.
One of the most pivotal moments in church history that underscores the authority of Scripture is Martin Luther's bold stand during the Reformation. When challenged by church leaders to recant his teachings, Luther responded with unwavering conviction, famously declaring, "Unless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason—I do not accept the authority of popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other—my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I can do no other."
Luther’s statement encapsulates the essence of the authority of Scripture: it stands above all human authority because it comes directly from God. His courage to stand on Scripture alone—what we now call sola Scriptura—reminds us that the Bible is not only trustworthy but also the ultimate authority for faith, practice, and truth. Today, as we explore the Doctrine of Bibliology, let us be inspired by Luther’s example to build our lives upon the solid foundation of God’s Word, which remains unchanging and eternally relevant.
Explanation of Sola Scriptura
Sola Scriptura, a Latin term meaning "Scripture alone," is one of the foundational principles of the Protestant Reformation and a key doctrine in Christian theology. It asserts that the Bible alone is the ultimate and final authority in all matters of faith, doctrine, and practice. This does not dismiss the importance of church tradition, councils, or creeds, but rather places them under the authority of Scripture.
Key Aspects of Sola Scriptura:
The Bible as God's Inspired Word Sola Scriptura is rooted in the belief that the Bible is uniquely inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Since it is divinely inspired, it carries God's authority and is sufficient for teaching, correcting, and equipping believers for every good work.
Scripture as the Final Authority This doctrine emphasizes that Scripture is the ultimate standard against which all beliefs, traditions, and teachings must be measured. Martin Luther championed this principle during the Reformation, challenging the authority of church leaders and councils when their teachings conflicted with the Bible.
The Sufficiency of Scripture Sola Scriptura teaches that Scripture is sufficient for knowing God's will and for salvation. It contains everything necessary for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3-4) and does not require supplementary revelations or human traditions to complete it.
Misconceptions About Sola Scriptura
It does not mean that the Bible is the only source of knowledge or truth, but that it is the supreme authority in spiritual matters.
It does not reject church tradition or creeds but views them as valuable only when they align with and are subordinate to Scripture.
Biblical Basis for Sola Scriptura
Isaiah 8:20: "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."
Acts 17:11: The Bereans were commended for examining the Scriptures daily to test the teachings of Paul and Silas.
2 Timothy 3:16-17: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."
John 17:17: "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."
Why Sola Scriptura Matters
Sola Scriptura protects the church from error by ensuring that God’s Word, not human opinion or tradition, governs doctrine and practice.
It underscores the sufficiency of Scripture in revealing God's will for salvation and righteous living, ensuring that the authority of God is upheld in every generation.
This principle challenges believers to read, study, and apply Scripture with the understanding that it is the supreme and unchanging truth for all times.

I. Introduction

a) The Self-Declaring and Affirming Nature of the Bible The Bible declares itself to be the Word of God. Scripture describes its divine origin and unique authority, such as in 2 Timothy 3:16, where it is described as "given by inspiration of God."
b) The Three Languages of the Bible The Bible was written in Hebrew (Old Testament), Aramaic (portions of Daniel and Ezra), and Koine Greek (New Testament).
c) The Structure of the Bible The Bible contains 66 books, divided into two main sections: the Old Testament (39 books) and the New Testament (27 books).
d) The Number of Writers of the Bible The Bible was penned by approximately 40 writers, inspired by the Holy Spirit, over a span of about 1,500 years.
e) The Baptist Faith and Message 2000 - “The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God’s revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. It reveals the principles by which God judges us, and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation.”

II. The Inspiration of the Bible

Inspiration Defined Inspiration refers to the process by which God supernaturally guided the human authors of Scripture, ensuring that what they wrote was His Word, free from error and fully authoritative (2 Peter 1:20-21).
b) Quotes from Scholars
B.B. Warfield: "Inspiration is that extraordinary, supernatural influence exerted by the Holy Ghost on the writers of the Scriptures, rendering their writings an accurate and trustworthy record of the revelation, or that they are the Word of God."
Charles Hodge: "The Scriptures are the product of the Spirit’s inspiration, and therefore authoritative and infallible."
J.I. Packer: "The inspiration of the Bible is the doctrine that God has so controlled the production of Scripture that what the human authors wrote was precisely what He intended."
c) Five Scriptures from the KJV
2 Timothy 3:16–17 “16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
2 Peter 1:20–21 “20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 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.”
Psalm 12:6 “6 The words of the Lord are pure words: As silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.”
Jeremiah 1:9 “9 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.”
John 17:17 “17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”

III. The Infallibility of the Scriptures

Infallibility Defined Infallibility means that the Scriptures are incapable of leading us astray in matters of faith and practice because they are the trustworthy and authoritative Word of God.
b) Quotes from Scholars
A.A. Hodge: "The Scriptures, being given by inspiration of God, are infallible in the original autographs and in their substance as preserved."
John Calvin: "The Word of God is infallible because it is from God, who cannot err or lie."
R.C. Sproul: "The infallibility of Scripture safeguards the truth that God’s Word will not fail to accomplish its intended purpose."
c) Five Scriptures from the KJV
Isaiah 55:11 “11 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.”
Psalm 119:89 “89 LAMED. For ever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven.”
Matthew 5:18 “18 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 “35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;”
Hebrews 6:18 “18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:”

IV. The Inerrancy of the Scriptures

Inerrancy Defined Inerrancy asserts that the Scriptures, in their original manuscripts, are without error or contradiction in all they affirm, whether in matters of faith, history, or science.
b) Quotes from Scholars
Norman Geisler: "Inerrancy means that when all the facts are known, the Scriptures, in their original autographs, will prove to be wholly true in everything they affirm."
James Montgomery Boice: "Inerrancy means that the Bible contains nothing contrary to fact."
Wayne Grudem: "The Bible is inerrant in that it always tells the truth concerning everything it talks about."
c) Five Scriptures from the KJV
Proverbs 30:5 “5 Every word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.”
John 17:17 “17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”
Psalm 19:7 “7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.”
Numbers 23:19 “19 God is not a man, that he should lie; Neither the son of man, that he should repent: Hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?”
2 Samuel 7:28 “28 And now, O Lord God, thou art that God, and thy words be true, and thou hast promised this goodness unto thy servant:”

V. The Immutability of the Scriptures

Immutability Defined Immutability refers to the unchanging nature of the Scriptures because they are grounded in the unchanging character of God.
b) Quotes from Scholars
Augustine: "God’s Word is eternal and unchangeable, just as God Himself is eternal and unchangeable."
Martin Luther: "The Word of God is stable and certain; it remains forever unchanging."
John Owen: "The Scriptures do not change with time or culture, for they are rooted in the eternal truth of God."
c) Five Scriptures from the KJV
Psalm 119:89 “89 LAMED. For ever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven.”
Isaiah 40:8 “8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: But the word of our God shall stand for ever.”
Matthew 24:35 “35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”
1 Peter 1:25 “25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.”
Hebrews 13:8 “8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”
Discussion Questions
What does it mean that the Bible is "inspired by God"?
How does the infallibility of the Bible impact your faith and practice?
Why is the inerrancy of Scripture essential to understanding its authority?
How can the immutability of the Scriptures provide comfort in an ever-changing world?
What practical steps can you take to deepen your confidence in the Bible’s reliability?
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