Bible Authority - 2

Introduction

I. The Importance of Perspective

Men view the Scriptures in a variety of ways:

Some believe that it’s entirely man-made

Some believe that God did inspire it - but only in the original manuscripts & languages

Few believe that God has ability to inspire both the original manuscripts and a translation thereof.

The way we view God’s Word matters

It shapes the way we approach it

In our studies

How explain difficult passages or doctrines

It shapes our confidence in it

In our implementation

Yea, hath God said…? (Gen. 3:1)

If we don’t have confidence in the Scripture, we will easily be moved by false doctrine & opinion

II. The Doctrine of Inspiration

God declared the ability to move men to speak His Words

2Pet. 1:20-21 “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.”

God declares Scripture to be inspired

2Tim. 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”

Inspire defined:

(Strongs) ‘Divinely breathed in’

(M-W 1828) The infusion of ideas into the mind by the Holy Spirit; the conveying into the minds of men, ideas, notices or monitions by extraordinary or supernatural influence

Can God inspire a translation from one language unto another?

Hasn’t He already? (Mar. 10:19; Act. 2:1-13)

Can God inspire a replication of His Word?

Hasn’t He already? (Ex. 31:18; Ex. 32:19; Ex. 34)

Can God inspire both the original receiver and the interpreter?

Hasn’t He already? (Gen. 40; Dan. 4)

III. The Position of your Pastor

God’s Word has been perfectly preserved for english speaking people in the King James Bible

The KJV is not the best translation, it’s a perfect translation.

It was important that God preserved His Word in English

God has sent more missionaries from english speaking countries throughout the world, than any other over the last 500+ years

The world’s population has increased exponentially since.

The world population increased from 1 billion in 1800 to 7.9 billion today.

God not only inspired the men who penned it originally, He inspired the translators of the King James Bible

This is my position for the following reasons:

God is not limited in His inspiration

It’s proven itself to be inspired of God

The perfection in which it’s written

The beauty that it exhibits

The impact that it has made

Throughout the world, and also in me.

The attacks that it has experienced

The separation between it and other english translations

Other modern english translations contain God’s Word, but also contain errors and omissions and should be avoided.

Conclusion