The Doctrine of Scripture

Introduction

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the best-selling book of all time is the Christian Bible. It is impossible to know exactly how many copies have been printed in the roughly 1500 years since its contents were standardized, but research conducted by the British and Foreign Bible Society in 2021 suggests that the total number probably lies between 5 and 7 billion copies.

The Moody Handbook of Theology tells us it is called the Bible because it derived from the Greek word biblion, which means “book” or “roll.” The name comes from byblos, which denoted the papyrus plant that grew in marshes or the river banks primarily along the Nile. Strips of this plant were cut in one foot strips and laid in the sun to dry. They were then laid horizontally with rows of vertical strips that were glued to the horizontal rows in a criss cross fashion. These horizontal rows were smoother and they became the writing surface. Sections were glued together to form a scroll up to thirty feet in length.

Biblion became the plural form, biblia which was used by Latin-speaking Christians to denote all the books of the Old and New Testaments.

What we know as the Bible today, was written by some 40 different people from various backgrounds. For example, Moses was a political leader; Joshua, a military leader; David, a shepherd that became a king; Solomon, a king and was called the wisest man ever; Amos, a herdsman and fruit pincher; Daniel, a prime minister; Matthew, a tax collector; Luke, a medical doctor; Paul, a rabbi; and Peter, a fisherman.

The Bible was written on three different continents: Europe, Asia and Africa. Some were written in prison, some on the countryside, Solomon contemplated the Proverbs in the royal courts, and John wrote Revelation as a banished person on the island of Patmos. Many of these authors did not ever know each other and were unfamiliar with the other’s writings. The Bible was written over a 1500 year span, yet we have today the gift of scripture with no contradictions or inconsistencies within its pages. The Bible is amazingly unified and whole. The Triune God or Trinity as we discussed last week, has put together for us these sixty-six books. They all teach of the Trinity, the deity of Jesus Christ, the personality of the Holy Spirit, the fall and depravity of man, as well as the salvation that comes to us by grace. There is no way a group of humans could have put this together. The only answer is that God the Father is the Author and creator of this book.

Martin Luther, the German theologian known for initiating the Protestant reformation, used the phrase, sola scriptura, which means by scripture alone. This means that the Bible alone is the sole infallible source of authority for Christian faith and practice. There are many passages in the Bible that help us define and understand the doctrine of scripture. For example, Psalm 119 is 176 verses about God’s word. So if we take ten minutes on each verse, it would only take us 29.5 hours to gain understanding about God’s word.

I feel your pain in thinking of hearing me that long, so let’s look at another passage.

Isaiah 55:10–11 NIV84

10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

From this passage, I want to ask four questions: What is Scripture; How did scripture come about; Why do we have scripture now; and how is scripture fulfilled.

What is Scripture?

The first thing we see about scripture is something we have already declared, scripture is a plan. Simply put, scripture is the plan of God for His people. Verse 11 tells us that it is His word from His mouth. The Hebrew for word used here is dabar. It means acts, word, thing, sayings and commandments all at the same time. The word of God gives us steps, instruction, stories, directives and a pathway to what God intended for us to be as His people. Think about the last thing that you put together. Did you just tear open the box and start putting things together or did you first look for the instructions? There was a time in my life where I refused to read the instructions at first and then I would try to assemble the item on my own. I would say, “I am just as smart as the manufacturer and I can put this together.” I do not recommend that as a way to make things happen. Let’s just say that after many times of trial and error, I have learned that it is of great benefit to my sanity and those around me to begin with the instructions and not skip any steps. God’s word for us is a plan written by our manufacturer so that the spiritual mechanisms of our lives might run as efficiently as possible!

Psalm 12:6 NIV84

6 And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times.

Not only is it a flawless plan, but it is one that produces. There is a beautiful metaphor in verse 10 for those of us living in this area who have an understanding about snow and rain. Sometimes we get frustrated when we have snow or rain in our area. It frustrates us and sometimes we forget that snow and rain help our land function to the best of its ability. The Bibles tells us that the snow and the rain make the earth bud and flourish. When flowers and plants bud and flourish, seed is produced and growth happens. Rebirth is initiated. Can you see how God’s Word in nature takes place? He commands the snow and the rain to grow plants and nourish the earth and those who inhabit it. He brings forth His word and provides food for the eater and seed for the sower.

The circle of life is an amazing thing isn’t it? Jesus told a parable in Luke 8 about how seeds fall on good soil, a rocky path and sometimes are engulfed by weeds.

Luke 8:11 NIV84

11 “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God.

We are reminded that the word of God is planted in our our lives to help us produce and be fruitful. It is a plan that produces and has purpose to give us nourishment.

Deuteronomy 8:3 NIV84

3 He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

All of these verses help us understand how scripture came about.

How Did Scripture Come About?

First and foremost, scripture came from God. Deuteronomy 29:29

Deuteronomy 29:29 NIV84

29 The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.

Scripture was commanded by God. It was written per the instruction of the Lord.

Exodus 24:4 NIV84

4 Moses then wrote down everything the Lord had said. He got up early the next morning and built an altar at the foot of the mountain and set up twelve stone pillars representing the twelve tribes of Israel.

We have it a lot easier don’t we? We can take notes on an outline by using a pen and paper. Ole Moses has to chisel it in stone and build altars! As time went on, the things the Lord commanded were written down under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and transcribed into the pages we have now.

Theologian Alec Motyer writes,

The Word of God, in our privileged day, the Holy Scripture, comes from the Lord Himself and is the Lord’s chosen instrument to achieve His purpose.” -Alec Motyer

Isaiah 40:7–8 NIV84

7 The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”

Why Do We Have Scripture Now?

Isaiah 55:11 NIV84

11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

This verse tells us much about why we have scripture now. We have it now to accomplish what God desires. So what does God desire? God desires for us to be in fellowship with Him. However, that fellowship was broken when sin was introduced and separated mankind from a Holy and Righteous God. So, we have scripture now for our redemption. We learn about that redemption which comes from Christ in passages like Ephesians 1:7-8

Ephesians 1:7–8 NIV84

7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.

We have scripture now also for our refreshment.

Acts 3:19 NIV84

19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,

God’s word promises us better times when we turn from our sin and turn to Him.

We have scripture now for our revelation.

Psalm 78:1–6 NIV84

1 O my people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. 2 I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things, things from of old— 3 what we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us. 4 We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done. 5 He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our forefathers to teach their children, 6 so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children.

God’s word reveals to us His plan and purpose. This revelation guides us into the best possible life. We have the word of God and the stories of God so that we can recall and remember. Sometimes we get call up in the pain and suffering of this world. God’s word allows us to recall His goodness.

Lamentations 3:19–23 NIV84

19 I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. 20 I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. 21 Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: 22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

This gives even further insight into how scripture today is being fulfilled. Let’s answer this final question a bit more.

How is Scripture Being Fulfilled?

The Bible has over 2500 prophecies. Did you know that over 2000 of them have been fulfilled? If I were a gambling man, I would bet that the rest will be fulfilled in God’s timing as well. Because of the prophecies accomplished, we have hope in that which is to come! So we keep on!

Hebrews 10:36 NIV84

36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

Scripture continues to being fulfilled by the power it asserts. Do you recognize what happens when we study and proclaim the truths of God’s word?

Hebrews 4:12 NIV84

12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

When you read the word of God and allow it to mold and shape your life, the greatest desire of God is achieved. In fact, you obey the very first commandment:

Exodus 20:3 NIV84

3 “You shall have no other gods before me.

You remove every idol from you life, everything that hinders you and you praise God.

The Bible reveals to us the thoughts of God. It shows us His ways. The Bible provides for us a guide and voices His promises for us. It is powerful to carry out what it says it will and leads us to everlasting praise.

Revelation 19:5–8 NIV84

5 Then a voice came from the throne, saying: “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both small and great!” 6 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. 7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. 8 Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.)

The Bible reminds me that I as a follower of Christ, I am to help scripture being fulfilled by devoting my all to praising God from who all blessings flow! One more thought,

Revelation 19:9 NIV84

9 Then the angel said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”

The Bible points me to the wedding supper of the Lamb and the fact that my invitation is given and I know that I have RSVP’d!

What does the Bible mean to you?