I find it discomposing that so many Christians are willing to sacrifice the word of God in order to make their faith easier for them. For example, in John 5:2-6 there is spoken of a pool which an angel is said to visit at a certain time, after which whomever steped into the water first would be healed. I have heard several Christians dismiss this as a Jewish superstition. But wait, does our own Christian New Testament not make it a statement of fact that this actually occurred? I cannot interpret the reading any other way but as a statement of fact.
My objective on this post is to encourage the reader to be unwavering when it comes to the word of God. It is my belief that if a believer waivers on one word in the Bible he is then compromising the integrity of the Bible as a whole for himself and for those he is a witness to, and is thus weakening his own faith and testimony. According to Paul
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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Now, if all Scripture is given by God, can any scripture be false? Yes, God spoke it and man wrote it, and yes man is capable of mistakes whereas God is not. However, would the almighty God allow man to negatively influence or corrupt His holy word which is supposed to be passed down throughout generations? I am not saying that there are no incorrect interpretations of His word, but that these false teachings and writings shall be made evident to those who seek His true word. I find support for this in Matthew 5:18. Also, stated in Psalm 119:151, all of God's commandments (scripture) are true. So, how could a person honestly say that they believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, when they reject any part of His Word? I find the two inseparable since John wrote "the Word was with God and the Word was God" in John 1:1.
Moving on to the heart of what I foresee to be the foundation of several upcoming post. The book of Genesis should be understood by Christians as an inerrant part of the recorded history of the world. I have been told by some that the story of creation is written in poetry, and should not be interpreted as literal, but I challenge those to show me where the poetry ends and the true record begins. When reading Genesis it is one written account, smoothly transitioning through time. Even so, if it were written in poetry, it would still be factually accurate according to Psalm 119:151. Additionally, creation is referred to other places in the Bible. One New Testament statement on creation is found in John,
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All tings were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1:1-5
In closing, I would like to ask, if a Christian accepts that one scripture is in error, then how would he defend his belief in any other scripture? If the Bible as a whole is not the complete inerrant word of God, how can one be certain any part of it is? I encourage you to hold firm to every written word, to study out the scriptures, to be able to defend what it is that you believe in. No part of the Bible has ever been proven untrue. On the contrary, throughout history the Bible has revealed truth, even before the science of the day had accepted this truth.
As always, feel free to post questions or comments below anytime, I will answer questions to the best of my ability, or refer you to an appropriate source. Please bare in mind at this time however that I will be going into much more detail on points of creation in the near future, but your questions will still be welcomed now, I will simply refer you to the new post if applicable.
Wes, this is a great post! I expecially like your challenge to us, if any of the word of God is false, how can we trust any of it? You are right, we cannot! It either is or it isn't!
ReplyDeleteDavid
I was studying in Romans this morning, homosexuality is discussed in 26 & 27. But there were two requisites, one before and one after mentioned. In verse 25 is the "forsaking the Creator" evolution in the mind set of society. The second is found in verse 28 "regarded not to acknowledge God." Both were read in the Geneva Bible. Paul is saying, "God is saying" when a society moves into evolution, and then begins not to acknowledge God, removing the symbols that do so from the their society, the result is "God gave them up to vile affections and their women changed and their men left their natural use. Our problem is not homosexuality, our problem is we have forsaken the Creator and refuse the acknowledge God.
ReplyDeletei dont understand what you are saying is the bible must all be true
ReplyDeleteYes, I believe that for any work to claim divine inspiration, especially from an all-knowing God, then it must be without error. However, this would only hold true to the scriptures as orginally written in the orginal language since it is near impossible to find exact translations for every word in every language, and no translation or version can rightfully claim to be inspired.
ReplyDeleteSo do you feel that the lord or god has spoke to people now
ReplyDeleteIf you are asking if there could be new scripture equal to what is found in the Bible, then no.
ReplyDeleteRevelation 22:18 - For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book
If you are asking if someone can hear the will of God, then yes, since the Holy Spirit both reveals the will of God through Scripture and guides the believer.
John 14:26 - But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
John 16:13 - But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
Rev 2:29 - Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
I hope this might answer your question, and if not, please let me know and I will try to guide you further. I encourge you to study the Scriptures on your own and find a local pastor who is able to spend time face to face with you in order to answer your questions in a more timely manner. But again, I will give discussion on whatever is needed here, just be aware that our communication is somewhat restricted by the delay in replys.
All of the info in the old and new testment are true. I am just tring to get this right. and if some talks to god now it can not be added.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,I stand firm on the statement that all that is contained in the Old and New Testaments are fact. I don't really see how the second part of your question can be answered any more clearly than my previous answer, without you being more specific on your question. Mankind can still recieve the will of God, say in deciscion making, and this should be compared to and align with the written word of God in the Bible. However, nothing shall be added to or taken away from the Bible. EVERYTHNG must be in accordance with His divine revelation.
ReplyDeleteI was studying this very topic more in depth tonight, and belive this scripture will explain my statements well.
ReplyDelete"These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searced the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so." Acts 17:11
Hear the word "word" is translated from the word "rhema", referring to the living or life-giving Word of God. While the word "Scriptures" is translated from the word "logos", referring to the written Word of God. So, with this knowledge, it is clear that the Bible tells us that man continues to hear God's voice, and we are to confirm that by comparison to his written word. If what we hear does not align with what is written, then we did not truely hear the voice of God.