What Everyone Needs to Know About the Bible

1. Beacon-Ministries Presents Beacon-Ministries Presents What Everyone Needs to Know About the Bible What Everyone Needs to Know About the Bible

2. Introduction Introduction The BIBLE IS God's love letter written to us. The BIBLE IS God's love letter written to us. The Bible tells us who we are, how we were made, how we were lost, and how we were purchased back. The Bible tells us who we are, how we were made, how we were lost, and how we were purchased back. When we spend time reading and thinking about the things which are written in the Bible, we change. When we spend time reading and thinking about the things which are written in the Bible, we change.

3. Introduction Introduction The Bible is living. The Bible is living. God gave us His inerrant, verbally inspired word, which is of absolute authority and He recorded, preserved, translated, and transmitted it in written form, called the Bible and/ or Holy Scriptures. God gave us His inerrant, verbally inspired word, which is of absolute authority and He recorded, preserved, translated, and transmitted it in written form, called the Bible and/ or Holy Scriptures. • But what does all this mean? • But what does all this mean?

4. Terms to Understand Terms to Understand To understand the importance of the Bible we need to understand some terms used to describe it. To understand the importance of the Bible we need to understand some terms used to describe it. These terms are useful to know because they explain the importance of the Bible to all believers. These terms are useful to know because they explain the importance of the Bible to all believers.

5. Terms Terms INERRANT – free from error of any kind (including historical, chronological, genealogical and scientific error), no errors, totally and completely exempt from errors, absolutely true, no mistakes, no flaws, no contradictions, no discrepancies, no inconsistencies, no inaccuracies, no disagreements, no imperfections, no defects, no deceptions, no blunders, no lies (Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18), no falsity, no misconceptions, no false impressions, the TRUTH, the whole TRUTH, and nothing but the TRUTH (John 17:17; Psalm 119:160). INERRANT – free from error of any kind (including historical, chronological, genealogical and scientific error), no errors, totally and completely exempt from errors, absolutely true, no mistakes, no flaws, no contradictions, no discrepancies, no inconsistencies, no inaccuracies, no disagreements, no imperfections, no defects, no deceptions, no blunders, no lies (Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18), no falsity, no misconceptions, no false impressions, the TRUTH, the whole TRUTH, and nothing but the TRUTH (John 17:17; Psalm 119:160).

6. Terms Terms INFALLIBLE – not liable to error (hence a synonym for inerrant ); incapable of being wrong or mistaken or inaccurate or misleading; absolutely trustworthy and sure. The term is sometimes used of persons. For example, it has been claimed by some that the Pope is infallible. No POPE or PRIEST or PASTOR or PERSON is infallible, but God is infallible and thus His Word is infallible (John 10:35). People may err, but not the Bible (Matthew 22:29). INFALLIBLE – not liable to error (hence a synonym for inerrant ); incapable of being wrong or mistaken or inaccurate or misleading; absolutely trustworthy and sure. The term is sometimes used of persons. For example, it has been claimed by some that the Pope is infallible. No POPE or PRIEST or PASTOR or PERSON is infallible, but God is infallible and thus His Word is infallible (John 10:35). People may err, but not the Bible (Matthew 22:29).

7. Terms Terms AUTHORITATIVE – the Bible has absolute authority (power, dominion, rule, control) over me so that I must bow before the authority of the Word (Isa. 66:2; Ezra 9:4; 1 Sam. 3:9-10) without doubting it, debating it, questioning it (Gen. 3:1), contradicting it (Gen. 3:4), disbelieving it, changing it, redefining it, adding to it, subtracting from it (Rev. 22:18-19); or objecting to it ("but look what science says," "but that's old fashioned," "but I don't like that verse"). The Serpent (Devil) wants people to think that YOU CAN'T BE SURE (convinced, confident, positive, certain, settled, dogmatic, decided) ABOUT WHAT GOD SAYS. This is why the unbeliever give the constant objection, "BUT THAT'S JUST YOUR INTERPRETATION." AUTHORITATIVE – the Bible has absolute authority (power, dominion, rule, control) over me so that I must bow before the authority of the Word (Isa. 66:2; Ezra 9:4; 1 Sam. 3:9-10) without doubting it, debating it, questioning it (Gen. 3:1), contradicting it (Gen. 3:4), disbelieving it, changing it, redefining it, adding to it, subtracting from it (Rev. 22:18-19); or objecting to it ("but look what science says," "but that's old fashioned," "but I don't like that verse"). The Serpent (Devil) wants people to think that YOU CAN'T BE SURE (convinced, confident, positive, certain, settled, dogmatic, decided) ABOUT WHAT GOD SAYS. This is why the unbeliever give the constant objection, "BUT THAT'S JUST YOUR INTERPRETATION."

8. Terms Terms INSPIRED – the word is defined in 2 Timothy 3:16. The Greek word is theopneustos which literally means "GOD- BREATHED." To say that "all Scripture is God-breathed" is to say that all Scripture is breathed out from the mouth of God, as if God were actually speaking the very words. [Technically it might be more correct to speak of "expiration" rather than "inspiration."] Thus, in Psalm 33:6, according to Hebrew parallelism, the expression "the breath of His mouth" is equivalent to the expression "the Word of the Lord." Whenever we speak, we are breathing out words. To say that we are breathing out words is another way of saying that we are speaking. The Bible is GOD SPEAKING! God has breathed out the Scriptures and the whole Bible is from the MOUTH OF GOD! All Scripture is God's Word. After every verse in the Bible we could rightly say, "THE MOUTH OF THE LORD HAS SPOKEN IT!" Thus, to say that there are errors in the Bible is to say that God has ERRED in what HE HAS SAID . How blasphemous! INSPIRED – the word is defined in 2 Timothy 3:16. The Greek word is theopneustos which literally means "GOD- BREATHED." To say that "all Scripture is God-breathed" is to say that all Scripture is breathed out from the mouth of God, as if God were actually speaking the very words. [Technically it might be more correct to speak of "expiration" rather than "inspiration."] Thus, in Psalm 33:6, according to Hebrew parallelism, the expression "the breath of His mouth" is equivalent to the expression "the Word of the Lord." Whenever we speak, we are breathing out words. To say that we are breathing out words is another way of saying that we are speaking. The Bible is GOD SPEAKING! God has breathed out the Scriptures and the whole Bible is from the MOUTH OF GOD! All Scripture is God's Word. After every verse in the Bible we could rightly say, "THE MOUTH OF THE LORD HAS SPOKEN IT!" Thus, to say that there are errors in the Bible is to say that God has ERRED in what HE HAS SAID . How blasphemous!

9. Terms Terms PLENARY INSPIRATION – the Bible is fully and completely inspired (2 Tim. 3:16 – " ALL Scripture"), not just some parts (or the parts you like best). This would include Genesis chapters 1-11, the historical sections, the numerical listings, the chronological details, the genealogies and every other part of the Bible. PLENARY INSPIRATION – the Bible is fully and completely inspired (2 Tim. 3:16 – " ALL Scripture"), not just some parts (or the parts you like best). This would include Genesis chapters 1-11, the historical sections, the numerical listings, the chronological details, the genealogies and every other part of the Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 declares that " ALL SCRIPTURE ...is profitable for doctrine (teaching)." In other words, this passage teaches that the entire Bible relates to matters of faith and practice–that's why God gave it. Thus, all Scripture is "revelational" and all Scripture must be inerrant. Let no man dare to decide which parts of the Bible are true! What folly for a mere man to choose what parts he will accept and what parts he will reject! How wise is that man who gladly receives ALL the Bible as God's truth! 2 Timothy 3:16-17 declares that " ALL SCRIPTURE ...is profitable for doctrine (teaching)." In other words, this passage teaches that the entire Bible relates to matters of faith and practice–that's why God gave it. Thus, all Scripture is "revelational" and all Scripture must be inerrant. Let no man dare to decide which parts of the Bible are true! What folly for a mere man to choose what parts he will accept and what parts he will reject! How wise is that man who gladly receives ALL the Bible as God's truth!

10. Terms Terms VERBAL INSPIRATION – Even the very WORDS (not just the ideas) are inspired (Psalm 12:6; Prov. 30:6), as recorded in the original manuscripts (autographs) as penned by the Bible writers. Though we do not possess the original copies of Scripture, the manuscripts which we do have are of such quality and completeness and abundance that we can know with great accuracy what the original text of Scripture said. VERBAL INSPIRATION – Even the very WORDS (not just the ideas) are inspired (Psalm 12:6; Prov. 30:6), as recorded in the original manuscripts (autographs) as penned by the Bible writers. Though we do not possess the original copies of Scripture, the manuscripts which we do have are of such quality and completeness and abundance that we can know with great accuracy what the original text of Scripture said.

11. Terms Terms JOT AND TITTLE INSPIRATION – A jot is the smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet and a tittle is a tiny mark which enables one to distinguish between two Hebrew letters which look very similar (see next slide): JOT AND TITTLE INSPIRATION – A jot is the smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet and a tittle is a tiny mark which enables one to distinguish between two Hebrew letters which look very similar (see next slide):

12. Terms Terms

13. Terms Terms

14. Terms Terms Every jot and title is inspired and will be fulfilled (Matthew 5:18; Luke 16:17). Or as we might say in English, every dotting of the "i" and crossing of the "t" is important in God's Word. Thus, inspiration extends even to the smallest details of the sacred text as originally given when "Holy men of God spoke (and wrote) as they were moved by the holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:21). Every jot and title is inspired and will be fulfilled (Matthew 5:18; Luke 16:17). Or as we might say in English, every dotting of the "i" and crossing of the "t" is important in God's Word. Thus, inspiration extends even to the smallest details of the sacred text as originally given when "Holy men of God spoke (and wrote) as they were moved by the holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:21).

15. Inspiration Inspiration II Tim.3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God , and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: II Tim.3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God , and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

16. Inspiration Inspiration II Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. II Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

17. Inspiration Inspiration Acts 1:16 Men and brethren, this scripture must essentially have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spoke before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. Acts 1:16 Men and brethren, this scripture must essentially have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spoke before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

18. Inspiration Inspiration The very words uttered by the Bible writers are Spirit filled words. The very words uttered by the Bible writers are Spirit filled words. John 6:63 It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh profits nothing: the words that I speak to you, they are spirit , and they are life. John 6:63 It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh profits nothing: the words that I speak to you, they are spirit , and they are life.

19. Inspiration Inspiration Because the words are the Spirit’s words, they are God’s words and not man’s. Because the words are the Spirit’s words, they are God’s words and not man’s. Every word of the Bible is God’s words given to man. Every word of the Bible is God’s words given to man. Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.

20. Inspiration Inspiration We are to live our lives by these God breathed words. We are to live our lives by these God breathed words. I Tim. 6:3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ , and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; I Tim. 6:3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ , and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

21. Inspiration Inspiration God gave to the writers of Scripture the very words He wanted to be communicated. God gave to the writers of Scripture the very words He wanted to be communicated. God put His words in the mouth of the prophet. God put His words in the mouth of the prophet. The words the prophet spoke or wrote, are God’s words. The words the prophet spoke or wrote, are God’s words.

22. Inspiration Inspiration Jeremiah 1:4-9 Jeremiah 1:4-9 • 1:4 Then the word of YAHWEH came to me, saying, • 1:4 Then the word of YAHWEH came to me, saying, • 1:5 Before I formed you in the belly I knew you; and before you came forth out of the womb I sanctified you, and I ordained you a prophet to the nations. • 1:5 Before I formed you in the belly I knew you; and before you came forth out of the womb I sanctified you, and I ordained you a prophet to the nations. • 1:6 Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. • 1:6 Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. • 1:7 But YAHWEH said to me, Say not, I am a child: for you shall go to all that I shall send you, and whatsoever I command you, you shall speak. • 1:7 But YAHWEH said to me, Say not, I am a child: for you shall go to all that I shall send you, and whatsoever I command you, you shall speak. • 1:8 Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with you to deliver you, says YAHWEH. • 1:8 Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with you to deliver you, says YAHWEH. • 1:9 Then YAHWEH put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And YAHWEH said to me, Behold, I have put my words in your mouth. • 1:9 Then YAHWEH put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And YAHWEH said to me, Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.

23. Inspiration Inspiration Jesus Claimed His Words Are the Words of God. Jesus Claimed His Words Are the Words of God. • John 5:56-47 • John 5:56-47 5:46 For had all of you believed Moses, all of you would have believed me; for he wrote of me. 5:46 For had all of you believed Moses, all of you would have believed me; for he wrote of me. 5:47 But if all of you believe not his writings, how shall all of you believe my words? 5:47 But if all of you believe not his writings, how shall all of you believe my words?

24. Inspiration Inspiration Jesus Claimed His Words Are the Words of God. Jesus Claimed His Words Are the Words of God. • John 6:63 It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh profits nothing: the words that I speak to you, they are spirit , and they are life. • John 6:63 It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh profits nothing: the words that I speak to you, they are spirit , and they are life. • John 14:10 Believe you not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak to you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwells in me , he does the works. • John 14:10 Believe you not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak to you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwells in me , he does the works.

25. Inspiration Inspiration Warnings Against Tampering With the Words. Warnings Against Tampering With the Words. • Proverbs 30:5-6 • Proverbs 30:5-6 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield to them that put their trust in him. 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield to them that put their trust in him. 30:6 Add you not to his words , lest he reprove you, and you be found a liar. 30:6 Add you not to his words , lest he reprove you, and you be found a liar.

26. Inspiration Inspiration Proverbs clearly shows we are not to add to God’s word. Proverbs clearly shows we are not to add to God’s word. • To add to God’s word is to put ideas, thoughts, words, or phrases to God’s word. • To add to God’s word is to put ideas, thoughts, words, or phrases to God’s word. • An example of this is the Roman Catholic Bible which adds the Apocrypha, and extra chapters and verses to some of the books. • An example of this is the Roman Catholic Bible which adds the Apocrypha, and extra chapters and verses to some of the books.

27. Inspiration Inspiration It is just as bas to subtract things from God’s word. It is just as bas to subtract things from God’s word. • Revelation 22:19 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. • Revelation 22:19 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.

28. Inspiration Inspiration Examples of subtracting things from God’s word are many modern Bible Versions leaving Bible verses out. Many newer versions leave out verses like 1 John 5:7, the last nine verses of Mark etc. Examples of subtracting things from God’s word are many modern Bible Versions leaving Bible verses out. Many newer versions leave out verses like 1 John 5:7, the last nine verses of Mark etc. • There are however, many good newer translations that do not subtract, or add to God’s word. • There are however, many good newer translations that do not subtract, or add to God’s word.

29. Progressive Revelation Progressive Revelation What is progressive revelation, and why is it important to understand it? What is progressive revelation, and why is it important to understand it? We are a very blessed generation to live in this present administration (dispensation, or economy) of grace. We are a very blessed generation to live in this present administration (dispensation, or economy) of grace. We have the completed written record God gave to man – the Bible! But sometimes we forget that the Bible was not given all at once. We have the completed written record God gave to man – the Bible! But sometimes we forget that the Bible was not given all at once.

30. Progressive Revelation Progressive Revelation We sometimes have the idea that everybody had the Bible like we do. What we need to understand is that the Bible was progressively revealed – a little bit at a time. We sometimes have the idea that everybody had the Bible like we do. What we need to understand is that the Bible was progressively revealed – a little bit at a time. There is great truth in that there are only three reasons that God ever gave new revelation at any time. They are as follows: There is great truth in that there are only three reasons that God ever gave new revelation at any time. They are as follows:

31. Progressive Revelation Progressive Revelation To further explain a revelation. Think back to when God first gave the law to Moses at the beginning of the wilderness wanderings. God took Moses up to the mountain, gave him the law, Moses then brought it back down, even though the people had already broken it by that time. Thirty-nine or forty years later, God gave the law to Moses again - Why? Because Israel had wandered about for forty years and new situations had arose, and the new generation of Israelites needed to hear the anew. This is why we have the Book of Deuteronomy; it is the second giving of the law. It is a further explanation of things found in the original giving of the law. To further explain a revelation. Think back to when God first gave the law to Moses at the beginning of the wilderness wanderings. God took Moses up to the mountain, gave him the law, Moses then brought it back down, even though the people had already broken it by that time. Thirty-nine or forty years later, God gave the law to Moses again - Why? Because Israel had wandered about for forty years and new situations had arose, and the new generation of Israelites needed to hear the anew. This is why we have the Book of Deuteronomy; it is the second giving of the law. It is a further explanation of things found in the original giving of the law.

32. Progressive Revelation Progressive Revelation To modify a previous revelation. To modify a previous revelation. To replace previous revelation, or to supersede it. To replace previous revelation, or to supersede it. • There are really two kinds of progressive revelation. The first one is progression within the dispensation (administration, or economy). • There are really two kinds of progressive revelation. The first one is progression within the dispensation (administration, or economy). • within a dispensation, God progresses and adds new things to the things that were already there. Galatians 3:17 says, “And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ…” What covenant is this? • within a dispensation, God progresses and adds new things to the things that were already there. Galatians 3:17 says, “And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ…” What covenant is this?

33. Progressive Revelation Progressive Revelation It is the promise, the original covenant that God made with Abraham. Paul says, “And this I say, that the covenant, which was confirmed before of God in Christ, the Law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.” It is the promise, the original covenant that God made with Abraham. Paul says, “And this I say, that the covenant, which was confirmed before of God in Christ, the Law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.”

34. Progressive Revelation Progressive Revelation .” In other words, Paul is saying, here is a progression. You still have the basic promise, but to it God added the law. Why? Verse 19 tells us it was added because of transgressions. This is progression within a dispensation. .” In other words, Paul is saying, here is a progression. You still have the basic promise, but to it God added the law. Why? Verse 19 tells us it was added because of transgressions. This is progression within a dispensation.

35. Progressive Revelation Progressive Revelation Second, you have progression to a new dispensation. Second, you have progression to a new dispensation. Sometimes a new revelation supersedes previous revelation. Sometimes a new revelation supersedes previous revelation. • Examples: • Examples: God, through the Lord Jesus Christ, told the twelve apostles to go into all the world and teach all nations, baptizing them. The majority of Christians go back to that passage of Scripture for their “marching orders,” their “commission.” God, through the Lord Jesus Christ, told the twelve apostles to go into all the world and teach all nations, baptizing them. The majority of Christians go back to that passage of Scripture for their “marching orders,” their “commission.”

36. Progressive Revelation Progressive Revelation But what we need to understand is that sometimes-new revelation supersedes former revelation and replaces it. But what we need to understand is that sometimes-new revelation supersedes former revelation and replaces it. • . As we read in I Corinthians 1:17, Paul says “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the good news.” Here is new revelation, superseding the old revelation. • . As we read in I Corinthians 1:17, Paul says “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the good news.” Here is new revelation, superseding the old revelation.

37. Progressive Revelation Progressive Revelation Does that mean we doubt whether that old revelation was true? Does that mean we doubt whether that old revelation was true? No, it was true; we do not doubt that at all. No, it was true; we do not doubt that at all. It was true for the generation that He specifically spoke to, but God superseded it with new revelation. It was true for the generation that He specifically spoke to, but God superseded it with new revelation. There are no ordinances in this present dispensation of grace. According to the book of Colossians, the Bible says that in this present age, God has blotted out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us (Col.2:14). There are no ordinances in this present dispensation of grace. According to the book of Colossians, the Bible says that in this present age, God has blotted out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us (Col.2:14).

38. Progressive Revelation Progressive Revelation That statement (Col.2:14) supersedes or overshadows previous revelation. That statement (Col.2:14) supersedes or overshadows previous revelation. For this reason, we do not have ordinances any more. For this reason, we do not have ordinances any more. God also gave new revelation concerning salvation through the pen of the Apostle Paul. Salvation today has nothing to do with you, and everything to do with Jesus Christ. God also gave new revelation concerning salvation through the pen of the Apostle Paul. Salvation today has nothing to do with you, and everything to do with Jesus Christ. Today salvation is granted to all men by the work Jesus Christ performed on the cross (I Tim.4:10). Today salvation is granted to all men by the work Jesus Christ performed on the cross (I Tim.4:10).