You Can
Trust the Bible
What is the Bible? Is it
just a book, a set of story tales written by those with a very active
imagination? Is a book written so many thousands of years ago of any benefit to
those of us living in the scientific 20th century? How do we know we
can trust the Bible?
In this study we will find the answers
to the following questions:
1. Who is the Author of the Bible?
2. How do we know we can trust the
Bible?
3. Can we understand the Bible? If
so, how?
The word "Bible" comes from
the Greek word biblos, which simply
means "book." In actuality, it is a collection of 66 books, written
by some 36 men over a span of 1,500 years. Although its writers ranged from all
ranks of society, from kings to shepherds, scientists to fishermen, generals to
farmers, and priests to tax collectors, the amazing thing is that they all
fully agree on a subject so controversial and complex: God.
The Bible has been the most hated and
the most loved book ever. It has also been the most printed book, translated
into over 1,800 languages. Over 36,000,000 full copies are printed each
year!
Throughout history, many have tried to
destroy the Bible, at times by the order of kings and governments. Throughout
the dark ages, circa 1530, the state-church that then ruled the known world
punished through torture and death any who dared own or translate copies of the
Scriptures. But the Bible cannot be destroyed. Jesus said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."
Matthew 24:35
WHO IS THE AUTHOR OF THE
BIBLE?
1. What did Jesus call the sacred writings of the Old Testament, the
"Bible" of his day?
Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye
have delivered: and many such like things do ye. Mark
Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never
read in the scriptures, The stone
which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is
the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? Matthew
Note: The so-called “Old
Testament” is what Jesus and the Apostles were referring to when they said,
"Scriptures;" there was no New Testament yet. The Old Testament is
the "Bible" Jesus and the disciples read and studied.
Some Christians place little emphasis on the Old Testament.
However, the New Testament writers assumed that you had already read the first
part; so if you only read the New Testament (as many Christians do), you will get
confused. You need to read all 66 books to
get the full picture.
2. Who wrote the Bible?
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. 2 Peter
The Spirit of the
LORD spake by me, and his word was
in my tongue. 2 Samuel 23:2 KJV
3. Who, then, is its true Author?
God, who at sundry
times and in divers manners spake in
time past unto the fathers by the
prophets. Hebrews
1:1
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. Jeremiah
1:9
And his father Zacharias was filled
with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied,
saying… As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the
world began. Luke
1:67,70 KJV
4. What is the purpose of the Bible?
For whatsoever things were written
aforetime were written for our learning,
that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Romans 15:4 KJV
Ye shall walk in all the
ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be
well with you, and that ye may
prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess. Deuteronomy
And that from a child thou hast known
the holy scriptures, which are able to
make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 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 perfect, throughly
furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:15-17 KJV
Note: Notice that it says everything is recorded to teach us; it
is all important—all 66 books.
5. What is the main focus of Scripture?
Search the scriptures; for in them ye
think ye have eternal life: and they are
they which testify of me [Jesus]. John
And he [Jesus] said unto
them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you,
that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and
in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning
me. Luke 24:44 KJV
Note: The main focus of Scripture
is God. Its purpose is to
reveal the evidence clarifying the character of God and his way of running the
universe (more on this in future lessons).
Many believe the Bible is a codebook of deeds to be done
and sins to be shunned; it is actually a revelation of God.
6. How much of the Scripture is useful?
But he [Jesus] answered and
said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4
KJV
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus. Romans 15:4,5 KJV
All scripture
is
given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness. 2 Timothy
Note: This last verse is rendered
in many modern translations, "All inspired scripture is profitable...” It
is all important; even seemingly
unimportant and puzzling sections. There is a reason for its being recorded.
HOW DO WE KNOW WE CAN TRUST
THE BIBLE?
7. Who inspired the Bible writers?
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. 2 Peter 1:20-21 KJV
The Lord gave the word: great was the
company of those that published it. Psalm 68:11 KJV
8. How does the Holy Spirit work—does he use claims, denials and shows of
power?
Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6 KJV
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth,
is come, he will guide you into all
truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that
shall he speak: and he will shew you
things to come. John
And when he comes, he will convince the world of its sin, and of
God's righteousness, and of the coming judgment. John 16:8 NLT
9. How does the Bible suggest we should deal with authoritative claims?
If there arise among you a prophet, or
a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, And the sign or the
wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other
gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; Thou shalt not hearken
unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your
God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart
and with all your soul. Deuteronomy 13:1-3 KJV
He said unto him, I am a prophet also
as thou art; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring
him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But
he lied unto him. I
Kings
Note: There are many books that
claim to be inspired. Blind faith or supernatural demonstrations are the only
basis for believing them. They fear investigation, because they cannot
stand up under scrutiny. They rely on feelings
and emotion.
Yet the Bible asks us to please, question everything, even that which claims
to be the Holy Spirit!
Beloved,
believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many
false prophets are gone out into the world. I John 4:1 KJV
This is the way God is. The Bible is mostly
stories—demonstration, evidence of who God is and what he is like.
10. How should we read the Bible to learn truth?
Precept must be upon precept, precept upon
precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little. Isaiah 28:9,10
Note: Many people use this verse
to justify going through the Bible and collecting statements—sometimes called "key texts.” But key texts are
really only claims. Where is the evidence? The evidence is between the key texts; the evidence is the stories.
There are really relatively few theological statements in
the Bible. It is not a one-page-long statement saying, "God is love; God can
be trusted; God never changes.” If it did, would you be willing to believe it?
11. When John the Baptist (whom Jesus called the greatest prophet) doubted
and questioned him, how did Jesus answer John's questions?
And John calling unto him two of his
disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we
for another? When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent
us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? And
in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil
spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. Then Jesus answering said
unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and
heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed,
the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. And
blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. Luke 7:19-23 KJV
Note: Jesus did not simply make
claims and say, "I expect you to believe me without question from now on.”
He gave them evidence that he was
indeed the Messiah. This is the way God works.
One of the most telling examples of how God works is
recorded in the book of Luke. When Christ “appeared” to two doubting and
discouraged disciples after his resurrection, he did not reveal who he was, but
rather spent the entire afternoon with them:
And, behold, two of them went that
same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from
And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
And he said unto them, What manner of
communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?
And the one of them, whose name was
Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in
Yea, and certain women also of our
company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; And when they
found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of
angels, which said that he was alive. And certain of them which were with us
went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they
saw not.
Then he [Jesus] said unto
them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?
And beginning
at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the
things concerning himself.
And they drew nigh unto the village,
whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. But they
constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day
is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. And it came to pass, as he sat
at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their
sight. And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he
talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? Luke 24:13-32 KJV
Christ could have just revealed himself, performed a few miracles, and said, “Ask me your questions, and I will give you my answers.” But that is not the way God works! He took the time to give them evidence of his messiahship.
CAN THE BIBLE BE UNDERSTOOD?
12. What would be one reason
someone would not be able to understand the Bible?
But the natural man receiveth not the
things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he
know them, because they are spiritually discerned. I Corinthians
13. How can an understanding
of spiritual matters be accomplished?
Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for
understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid
treasures; Then shalt thou
understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:3-5 KJV
14. What comment did Peter
make concerning certain sections written by the apostle Paul?
And account that the longsuffering of
our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the
wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles,
speaking in them of these things; in
which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned
and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own
destruction. 2
Peter
Note: Some scriptures are too
plain to be misunderstood, while others cannot be so readily discerned. To
obtain a comprehensive knowledge of any Bible truth, we must see how the part
we're studying relates to the whole. If we are honest, we must take all the Bible
has to say, leaving nothing out.
15. What did Jesus promise
those who really want to learn the truth?
If any man
will do his will, he shall know of
the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. John
16. How is this accomplished?
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak
of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. John
17. How can the Bible help those
who search it to learn about God?
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a
light unto my path. Psalm 119:105 KJV
Note: Many thinking people ask,
"Why was I born into this violent world? Does God have a plan for me? What
happens when I die?” The Bible lights our way in this dark world of sin and
leads us home to our Father.
a) Accept the Bible as truth—
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy
word is truth. John
For this cause also thank we God
without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of
us, ye received it not as the word
of men, but as it is in truth, the word
of God, which effectually worketh
also in you that believe. I
Thessalonians
b) Pray for the Holy Spirit—
If ye then, being evil, know how to
give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father
give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? Luke
c) Study the Bible as a whole, relating all the parts to the one central
theme, and use the Bible as its own dictionary—
Whom shall he teach knowledge? and
whom shall he make to understand doctrine them that are weaned from the milk,
and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon
precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little. Isaiah 28:9,10 KJV
(remember, 2 Timothy
d) Read the Bible every day; memorize and meditate on Scripture—
And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his
life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of
this law and these statutes, to do them. Deuteronomy
Blessed is the man that walketh not in
the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in
the seat of the scornful. But his delight
is in the law of the LORD; and in his
law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted
by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf
also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalm 1:1-3 KJV
These were
more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily,
whether those things were so. Acts
Thus saith the Lord: Let not the wise man glory in his
wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might; let not the rich man
glory in his riches; but let him that glorieth, glory in this: that he
understandeth and knoweth me. Jeremiah 9:23-24 KJV
Blessed is he
that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those
things which are written therein. Revelation 1:3 KJV
As the Holy Spirit of God shows you
great truths about Jesus, are you willing to accept these truths?
My response to Christ is:
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