God Preserves The Scriptures

We have seen in a previous article that the Bible does indeed claim to be perfectly preserved. It cannot be dismissed as a teaching foreign to the Scriptures. The Bible undeniably teaches thir concept and reality. What we need to recognize at this juncture is the truth that God is the Bible's Preserver. He accomplished this providentially through Israel and human instrumentality, but He is primarily responsible for the purity and perpetuity of the Holy Scriptures. In fact, I believe He still undertakes to sustain the Scriptures today. I know the Scriptures are in the hands of businesses, publishing companies, and folks who are trying to market and make money from publishing new Bible versions.... In spite of this, I insist that God is the primary Person who has and will ensure His Word survives as He promised.

Such a study is important because in the final analysis, the same Bible claiming to be divinely inspired also claims to be providentially preserved. Our faith in this is not based on common sense (though it is sensible to believe that if God gave a perfect Bible He would preserve that very Bible); our faith is based on the promises of the God that cannot lie. Please consider the following statements and promises from God.

Lesson:

THE BIBLICAL CLAIMS TO COMPLETE PRESERVATION.

The divine preservation of the Scriptures is just as much a doctrine as that of divine inspiration. Both doctrines are taught in Scripture and evidenced by internal and external proofs. The doctrine of preservation is based upon the following Scriptures:

GOD HAS PROMISED TO PRESERVE HIS WORD FOREVER.

Ps. 12:6-7, The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.  (7) Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever."

These verses teach:

           1.  The Extent of Preservation - "words.”

Please note the incredible claim of this passage.... When God used the term "words" He was automatically indicating the extent of preservation. Not merely the preservation of the biblical concepts, thoughts, or ideas; but the very words are maintained by God to ensure accuracy and purity.

           2.  The Agent of Preservation- "Thou" (God.)

This was not left solely to human wisdom and strength but God Himself preserved His word. God is the Preserver. Once again it is important to note that God used the Jewish Nation to preserve the Old Testament and the NT Churches to preserve the Old and New Testaments. This was executed providentially, but God is ultimately responsible for the sustainment of His Holy Scriptures. 

           3. The Period of Preservation- "for ever."

I take "for ever" here to mean everlastingly. God will constantly perpetuate the life of the Scriptures for always. They will endure with us until time is no more. In eternity future we will still have the written Word of God.

These are exceedingly strong statements that we must take seriously if we claim to believe the Bible. The conclusion is inescapable!

GOD’S PROMISE TO PRESERVE HIS WORD IN THE OLD TESTAMENT.

           1.  David The Psalmist Declared That God’s Word is Forever (Eternal).

Ps. 119:152, Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever."

Ps. 119:89, For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.

Ps. 119:160, Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

Once again God repeatedly asserts the eternal endurance of the written Word. Without any hesitation He stresses this idea of maintaining His Word.

            2.  Isaiah the Prophet Believed That God’s Word Would Stand Forever.

Is. 40:8, The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

Is. 59:21, As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the Lord; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the Lord, from henceforth and for ever.

GOD’S PROMISE TO PRESERVE HIS WORD IN THE NEW TESTAMENT.

            1.  The Lord Jesus, the Messiah, Declared That The Smallest Details of God’s Word Would Be Preserved.

Mt. 5:18, For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

Mt. 24:35, Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

Evidently the Lord Jesus believed and taught the Word of God would endure. These statements include both Testaments. Jesus undeniably affirms the preservation of the Scriptures. He actually believed this!

            2.  The Apostle Peter Believed That The Bible Was Incorruptible and Would Always Remain.

1 Pe. 1:23, Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God which liveth and abideth forever."

1 Pe. 1:25, But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

Notice That the Word of God:

                 a. Is Incorruptible- the Promise of Continued Purity. Thus We Can Expect to Find a Pure Bible Today. While some copies of the Scriptures have indeed been perverted and altered, pure copies still remain with us. The majority of ancient manuscripts agree with each other, and I recognize two families of extant. I accept the larger collection of extant to be accurate while the smaller family of copies have serious changes, alterations, and points of disagreement. 

                 b. Lives Forever

Peter obviously believes the Scriptures are alive and will stay with us forever. He views the Word as having an incorruptible character. This points to the fact that the Word of God is enduring in its very nature. It will last forever.

                 c. Abideth for Ever.
First Peter 1:25, states this fact in the clearest of terms. Our salvation is designed to endure always because it springs from an enduring Source, The Scriptures. Beloved, "the Word of the Lord endureth for ever."

                d. Endureth for Ever.

The Promise of Continued Effectiveness, Hebrews 4:12.  The Doctrine of the Preservation of the Scriptures Is Based Squarely upon the Promise of God, and Falls Within the Realm of His Providence.  Thus we speak of “Providential preservation.” Though God ultimately is responsible for the preservation of the Scriptures, He used Believers down through the centuries to protect and perpetuate the truth. 

Isaiah 46:9-11,  Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, [10] Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: [11] Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.

           3.  The Apostle John Announces a Divine Curse Upon Those Who Alter God’s Holy Word.

Re. 22:18-19, For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 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.

The teaching of these passages is that God would preserve His Word in detail to every generation. This, and this alone, is the biblical doctrine of preservation. The scholars mock this position and sneeringly label it with derogatory terms such as “secondary inspiration,” but I am convinced the Bible teaches miraculous inspiration and miraculous preservation.

CHRIST'S GREAT COMMISSION DEMANDS THAT GOD PRESERVE HIS WORD. 

Matthew 28:19-20, Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

 

The “Great Commission” requires the Lord’s churches to teach believers ... . all things whatsoever I have commanded you…“until the end of this world as we presently know it. In order to be able to do this, the “all things” must be preserved until the end of the world.

Luke 4:4, And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

GOD PRESERVED HIS WORD THROUGH EXCELLENT COPIES OF THE ORIGINAL AUTOGRAPHS.

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

These verses, which are usually cited with reference to “inspiration,” give some remarkable truth about "preservation."  

            1. Timothy had the Scriptures in His Day. Nearly 2000 years ago from today.  The verse does not say he had a “reliable facsimile.” ....  Paul refereed to Timothy’s Bible as “Holy Scripture.”

            2.  Timothy Did Not Have the “Original Autographs.”

In his day, the (Old Testament) Scriptures were between 1,500 and 450 years old - and were copies of copies of copies of copies, etc.  Paul spoke of Timothy’s copies as “authoritative” and thoroughly profitable!

            3.  The Copies Timothy Had Access to Are Called “Scripture” and Are Preserved.

The original autographs were indeed inspired, but these excellent copies are the preserved Scriptures, and what we are dealing with (since the 2nd Century A.D.) is preserved copies! As best we know the “originals” are non-existent. Yet we still have God’s Word!

            4.  What Then Is The Extent of Preservation?

We must simply believe God for what He actually said about preserving the Bible.

Ps. 12:6-7, The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

Mt. 24:35, Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

                 a. We Do Not Have Any "Original" Autograph Today. Neither did Timothy, but he did have the Scriptures!

1 Tim. 5:17-18 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. [18] For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

                  b. When the New Testament Quotes the Old Testament, There Are Several Instances Where the Holy Spirit Used Different Words. e.g. Deuteronomy 8:3b is quoted in slightly different words in Luke 4:4, without loss of meaning. 

Deut. 8:3, And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live. 

Luke 4:4, And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

(Also see Deut. 25:4; 1Cor. 9:9-10; 1Tim. 5:18).

                          1)   In the First Place, the Quotation Was from the Hebrew to the Greek Language.

                          2)  In the Second Place, Timothy Had Available Both the Book of Deuteronomy (Written in Hebrew) and the Book of Luke (Written in Greek) since I Timothy 5:18 cites both Books as SCRIPTURE.  This verse is especially interesting because it takes a portion of an O.T. verse and a N.T. verse and places them side by side as having equal authority.

                          3)  In the Third Place, the Spirit of God Is Well Qualified to Use Different Words since He Is the Author of Scripture. Besides, it is only an assumption that when a New Testament writer quotes from the Old Testament, he is sitting down and copying it from an existing scroll. (The example of Acts 20:35 and Jude 14 show this not to be the case.)

Faith concludes that God has kept His promise to preserve His Word, working providentially by the same Spirit through the processes of copying and translation to give us the very words He desires.  Very few people read the Bible languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek) fluently. We have seen that Paul’s doctrine of inspiration in 2 Timothy chapter three allows for copies and possibly translations to be viewed as the authoritative Word of God. Why not? If a translation is an accurate representation of the original Texts of Scripture, what is wrong with saying that translation is the Word of God?

God's words are still His words when copied or properly translated. We may not fully understand this fact, but the Bible clearly teaches it.                            

Today we have learned that the perfectly inspired Word of God has also been completely preserved for all generations. We have also set forth God’s clear testimony and expressed will regarding the continuation/ endurance of the pure Word of God.  We have established the biblical doctrine of Scripture preservation.  Resultantly, we have boldly declared that God is keeping his promise as “Preserver” of his holy book. Every Christian then should come to the conclusion that we do have a complete and perfect Bible today.

Therefore I once more assert that I believe in the plenary, verbal, Divine inspiration of the sixty-six canonical books of the Old and the New Testaments (from Genesis to Revelation) in the original languages, and in their consequent infallibility and inerrancy of all matters of which they speak (2 Ti. 3:16-17; 2 Pe. 1:21; 1 Th. 2:13). ... I believe that the preserved Texts which are the closest to the original autographs of the Bible are the Traditional Masoretic Hebrew Text for the O.T., and the Traditional Received Greek Text for the N.T. underlying the King James Version (as found in The Greek Text Underlying the English Authorized Version).

Now consider this observation from a widely recognize scholar of yesteryear,

Bible inspiration and Bible preservation are supremely important. The undermining or destroying of either doctrine renders the other meaningless. If the Bible is not verbally, plenarily, and inerrantly inspired, and if inspiration does not extend to all matters of which the Bible speaks, it does not matter if the Bible has been preserved or how it has been preserved. It also follows that if the Bible has not been preserved it does not matter how it was inspired. ("Position Statement on Bible Preservation," Dean Burgon Society, approved July 29, 1982).

Beloved, God can be trusted to keep His word about preserving the Scriptures He inspired.  In their purity and perpetuity God has and will sustain His Word on the planet for the benefit of each generation. While it is true the devil has corrupted some manuscripts, God has maintained His Word for this and all generations. While I believe the extant evidence supports this conclusion, this is ultimately a matter of faith in the God who cannot lie. Because God has preserved the Scriptures, we do have the Word of God today.

Acknowledge Your KING

For over 400 years, the nation had not heard the voice of a prophet. Then John appeared and a great revival took place. Consider some facts about John.

John the Baptist was six months older than his cousin Jesus (see Luke 1:26, 36). He stepped onto the stage of history to serve as forerunner for the King of Israel. His unlikely auditorium was the wilderness of Judea—an arid area extending from Jerusalem to the Jordan.

The ploughman must precede the sower. It is the work of John the Baptists to break up the fallow ground. Sometimes the messenger comes in the form of a great sorrow. Men are arrested and aroused, made to feel their helplessness and their need. Then, but not till then, they may receive the kingdom. –from The Pulpit Commentary

In order to be fully prepared for the reign of Christ in our lives, we must hear and respond to John’s call of repentance.  Accepting Christ as King requires submission and loyalty on our behalf.  Jesus is not interested in reigning over great crowds who are filled with sin or shallow enthusiasm for Him. He encouraged us to move beyond the superficial interests of religion on to deeper personal commitment.  Following Christ means total submission to Him—He is not only the King, but Your King. It is essential that we understand this submission to King Jesus is not surrender, withdrawal, and certainly not apathy. Submission is an active commitment or cooperation with Him. John's message, the Word of God, helps us understand the vital elements in this journey. 

To us also John the Baptist must come if we shall properly appreciate the Redeemer. We must expose ourselves to the fire, the ax, the winnowing-fan, that we may learn what we really are, and come, like Paul, to reckon our own righteousness as loss if only we may win Christ and be found in him. –F. B. Meyer

Note these considerations from John's message and emphasis:

Consider What John Preached (Matt. 3:1-4)

The Jews were not fit to receive their Messiah; they needed the preliminary work of the prophet of the wilderness to prepare them for the new influences of the King.

The world will not welcome its Savior until the way has been made ready for Him to draw near. Individual men and women are far from the kingdom of heaven, and the landscape is wild and impassable till God provides a pathway across it. John’s message would plough the landscape of the soul to make way for the King!

JOHN'S MESSAGE (Matt. 3:1-3)

John’s message was, “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” The King would soon appear, but He could not and would not reign over people who clung to their sins. They must change directions, must confess and forsake their sins. God was calling them from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of heaven.

As He Proclaimed It (Matt. 3:1-2): "Repent ye: for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand."

John's preaching centered on repentance and the kingdom of heaven.

He Proclaimed Repentance.

The word “repent” means "to change one's mind and act on that change." John was not satisfied with regret or remorse; he wanted "fruits meet for repentance" (Matt 3:8). There had to be evidence of a changed mind and a changed life.

John the Baptist's theme was Turn Around! Repentance means doing an about-face—a  180-degree turn—from the kind of self-centeredness that leads to wrong actions such as lying, cheating, stealing, gossiping, taking revenge, abusing, and indulging in sexual immorality.

A person who stops rebelling and begins following God's way of living prescribed in his Word is a person who has repented. The first step in turning to God is to admit your sin, as John urged. Then God will receive you and help you live the way he wants.

Remember that only God can remove sin. He doesn't expect us to clean up our lives before we come to Him. John must have labored to produce repentant attitudes among his hearers; he must have made it his goal to lead his listeners to a deep sense of their sin. Until a man owns his guilt he will not seek pardon from God. John the Baptist called people to a radical turning from sin that inevitably became manifest in the fruit of righteousness (v. 8).

The unsaved man is supposed to repent. Yes, the unsaved man is told that he is to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. That was the message of Paul to the jailer at Philippi (see Acts 16:31).  When an unsaved man turns from his rebellion against God and believes in Jesus, he is repenting. Faith means to turn to Christ, and when you turn to Christ, you must also turn from something. If you don’t turn from something, then you aren’t really turning to Christ. So repentance is really a part of believing, the primary message that should be given to the lost today is repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

But the idea that repentance was necessary in order to enter this kingdom was something new and became a stumbling block to many Jews. They thought that as children of Abraham they would automatically be granted entrance into Messiah’s kingdom. John’s message, however, was that a change of mind and heart (“repent”) was necessary before they could qualify for the kingdom. They did not realize how far they had drifted from God’s Law and the requirements laid down by the prophets (e.g., Mal. 3:7-12).

Repentance is also for saved people, that is, for God’s people. We are the ones who, when we become cold and indifferent, are to turn back to the Lord (2Cor. 7:8–11). That was the message to the seven churches of Asia Minor in Revelation 2 and 3, and it was the message of the Lord Jesus Himself.

He Proclaimed The Kingdom of Heaven.

The phrase the kingdom of heaven, is used thirty-two times in this Gospel. We cannot rightly understand Matthew without comprehending this concept, a definition and description of the term are in order here.

The kingdom of heaven is the sphere is which God’s rule is acknowledged. The word “heaven” is used to denote God. This is shown in Daniel 4:25, where Daniel said that “the Most High” rules in the kingdom of men. In the next verse he says that “the heavens do rule.” Wherever people submit to the rule of God, there the kingdom of heaven exists.

There are two aspects of the kingdom of heaven. In its broadest sense it includes everyone who professes to acknowledge God as Supreme Ruler. In its narrower aspect it includes only those who have been genuinely converted.  Many people are in the sphere of profession; this includes all who are genuine subjects of the King, and also those who only profess allegiance to Him. This is seen in the parables of the sower (Matt. 13:3–9), the mustard seed (Matt. 13:31, 32), and the leaven (Matt. 13:33). The true believers are in the sphere of possession this includes only those who have been born again through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The kingdom of heaven in its inward aspect can be entered only by those who are converted (Matt. 18:3). (R.J. Sargent)

By putting together all the references to the kingdom in the Bible, we can trace its historical development in five distinct phases:

1) First, the kingdom was prophesied in the OT. Daniel predicted that God would set up a kingdom that would never be destroyed nor yield its sovereignty to another people (Dan. 2:44). He also foresaw the coming of Christ to wield universal and everlasting dominion (Dan. 7:13, 14; see also Jer. 23:5, 6).

2) Secondly, the kingdom was described by John the Baptist, Jesus, and the twelve disciples as being at hand or present (Matt. 3:2; 4:17; 10:7). In Matthew 12:28, Jesus said, “ ... if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.” In Luke 17:21, He said, “For behold, the kingdom of God is within you” or in your midst. The kingdom was present in the Person of the King. As we shall show later, the terms kingdom of God and kingdom of heaven are used interchangeably.

3) Third, the kingdom is described in an interim form. After He was rejected by the nation of Israel, the King returned to heaven. The kingdom exists today, while the King is absent, in the hearts of all who acknowledge His kingship, and its moral and ethical principles, including the Sermon on the Mount, are applicable to us today. This interim phase of the kingdom is described in the parables of Matthew 13.

4) The fourth phase of the kingdom is what might be called its manifestation. This is the thousand-year reign of Christ on earth which was pictured by the Transfiguration of Christ when He was seen in the glory of His coming reign (Matt. 17:1–8). Jesus referred to this phase in Matthew 8:11 when He said, “... many shall come from the east and west, and sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.”

5) The final form will be the everlasting kingdom. It is described in 2 Peter 1:11 as “the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

6) The phrase “kingdom of heaven” is found only in Matthew’s Gospel, but “kingdom of God” is found in all four Gospels. For all practical purposes there is no difference—the same things are said about both. For example, in Matthew 19:23 Jesus said that it would be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Both Mark (10:23) and Luke (18:24) record that Jesus said this about the kingdom of God (see also Matt. 19:24 which has a similar maxim using “kingdom of God”).

7) We mentioned above that the kingdom of heaven has an outward aspect and an inner reality. That the same is true of the kingdom of God is further proof that the two terms indicate the same thing. The kingdom of God, too, includes the real and the false. This is seen in the parables of the sower (Luke 8:4–10), the mustard seed (Luke 13:18, 19), and the leaven (Luke 13:20, 21). As to its true, inward reality, the kingdom of God can be entered only by those who are born again (John 3:3, 5).

8) One final point: the kingdom is not the same as the churches. The kingdom began when Christ embarked on His public ministry; the first church began as He called His disciples. The kingdom will continue on earth till the earth is destroyed; the churches continue on earth till the Rapture (the catching away or removal of the saints from earth when Christ descends from heaven and takes all believers home with Him—1 Thess. 4:13–18). The church bride will return with Christ at His Second Advent to reign with Him. At present the people who are in the kingdom in its true, inner reality are also a part of the bride.

He Proclaimed The Kingdom Is At Hand.

The phrase "is at hand" portrays God as having interrupted history with a dramatic new revelation of His authority and power.  The opportunity is now…we should be deeply impressed to appreciate the chance we have been given before it is too late. For some this means it is time to be saved; for others it means it is time to get right with God and stop toying with pet sins. For yet others, it is time to continue under the authority and power of your King Jesus with complete submission and loyalty! Let Him reign in you with peace, gladness and service for His glory!

John must mean that God’s heavenly rule was about to be extended directly to earthly spheres. God’s rule over the earth had drawn near and was about to be instituted through the person of the Messiah for whom John was preparing the way. No one hearing John preach asked him what he was talking about, for the concept of Messiah’s rule over the kingdom of earth was a common thread in Old Testament prophecy. The requirement for that institution, however, was that the nation repent. –Walvoord, J. F.   

Like Israel, we all must prepare ourselves for the rule of the King, Messiah Jesus, in our personal experiences. Repentance, Kingdom Reality, and Kingdom Rule are imperatives for us all. The Word of God planted in a humble repentant heart is how it all begins. Beloved, prepare yourself for Christ your King by responding to John’s call to repentance.  Accepting Christ as King requires submission and unparalleled loyalty on our behalf.  Jesus is not interested in reigning over great crowds who are filled with sin or shallow enthusiasm for Him. He encouraged us to move beyond the superficial interests of religion on to deeper personal commitment. Beloved, this one thing is vital. Following Christ means total submission to Him—He is not only the King, but Your King. It is essential that we understand this submission to King Jesus is not surrender, withdrawal, and certainly not apathy. Submission is an active commitment or cooperation with Him. It flows out of relationship, truth, and worship.

The Indestructible!

PS. 12:6-7; 33:11; 100:5

                                                                                   

On numerous occasions, Satan has attempted to remove the Bible from the face of the earth. There have been brazen decrees by godless individuals, religious groups, and atheistic governments endeavoring to ban, burn, and banish the Word of God.  Throughout history scornful critics have done their best to discredit and nullify the Scriptures. Yet, the Bible has endured!

This is important because in the final analysis, the same Bible claiming to be perfectly inspired also claims to be providentially preserved. Our Lord inspired the Scriptures, that is He moved certain individuals to write down His revelations, truths, and words for the benefit of His people. What these penmen wrote is the very perfect mind of Almighty God and it was free of any errors in its recording and teachings. God also promised repeatedly that He would guard the Scriptures in their purity and perpetuity. God Himself would ensure the Scriptures survive on earth for our continual usage. Our faith in this is not based on common sense (though it is sensible to believe that if God gave a perfect Bible He would preserve that very Bible); our faith is based on the promises of the God that cannot lie.

Today we will discover that the perfectly inspired Word of God has also been completely preserved for all generations. We will also endeavor to set forth God’s clear testimony and express will regarding the continuation/endurance of the pure Word of God.  In doing this, we will establish the biblical teaching of an indestructible Bible and boldly declare that God has keep his promise to play the role of Preserver of his holy book. I believe it is vital for each Christian to come to the conclusion that we do have a complete and perfect Bible today.

       

This teaching that God has preserved his Word pure through the ages is a clear biblical statement. The same God that perfectly inspired the Scriptures has promised to perfectly preserve the Scriptures—not merely its teachings, but its very words. If inspiration was perfect but preservation is only general, this entire issue is foolish. To argue for an inspired Bible which no longer exists is empty and meaningless. Except we have a divinely preserve Bible we have nothing at all! The whole doctrine of inspiration becomes totally meaningless if we fail to grasp the doctrine of preservation. Let’s take a closer look at the associated issues.

LESSON:

I. THE MODERN ISSUES REGARDING THE DOCTRINE OF PRESERVATION.

Ps. 12:6-7, The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

Ps. 33:11, The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

   A.  MANY BELIEVE IN INSPIRATION BUT NOT PRESERVATION.

Many evangelical and even fundamental men write volumes defining and defending what the Bible says about its own inspiration, but they are strangely silent on what the same Bible says about preservation. They take the position of faith in regard to inspiration but retreat to the position of skepticism in regard to preservation. Many have struggled and failed to believe God on this point.  Yet, the scriptures are extremely clear about this matter of God preserving His Word.

Ps. 100:5, For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Ps. 111:7-8, The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure. They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.

Jack Moorman, in his excellent manual “Forever Settled,” states the solution to this problem plainly: "A far better principle is given in Ro. 14:23--`Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.' If I cannot by faith take the Bible in my hand and say this is the preserved Word of God, then it is sin. If we do not approach the study of how we got our Bible from the standpoint of faith, then it is sin. If I cannot believe what God says about the preservation of His Word, then I cannot believe what He says about its inspiration either--all is sin."

   B.  MANY BELIEVE THAT WE NO LONGER HAVE A PRESERVED BIBLE TODAY.

Many Christians use the expression, "I believe in the divine, verbal, plenary, and inerrant inspiration of the original Scriptures," -a true statement, to be sure.

But, We DO NOT HAVE the original Scriptures in our possession, and likely never will! So, making such a statement without qualification can be rather convenient. Believing in the inspiration of the originals frees preachers, teachers, and professors to “correct” the Bible when it suits their purposes. (R. J. Sargent)

II. THE HISTORICAL TRIUMPH OF THE INDESTRUCTIBLE BIBLE.

Ps. 100:5, For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

God, through the Psalmist, declares His truth will endure for the benefit of all generations. While this is a rather general declaration because the term “truth” is employed, it is vital that we understand that truth is couched in thoughts, terms, and even words.

Dr. H. L. Willmington, a conservative theologian, wrote,

The story is told of a visitor who toured a blacksmith shop. Viewing heaps of discarded hammers but only one huge anvil, he asked: “How often do you replace your anvil?” With a smile the owner replied, “Never! It is the anvil that wears out the hammers, you know!”So it is with the Word of God. The hammers of persecution, ridicule, higher criticism, liberalism, and atheism have for centuries pounded out their vicious blows upon the divine anvil, but all to no avail. There they lie, in rusting piles, while the mighty anvil of the Scriptures stands unbroken, unshaken, and unchipped.   

     A.  ITS INDESTRUCTIBILITY IN SPITE OF POLITICAL PERSECUTIONS (from the Roman Emperors).

In A.D. 303, Emperor Diocletian thought he had destroyed every hated Bible. After many tireless years of ruthless slaughter and destruction, he erected a column of victory over the embers of a burned Bible. The title on the column read: "Extinct is the Name of Christian." Twenty years later, the new Emperor Constantine offered a reward for any remaining Bibles. Within twenty-four hours no less than fifty copies were brought out of hiding and presented to the king.

     B.  ITS INDESTRUCTIBILITY IN SPITE OF RELIGIOUS PERSECUTIONS.

         1.  As Seen Through the Persecutions by Roman Catholic Popes.

Almost without exception, the early popes opposed the reading and translating of the Bible. In 1199, Pope Innocent III ordered the burning of all Bibles.

         2.  As Seen Through the Persecutions Leveled Against John Wycliffe and William Tyndale.

Of all the heroes in church history, no two other names are so closely associated with the Word of God as the names of Wycliffe and Tyndale. The very mention of these two men was no doubt sufficient to turn the devil livid with rage. It is therefore no surprise to read of the vicious attacks leveled against them.

    C.  ITS INDESTRUCTIBILITY IN SPITE OF PHILOSOPHICAL PERSECUTION.

Here several cases come to mind:

           1.  Voltaire.  He once said, "Another century and there will be not a Bible on the earth." The century is gone, and the circulation of the Bible is one of the marvels of the age. After he died, his old printing press and the very house where he lived was purchased by the Geneva Bible Society and made a depot for Bibles.

On December 24, 1933, the British Government bought the Codex Sinaiticus from the Russians for half a million dollars. On that same day, a first edition of Voltaire's work sold for eleven cents in Paris bookshops.

          2.  Thomas Paine. He once said, "I have gone through the Bible as a man would go through a forest with an axe to fell trees. I have cut down tree after tree; here they lie. They will never grow again." Tom Paine thought he had demolished the Bible, but since he crawled into a drunkard's grave in 1809, the Bible has leaped forward as never before.

          3.  Joseph Stalin. This bloody butcher took over all of Russia at the death of Lenin in the late twenties. From this point on until his death in the fifties, Stalin instituted a “ban the Bible” purge from the U.S.S.R. such as had never been witnessed before. This miserable man literally attempted to wipe the Word of God and the God of the Word from the Russian minds. Did he succeed? A recent poll taken in Russia shows that today more people than ever believe in God and his Word.

Today we have learned that the perfectly inspired Word of God has also been completely preserved for all generations. We have also set forth God’s clear testimony and express will regarding the continuation/ endurance of the pure Word of God.  We have established the biblical doctrine of Scripture preservation.  Resultantly, we have boldly declared that God is keeping his promise as “preserver” of his holy book. Every Christian then should come to the conclusion that we do have a complete and perfect Bible today.

Caution!

THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST

REVELATION 22:1-21

SUBJECT: HEAVEN & THE RAPTURE

THEME: Believers should hold the hope of heaven in their hearts and believe the promise of Christ’s return.  Such believers will be marked by faithfulness, service, and spiritual motivation as we anticipate Christ’s return in the Rapture. 

INTRODUCTION:

There are four things John points out as He focuses the seven churches on the immanent return of Christ in the Rapture. We will finally consider the fourth and last point mentioned in chapter twenty-two in this article. 

MESSAGE:

I.  He Completes the Stunning Previews (Rev. 22:1-5). 

In Rev 22:1-5, we move inside the city to see additional facts about the New Jerusalem and discover that it is like a beautiful garden, reminiscent of the Garden of Eden. We are given a preview of the river of life, the tree of life, and eternal life with God. Secondly....

II. He Certifies these Serious Prophecies (Rev. 22:6-10).

John now seeks to assure the seven churches that the things revealed in the book of the Revelation can be trusted and relied upon.  Understand the vision of the future is now complete and John moves to point believers to the Word, and the Hope of the Rapture.  Likewise we too are to rely on the Word and look forward to the Rapture when Christ returns for us.  

III. He Communicates With Stirring Promises (Rev. 22:11-17).

It is important to understand the revealing of the future–The Revelation– is completed and John is still addressing believers in the seven churches directly.  He is trying to give them hope, to stir them to service and faithfulness to the Lord until He returns to receive us unto Himself in the Rapture.

IV. He Cautions With Strong Prohibitions (Rev. 22:18-21). 

In an effort to amplify the significance and importance of these fascinating prophecies, John warns against altering these strong warnings in the Book of the Revelation. What God gave John to write is sufficient and complete for all matters concerning godliness and devoted Christian living. We all would be wise to take these admonitions quite seriously.

A.  A CAUTION AGAINST ADDING TO THE PROPHECY (Rev. 22:18).

   1.  He Warns Everyone About Adding to This Book.

We must not add to the Word of God or take anything from it (see Deut 4:2 Prov 30:5-6). And this responsibility is especially great in light of Christ's return.

   2.  He Warns of Divine Judgment to Those Who Add to This Book.

It was customary in ancient days for writers to put this kind of warning at the close of their books, because the people who copied them for public distribution might be tempted to tamper with the material. However, John's warning was not addressed to a writer, but to the hearer, the believer in the congregation where this book was read aloud. By 'analogy, however, it would apply to anyone reading and studying the book today. We may not be able to explain the penalties given, but we do know this: it is a dangerous thing to tamper with the Word of God. The one who guards the Word and obeys it will be blessed; the one who alters it will be disciplined in some way.

B.  A CAUTION AGAINST SUBTRACTING FROM THE PROPHECY (Rev. 22:19).

   1.  He Warns Everyone of Subtracting From This Book.

The Book of Revelation was intended to be heard and obeyed (v. 7; 1:3), not tampered with. The person who either adds to or takes away from its contents will receive from God the strictest punishment, a punishment with eternal consequences. This terrifying warning is even stronger than that of Deut. 4:2 and Prov. 30:6.

   2.  He Warns Everyone of Eternal Judgment For Subtracting From This Book.

The warnings in Rev 22:18-19 do not suggest that people who tamper with the Bible will be brought back to earth to suffer the Tribulation plagues, or that they will lose their salvation. Nobody fully understands the Bible or can explain everything in it; and those of us who teach the Word sometimes have to change our interpretations as we grow in knowledge. God sees the heart, and He can separate ignorance from impudence and immaturity from rebellion.

C.  A CLOSING PROMISE TO THE PROPHECY (Rev. 22:20-21).

   1.  The Final Promise of the Savior (Rev. 22:20).

        A.  We must keep expecting Jesus Christ to return (vv. 17, 20-21). Three times in this closing chapter John wrote, "I [Christ] come quickly" (Rev 22:7,12,20).

        B.  But He, has "delayed" His return for nearly 2,000 years! Yes, He has; and Peter tells us why: God wants to give this sinful world opportunity to repent and be saved (2 Peter 3:1). Yet, do not miss this clear promise that He will indeed return and He will come quickly! It is only a matter of when Jesus will return and not if. 

   2.  The Fervent Prayer of the Saints (Rev. 22:20).

       A.  John adds the hope of all believers to the declaration of Christ by praying, “come, Lord Jesus.” 

       B.  If our study of Revelation has been truly led by the Spirit, then we will join John in the Bible's last prayer. "Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" To this John replied in a brief prayer, Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Is this not you deepest heart desire to see and be with the Lord Jesus? What believer is not moved with great delight when reminded that our Lord could come today? Perhaps there are a handful of folks who have invested so much energy in this world that they are not excited about being with the Lord. I imagine it is possible for someone to become saddened at the mention that Jesus is coming.... My prayer is that the vast majority of real believers is overwhelmed at times by waves of joy rooted in the coming of Christ in the Rapture. Are you ready? Can you too pray, "Come, Lord Jesus."

   3.  The Final Provision for the Saints (Rev. 22:21).

Rev. 22:21, The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

God affords grace to His waiting and anticipating people. Certain His grace is sufficient and will sustain us as we face the challenges of each day. We must never dismiss this incredible and generous provision from the mighty heart of our great God. Every moment of every day, He avails to us the "grace of our Lord Jesus Christ". What an awesome supply for whatever our needs may be!

“This expression, so common in other New Testament books, brings this final word from God to an end. For those who believe that Christ in His first coming provided salvation, there is the wonderful promise of His coming again to bring full and final deliverance. As the book began by introducing a revelation of Jesus Christ so it ends with the same thought that He is coming again.

Probably no other book of Scripture more sharply contrasts the blessed lot of the saints with the fearful future of those who are lost. No other book of the Bible is more explicit in its description of judgment on the one hand and the saints’ eternal bliss on the other. What a tragedy that so many pass by this book and fail to fathom its wonderful truths, thereby impoverishing their knowledge and hope in Christ Jesus. God’s people who understand and appreciate these wonderful promises can join with John in his prayer, “Come, Lord Jesus.””— John Walvoord

  
Beloved, do not merely acknowledge that God's grace is with you...appropriate the riches and wealth the Lord has in store for us. He can meet any need we may have without even trying hard. Stand on this solid promise of sustaining and empowering grace. Trust God to be generous to you!

CONCLUSION:  If we truly grasped what Jesus has done for us, we would not know quite what to answer. He gave up the glories of heaven, endured the indignities of life on earth, let those whom He could have annihilated drive nails through his hands and feet and hang him on a cross, and He let His Father place the sin of the world on Him.

And when that was done, he said, “Please accept my offer to forgive your sins, to give you eternal live, to put my Spirit within you, and to give you a new heart. Please come to live with me for eternity, so that I can show my limitless, unending love to you. Please live with me in perfect fellowship and harmony in paradise forever.”

The more we understand of Jesus' sacrifice, and of His outpouring of love, the less we know quite how to answer. (Anders, M.)

What do we say? It is feeble, but say it with me:

“Lord Jesus, I don't know quite what to say. Your love conquers me. It overwhelms me. I surrender to your love. I acknowledge that Christ's death was payment for my sins and His resurrection signals His triumph over sin, hell, death, and the grave. Lord Jesus I believe you are truly alive and can save me from the eternal death my sins deserve. As best I can, still walking in this corrupted and rebellious body of sin, I give myself to you. Instruct me, and I will learn. Command me and I will obey. Lead me and I will follow. I kneel before you now, my Lord and my God, and say forever, ‘Thy will be done.' Amen.”