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.

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.

Isn't The Bible Outdated?

Text: 1 Peter 1:23-2:3; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Tim. 3:15-17

Theme: The Bible is still relevant because of its origin, central theme, enduring character, unique power, and usefulness to humanity. 

Relevance:

Why is the Bible so important? The Bible is … a massive historical presence. Its influence on nearly every area of life is difficult to exaggerate. Suffice it to say, the world would be a darker, uglier, crueler place than we can imagine if it were not for the light, beauty, and love revealed in the Bible. –Max Anders

If we do not understand how important the Bible is we will miss the opportunity we have to learn and apply its wisdom in life. We are living in a time when the perceived value of the Bible for society, culture, and individuals is diminishing. We must understand the importance of the Bible so that we will know why we should champion the message of the Bible for society, culture, and the individual.(Anders)

Introduction:

Christianity is the true worship and service of the true God, humankind’s Creator and Redeemer. It is a religion that rests on revelation: nobody would know the truth about God, or be able to relate to him in a personal way, had not God first acted to make himself known. But God has so acted, and the sixty-six books of the Bible, thirty-nine written before Christ came and twenty-seven after, are together the record, interpretation, expression, and embodiment of his self-disclosure. God and godliness are the Bible’s uniting themes. –Packer, J. I.: Concise Theology

Lesson:

I.                   The Divine Origin of the Bible—Where did the Bible Come from?

A.     The Fact of the Divine Origin of the Bible.

1.  The Bible claims this for itself.

                                                                     i.            For the Old Testament.

a.       The Old Testament came from God (2Tim 3:16-17).

b.       The Scriptures are God-breathed.

c.       The entire Bible is inspired.

                                                                   ii.            For the New Testament.

a.       Peter refers to Paul’s letters as Scripture (2 Pet. 3:15-16), and Paul called Luke’s gospel Scripture in 1 Timothy 5:18, where he quotes the words of Luke 10:7.

b.       1 Thess. 2:13—“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.”

c.       The Holy Spirit superintended the giving of the Word and helps us understand it (Jn. 14:26; 16:13; 15:26, 27).

2.  The Bible evidences this for itself.

                                                                     i.            By its tremendous unity throughout in spite of the forty different writers.

                                                                   ii.            By its consistent and continuous emphasis on God, Christ, and godliness throughout in spite of the fact it was written over the course of 1, 500 years.

                                                                  iii.            This unity and consistency points to One Author of Scripture—the Holy Spirit.

B.     The Meaning of the Divine Origin of the Bible.

1.  Revelation (1Cor. 2:9-11).

                                                                     i.            To know the mind of God, there must be some revelation from Him. The word "revelation" simply means a revealing, and in theology is applied to God's revealing of Himself to mankind.

                                                                   ii.            Without revelation, we would not know anything about God -or even that there is a God. Thus we begin this study with the premise that God desires to make Himself known to man, and has in fact revealed Himself at various times and in different ways (Deut. 29:29)

                                                                  iii.            Hebrews 1:1-2,  God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, [2] Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

2.  Inspiration (1Cor. 2:12, 13).

                                                                     i.          Inspiration deals with God giving us the Bible and overseeing the process of recording His revelation without error.  Having revealed Himself to man, God then had this revelation recorded in written form.

                                                                   ii.            Inspiration refers to God as the Author of the Bible.

a.       He inspired the very words of Scripture (Jer. 1:9; Matt. 24:35; 1Cor 2:13).

b.       The entire body of Scripture is equally inspired—“all” (2Tim. 3:16).

c.       The Scriptures are the product of divine and human cooperation—this is known as confluent inspiration (Acts 4:25; 13:35; Isa. 8:1).

d.       The Scriptures are free of error in their teaching (Ps. 119:160; Jn. 17:17).

                                                                  iii.            Since the Bible is given to mankind by inspiration of God then it is not merely the writings of men but they find their source in Jehovah. The reliability of the Scriptures rest in the Power, Sovereignty, and Wisdom of an All Mighty God, and not human strength or frailty! See 2 Peter 1:20, 21.

                                                                 iv.            Since God inspired the Bible it must be true from beginning to end (Ps. 119:160).

3. Illumination (1Cor. 2:14-3:4).

                                                                     i.          Illumination refers to the ministry of the Holy Spirit that enables believers to properly understand Scripture. This is not how we received God’s Word, only how we understand what God has written.

                                                                   ii.            The Author of the Bible really is the best Interpreter and Teacher of His Book (Jn. 14:26; 16:13; 1Jn. 2:20, 27)!

                                                                  iii.            Greater illumination and spiritual discernment will come with obedience, disciplined study, faith, and maturity in the Word (Matt. 13:12; Mark 4:24, 25; Heb. 5:11-14). There is no short cut to an in dept Biblical perspective.

a.       God does not communicate to us through occult practices and methods (Lev. 19:26, 31).

b.       Pursue the wisdom that comes from God; it is far superior to demonic and worldly wisdom (Dan. 1:16-21; 2:10, 19-23, 28-30).

II.                The Central Theme of the Bible—What does the Bible say to us?

A.     The Central Theme is God and Godliness (John 17:3; Eph. 1:17-20).

1. Do You Really Know Him? There’s a big difference between knowing about someone, and really knowing that person. Many people make this mistake when it comes to knowing God. They think that because they have gone to church a few times or have read bits and pieces of the Bible, they know God. But that’s not necessarily true! You can have stacks of factual information about God filed away in your mind, but not have a personal relationship with Him. (Packer)

                                                                     i.            When you really know someone, you know many things about that person—that person’s goals, concerns, and joys. You know that person’s heart.

                                                                   ii.            How about you? Do you know a lot of information about God, or do you really know God’s heart?

                                                                  iii.            Knowing About God Is Not the Same as Knowing God.

a.       Many people have knowledge about religion, Christianity, and the Bible. But intellectual knowledge is not the same as vital faith. Knowing about God is not the same as having a personal relationship with Him.

b.       This is clear from everyday relationships. Reading books on marriage is not the same as spending time with your spouse. Knowing someone’s phone number is a far cry from enjoying friendship with that person. Knowing who one’s customers are is not the same as dealing with a specific customer.

c.       In the same way, knowing God involves far more than knowing about Him. Information alone does not produce tangible faith. To be sure, right thinking is involved in faith, but faith is more than mere knowledge. (Anders)

2. Scripture speaks of “knowing” God as the spiritual person’s ideal lifestyle. Particularly, ‘knowing God’ is the fullness of a faith-relationship with Him that brings salvation and eternal life.  A relationship that generates love, hope, obedience, and joy. (See, for example, Exod. 33:13; Jer. 31:34; Heb. 8:8-12; Dan. 11:32; John 17:3; Gal. 4:8-9; Eph. 1:17-19; 3:19; Phil. 3:8-11; 2 Tim. 1:12.) (Packer)

                                                                     i.            There are three dimensions of this knowledge. The first is intellectual (knowing the truth about God: Deut. 7:9; Ps. 100:3); secondly is volitional (trusting, obeying, and worshiping God in terms of that truth); and lastly moral (practicing justice and love: Jer. 22:16; 1 John 4:7-8).

                                                                   ii.            The knowledge-relationship is reciprocal, implying covenantal affection on both sides: we know God as ours because he knows us as his (John 10:14; Gal. 4:9; 2 Tim. 2:19). (Packer)

                                                                  iii.            All Scripture has been given to help us know God in this way. Let us labor to use it for its proper purpose. –Adapted from Packer, J. I.: Concise Theology

3. The knowledge of God and His grace for daily living are disclosed in the promises of God—the Scriptures (2Pet. 1:2-4). The Scriptures reveal God that we might know Him and interact with Him accordingly—godliness.

4. Of all the names given to the Bible, “The Word of God” (Mark 7:13; Rom. 10:17; 2 Cor. 2:17; Heb. 4:12; 1 Thess. 2:13) is doubtless the most significant, impressive, and complete. This title not only implies authority and authorship, but also the Bible’s great theme—God. (Prisk)

B.     The Central Personality is Jesus Christ (Jn. 5:39, 46, 47).

They did not realize that the OT Scriptures telling of the coming Messiah were actually telling about Jesus. It is terrible to think that men with the Scriptures in their hands could be so blind. But it was even more inexcusable that after the Lord Jesus spoke to them in this way, they still refused to accept Him. … The main subject of the OT was the coming of Christ. If anyone misses that in studying the OT, he misses the most important part of it. –MacDonald: Believer's Bible Commentary

1. The Bible tells us about Jesus Christ (Luke 24:27, 44).

2. Look for the Lord Jesus as you read and study and the entire Bible will begin to open up to you.

C.     The Central Presentation is Christ’s Suffering and Glory (1Peter 1:10, 11).

1. The OT is Christ predicted; the Gospels is Christ provided; Acts is Christ proclaimed; the Epistles is Christ possessed; and the Revelation is Christ predominant.

2. In the OT we see Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King in types and prophecy.  In the Gospels he is Prophet; in Acts and the Epistles He is Priest; and in the Revelation He is King.

3. The OT presents the Christ of prophecy; the Gospels the Christ of history; in Acts and the Epistles he is the Christ of experience; and the Revelation, the Christ of glory.

III.             The Enduring Character of the Bible—Can we be certain we have the Bible today?

Without the Bible's teachings on the preservation of the Scriptures, we could never be sure we have the Bible today. Clearly Paul and Timothy believed they had in their possession the Scriptures two thousand years ago (2 Tim. 3:15-17). They did not have the original autographs (from 1500 to 450 years before) but they did have accurate copies of them. Paul viewed these copies as Scripture. We should view accurate copies and faithful translations (German, English, Spanish, and Japaneses) as Scripture today. 

A.     The Bible is an Eternal Book (Ps. 33:11; 119:98; Matt. 24:35).

1. If God inspired the Bible to insure we would have exactly what He said, then it only make sense that He would undertake to ensure that the Bible remains available to humanity in a pure form.

2. Faith accepts the fact that God will keep His promise to preserve His Word, working providentially by the same Spirit through the process of copying and translation to give us the very words He desires—Robert J. Sargent

3. On numerous occasions, Satan has attempted to remove the Bible from the face of the earth. Hellish decrees by wicked men have seen the Bible banned, burnt, and banished, then battered by scornful critics. …Down through the centuries God has marvelously and miraculously preserved His Word from destruction.—Robert J. Sargent

B.     The Bible is an Extended Book (Ps. 12:6, 7).

Like the purest silver known the Lord’s words are completely pure and perfectly true. What God says is truly untarnished, fully dependable and utterly reliable. There is no deceit, no flattery, no double meaning, no error in God’s Word. The Bible can be fully trusted.

1. Consider the extent of preservation—“words.”

2. Consider the period of preservation—“for ever.”

3. Consider the Person of preservation—“Thou.”

4. Consider other clear statements of God’s intent to maintain the Bible in perpetuity and purity (Ps. 119:89, 152, 160; 1Pet. 1:23, 25). God’s Word is still His Word when properly copied and translated. This is difficult to grasp, but the Bible teaches it repeatedly. We are always wise to believe God instead of men. (Sargent)

C.     The Bible is an Enduring Book (1Pet. 1:24, 25).

1. God’s Word is imperishable, living, and enduring. His incorruptible Word stands forever. This never dying seed is the message of good news which was preached to sinners and by it we are born again. It is the source of our eternal life.

2. Being born again . . . by the word of God. How tenuous [weak] a matter regeneration seems to the human mind, resting, as it does, only on God’s word. But Peter quotes Isaiah’s grand assertion that this seemingly frail, invisible entity—God’s word—will outlast all natural phenomena (Isa 40:6-8). And this is the word that gives significance to their faith and to themselves. –Pfeiffer, Charles F. : The Wycliffe Bible Commentary

3. I personally use the King James Bible (KJV) because of it's faithful textual origins, the method of its translation, the spiritual devotion and skill of its translators, and 400 years history of divine blessings, revivals, and great awakenings throughout the English speaking world. It is absolutely peerless among modern English translations.

IV.              The Unique Power of the Bible—What can the Bible do for us?

The Bible is not a dusty old book of dead history, useless stories, and exaggerated myths. Instead it is alive with piercing and penetrating power—a truly powerful book (Heb. 4:12).

A.     It is the Medium of Spiritual Life.

1. People are born again through faith in the life giving message of the Gospel (1Pet. 1:23; Js. 1:18; Ps. 19:7). The Spirit uses the seed of the Word to produce the miracle of the new birth.

2.  In James 1:18, “begat” means “to breed forth,” “to be born,” “to generate” (figuratively).

                                                                     i.            “Begat” is used metaphorically to describe the gracious act of God in giving to repentant sinners the nature and disposition of “children” imparting to us spiritual life–a new nature.

                                                                   ii.            See the following verses (John 3:3, 5, 7; 1 John 2:29; 3:9; 4:7; 5:1, 4, 5, 18).

3. Our Heavenly Father gave us the New Birth by the “Word of truth”–the Gospel (2 Cor 6:7; Col 1:5; Eph 1:13; 2 Tim 2:15).

                                                                     i.The Gospel is the message marked by truth (1Cor. 15:1-4), the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

                                                                   ii.We hear about the gift of birth through the reading and preaching of the Gospel, and we respond to it in faith. We apply the message to ourselves and our needs. We receive the offered gift. It is God’s gift as he gives it and becomes our gift when we receive it.

B.     It is the Method of Spiritual Cleansing (1Pet. 1:22; 2:1; Ps. 119:9).

1. Christians are cleansed and purified through its teachings by adhering to the Bible (Jn. 15:3; 17:17; Eph. 5:26).

2. The Bible has the power to reveal and point out our sinfulness in thought, motive, and deed. It also directs us to the priesthood of Christ and the cleansing power of His blood for purging and decontamination.

3. By reading and obeying the Scriptures a Christian becomes more Christ-like and daily his life is kept from that which defiles his heart, spirit, mind, body, and soul. But a neglect of the Word on a daily basis permits filth and wickedness to accumulate in the soul and practices. Sin creeps into our habits when we neglect the Word.

C.     It is the Means of Spiritual Growth (1Pet. 2:2; Matt. 4:4).

1. Bible reading, study, and meditation provide food to nourish the soul of the believer. This is essential to real spiritual growth (Ps. 1:1-3; Josh. 1:8).

2. This obligation flows from our new birth. It is to have an insatiable craving for the pure spiritual milk of the word. While sinful practices will stunt spiritual growth; the good Word of God nourishes it.  Both young and old in the faith, are to have a thirst for Scripture likened unto hungry infants who cry for milk at mealtime. Cultivate a healthy appetite for God’s Word. Our desire for the Word should be as strong as a healthy baby who impatiently, aggressively, determinedly sucks and swallows.

3. One solid motivation for studying the Word is to grow up in the Lord. Spiritual maturity should be a priority for every believer in Christ (Eph. 2:21; 4:15; 2Thess. 1:3; 2Pet. 3:18).

D.     It is the Message of Spiritual Men (1Pet. 1:25).

1. The message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (1Cor. 15:1-4; Rom. 1:16; 4:25).

2. The apostles Peter and Paul preached this message to their generation. It was adequate then and it is still sufficient for the need of fallen mankind today.

3. This gospel is to be preached around the world to every creature in our generation also.

V.                 The Spiritual Application of the Bible (2 Tim. 3:16)—How should the Bible fit in my life?

Tens of millions of adults are rediscovering the Bible and are seeking a deeper relationship with God. A recent poll reported in U.S. News & World Report revealed that “more than 80 percent [of Americans], including 71 percent of college graduates, believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God.” In the same poll, 76 percent of the respondents believe that “God is a heavenly father who can be reached by prayers.” He is not merely an “idea” or an “impersonal creator.”

Yet, questions abound concerning the Bible and God, especially in regard to what it means to be a contemporary Christian in a secular society. Does being a Christian mean you should give up your career and become a monk? Should you donate your designer clothing to the poor and replace them with drab rags? If being a Christian means following Jesus, how can you bridge the two-thousand-year gap between His time and ours? What does it mean to be like Jesus today? –Ken Abraham and Dietrich Gruen: Experiencing the Word in Your Life

A.     Scripture is Profitable for Doctrine. That is it tells us what is right (2 Tim. 3:16).

1. Doctrine is what the Word says on any given subject—Bible teachings. Teaching refers to the content of truth. It always flows from and is consistent with Scripture.

2. Since the Bible is “inspired or God-breathed,” we are reminded of its authority. Bible teachings are not like mere human opinions; they are backed with divine authority. Doctrine that contradicts biblical teachings is to be rejected, corrected, or replaced by accurate teaching.

3. Doctrine—What basic truth does God wants me to know and is taught in this passage?

B.     Scripture is Profitable for Reproof. That is it tells us what is wrong (2 Tim. 3:16).

1. Reproof exposes areas in our thinking and behavior that do not line up with the Word.  Reproof is rebuking sin. Yes, God's Word rebukes and reproves our sinfulness. 

2. The initial impact of true doctrine involves the confrontation of false teaching and understanding. The offensiveness of some who teach biblical truth may have to be excused, but the offensiveness of biblical truth to error and evil requires no apology.

3. Reproof—What error in judgment, understanding, or behavior might this passage be reproving in my life?

C.     Scripture is Profitable for Correction. That is it tells us how to make it right (2 Tim. 3:16).

1. Correction is taking the necessary steps to correct whatever is wrong. It includes confessing and forsaking the wrong. Correction helps us straighten out errors.

2. In the area of correction, the Scriptures have two roles: (1) they provide a complete presentation of the teaching, where only part of the truth has been present; and (2) they provide for a right understanding and application where true doctrine may have been taught but has not taken effect.

3. Correction—How might this passage correct, balance, or direct me?

D.     Scripture is Profitable for Instruction. That is it tells us how to keep it right (2 Tim. 3:16).

1. Instruction in Righteousness is using the Bible as a handbook for living. It shows us how God intended for us to live righteously. Training in righteous living shows us how to please and glorify God. (MacDonald)

2. The ideal setting for doctrine includes the kind of preparation that minimizes the need for later reproof and correction. The nature of Scripture allows us to teach it confidently to our children and to learn from it ourselves.

3. Instruction (Training)—What does this passage present to prepare me for some future spiritual challenge?

Conclusion:

Knowing these truths about the Bible, how then should we respond to it? What Scripture says, God says; for, in a manner comparable only to the deeper mystery of the Incarnation, the Bible is both fully human and fully divine. So all its manifold contents—histories, prophecies, poems, songs, wisdom writings, sermons, statistics, letters, and whatever else—should be received as from God, and all that Bible writers teach should be revered as God’s authoritative instruction. Christians should be grateful to God for the gift of his written Word, and conscientious in basing their faith and life entirely and exclusively upon it. Otherwise, we cannot ever honor or please him as he calls us to do. –Packer, J. I.: Concise Theology