How we were given the Bible - part four

March 4, 2007

We have been considering the topic of how the Bible came to be. As we pursue this understanding we must continually acknowledge the Bible as the written revealed Word of God. There may be many &#8220writers” but there's only one Author.

The Bible is not to be catalogued with the works of men. The Bible is not a history book, but when it speaks on history it is unerring. The Bible is not simply a work of literature, though it's the finest literary work in existence.

The Bible is the revealed Word and Will of God. Consequently, we must first understand how we got God's Word (as revealed in the Bible.) To do this we consult the Bible. Not what men have to say about it, but what it has to say for itself. Any and all information of any reliability about the Bible must be taken from the Bible itself. Men come and go, but the Word of the Lord lives and abides forever.

II Peter 1:20-21

(Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.)

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost. (1769 Authorized Version)

The very first thing to understand is that the Word of God is not subject to private interpretation. Why? Because men didn't &#8220will” the prophecy into being. It came when holy men of God (men upon whom God put His spirit) spake as they were moved (the Word was brought forth) by holy spirit.

If we dare not interpret it, it then must interpret itself. And it does, either in the verse (right where it's written), context or prior usage. Therefore, we do not seek outside sources for their &#8220interpretation.” No scholar, minister or historian can speak more authoritatively on God's Word than God Himself.

Notice this record as penned by the great Apostle Paul:

Galatians 1:11-12

But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.

For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught [it], but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1769 Authorized Version)

These holy men of God would speak first, and later as God gave them leave, they would write.

Any spiritually minded person will acknowledge the following:

I Corinthians 14:37

If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. (1769 Authorized Version)

There are some who claim that Moses did not write certain sections of God's Word. That however is the statement of foolish, arrogant men, not the testimony of God's Word.

Exodus 17:14a And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, . . .

(1769 Authorized Version)

Exodus 34:27a And the LORD said unto Moses, Write thou these words: . . .

(1769 Authorized Version)

The Word also identifies other holy men of God given the same charge, i.e., write.

Jeremiah 36:2a Take thee a roll of a book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken unto thee . . . (1769 Authorized Version)

Revelation 1:11a Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book . . . (1769 Authorized Version)

These are but a few of the testimonies of God's Word on the subject of writing what God told these men to write. For simplicity's sake, think of it as dictation. God spoke and they wrote. There are many other ways to prove this and given space and time I could easily do so.

If we want to know God's word we must study the literature of eternity and ignore the literature of today. What the Bible has to say about itself is principal, what men have to say about it is of no consequence.

As God's Word the Bible is not full of &#8220stories.” Rather it is a divinely crafted record of God's Will. For instance, when the Bible gives the account of Joseph being sold into slavery, it's a record of that event NOT a story.

Far too many &#8220ministers” and

&#8220theologians"deceive the hungry searcher into thinking the Bible is a compilation of stories or myths.

Consider the biblical record:

I Timothy 1:4a Neither give heed to fables [muthos = myths and stories]. . . (1769 Authorized Version)

Titus 1:14a Not giving heed to Jewish fables [muthos = myths and stories] . . . (1769 Authorized Version)

I Timothy 4:7a But refuse profane and old wives' fables [muthos = myths and stories] . . . (1769 Authorized Version)

You decide who to believe!

To be continued:

The Reverend Linus A. Mathis III is the founder and director of Frontier Christian Ministries. Contact him at fcm@mtaonline.net.