The Bible, An Introduction To The Bible In Five

Sagano Bamboo Grove – Japan

The BibleWhat is it?

What’s it about?Why study it?

The Bible is the Word of God!

Bibliology• Bibliology is a whole semester course• Bibliology is a lifetime study• Bibliology is essential for Bible understanding

• Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2009• Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2008• Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2005• Many of the following slides were copied or edited

by David L. Kooyers, 8-2012

The Bible: The Bible is a co-authored book. a. God is the primary author;

b. Men of God were the secondary authors.

c. The result is that one and the same set of words are both God’s and man’s.

So, whatever God said in Scripture, they said. And whatever they said, God said.

The Source of Inspiration 1. Who? God 2. How? By Revelation 3. When? 1500 B.C. to A.D.

100

How God Spoke to the Prophets1. By angels (Gen. 18, 19)2. By dreams (Dan. 7:1; cf. Num. 12:6)3. By visions (Isa.1:1; Ezek. 1:1; 8:3; 11:24; 43:3; cf. Hosea

12:10)4. By miracles (Ex. 3:2; Jud. 6:37;Jonah 1:1; 4:6) 5. By nature (Psa. 19:1)6. By an audible voice (1 Sam. 3:4)7. By an inner voice (Hosea 1:1; Joel 1:1 etc.)8. By the Urim and Thummim (Ex. 28:30; Num. 27:21)9. By casting lots (Prov. 16:33)10. By other prophetic writings (Dan. 9:1-2)

A. The Source of InspirationB. The Means of Inspiration 1. Men of God Heb. 1:1.--“God who at various times and in

different ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets.” Zech. 7:12.--“They made their hearts like flint, refusing to hear the law and the words which the Lord of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets.”

2 Peter 1:21.—“For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

The Bible is 100% Human1. It was written by human beings (about 40 of them).2. It was written in human languages (Hebrew & Greek).3. It has human literary styles (poetry, prose & history)4. It has Human literary forms (parables, metaphors, similes, symbols

& hyperboles).5. It reflects different human thought patterns (logical, practical, a

memory lapse). 6. It reveals human emotions (weeping, rejoicing, and anger).7. It has specific human interests (medical, herdsman, shepherd, and

nature).8. It expresses human culture (kissing, foot washing, veils, and

reclining at meals).9. It utilizes other written human sources (Jasher-- Josh. 10, Wars of

the Lord—Num. 21:14, pagan poets (Acts 17:28, 1 Cor. 15:33; Titus 1:12).

10. It reflects human limitations (matter, space, & time).

How God Spoke to the Prophets How God Spoke through the Prophets

Moses:—“Moses wrote down all the words of the Lord.” (Ex. 24:4). I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him” (Deut. 18:18).

Isaiah:—“Take for yourself a large tablet and write” (Isa. 8:1). David: “The Spirit of the Lord speaks by me; his word is on my

tongue” (2 Sam. 23:2). Micaiah: “As the Lord lives, what the Lord says to me, that I will

speak” (1Kings 22:14).Zechariah: He spoke of “the law and the words which the Lord of

hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets” (Zech. 7:12).

Paul: “…you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God” (1 Thes. 2:13).

Peter: “For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21).

2 Pet 1:21, Men Moved By The Holy Spirit

• 2 Peter 1:21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

• present passive• Acts 27:15 and when the ship was caught in it

and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along.

The Process of Inspiration The Fact: The Bible is co-authored: God is the primary author Men of God are the secondary authors.The Means:

What it is not—It is not verbal dictation (Different styles, vocabularies, and interests are reflected).

What it is—Providential guidance “For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved [driven, carried along] by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21).

The Prophetic Model: 1. Not merely a prompter (of ideas);

2. Not a secretary (receiving dictation of words); 3. But like a teacher (implanting the exact meaning) and a co-

author of a book (concurring in the written expression of it).

Inspiration Is…

• God’s sovereign, supernatural, superintendence of every aspect of the prophets lives

• To the extent that their vocabulary, language, writing style, personality, and circumstances

• Are so sovereignly superintended by God that He can call what the prophets wrote as His word.

A. The Source of Inspiration B. The Means of Inspiration C. The Nature of Inspiration 1. A Prophetic Writing 2. The Written Word of God 3. What the Bible Says, God Says

What Scripture Says, God Says GOD SAYS... SCRIPTURE SAYS… Gen. 12:3 Gal. 3:8 Ex. 9:16 Rom. 9:17 SCRIPTURE SAYS… GOD SAYS… Gen. 2:24 Matt. 19:4-5 Psa. 2:1 Acts 4:24-25 Psa. 2:7 Heb. 1:5 Psa. 16:10 Acts 13:35 Psa. 95:7 Heb. 3:7 Psa. 97:7 Heb. 1:6 Psa. 104:4 Heb. 1:7 Isa. 55:3 Acts 13:34 There is an interchangeability between the two.

What Scripture Says, God Says

Scripture Says in Psa. 2:1 … by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David… (Act 4:25 NAU)

Scripture Says in Psa. 2:7 to which of the angels did He [God] ever say, "YOU ARE MY SON (Heb 1:5 NAU)

Psalm 16:1 …of David… …he [God] saith also in another psalm… (Act 13:35

Psalmist says, “For he is our God “…Psa 95:7

Hebrews 3:7 Therefore, just as the Holy Spirit says…

What Scripture Says, God SaysGOD SAYS... SCRIPTURE SAYS… Gen. 12:3 Gal 3:8 “Now the Lord “The Scripture…preachedsaid to Abram…” …to Abraham…saying”SCRIPTURE SAYS… GOD SAYS… Gen. 2:24 Matt. 19:4-5“[Author of Genesis] “He [God]…said, ‘…a mansaid,…‘a man shall shall leave his father andleave his father and mother….’”mother….”’

1. It is divinely authoritative (Mt. 4:4, 7, 10).

2. It is imperishable (Mt. 5:17-18).

3. It is infallible (Jn. 10:35).

4. It is historically reliable (Mt. 12:40; Mt. 24:37).

5. It is scientifically accurate (Mt. 19:4-5).

6. It has ultimate supremacy (Mt. 15:3, 6).

7. It is inerrant (without error) (Mt. 22:29).

The Result of Inspiration

It is infallible“If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came—and the Scripture cannot be broken….” (John 10:35)

1. Creation of the universe (Gen. 1) John 1:3; Col. 1:162. Creation of Adam and Eve (Gen. 1-2) 1 Tim. 2:13-143. Marriage of Adam and Eve (Gen. 1-2) 1 Tim. 2:134. Temptation of the woman (Gen. 3) 1 Tim. 2:145. Disobedience and sin of Adam (Gen. 3) Rom. 5:12; 1 Cor. 15:226. Sacrifices of Abel and Cain (Gen. 4) Heb. 11:47. Murder of Abel by Cain (Gen. 4) 1 John 3:128. Birth of Seth (Gen. 4) Luke 3:389. Translation of Enoch (Gen. 5) Heb. 11:510. Marriage before the flood (Gen. 6) Luke 17:2711. The flood and destruction of man (Gen. 7) Matt. 24:3912. Preservation of Noah and his family (Gen. 8-9) 2 Peter 2:513. Genealogy of Shem (Gen. 10) Luke 3:35-3614. Birth of Abraham (Gen. 11) Luke 3:3415. Call of Abraham (Gen. 12-13) Heb. 11:816. Tithes to Melchizedek (Gen. 14) Heb. 7:1-3

What Jesus & Apostles Affirmed about the OT

17. Justification of Abraham (Gen. 15) Rom. 4:318. Ishmael (Gen. 16) Gal. 4:21-2419. Promise of Isaac (Gen. 17) Heb. 11:1820. Lot and Sodom (Gen. 18-19) Luke 17:2921. Birth of Isaac (Gen. 21) Acts 7:9-1022. Offering of Isaac (Gen. 22) Heb. 11:1723. The burning bush (Ex. 3:6) Luke 20:3224. Exodus through the Red Sea (Ex. 14:22) 1 Cor. 10:1-225. Provision of water and manna (Ex. 16:4; 17:6) 1 Cor. 10:3-526. Lifting up serpent in wilderness (Num. 21:9) John 3:1427. Fall of Jericho (Joshua 6:22-25) Heb. 11:3028. Miracles of Elijah (1 Kings 17:1; 18:1) Jas. 5:1729. Jonah in the great fish (Jonah 2) Matt. 12:4030. Three Hebrew youths in furnace (Dan. 3) Heb. 11:3431. Daniel in lion’s den (Dan. 6) Heb. 11:3332. Slaying of Zechariah (2 Chron. 24:20-22) Matt. 23:35

What Jesus & the Apostles Affirmed About the OT

It is inerrant (without error)Jesus replied: “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God” (Matt. 22:29). “Thy Word is truth” (Jn. 17:17).

A Writing from GodEx. 24:4.—“Moses wrote down all the words of the Lord.”Isa. 8:1.—Isaiah was told, “Take for yourself a large tablet and write.”Jer. 26:2.– Do “not omit a word.”2 Tim. 3:16.—“All Scripture [writing] is given by inspiration of God….”John 5:39.—“You search the Scriptures…and they speak of Me.”John 10:35.—“The Scripture cannot be broken.”1 Cor. 2:13.—“words…taught by the Holy Spirit.”Mat. 4:4, 7, 10.—“It is written…” (92x)Lk. 24:27.—“He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things

concerning Himself.” Rev. 22:18.—Do not add to “the words of the book of this prophecy.”

A Bad Argument:A Bad Argument:

1. The Bible is the words of human beings.

2. Human beings err.3. Therefore, the Bible errs.

1. The Bible is the words of human beings.

2. Human beings err.3. Therefore, the Bible errs.

The Error: The Error: • Human beings do not always err. And…• Human beings did not err when moved by

God who cannot err (2 Peter 1:20-21).• “God can draw a straight line with a

crooked stick.”

• Human beings do not always err. And…• Human beings did not err when moved by

God who cannot err (2 Peter 1:20-21).• “God can draw a straight line with a

crooked stick.”

More and Earlier NT Mss.More and Earlier NT Mss.

643

5686

750

1000

1000

1200

1400

7

10

20

8

7

2001400

25

500

0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000

Pliny

Caesar

Tacitus

Plato

Herodotus

Demosthenes

Homer

New Testament

# Manuscript Copies Time Gap in Years

The Testimony of the Scrolls

The Testimony of the Scrolls

Noted Ms. Expert: Sir. Frederick Kenyon “The interval between the dates of original

composition and the earliest extant evidence becomes so small as to be in fact negligible, and the last foundation for any doubt that the Scriptures have come down substantially as they were written has now been removed. Both the authenticity and the general integrity of the books of the New Testament may be regarded as finally established” (Kenyon, Bible and Archaeology, 288)

Noted Ms. Expert: Sir. Frederick Kenyon “The interval between the dates of original

composition and the earliest extant evidence becomes so small as to be in fact negligible, and the last foundation for any doubt that the Scriptures have come down substantially as they were written has now been removed. Both the authenticity and the general integrity of the books of the New Testament may be regarded as finally established” (Kenyon, Bible and Archaeology, 288)

The Testimony of the Scrolls

The Testimony of the Scrolls

Sir Frederick Kenyon’s Testimony “The number of mss. of the New Testament, of

early translations from it, and of quotations from it in the oldest writers of the Church, is so large that it is practically certain that the true reading of every doubtful passage is preserved in some one or the other of these ancient authorities. This can be said of no other book in the world” (Our Bible and the Ancient Manuscripts, 55).

Sir Frederick Kenyon’s Testimony “The number of mss. of the New Testament, of

early translations from it, and of quotations from it in the oldest writers of the Church, is so large that it is practically certain that the true reading of every doubtful passage is preserved in some one or the other of these ancient authorities. This can be said of no other book in the world” (Our Bible and the Ancient Manuscripts, 55).

Translations Are Helpful

• The old quotations from it…• My family was visiting a church and the minister

announced they had both Spanish and English Bibles for use during the service. My youngest son tugged at my sleeve and whispered, "Mommy, I want one of those Spanish Bibles."

• "Don't be silly, you can't read Spanish," I quickly rejoined.

• Holding out his own Bible to me, my kindergartner explained, "Mom, I can't read English either." Today's Christian Woman, "Heart to Heart."

Jesus Is The Central Theme• John 1:45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found

Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote-- Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."

• Acts 10:43 "Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins."

• Luke 24:44 Now He said to them, "These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled."

• Acts 3:18 "But the things which God announced beforehand by the mouth of all the prophets, that His Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled

Jesus Said So Many Times Matthew 5:17

Luke 24:27John 5:39

Hebrews 1O:7

Jesus in Both Testaments• In the Old• Shadow

• Type

• Ritual

• Preincarnations

• Branch of David just budding

• In the New• Substance

• Truth

• Reality

• The Incarnation

• Branch of David in full bloom

Jesus in Every Section• I. Law---------Foundation for Christ• II. History-----Preparation for Christ• III. Poetry-----Aspiration for Christ• IV. Prophecy--Expectation of Christ• V. Gospels-----Manifestation of Christ• VI. Acts--------Propagation of Christ• VII. Epistles---Interpretation of Christ• VIII. Revelation--Consummation in Christ

From God to Us:The Three Links

I. Inspiration—From the mouth of God.II. Canonization—Collected by the people of God.III. Transmission—Copied by scribes of God.

I. Inspiration—From the mouth of God.II. Canonization—Collected by the people of God.III. Transmission—Copied by scribes of God.

Peter said: "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Peter 1:21) 

Peter said: "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Peter 1:21) 

Jesus said: "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost . . . shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (Jn. 14:26)

Jesus said: "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost . . . shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (Jn. 14:26)

And The Bible is the Word of God And The Bible is the Word of God Jesus said so: "If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God

came, and the scripture cannot be broken." (Jn. 10:34-35)

“Laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the traditions of men…, making the word of God of no effect through your traditions” (Mk. 7:8, 13).

Jesus said so: "If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God

came, and the scripture cannot be broken." (Jn. 10:34-35)

“Laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the traditions of men…, making the word of God of no effect through your traditions” (Mk. 7:8, 13).

Paul said so:

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God…." (2 Tim. 3:16)

"Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect.”

(Rom. 9:6)

Paul said so:

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God…." (2 Tim. 3:16)

"Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect.”

(Rom. 9:6)

Jesus “was without sin" (Heb. 4:15); "had no sin" (2 Cor. 5:21); “was without blemish or defect" (1

Pet. 1:19); “was pure" and "righteous" (1Jn. 2:1;

3:3).

Jesus “was without sin" (Heb. 4:15); "had no sin" (2 Cor. 5:21); “was without blemish or defect" (1

Pet. 1:19); “was pure" and "righteous" (1Jn. 2:1;

3:3).

The Bible "is God-breathed" (2 Tim. 3:16);

"is out of the mouth of God“ (Mt. 4:4);

"is perfect" (Psa. 19:7);

"cannot be broken" (Jn. 10:35).

The Bible "is God-breathed" (2 Tim. 3:16);

"is out of the mouth of God“ (Mt. 4:4);

"is perfect" (Psa. 19:7);

"cannot be broken" (Jn. 10:35).

Likewise,

A Good Analogy: A Good Analogy:

Divine Nature Divine Nature Human Nature Human Nature One in Person One in Propositions Without Sin Without Error

The Living Word The Written Word

(Savior) (Scripture)

The Bible is a Spirit Uttered Book:The Bible is a Spirit Uttered Book:

• "The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, and his word was on my tongue." (2 Sam. 23:2)

• "It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God." (Mt. 4:4)

•  "How is it when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13)

• "...not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but [in words] which the Holy Spirit teaches.…” (1 Cor. 2:13)

• "All scripture [writing] is given by inspiration of God…." (2 Tim. 3:16)

• "The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, and his word was on my tongue." (2 Sam. 23:2)

• "It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God." (Mt. 4:4)

•  "How is it when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13)

• "...not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but [in words] which the Holy Spirit teaches.…” (1 Cor. 2:13)

• "All scripture [writing] is given by inspiration of God…." (2 Tim. 3:16)

A Helpful Comparison:A Helpful Comparison:

Continued Research Continued Research

Study of Science Study of BibleStudy of Science Study of Bible

Many Difficulties Many Difficulties

Assumed Explainability Assumed ExplainabilityMany are explainable Many are explainable

Error # 1 of the Critics: Presuming the

Bible Guilty Until Proven Innocent. Error # 1 of the Critics: Presuming the

Bible Guilty Until Proven Innocent.

Like an American citizen, the Bible should be presumed innocent until it is proven guilty.

Like an American citizen, the Bible should be presumed innocent until it is proven guilty.

What if we presumed...What if we presumed...

• Road signs were wrong?

• Traffic signals were not right?

• Labels on food were incorrect?

• Numbers on currency were wrong?

• Signs on restrooms were reversed?

• Disaster would result!!!

• Road signs were wrong?

• Traffic signals were not right?

• Labels on food were incorrect?

• Numbers on currency were wrong?

• Signs on restrooms were reversed?

• Disaster would result!!!

Gentlemen

GODGOD

General Revelation no conflict Special Revelation

(Facts of Science) (Facts of Scripture)

 Views of Scientists conflict Views of

Theologians

General Revelation no conflict Special Revelation

(Facts of Science) (Facts of Scripture)

 Views of Scientists conflict Views of

Theologians

Error # 3 of the Critics: Assuming That the Unexplained is not Explainable.

Error # 3 of the Critics: Assuming That the Unexplained is not Explainable.

• Science once had no explanation for meteors, eclipses, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, or how the bumblebee could fly.

• All these are now explained.• More will be explained in the future.• THE SAME IS TRUE OF BIBLE

DIFFICULTIES!

• Science once had no explanation for meteors, eclipses, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, or how the bumblebee could fly.

• All these are now explained.• More will be explained in the future.• THE SAME IS TRUE OF BIBLE

DIFFICULTIES!

Error # 4 of the Critics: Assuming that a Partial Report is a False Report

Error # 4 of the Critics: Assuming that a Partial Report is a False Report

Example: The Inscription on the Cross:

• Matthew- THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

• Mark - THE KING OF THE JEWS.

• Luke - THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

• John - JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Example: The Inscription on the Cross:

• Matthew- THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

• Mark - THE KING OF THE JEWS.

• Luke - THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

• John - JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.

COMPLETE: THIS IS JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.

But even contemporary meteorologists speak of “sunrise"

and “sunset."

But even contemporary meteorologists speak of “sunrise"

and “sunset."

 No scientist says: "Honey, look at the

beautiful earth rotation!"

 No scientist says: "Honey, look at the

beautiful earth rotation!"

Error # 8 of the Critics: Presuming That the Bible Approves of All it Records

Error # 8 of the Critics: Presuming That the Bible Approves of All it Records

Satan's lie (Gen. 3:4; cf. John 8:44); David's Adultery (2 Sam 11); Solomon's Polygamy (1 Kings 11:1); That Fools say "There is no God" (Psa. 14:1).

Satan's lie (Gen. 3:4; cf. John 8:44); David's Adultery (2 Sam 11); Solomon's Polygamy (1 Kings 11:1); That Fools say "There is no God" (Psa. 14:1).

Things the Bible records but does not approve.

Error # 9 of the Critics: Taking Figures of Speech Literally.

All the Bible is literally true, but--Not all the Bible is true literally (vs.

figuratively)

Error # 9 of the Critics: Taking Figures of Speech Literally.

All the Bible is literally true, but--Not all the Bible is true literally (vs.

figuratively)

Poetry-- "When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” (Job 38:7)Poetry-- "When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” (Job 38:7)

Parables-- "There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man. And he said ‘because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’" (Lk. 18:1-5)Allegory--"Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.... Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants." (Gal. 4:24)Metaphors--"And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity...and sets on fire the course of nature." (Js. 3:6)Similes--"The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field." (Mt. 13:31)

Parables-- "There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man. And he said ‘because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’" (Lk. 18:1-5)Allegory--"Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.... Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants." (Gal. 4:24)Metaphors--"And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity...and sets on fire the course of nature." (Js. 3:6)Similes--"The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field." (Mt. 13:31)

Satire --"Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel." (Mt. 19:24)

Figures of speech--"O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.” (Psa. 36:7)

Anthropomorphism--"God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not." (Jonah 3:10) But God does not repent: “The strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.” (1 Sam. 15:29)

Satire --"Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel." (Mt. 19:24)

Figures of speech--"O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.” (Psa. 36:7)

Anthropomorphism--"God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not." (Jonah 3:10) But God does not repent: “The strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.” (1 Sam. 15:29)

Hyperboles--"And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written." (Jn. 21:25)

Hyperboles--"And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written." (Jn. 21:25)

Error # 10: Forgetting That Only the Original Text, Not Every Copy of

Scripture, is Without Error

Error # 10: Forgetting That Only the Original Text, Not Every Copy of

Scripture, is Without Error

Solomon had 40,000 stalls.

(1 Kings 4:26)

Solomon had 4,000 stalls.

(2 Chrn. 9:25)

Ahaziah was 42.

(2 Chrn. 22:2)

Ahaziah was 22.

(2 Kings 8:26 KJV]

Note Several Important Things:Note Several Important Things:

1. These errors are found in copies, not in the originals.

2. They are rare.3. They affect no doctrine of

Scripture.4. We usually know which one is

correct by the context.

1. These errors are found in copies, not in the originals.

2. They are rare.3. They affect no doctrine of

Scripture.4. We usually know which one is

correct by the context.

What if you received this message?

"Y#U HAVE WON TEN MILLION DOLLARS"

Would you collect the money?

"Y#U HAVE WON TEN MILLION DOLLARS"

Would you collect the money?

And if you received this message, you would have no doubt!

"Y#U HAVE WON TEN MILLION DOLLARS""YO# HAVE WON TEN MILLION DOLLARS""YOU #AVE WON TEN MILLION DOLLARS"

And if you received this message, you would have no doubt!

"Y#U HAVE WON TEN MILLION DOLLARS""YO# HAVE WON TEN MILLION DOLLARS""YOU #AVE WON TEN MILLION DOLLARS"

Note:1. Even with mistakes, 100% of the

message comes through.2. The more errors, the more sure you

are of the message.3. The Bible has many less errors in the

copies than this message does.

Note:1. Even with mistakes, 100% of the

message comes through.2. The more errors, the more sure you

are of the message.3. The Bible has many less errors in the

copies than this message does.

Error # 11 of the Critics: Failing to Understand the Context of the Passage

Error # 11 of the Critics: Failing to Understand the Context of the Passage

An old adage: "A text out of context is a pretext.”

An old adage: "A text out of context is a pretext.”

For Example

The Bible says "there is no God." (Psa. 14:1) The Context: The "fool" said this.

Other Examples of a text out of context:Other Examples of a text out of context:

The Bible says: "The mustard seed...is the smallest of all seeds." (Mt. 13:31-32)

But science says it is the orchid seed.

The Context: However, the mustard seed

was the smallest one "which a man took and sowed in his field" (Mt.

13:31), not the smallest in the world.

The Bible says: "The mustard seed...is the smallest of all seeds." (Mt. 13:31-32)

But science says it is the orchid seed.

The Context: However, the mustard seed

was the smallest one "which a man took and sowed in his field" (Mt.

13:31), not the smallest in the world.

A Text out of ContextThe Bible says: Paul's companions "heard" the

voice (Acts 9:7), but also that they did not "hear" the voice (Acts

22:9).

The Context: They heard the sound, but did not hear (i.e., understand) the meaning.Illustration: “I can’t hear you. Please speak louder.”

You heard the sound but not the meaning.

Mark Twain said: It is not the part of the Bible I don't understand that troubles

me the most. It is the part of the Bible I do understand that troubles me the

most.

Mark Twain said: It is not the part of the Bible I don't understand that troubles

me the most. It is the part of the Bible I do understand that troubles me the

most.

Turning the Logic Right Side Up:We should not criticize the Bible;We should let the Bible criticize us!

"For the word of God is alive, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword...and is a discerner (Lt. critic) of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Heb. 4:12)

Turning the Logic Right Side Up:We should not criticize the Bible;We should let the Bible criticize us!

"For the word of God is alive, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword...and is a discerner (Lt. critic) of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Heb. 4:12)

No one has ever demonstrated an error in the Bible, but--

We have seen that there are many errors in the critics.

No one has ever demonstrated an error in the Bible, but--

We have seen that there are many errors in the critics.

The Unique Nature of the Content of Scripture

A. The Bible has great diversity.

B. Yet the Bible has amazing unity.

C. This is best accounted for by Deity (one Mind behind it all).

The Great Diversity of the Bible: It was--

1. --written in two major languages;2. --by some forty human authors; 3. --who held numerous occupations;4. --who lived on three different

continents;5. --who penned 66 different books;6. --on hundreds of topics;7. --spanning some 1600 years.

The Amazing Unity of the Bible

It has:

1. One theme--salvation (2Tim. 3:15),

2. One person--Christ (Lk. 24:27),

3. With one goal--to glorify God (1Cor. 10:31).

The Bible states we have:

1. One problem—sin;

2. One cure—salvation;

3. Through one person—Christ;

The Conclusion:I. Uniqueness of Its Composition: The Bible is a co-authored book. a. God is the primary author;

b. Men of God were the secondary authors. c. The result is that one and the same set of words

are both God’s and man’s. So, whatever God said in Scripture, the human author

said. And whatever the human author said in Scripture, God said.

I find my Lord in the BibleWhere ever I chance to look,

He is the theme of the BibleThe center and heart of the Book;

He is the Rose of Sharon,He is the Lily fair,

Where ever I open my BibleThe Lord of the Book is there.

I find my Lord in the BibleWhere ever I chance to look,

He is the theme of the BibleThe center and heart of the Book;

He is the Rose of Sharon,He is the Lily fair,

Where ever I open my BibleThe Lord of the Book is there.

He, at the Book’s beginning,Gave to the earth its form,He is the Ark of shelter

Bearing the brunt of the storm,

The Burning Bush of the desert,The budding of Aaron’s Rod,

Where ever I look in the Bible I see the Son of God.

The Ram upon Mt. Moriah, The Ladder from earth to sky,The Scarlet Cord in the window,

The Serpent lifted high,

The smitten rock in the desert, The Shepherd with staff and crook,

The face of my Lord I discover Where ever I open the Book.

The Ram upon Mt. Moriah, The Ladder from earth to sky,The Scarlet Cord in the window,

The Serpent lifted high,

The smitten rock in the desert, The Shepherd with staff and crook,

The face of my Lord I discover Where ever I open the Book.

He is the Seed of the Woman, The Savior Virgin-born;

He is the Son of David,Whom men rejected with scorn,

His garments of grace and of beauty The stately Aaron deck,

Yet He is a priest forever, For He is Melchizedek.

He is the Seed of the Woman, The Savior Virgin-born;

He is the Son of David,Whom men rejected with scorn,

His garments of grace and of beauty The stately Aaron deck,

Yet He is a priest forever, For He is Melchizedek.

Lord of eternal gloryWhom John, the Apostle saw;

Light of the golden city,Lamb without spot or flaw,

Bridegroom coming at midnight, For whom the Virgins look.Wherever I open my Bible,

I find my Lord in the Book.

Author wishes to remain unknown

Lord of eternal gloryWhom John, the Apostle saw;

Light of the golden city,Lamb without spot or flaw,

Bridegroom coming at midnight, For whom the Virgins look.Wherever I open my Bible,

I find my Lord in the Book.

Author wishes to remain unknown

Lucca – Italy

THE END