The Bible - The Word of God?

"Sacred Scripture is the inspired Word of God, the faithful textual testimony of the Gospel, and the true and accurate rendering of God's revelation to mankind. In this respect, Sacred Scripture is infallible and fundamental for the Church in all matters of doctrine and life." (2. Tim 3,15-17; 2. Petrus 1,20-21; Joh 17,17).

The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews says the following about the way God has spoken throughout the centuries of human existence: “In the past God spoke to our ancestors and to the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” (Hebr 1,1-2).

The Old Testament

The concept of "many and in many ways" is important. The written word wasn't always available, and from time to time, God revealed His thoughts to patriarchs like Abraham, Noah, and others through miraculous events. The book of Genesis revealed many of these early encounters between God and humanity. As time progressed, God used various methods to capture humanity's attention (such as the burning bush in Genesis). 2. Mose 3,2), and he sent messengers like Moses, Joshua, Debora etc. to give his word to the people.

It seems that with the development of Scripture, God began to use this medium to keep his message to us for posterity. He inspired prophets and teachers to record what he wanted to tell humanity.

Unlike many of the holy scriptures of other popular religions, the collection of books known as the "Old Testament", which consists of writings from before the birth of Christ, consistently claims to be the word of God. Jeremia 1,9; Amos 1,3.6.9; 11 and 13; Micha 1,1 And many other passages indicate that the prophets understood their recorded messages as if God himself were speaking. In this way, “people, moved by the Holy Spirit, spoke in the name of God.” (2Pt 1,21)Paul refers to the Old Testament as "the holy Scripture", which is "God-breathed [inspired]". (2Tim 3,15-16). 

The new Testament

This concept of inspiration is taken up by the authors of the New Testament. The New Testament is a collection of writings that are primarily connected to those who lived before [the time of] Apostelgeschichte 15 Those who were recognized as apostles claimed authority as Holy Scripture. Note that the Apostle Peter categorized Paul's letters, written "according to the wisdom given to him," among the "other [holy] Scriptures." (2Pt 3,15-16)After the death of these early apostles, no book was written that was later accepted as part of what we now call the Bible.

The apostles like John and Peter who went about with Christ recorded the high points of Jesus' ministry and teaching for us (1Joh 1,1-4; Joh 21,24.25) They had “seen his glory themselves” and “had the prophetic word all the more firmly,” and “made known to us the power and the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2Pt 1,16-19)Luke, a physician and someone who was also considered a historian, collected stories from “eyewitnesses and ministers of the word” and wrote an “orderly account” so that we “would know the sure basis of the doctrine in which we were taught.” (Lk 1,1-4).

Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would remind the apostles of the things he had said. (Joh 14,26)Just as he inspired the authors of the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit would inspire the apostles to write their books and writings for us, and he would guide them into all truth.Joh 15,26; 16:13). The Holy Scriptures represent for us a faithful testimony to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Holy Scripture is the inspired word of God

Therefore, the biblical claim that Holy Scripture is the inspired Word of God is a truthful and accurate record of God's revelation to humanity. It speaks with God's authority. We can see that the Bible is divided into two parts: the Old Testament, which, as the Epistle to the Hebrews states, reveals what God spoke through the prophets; and the New Testament, which refers back to Hebräer 1,1-2 It reveals what God has spoken to us through the Son (through the apostolic writings). Therefore, according to the words of Holy Scripture, the members of God's household are built "on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus himself as the cornerstone." (Eph 2,19-20).

What is the value of Scripture for the believer?

The Holy Scriptures lead us to salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Both the Old and New Testaments describe the value of the Holy Scriptures for the believer. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path," proclaims the Psalmist. (Ps 119,105)But to which path does the Word point us? Paul addresses this question when he writes to the evangelist Timothy. Let us pay close attention to what he says in 2. Timotheus 3,15 (reproduced in three different Bible translations) says:

• "...know the [holy] Scriptures, which can teach you to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (Luther 1984).
• "... know the Holy Scriptures, which can make you wise to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (Schlachter translation).
• “You have also been familiar with the Holy Scriptures since early childhood. It shows you the only way to salvation, which is faith in Jesus Christ" (hope for all).

This key passage emphasizes that Scripture leads us to salvation through faith in Christ. Jesus himself explained that Scripture testifies about him. He said, “that everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.” (Lk 24,44)These writings referred to Christ as the Messiah. In the same chapter, Luke reports that Jesus met two disciples while they were on a journey to a village called Emmaus, and “that beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” (Lk 24,27).

In another passage, when he was persecuted by the Jews who thought that observing the law was the way to eternal life, he corrected them, saying: “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that testify about me; but you refuse to come to me that you may have life.” (Joh 5,39-40).

Scripture sanctifies and equips us too

Holy Scripture leads us to salvation in Christ, and through the work of the Holy Spirit we are sanctified through the Scriptures. (Joh 17,17)Living according to the truth of Holy Scripture sets us apart.
Paul explains in 2. Timotheus 3,16-17. further:

"For all Scripture, inspired by God, is useful for teaching, for correction, for correction, for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, fit for every good work."

The scriptures, which point us to Christ for salvation, also teach us the teachings of Christ so that we can grow in His image. 2. Johannes 9 He explains, “Whoever goes beyond this and does not abide in the teaching of Christ does not have God,” and Paul insists that we agree with the “salvific words” of Jesus Christ. (1Tim 6,3)Jesus asserted that believers who obey his words are like wise people who build their house on a rock. (Mt 7,24).

Therefore Scripture not only wisely makes us salvation, but leads the believer to spiritual maturity and equips him / her for the work of the Gospel. The Bible makes no empty promises in all these things. The Scriptures are infallible and the foundation of the Church in all matters of doctrine and divine life.

The study of the Bible - a Christian discipline

The study of the Bible is a fundamental Christian discipline, well illustrated in the accounts of the New Testament. The righteous Bereans “readily received the word, and daily examined the Scriptures to see if what was said was so” in order to confirm their faith in Christ. (Apg 17,11)The chamberlain of Queen Candace of Ethiopia was reading the Book of Isaiah when Philip preached to him about Jesus. (Apg 8,26-39)Timothy, who had known the Scriptures from childhood through the faith of his mother and grandmother (2Tim 1,5(3:15) was reminded by Paul to properly distribute the word of truth. (2Tim 2,15), and “to preach the word” (2Tim 4,2).

The Epistle to Titus gives the instruction that every elder should “hold fast to the word of truth, which is certain.” (Tit 1,9)Paul reminds the Romans that “through patience and the encouragement of the Scriptures we have hope.” (Röm 15,4).

The Bible also warns us against relying on our own interpretation of biblical passages. (2Pt 1,20), to twist the scriptures to our own damnation (2Pt 3,16), and to engage in debates and struggles over the meaning of words and with gender registers (Tit 3,9; 2Tim 2,14.23). The Word of God is not bound by our preconceived notions and manipulations. (2Tim 2,9)Rather, it is “alive and vigorous” and “a judge of the thoughts and senses of the heart.” (Hebr 4,12).

Summary:

The Bible is relevant to the Christian because. , ,

• she is the inspired Word of God.
• it leads believers to salvation through faith in Christ.
• it sanctifies the faithful through the work of the Holy Spirit.
• it leads the believers to spiritual maturity.
• they prepare the faithful for the work of the gospel.

James Henderson