"the word"

[WISDOM]

BIBLOS = "book"

Ancient books were written on "biblus" or papyrus, and from this custom came the Greek word I posted above, which finally came to mean "sacred or holy books."  In theology a study of the Bible (The Word) is called "bibliology".  WHile the word Bible simply means "book", the words "The Bible" distinguish it as the supreme, unique, and incomparable Holy Bible.  It is called the "Holy Bible" because it reveals the truth concerning the ONE True Living GOD and HIS Word to the human race.

The Bible is our FATHER's divine library of 66 books (39-OT...27-NT).  The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew, and the New Testament in Greek.  FOr YOU and I as Christians, it is a textbook....a handbook...a guide for Christian living.  It is our "Triptik" to Heaven!  Christians who neglect it simply do not mature and cannot be used of our LORD as HE desires (Matthew 4:4).  There are three words we must be familiar with IF we are to understand the inspiration of the Word.  The first is "revelation", which is the process by which our LORD reveals or unveils HIMSELF and/or HIS will to human agents.

The second word is "inspiration" itself, which is the divine guiding of GOD in delivering or recording HIS truth or revelation.  The third term, "illumination", is the spiritual understanding given by the HOLY SPIRIT to enable us to comprehend the divine truth or revelation.  Now, it is clear from studying the Word itself that its divine inspiration is not simply a high level of human achievement (much to the dismay of the naysayers).  Many people think that the Word is inspired IN THE SAME WAY AS many of the great works of literature, such as Dante's Divine Comedy, Shakespeare's tragedies, Mohammed's Koran, or Homer's Odyssey.

However, ALL these writings are the result of "human genius and natural inspiration" (1 Corinthians 1:18-21).  On the other hand, the Bible IS NOT merely the ingenious thoughts of the Biblical writers; it is the revealed and inspired Word of GOD (2 Timothy 3:16-17....2 Peter 1:20-21).  There is no doubt that the Bible claims to be the Word of GOD.  Nearly 4,000 times in the OT alone we find phrases like, "the LORD spoke", "the Word of the LORD", or "GOD spoke all these words".  And, as you have just read in 2 Timothy of the NT, "ALL Scripture is given by inspiration of GOD....".  Take a gander at Deuteronomy 4:2.  Mark it and remember it also!

What I like most is that the words of our LORD/SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST confirm the inspiration of the Bible.  No example in the entire Bible can be found of anyone's quoting Scripture MORE than HE.  HIS ministry is punctuated with quotations from the Old Testament.  It has been estimated by various scholars that one out of ten verses of JESUS' recorded teachings cite or directly refer to OT Scriptures.  Therefore, there can be NO DOUBT about THE FACT that JESUS was the ultimate example of a PERSON of the Word (in fact, HE is the living WORD).  In almost EVERY event of HIS life that is recorded in the Gospels we find HIM quoting Scripture OR alluding to it.  Knowing this, still there is much disagreement today about whether or not ALL of the Bible is inspired, ESPECIALLY the OT.  Regardless of this thinking, we , as CHRISTIANS, should allow the HOLY SPIRIT to "write on our hearts" HIS precious Word, because everything, not just one or two, But EVERYTHING it says WILL come to pass!! (Matthew 5:18)

Probably no book in the entire Word has been under attack from critics of late more than the Book of Genesis.  Attempts have been made to ALLEGORIZE many portions of this ancient book.  In addition, it just simply amazes me how after a person has read/reviewed Luke 11:51; Matthew 19:4-5.....24:37-38 they cannot help but see that JESUS believed EVERY Word in the OT and that HE corroborated these truths!  Therefore, IF we question the validity of the OT, we ALSO question the honesty and validity of JESUS.  We can see that JESUS and the Biblical writers viewed the Word as having plenary/complete inspiration.

This simply means that the GOD-breathed/inspired quality IS TRUE OF EVERY PART of the Bible.  To DENY the plenary inspiration of the Bible would require a judge of some kind to determine what is and what is not inspired.  It is obviously VERY DANGEROUS then to assume anything less than PLENARY INSPIRATION (cut and dry).  Although there are many parts of the Word that are difficult for us to understand, it is still possible for us to affirm our belief in the Bible as the Word of GOD, while we continue to search for a greater understanding of its spiritual riches.

The most convincing proof of all that the Bible is our FATHER's Word is its POWER to TRANSFORM a human life.  This to me is indeed the greatest witness to its divine nature.  Whenever it is read/proclaimed, it can give comfort and strength to the bereaved and wisdom/guidance to those who are bewildered/confused.  Through its power those who are slaves to sin can be LIBERATED from their evil habits and be transformed.  As the late evangelist D.L. Moody once said, "The Scriptures were not given to increase our knowledge, but to CHANGE OUR LIVES".  The theme of our FATHER's Word, which begins in the Book of Genesis and ends in the Book of Revelation, is "GOD's plan for the REDEMPTION of the HUMAN RACE".  We're living out a story right now in which we've been blessed to already know the outcome!  Christianity is an incomplete, imperfect, and unfulfilled thing UNLESS the goal of it is the RETURN of JESUS CHRIST to complete that which HE began.

The Second Coming is the climax and culmination of HIS work of redemption, when the Body of CHRIST will be complete and every Believer clothed with GLORIOUS IMMORTALITY.  To be ignorant of HIS coming, to doubt it, to deny it, to be indifferent to or disinterested in it, is to miss the divine equipment for the distress and pressure of these ever-darkening days.  As much as the Enemy, Satan, the devil has tried to destroy it, there is not a shaft in the quiver he owns but has been fired at the Word of the LORD....and failed.  It is the one window of hope in this "prison" through which we look into Eternity.  

I will close here with the words of the late Woodrow Wilson...."The Bible is the revelation of the meaning of life, the nature of GOD, and the spiritual nature AND needs of men.  It is the ONLY guide of life which leads the spirit in the way of peace and salvation".

PSALM 119:11...."YOUR Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might NOT sin against YOU."

JOHN 17:17...."Sanctify them by YOUR truth.  YOUR Word IS Truth."

[traveller]

Excellent post, excellent. Thank you again brother.

[For Him Alone]

Yes, brother! thank you!

:il:

[martyr]

Well, your official title may not be pastor, but it is evident that your sensitivity to God's leading is very visible on these boards.  Amen to the lesson, brother.

[WISDOM]

A yielded vessel can be of mighty use to our FATHER.