Tag Archives: BIBLE

BIBLE, BIBLE QUESTIONS, CHRISTIAN LIVING

WHERE DO WE FIND AUTHORITY FOR OUR RELIGIOUS PRACTICES TODAY? — BOB PRICHARD

We must have a way to make choices and settle matters of difference in our religious practices. We cannot do this unless there is an accepted standard of authority. Authority means “the power or right to command or enforce obedience, to make final decisions, to have jurisdiction.” Authority is related to that which is lawful, or that which men are at liberty to do. Authority is important in all areas of life, but is nowhere more important than in the area of religious practice. What is authorized, or what is not authorized in the area of religion has eternal consequences. The best authority must be objective, rather than subjective. An objective authority is unchangeable, and thus provides a constant standard. A subjective authority is one that is changeable (often based on an individual’s opinion), so it cannot provide a real standard by which to measure.

In the realm of religion, there can be only one authority, and that is the Bible, the written word of God. It is the only acceptable authority because it is the only inspired authority. It is an objective authority because it is an unchanging authority, not subject to the whims of man. There are many other authorities sometimes followed in religion today, but they are not truly authoritative because they are subjective. Subjective authorities include the church, the pope, preachers, church leaders, and those claiming to receive modern day revelations. All of these “authorities” are changeable, and often disagree with one another, even in the most fundamental areas.

The Bible clearly claims for itself inspiration from God. As Jesus appeared to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, “beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:27). Jesus was able to expound, or explain from the Old Testament [“Moses and all the Prophets”] its prophecies concerning Him. These were called “the scriptures,” meaning the written word of God. As Jesus prayed to the Father, concerning His disciples, He said, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). The word of God, because it is truth, provides an unchanging guide for life. Paul told Timothy, “scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). The word “inspiration” literally means “God breathed,” indicating that it comes directly from God through men.

Because the Bible is the only “God breathed” guide for the practice of religion today, it and it alone must be obeyed. Paul was thankful that the Thessalonians properly received his teachings. “Ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God” (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Although we do not have Paul among us today, we have the written, authoritative record of his inspired teachings in the New Testament.    

BIBLE, BIBLE QUESTIONS

CAN WE TRUST THE BIBLE AS THE WORD OF GOD? — BOB PRICHARD

In an age when we have little to trust or rely upon, we may wonder if even the Bible can be trusted. There are many reasons, however, that we can trust the Bible as the word of God. First of all, we can trust the Bible because we trust God and it is God’s book, revealed to mankind, and in perfect harmony with His nature and character. “God is not a man, that he should lie” (Numbers 23:19). Just as Jesus Christ, He is “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8). What God has produced is true, perfect, and without change, in keeping with His character.

A second reason to trust the Bible is that we know it is inspired by God. Paul wrote to Timothy, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Speaking of the inspired Bible writers, Peter said, “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” (2 Peter 1:21). The message of the biblical writers was not their own message, but the message of the will of God. Since the Bible is God’s inspired book, it is without error and absolutely trustworthy.

A third great reason we should trust the Bible is the vast number of New Testament manuscripts that have been discovered. More than 24,000 manuscripts or parts of manuscripts have been discovered, dating all the way back to the first century. The Dead Sea scrolls, discovered in 1947, included manuscripts of Old Testament books  dating from at least one hundred to one hundred and fifty years before Christ. As scholars began to study the scrolls, they sought to see how much the text of the Bible had changed over the centuries. What they found was that the ancient manuscripts were virtually identical to manuscripts of a thousand years later. Through the careful work of the copyists and the providence of God, the inspired text has been preserved over the centuries.

A fourth great reason to trust the Bible is the truly amazing fulfillment of prophecy within biblical history. This demonstrates clearly that God controlled the writing of the book.  The prophecies fulfilled in the life of Christ alone are enough to show the Bible to be the word of God. The Old Testament prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), would be sold for thirty pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12-13), would be crucified with criminals (Isaiah 53:12), would be buried in a rich man’s tomb (Isaiah 53:9), and these are just a few examples of the many other events in the life of Christ which were prophesied. This would not have been possible if the Bible had not been inspired by God.

Since the Bible is trustworthy in these areas, we can know that is is trustworthy in other areas as well. The Bible is the one book that men can trust today. Any apparent contradictions come from our misunderstanding, not from actual problems within the Bible itself, “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints” (1 Corinthians 14:33).

BIBLE, CHRISTIAN LIVING

BOB DOLE’S SOLUTION — BOB PRICHARD

Bob Dole, senator from Kansas, and presidential candidate in 1996, was severely injured in battle just a few months before the end of World War II. Initially paralyzed from the neck down, he endured years of surgeries and treatment which allowed him to walk again, but he never regained much use of his right arm. To look “normal,” he learned to hold a pen in that paralyzed right hand, and shook hands, with his left hand.

Bob Dole found a solution to his problem to look normal. But I wonder how often folks carry that Bible in hand, not to read and study it, but to “look normal.” Or even worse, to suggest a faith that is not even there. Don’t just carry your Bible, use it!

The Pharisees of Jesus’ day were more interested in looking religious than in actually being religious. Three times in Matthew 6, Jesus said, “They have their reward.” They impressed men, but Jesus did not approve. The better example is the Bereans who “received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11).

Your Bible is the revealed word of God, “a light to your path.” Don’t allow it to just be a prop in your hand.

BIBLE QUESTIONS, CHRISTIAN LIVING

MUST THE CHRISTIAN TITHE? — BOB PRICHARD

Tithing is the custom of giving a portion (ten per cent) of products or money to a king or priest. The first biblical mention of tithing is in Genesis 14, when Abram returned from a great military victory and gave a tithe of the plunder he had acquired to Melchizedek, who was the king of Salem, and a priest of God. Later Jacob, Abram’s grandson, promised to give God a tenth: “Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, So that I come again to my father’s house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God: … and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee” (Genesis 28:20-22). Giving a tenth was common among ancient nations, and was a part of the Old Covenant law.

Moses told Israel, “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’S: it is holy unto the LORD” (Leviticus 27:30). The payment of the tithe was largely to support the Levites, who did not receive the land inheritance that the other tribes received. The priests and Levites also would sometimes give a tithe (tenth) of the tithe they received (Numbers 18:21-28). The Jews also paid a second tithe, and sometimes even a third tithe at certain times (Deuteronomy 14:22-28; 26:12). The law required all faithful Jews to tithe, regardless of income.

Christ spoke of tithing only once. “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel” (Matthew 23:23-24). Jesus did not condemn them for their tithing, but for their attitude in their giving. The scribes and Pharisees pretended to keep the letter of the law, but paid no attention to the spirit of the law.

This is key to understanding the Christian’s responsibility to give. The New Testament never gives any requirement for the Christian to give a tithe (10%). None of the apostles ever required the giving of a tithe, and there is no biblical example of Christians giving a tithe. The Old Covenant tithe was paid to the Levites, and no church or preacher or priest has received authority to demand a tithe of Christians. However, since the poorest of the Jews paid a tithe, surely Christians will want to give sacrificially, from the heart. Some may be able to give ten percent, some fifty per cent, some five per cent. The attitude should be to give as much as possible to the cause of Christ Who redeemed us. “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). The Christian who realizes how much Christ has given will truly be a cheerful, generous  giver to the Lord’s work.

BIBLE, BIBLE QUESTIONS

IS THE BIBLE INFALLIBLE? — BOB PRICHARD

Yes.  Infallible means “incapable of erring, sure, certain, unerring.” A close synonym for infallible is inerrant, which means “free from error.” The Bible as revealed by God in the “original autographs” (original written copies) is both infallible and inerrant. The infallible Bible does not just “contain the Word of God,” it IS the Word of God. Because it is infallible, it gives us all that we need for faith and practice in serving God.  

The Bible claims infallibility for itself. More than 2,000 times in the Old Testament “thus saith the Lord,” or a similar phrase occurs. Surely the Lord was able to communicate  His will accurately! Peter spoke of inspiration saying, “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” (2 Peter 1:21). The inspired writers wrote what God revealed to them. It was not their own message but the message of God that they recorded. Jesus said “the scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35), meaning that it must be true. He said, “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” (Matthew 5:18). The “jot” was yodh, the smallest letter of the Hebrew alphabet and the “tittle” was a simple pen stroke, or part of a letter. Thus Jesus asserted the infallibility of the written Word of God, even in the smallest details.

The New Testament claims the same inspired infallibility for the whole Bible. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Since “all scripture is given by inspiration of God,” then it must all be regarded as authoritative and infallible. If only part of it is authoritative or infallible, how will we choose what is authoritative and infallible, and what is not authoritative or without error? If we use man’s subjective opinion, we will end up being mislead. How much better it is to just accept all that God has revealed, rather than choosing the opinions of men!

Skeptics have long attacked what they perceived as errors in the Bible. When all the evidence is considered, however, the Bible still stands without error. All too often, what are perceived as errors are not errors at all, but simply the expression of different points of view of biblical authors, or misinterpretations of obscure texts, or simple misunderstandings. Too often the “errors” come from the preconceptions of critics concerning what they think the Bible ought to say, rather than what it really says.  

What is really at stake in the question of biblical infallibility is the character of God. God cannot lie (Titus 1:2). He is omniscient or all knowing (Psalm 139). Since He knows all things and cannot lie, then His written Word, all of it, must be infallible. An infallible God can do no less than produce an infallible Bible. Just one error in His revealed Will would be enough to show that God is not God. Because we are limited in our understanding, we may not be able to explain every perceived error or inconsistency in the Bible, but we can accept it as the infallible Word of God because it comes from Him.

BIBLE, BIBLE QUESTIONS

IS THE BIBLE FILLED WITH CONTRADICTIONS? — BOB PRICHARD

No! Some are quick to claim, “The Bible is filled with contradictions!” This claim, however, has never been proved to be true, and it is a claim that is most often made by those who have little or no knowledge of the Bible. The Bible, as the inspired Word of God, cannot contain any contradictions. What it does contain, however, as might be expected of any literary work, are apparent contradictions, that is, passages that seem to be contradictory, but which are not contradictory at all when properly understood.

There are sometimes differences among Bible passages, but a difference is not the same thing as a contradiction. The Greek philosopher Aristotle defined contradiction: “That the same thing should at the same time both be and not be for the same person and in the same respect is impossible.” A difference would not be a contradiction if the same person was not under consideration, or if the same time period was not used for both, or if the language was not employed in the same sense.

Proverbs 26:4-5 demonstrates the principle. It gives the advice, “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.” Is this a contradiction, since one verse says not to answer a fool, and the very next verse says to answer a fool? Not at all. What Solomon was saying with these verses, in the midst of a series of verses dealing with fools, was that sometimes it is better not to even answer a fool, lest one appear to be just as big a fool for answering. But sometimes the fool must be answered so that he will not think he is so wise that he cannot be answered. Whatever the situation, Solomon was saying it will be difficult to deal with a fool!

Because Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all wrote about the events of the life of Christ, there are differences among their accounts. Differences, not contradictions! For example, Mark says that Jesus was crucified at the “third hour” (Mark 15:25); while John says that Jesus was on trial before Pilate at “the sixth hour” (John 19:14). Thus it would appear that either John or Mark is wrong, because John has Jesus on trial three hours after Mark says He was on the cross! But when one understands that John must have used Roman time, with the “sixth hour” being 6:00 a.m., while Mark used Jewish time, with the “third hour” being 9:00 a.m., then the apparent contradiction disappears.

Many other “alleged discrepancies” can be found, but as long as there is a logical way to explain the differences, then the truthfulness of the Bible stands. If we approach the Bible with an open mind and a willingness to accept its truth, we can understand. Many find “errors” in it because they do not approach it openly and honestly. God has communicated His will to us through the Bible. He expects us to understand and obey what it teaches. We can find the answer to apparent contradictions, if we are just diligent enough in our study. “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints” (1 Corinthians 14:33).

BIBLE, CHRISTIAN LIVING

WRINKLE’S HEADSTONE — BOB PRICHARD

She never really cared that much for the piece of carved stone that her deceased husband had found in an old quarry, but Ruth Beeston thought it would serve well to mark the burial place of her dead cat, Wrinkle. She decided to put it up for auction, however, when a local art historian discovered that it was a thousand year old carving of the apostle Peter. Wrinkle’s former headstone brought $383,000 when it was offered at auction (World, December 25, 2004).

This sort of thing seems to happen often (at least to other people). Someone finds some old thing that everyone thinks is worthless, and then it is discovered to be a priceless antique. Just because something is old, it is not necessarily valuable. Some things are true antiques, and some are just “junque.” Some old things are incredibly valuable. 

Consider how the Bible, a truly ancient book is treated. It is old─the newest parts being over 1900 years old, and some parts even much older. Many think that because of its age, it can’t really be worth much. And yet, to those with the proper discernment, it is the most valuable book ever written.

Paul told Timothy, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God [is literally ‘God breathed’], and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” Not only does it give us all that we need, but it is profitable and relevant. It is just as relevant today as when it was written hundreds of years ago.

Ruth Beeston required an art historian to tell her that she unknowingly had something of real value. Surely we understand today how valuable the Bible is, that it is profitable to us for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. Unfortunately, many just use that family Bible as a place to store dried flowers, recipes, and the family tree. Wrinkle’s headstone was so much more than Ruth thought. What about the Bible? Have you realized the hidden treasures within?

BIBLE, CHRISTIAN LIVING

SECOND ONLY TO THE BIBLE — BOB PRICHARD

It was required reading in Jr. High School. I can still remember trying to slog through it, and not appreciating it at the time. It is the story of a fifty-year-old man setting off on a quest to do great deeds and right all wrongs. Don Quixote, by Miguel de Cervantes was quite innovative when first published (part one in 1605, and part two in 1615). The exploits of this man of La Mancha have inspired many, whether he is a tragic hero, a non-conformist, or simply a buffoon. According to The Intellectual Devotional (2006), “of all the books published throughout history, Don Quixote is second only to the Bible in terms of total number of copies printed.”

With time, I have come to have more appreciation for Don Quixote—appreciation that I lacked when I was in Jr. High. With maturity, I have learned to appreciate many things that I saw little reason for at 13.

Consider the accolade for Don Quixote, “second only to the Bible in terms of number of copies printed.” Have you noticed how often comparisons are made to the Bible? With all of the great and not so great books published every year, the Bible is the perennial best-seller. Perhaps it does not generate the same media frenzy as a new Harry Potter book, but the Bible continues to outsell every other book.

We know why this is so. It is because there is no other book like the Bible. Although other books make similar claims, it is the only book that is truly inspired—“God breathed.” No other book can offer what it offers.

We should join with the psalmist in praising the Bible, which is second to no other book. “For ever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: Thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. They continue this day according to thine ordinances: For all are thy servants. Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction” (Psalm 119:89–92).

BIBLE QUESTIONS, CHRISTIAN LIVING

MUST OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS EXCEED THAT OF THE PHARISEES? — BOB PRICHARD

The words of Christ in Matthew 5-7, the “Sermon on the Mount,” are often considered a summary of all Christian living. If all the best of modern psychology were gathered, it would not compare in beauty and simplicity with the Sermon on the Mount. Early in that sermon, Jesus made a strong statement: “For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20). To understand the impact of His statement, we must understand who the scribes and Pharisees were.

Scribes were men who devoted their lives to studying and copying the law. The Pharisees, a Jewish religious sect, devoted their lives to keeping the law in every detail. Although there were probably never more than 6,000 Pharisees, they play a large part in the New Testament story. The name “Pharisee” has almost become synonymous with “hypocrite,” but we should first think of them as men who were zealous to keep the law. Each had to swear an oath to keep every last detail of the law. No one has ever been more “religious” than the Pharisees, but at the same time no one ever has been further from the kingdom of God. They knew the law and kept the letter of the law, but ignored entirely the spirit of the law. They were righteous men, but their righteousness was entirely self-righteousness.

Jesus said, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. … Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:17-19). In obeying God, however, men could not follow the example of the Pharisees. They were so busy being “religious” that they had no time for really obeying God. Jesus condemned them, saying, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone” (Matthew 23:23). So concerned for the smaller matters of the law, even tithing small spices, they disregarded what was really important. The Lord expected them to do both the minor matters of the law, and the weightier matters.

It is always easier to be “religious” than to be righteous. The response of the Pharisees to the will of God was a response of duty only. Our response to God must be one of love. Jesus said that love for Him meant even loving our enemies, as we seek to be perfect, even as our Heavenly Father is perfect (Matthew 5:43-48). The story of the “Good Samaritan” illustrates that we must love others, as Christ has loved us. A righteousness that exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees is derived from a life of service and obedience to God. Our reliance must be on Him, and His righteousness, and not our own self-righteousness.

BIBLE, JESUS CHRIST

WHAT WAS THE ATTITUDE OF CHRIST TOWARD THE SCRIPTURES? — BOB PRICHARD

The attitude of Christ toward the scriptures was one of complete trust, knowing that He relied on His heavenly father completely. He said, “My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me” (John 7:16). He astonished the people because He spoke with authority, by appealing to the scriptures (Matthew 7:28-29). He warned that it was by his words that all will be judged:  “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48).

Christ’s teaching was filled with quotations of and allusions to scripture. He spoke of the creation, the institution of marriage, Noah, Sodom, Abraham, Elijah, Zechariah, and a host of other Bible characters and events. He spoke of these people and events as being historical. Modern “scholars” frequently deny that Moses wrote the first five books of the Bible, but Jesus upholds Mosaic authorship (John 7:19).  When Satan came to test Him at the beginning of His ministry, He answered each challenge by quoting scripture: “It is written … it is written … it is said” (Luke 4:4, 8, 12). Even in death, He quoted scripture. When He cried out, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46), He was quoting from Psalm 22:1, and thus calling attention to the fact that He was fulfilling many prophecies in that very psalm. Even as He made His way to the cross, He submitted to the scripture, knowing that all must be fulfilled. “For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end” (Luke 22:37).

The very basis of Christ’s teaching was the written word. “The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matthew 19:3-6). Not only did Jesus appeal to the scriptures for authority, but He counted them as the final authority in debate. When the Pharisees sought to entrap Him concerning marriage, Jesus asked, “Have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living” (Matthew 22:31-32). God spoke in words that could be read, and Jesus counted them as the final authority.

Jesus came to fulfill scripture, upholding its authority to the smallest detail. “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.  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” (Matthew 5:17-18). We can do no less than to uphold and defend the authority of the written Word.

CHRISTIAN LIVING

PERSONAL ARMOR — BOB PRICHARD

“Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him” (Proverbs 30:5).

The shield was a very important part of the personal armor of the ancient soldier. With this personal armor, the soldier was protected against the blows of the enemy’s sword or arrows of the enemy’s archer. The effectiveness of the shield depended on the quality of the shield and the skills of the soldier.

The quality of the shield Solomon extols is unmatched. “Every word of God is pure.” But the effectiveness of this personal armor will depend on the skill of the soldier of God. The best way to hone those skills is through practice, practice, practice. The shield of faith quenches all the fiery darts of the wicked (Ephesians 6:16). Faith, trust in God, comes from practicing the ways of God, learned from the pure word of God. This personal armor is worn by following God.

BIBLE, BIBLE QUESTIONS

WHAT DOES “NO SCRIPTURE IS OF PRIVATE INTERPRETATION” MEAN? — BOB PRICHARD

Peter concludes the first chapter of his second epistle with these words. “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 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 us they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:19-21). These verses of scripture are especially important because of what they tell us about the inspiration of scripture, reminding us that we have a “sure word of prophecy,” that is, trustworthy scriptures.

Unfortunately, the words, “no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation,” have been misused by some religious organizations to keep people from studying the scriptures for themselves. Some prefer to keep the people in ignorance, teaching that the individual Christian cannot study or understand the scriptures themselves, but must rely on “the church” or church leaders to interpret the scriptures for them. Thus individuals may think there is no reason to study and reason for themselves. This is contrary to all the rest of the scripture, however. Saving faith comes from understanding and obeying the scriptures. All will be judged by the scriptures. 

Some suggest that what Peter was teaching in these verses is that since the words of scripture have a definite meaning, then those who interpret scripture are not free to read whatever meaning they want to into the scriptures, but must consider the context of scripture. Surely it is true that no one should be free to read into the scriptures any of their own personal opinions, and context must always be considered, but this is not Peter’s concern in this passage.

There is a better, more reasonable way to understand the words. Consider the rendering of 2 Peter 1:20-21 in the New American Standard Version: “But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” The prophecy of scripture did not come “by the will of man.” “No prophecy was ever made by an act of human will.” The prophets were inspired to write by God, and did not just speak what they wanted to speak, but they spoke what was revealed to them by God. That is the reason for the amazing accuracy of the teaching of scripture, and the agreement among the different writers. If each had been free to just write what he wanted to write, then there would be multiplied contradictions among all of the different portions of scripture. 

The “holy men” were “moved by the Holy Ghost,” literally “borne along” just as a strong wind propels a ship through the sea. Jesus told his disciples, “when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, thst shall he speak: und he will show you things to come” (John 16:13) As the New Testament writers revealed the full truth of God’s revelation, the Holy Spirit guided them. Their message is one for all men study, obey, and live by.

BIBLE, BIBLE QUESTIONS

ARE THERE “LOST BOOKS” OF THE BIBLE? — BOB PRICHARD

We have long understood that the thirty-nine books of the Old Testament and the twenty-seven books of the New Testament make up God’s complete revelation to man. The Bible does mention other ancient books, however. Joshua 10:13 says, “The sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher?” Among the other books mentioned are the acts of Solomon (1 Kings 14:11), the books of Nathan the prophet and Gad the seer (1 Chronicles 29:29), and the books of Shemaiah the prophet and Iddo the seer (2 Chronicles 12:15). Even more interesting, in 1 Corinthians 5:9, Paul mentions a previous epistle: “I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators.” Was the epistle telling them not to company with fornicators the original 1 Corinthians? Paul also wrote to the Christians of Colossae, “And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea” (Colossians 4.16). What is the “epistle from Laodicea”? 

The sixty-six books that make up the canon [meaning those measured] of scripture, are those books that have met the test of time, and have apostolic authority. For example, Peter warned that some of Paul’s writings are hard to understand, and thus sometimes twisted, as “also the other scriptures” (2 Peter 3:16). Thus He considered Paul’s writings to be scripture [inspired writings]. The books accepted in the canon claim inspiration for themselves, and the early Christians verified that inspiration by examining their content. These books also received virtual universal acceptance in the early church. 

We rely on the wisdom of the Jews of the first century to help in deciding which books belonged in the Old Testament canon, and the judgments of numerous early Christians help us in seeing what was accepted and rejected among the writings of the New Testament era. Among the books circulated by the early Christians, but rejected from the canon were the fourteen books of the Apocrypha. Philo of Alexandria ordered these books to be translated with the Septuagint, the Greek language translation of the Old Testament in use in the first century, but the Jews never considered them to be scripture. Many other ancient books were also considered  but rejected from the canon. Some, such as “Wisdom of Solomon,” and “Shepherd of Hermas” can be read today, but they are not inspired. In modern times, books such as the book of Mormon and other writings of Joseph Smith have been rejected because they conflict with known scripture and do not have the earmarks of inspired scripture.

Many of the books mentioned above, such as the book of Jasher, are lost. But simply being mentioned in scripture does not mean that they were inspired. Paul’s early epistle to the Corinthians apparently contained nothing that God has not repeated elsewhere in scripture. There are virtually no Bible doctrines that rely on just one mention in scripture. The “epistle from the Laodiceans” was probably just a letter from the church of Laodicea, and not scripture at all. Peter tells us that God has “given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). Thus we have all the scripture God intended us to have in the sixty-six books of today’s Bible. It would no doubt be interesting to read some of the “lost books,” but they would not add to God’s revelation to us. We need no other new revelations or other ancient books to give us what we need to please God.

BIBLE

WRITING IN BOOKS — BOB PRICHARD

Bev Ellis, an Australian book store owner was understandably upset when a customer told her a strange man had been defacing many of the store’s Stephen King books by writing in them. She was surprised to catch up with the man in a nearby Woolworth’s and find out that it was Stephen King himself, who had autographed the books (World, September 18, 2007).

Having bought many used books over the years, I am always irritated to find that a previous owner has underlined or highlighted the book, but I am glad to find a book that has been autographed by the author. I realize that defacing the book by underlining lowers the value, but the autograph of the author increases the value.

It would be marvelous if “Original autographs” [the original manuscripts] of some of our Bible books could be found among the thousands of extant manuscripts, but apparently none have ever surfaced. Verification of an original autograph would be a sensation in the archaeological world, no doubt.

Paul apparently used a scribe to write down most of his epistles, although he indicates several times that he personally wrote down a part. “Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand” (Galatians 6:21). “The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write” (2 Thessalonians 3:17).

Moses told Israel, “the LORD delivered unto me two tables of stone written with the finger of God; and on them was written according to all the words, which the LORD spake with you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly” (Deuteronomy 9:10).

Every page of the Bible demonstrates the autograph of God. It is more than coincidence that the longest chapter in the Bible, Psalm 119, is devoted to praise for the written word of God. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).

BIBLE QUESTIONS, NEW TESTAMENT, TIMOTHY, SECOND

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO “STUDY TO SHOW THYSELF APPROVED UNTO GOD”? – BOB PRICHARD

The apostle Paul wrote to the evangelist Timothy, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). This verse well-illustrates the need for understanding that word meanings may change, and we must be ever on guard against misapplying or twisting scripture, even when we try to teach the truth. The rendering, “study to show thyself approved unto God” is found only in the King James Version, translated in the year 1611. In 1611 the word “study” meant “strive”, or “be diligent”. Thus the New American Standard Bible renders the verse, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth”. The New International Version renders the verse, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth”.

Bible study is very important, but 2 Timothy 2:15 is not just a command to study the Bible. Being an approved workman involves much more. Paul wanted Timothy to understand that to be a workman that God could approve, he would have to be diligent in his service to God. God is not the kind of Master that accepts shoddy work! By earnestly applying himself in service, Timothy would not need to be ashamed as he stood before God in the day of judgment. To be that diligent, approved workman, he would have to correctly handle the word of truth, what the King James Version renders, “rightly dividing the word of truth”. Of necessity, correctly handling the Bible, the word of truth will involve much study, contemplation, and prayer. It will involve bringing an open mind, an open heart, and a faithful life to the word of truth. Implied in the correct handling is the proper understanding of the divisions between the Old and the New Covenants, understanding that the New Testament is the rule of faith and practice for Christians today.

The goal of being an approved workman should be the goal of all of God’s children. In the verses immediately before 2 Timothy 2:15, Paul stressed the importance of living faithfully before God, even to the point of suffering. If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us (2 Timothy 2:12). He then told Timothy, “Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers” (2 Timothy 2:14).

The evangelist Timothy was to remind his hearers of the sacrifice of Christ, the need for serving Him, and the need to work diligently to be approved workmen before God. The diligent application of all our energy to the service of God will allow us to join Timothy standing before God without shame. Nothing will help us more to please God than to handle carefully and correctly God’s written word. We should look to the written word of God with the same reverence as the psalmist who wrote, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).

BIBLE QUESTIONS

ARE MEN TODAY RECEIVING INSTRUCTIONS FROM GOD APART FROM THE BIBLE? — BOB PRICHARD

Many today claim that God has spoken directly to them, or that He speaks to them just as He did to the prophets in days of old. God has not promised to speak to man today, however, except through the Bible, His written word. The Bible places constraints on what the followers of Christ can and should do, so some throw off those constraints by claiming special revelations from God. The Bible, however, was written to provide us God’s guidance without need of further special revelation. As Paul told Timothy, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The scriptures are complete, giving us all we need for serving God and man, that the man of God may be perfect, or complete.

If God is going to speak to individuals today directly and personally, apart from His written word, then is there really any need for the Bible? Our knowledge of God, His nature, His plan for redeeming man, and His purpose for mankind are all revealed in scripture. Must we have further revelation from God to know how to please Him? Peter reminds us that God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34), but if some dedicated Christians today receive special revelations, and some other dedicated Christians do not receive special revelations, does not that make God a respecter of persons?

When we examine the teachings of those claiming to have special revelations from God, it becomes apparent that much of what they teach conflicts not only with the Bible, but also with what other equally sincere people claim God has revealed to them. Paul highlighted the seriousness of teaching that which conflicts with the scripture, by saying, “though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8). Paul said that if someone, even an angel, preaches a different message than that revealed in scripture, we must reject it.

Paul reminds us, “God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints” (1 Corinthians 14:33). The modern revelations that men claim today are a tremendous source of confusion in our religious world. One person says God told him one thing, while another claims God told him something the exact opposite of what the first person claims. God’s revelation is not contradictory.

Paul said that miraculous revelations of the Holy Spirit would cease. He said that the gift of “prophecy would fail, the gift of tongues would cease, and the gift of knowledge would vanish away, but when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away” (1 Corinthians 13:8-10). That which is perfect is the perfect law of liberty (James 1:25), the completed revelation of God’s will in the Bible. It is sufficient to thoroughly furnish us unto good works (2 Timothy 3:17).