Study 1 Objective: To Discuss the Relevance of the Bible to the Christian...
Scriptures represent for us a faithful witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Holy Scriptures are the inspired Word of God Therefore the biblical claim is that the Holy Scriptures are the inspired word of God, a true and accurate record of God’s revelation to humanity. They speak with divine authority. We can see that the Bible is divided into two parts: the Old Testament, showing what, as Hebrews says, God spoke by the prophets; and also the New Testament, revealing, again in reference to Hebrews 1:1-2, what God speaks to us by His Son (via the apostolic writings). Thus, through the words of Scripture, members of the household of God are “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20). Reflection: Is the Bible consistent in claiming that it is the inspired word of God? What implication does this have for the believer? What is the value of Scripture to the believer?
The Scriptures lead us to salvation through faith in Christ Both the Old and New Testaments describe the value of Scripture to the believer. “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” proclaims the psalmist (Psalms 119:105). But to what way does the Word show us? This is taken up by Paul when he writes to the evangelist, Timothy. Note exactly what he says in 2 Timothy 3:15 from three different New Testament renditions: “…the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (New King James) |
“…they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes from trusting in Christ Jesus” (New Living Translation)
“There’s nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (The Message) This key passage stresses that Scripture leads us to salvation through faith in Christ. Jesus Himself explained that the Scriptures testified of Him. He explained that “all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms” concerning Him (Luke 24:44). Those Scriptures pointed to Christ as the Messiah. In the same chapter Luke records that Jesus met two disciples as they walked to a village called Emmaeus, and that “beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:27). In another passage, when being persecuted by the Jews who thought that adherence to Scripture was the way to eternal life, Jesus corrected them by saying, “You search the Scriptures for in them you think you have eternal life; but these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life” (John 5:39-40). Thus the primary purpose of Scripture is to point us to Jesus Christ that we may be saved and have eternal life. Scripture also sanctifies and equips us Scriptures lead us to salvation in Christ, and by the work of the Holy Spirit through the Scriptures we are sanctified (John 17:17). Living our lives according to the truth of Scripture sets us apart. |