"HOW
TO UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE: Part 1" - THERE MUST BE A BEGINNING
as published in Toms River Church of Christ bulletin
As in any study,
there must be a beginning. In mathematics we begin with a simple set
of axioms. An axiom is a commonly accepted truth. In our study of
understanding the Bible, we begin by outlining some principles. Little
time is spent to prove these simple facts. However they must be firmly
fixed in our minds before we can begin to understand the Bible. 1. God Has Spoken. The entire Bible is based on this truth.
Common sense tells us that the God who made us would also talk to us
and we would want to know what He has said. Hebrews 1:1-2. 2. The Bible Is a Revelation of His Will. This is
God's effort to reach down to man, not man's effort to reach up to
God. 2 Peter 1:21; 1 Corinthians 14:37. 3. The Bible Has Been Accurately Translated. The
Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek languages must be translated into the
language we know and speak. We can be assured that the Bible we read
today is faithful to that which the Lord had recorded through inspired
men. 4. The Bible Is Infallible. The Scriptures as they were
originally written by inspired men were free of error. Archaeology has
provided evidence supporting and illuminating the text of the Bible.
Psalm 19:7. 5. The Bible Is Complete and Final. Study the entire Bible
content. Notice the grand theme of the divine-human relationship.
Completeness in every divine plan: God's complete record for your
life, Jude 3. 6. The Bible Is Intelligible. The Bible is first, last, and
always a message. That which is necessary for man's well being is open
and plain to man. 7. The Bible Rightly Understood Is Authoritative. The truth
is always there for those who seek it. Any form of prejudice impairs
our understanding and weakens the authoritative voice of God. 2 Peter
3:16; Matthew 13:14-15. 8. The Authority of the Bible demands submission. There's no
other conclusion! As we hold the Bible in our hands, we stand before
God. Faith and obedience accompany the process of learning. Romans
2:6-9; Matthew 5:8. To be continued next week