the bible: i. uniqueness of its composition ii. uniqueness of its collection iii. uniqueness of its...

The Bible:The Bible:I. Uniqueness of Its CompositionI. Uniqueness of Its Composition

II. Uniqueness of Its CollectionII. Uniqueness of Its Collection

III. Uniqueness of Its ContentsIII. Uniqueness of Its Contents

Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2009Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2009

The Chain fromfrom God to Us

InspirationInspiration

CanonizationCanonization

Transmission Transmission

The Bible:The Bible:I. Uniqueness of Its CompositionI. Uniqueness of Its Composition

The Bible:The Bible: The Bible is a co-authored book.The Bible is a co-authored book.

a. God is the a. God is the primaryprimary author; author;

b. Men of God were the b. Men of God were the secondarysecondary authors. authors.

c. The result is that one and the c. The result is that one and the same set of words are both same set of words are both God’s God’s and man’s. and man’s.

So, whatever God said in Scripture, they said. So, whatever God said in Scripture, they said. And whatever they said, God said.And whatever they said, God said.

OutlineOutlineA. The Source of Inspiration

B. The Means of Inspiration

C. The Nature of Inspiration

D. The Result of Inspiration

OutlineA. The Source of InspirationA. The Source of Inspiration 1. 1. Who?Who? GodGod 2. 2. How?How? By RevelationBy Revelation 3. 3. When?When? 1500 B.C to A.D 1500 B.C to A.D

100 100

A. The Source of InspirationA. The Source of Inspiration 1. 1. Who?Who? God God 2 Sam. 23:2.—2 Sam. 23:2.—““The Spirit of the Lord spokeThe Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, and by me, and

His word was on my tongue.”His word was on my tongue.” Zech. 7:12.--Zech. 7:12.--“They made their hearts like flint, refusing “They made their hearts like flint, refusing

to hear the law and the words which to hear the law and the words which the Lord of hosts the Lord of hosts had sent by His Spirithad sent by His Spirit through the former prophets.” through the former prophets.”

2 Tim. 3:16.—2 Tim. 3:16.—“All Scripture is “All Scripture is given by inspiration of given by inspiration of God….”God….”

2 Peter 1:21.—2 Peter 1:21.—“For prophecy never came by the will of “For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as man, but holy men of God spoke as they were they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” moved by the Holy Spirit.”

A. The Source of InspirationA. The Source of Inspiration 1. 1. Who?Who? God God 2. 2. How?How? By Revelation By Revelation Heb. 1:1.--Heb. 1:1.--““GodGod who at various who at various times times

and in different ways and in different ways spokespoke in time in time past to the fathers by the prophets.”past to the fathers by the prophets.”

a. God spoke a. God spoke toto the prophets. the prophets. b. God spoke b. God spoke throughthrough the the

prophets. prophets.

How God Spoke How God Spoke toto the Prophets the Prophets1. By angels (Gen. 18, 19)1. By angels (Gen. 18, 19)2. By dreams (Dan. 7:1; cf. Num. 12:6)2. By dreams (Dan. 7:1; cf. Num. 12:6)3. By visions (Isa.1:1; Ezek. 1:1; 8:3; 11:24; 43:3; cf. 3. By visions (Isa.1:1; Ezek. 1:1; 8:3; 11:24; 43:3; cf.

Hosea 12:10)Hosea 12:10)4. By miracles (Ex. 3:2; Jud. 6:37;Jonah 1:1; 4:6) 4. By miracles (Ex. 3:2; Jud. 6:37;Jonah 1:1; 4:6) 5. By nature (Psa. 19:1)5. By nature (Psa. 19:1)6. By an audible voice (1 Sam. 3:4)6. By an audible voice (1 Sam. 3:4)7. By an inner voice (Hosea 1:1; Joel 1:1 etc.)7. By an inner voice (Hosea 1:1; Joel 1:1 etc.)8. By the Urim and Thummim (Ex. 28:30; Num. 27:21)8. By the Urim and Thummim (Ex. 28:30; Num. 27:21)9. By casting lots (Prov. 16:33)9. By casting lots (Prov. 16:33)10. By other prophetic writings (Dan. 9:1-2)10. By other prophetic writings (Dan. 9:1-2)

A. The Source of InspirationA. The Source of Inspiration 11. . Who?Who? God God 2. 2. How?How? By Revelation By Revelation 3. 3. When?When? 1500 B.C. to A.D. 1500 B.C. to A.D.

100 100

1500 b.c. 1000 b.c.400 b.c.

605-586

A. The Source of InspirationA. The Source of InspirationB. The Means of InspirationB. The Means of Inspiration 11. Men of God. Men of God Heb. 1:1.--Heb. 1:1.--“God who at various times and in different “God who at various times and in different

ways spoke in time past to the fathers ways spoke in time past to the fathers by theby the prophetsprophets.”.” Zech. 7:12.--Zech. 7:12.--“They made their hearts like flint, “They made their hearts like flint, refusing to hear the law and the words which the Lord refusing to hear the law and the words which the Lord of hosts had sent by His Spirit of hosts had sent by His Spirit throughthrough the former the former prophets.”prophets.”

2 Peter 1:21.—2 Peter 1:21.—“For prophecy never came by the will of “For prophecy never came by the will of man, but man, but holy men of Godholy men of God spoke as they were moved spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” by the Holy Spirit.”

The Bible is 100% HumanThe Bible is 100% Human1. It was written by 1. It was written by human beingshuman beings (about 40 of them). (about 40 of them).2. It was written in 2. It was written in human languageshuman languages (Hebrew & Greek). (Hebrew & Greek).3. It has 3. It has human literary styleshuman literary styles (poetry, prose & history) (poetry, prose & history)4. It has 4. It has Human literary formsHuman literary forms (parables, metaphors, (parables, metaphors, similes, symbols & similes, symbols &

hyperboles).hyperboles).5. It reflects different 5. It reflects different human thought patternshuman thought patterns (logical, practical, a (logical, practical, a

memory lapse). memory lapse). 6. It reveals 6. It reveals human emotionshuman emotions (weeping, rejoicing, and anger). (weeping, rejoicing, and anger).7. It has specific 7. It has specific human interestshuman interests (medical, herdsman, shepherd, and (medical, herdsman, shepherd, and

nature).nature).8. It expresses 8. It expresses human culturehuman culture (kissing, foot washing, (kissing, foot washing, veils, and veils, and

reclining at meals).reclining at meals).9. It utilizes other written 9. It utilizes other written human sourceshuman sources ( (JasherJasher-- -- Josh. 10, Josh. 10, Wars of the Wars of the

Lord—Lord—Num. 21:14, pagan Num. 21:14, pagan poets (Acts 17:28, 1 Cor. 15:33; Titus poets (Acts 17:28, 1 Cor. 15:33; Titus 1:12). 1:12).

10. It reflects 10. It reflects human limitations human limitations (matter, space, & time).(matter, space, & time).

A. The Source of InspirationA. The Source of Inspiration

B. The Means of InspirationB. The Means of Inspiration

C. The Nature of InspirationC. The Nature of Inspiration

1. A Prophetic Writing1. A Prophetic Writing

2. The Written Word of God2. The Written Word of God

3. What the Bible Says, God 3. What the Bible Says, God Says Says

1. A Prophetic Writing1. A Prophetic Writing 11. . Names given to a prophet.Names given to a prophet. He is called:He is called:a. A a. A man of Godman of God (1 Kgs. 12:22), i.e., chosen by God (1 Kgs. 12:22), i.e., chosen by Godb. A b. A servant of the Lordservant of the Lord (1 Kgs. 14:18), indicating that he was to (1 Kgs. 14:18), indicating that he was to

be faithful to Godbe faithful to Godc. A c. A messenger of the Lordmessenger of the Lord (Isa. 42:19), showing that he was (Isa. 42:19), showing that he was

sent by Godsent by Godd. d. A seerA seer ( (RoehRoeh), or beholder (), or beholder (HozehHozeh) (Isa. 30:9-10), revealing he ) (Isa. 30:9-10), revealing he

had insight from Godhad insight from Gode. A e. A man of the Spiritman of the Spirit (Hos. 9:7; cf. Mic. 3:8), telling that he spoke (Hos. 9:7; cf. Mic. 3:8), telling that he spoke

by the Spirit of Godby the Spirit of Godf. f. A watchmanA watchman (Eze. 3:7), shows alertness for God (Eze. 3:7), shows alertness for Godg. g. A prophetA prophet (most common name), marking him as a (most common name), marking him as a

spokesman for Godspokesman for God Summary:Summary: A man of God who got the Word of God and gave it A man of God who got the Word of God and gave it

faithfully to the people of God.faithfully to the people of God.

1. Names of a Prophet. 1. Names of a Prophet. 2. Nature of a Prophet (2. Nature of a Prophet (nabhinabhi)) Amos 3:8.--Amos 3:8.-- “The Lord God has spoken! Who can but “The Lord God has spoken! Who can but prophesy?” prophesy?” Num. 22:18.--Num. 22:18.--“I could not do anything, either small or great, “I could not do anything, either small or great, contrary to contrary to

the command of the Lord my God.” the command of the Lord my God.” Ex. 7:1.--Ex. 7:1.--“See, I make you as God to Pharaoh, and your “See, I make you as God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron shall brother Aaron shall

be your prophet.”be your prophet.” Deut. 18:18.--Deut. 18:18.--“I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall “I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to speak to

them all that I command him.” them all that I command him.” Deut. 4:2.--Deut. 4:2.--“You shall not add to the word which I am “You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, commanding you,

nor take away from it.” nor take away from it.” 1 Kings 22:14.--1 Kings 22:14.--“As the Lord lives, what the Lord says to “As the Lord lives, what the Lord says to me, that I will me, that I will

speak.”speak.” Ex. 4:16.--Ex. 4:16.--“He shall be as a mouth for you, and you shall be “He shall be as a mouth for you, and you shall be as God to as God to

him.”him.” Obeying their word was obeying God (Isa. 8:5; Jer. 3:6; Obeying their word was obeying God (Isa. 8:5; Jer. 3:6; Eze. 21:1; Amos Eze. 21:1; Amos

3:1).3:1).

1. Names of a Prophet. 1. Names of a Prophet. 2. Nature of a Prophet (2. Nature of a Prophet (nabhi)nabhi) 3. Two kinds of Prophets3. Two kinds of Prophets a. Prophets by a. Prophets by officeoffice (Moses, Isa.-Malachi) (Moses, Isa.-Malachi) b. Prophets by b. Prophets by giftgift : : David (2 Sam. 23:2)—Many PsalmsDavid (2 Sam. 23:2)—Many Psalms Solomon (1Kgs.11:9)-Prov., Eccl., Song.Solomon (1Kgs.11:9)-Prov., Eccl., Song. Daniel (Mt. 24:15)—Book of DanielDaniel (Mt. 24:15)—Book of Daniel Ezra-Neh.—Listed with the Prophets Ezra-Neh.—Listed with the Prophets

How God Spoke How God Spoke toto the Prophets the Prophets How God Spoke How God Spoke throughthrough the Prophets the Prophets

Moses:—Moses:—“Moses “Moses wrote wrote down all thedown all the words words of the Lord of the Lord.” (Ex. .” (Ex. 24:4). 24:4). I will put My words in his mouthI will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to , and he shall speak to them all that I command him” (Deut. 18:18).them all that I command him” (Deut. 18:18).

Isaiah:—Isaiah:—““Take for yourself a large tablet and writeTake for yourself a large tablet and write” (Isa. 8:1).” (Isa. 8:1). David:David: “The Spirit of the Lord speaks by me; “The Spirit of the Lord speaks by me; his word is on my his word is on my

tongue”tongue” (2 Sam. 23:2). (2 Sam. 23:2). Micaiah:Micaiah: “As the Lord lives, “As the Lord lives, what the Lord says to what the Lord says to me, that I me, that I

will speak”will speak” (1Kings 22:14). (1Kings 22:14).Zechariah:Zechariah: He spoke of “the law and the words which the Lord of He spoke of “the law and the words which the Lord of

hosts had sent hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophetsby His Spirit through the former prophets”” (Zech. 7:12).(Zech. 7:12).

Peter:Peter: “For prophecy never came by the will of man, but “For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men holy men of Godof God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter (2 Peter 1:21).1:21).

Paul:Paul: “…you accepted it “…you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of Godreally is, the word of God” (1 Thes. 2:13).” (1 Thes. 2:13).

The Process of The Process of InspirationInspiration The Fact:The Fact: The Bible is co-authored: The Bible is co-authored: God is the primary authorGod is the primary author Men of God are the secondary authorsMen of God are the secondary authors..

The Means:The Means: What it is What it is notnot—It is not verbal dictation (Different styles, vocabularies, —It is not verbal dictation (Different styles, vocabularies, and interests are reflected).and interests are reflected).

What it What it isis—Providential guidance “For prophecy never came by the —Providential guidance “For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved [driven, will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved [driven, carried along] by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21).carried along] by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21).

The Prophetic Model:The Prophetic Model: 1. Not merely a 1. Not merely a prompterprompter (of ideas); (of ideas);

2. Not a 2. Not a secretarysecretary (receiving dictation of words); (receiving dictation of words); 3. But like a 3. But like a teacherteacher (implanting the exact meaning) (implanting the exact meaning) and a and a co-authorco-author

of a book (concurring in the of a book (concurring in the written expression of it).written expression of it).

2. The 2. The WrittenWritten Word of God Word of GodEx. 24:4.—Ex. 24:4.—“Moses “Moses wrote wrote down down all theall the words words of the Lord.” of the Lord.”

Jer. 26:2.–Jer. 26:2.– Do “not Do “not omitomit a word.” a word.”

2 Tim. 3:16.—2 Tim. 3:16.—““All All ScriptureScripture [writing [writing] is given by inspiration of ] is given by inspiration of God….”God….”

John 5:39.—John 5:39.—“You search the “You search the ScripturesScriptures…and they speak of Me.”…and they speak of Me.”

John 10:35.—John 10:35.—“The “The ScriptureScripture cannot be broken.” cannot be broken.”

1 Cor. 2:13.—1 Cor. 2:13.—““wordswords…taught by the Holy Spirit.”…taught by the Holy Spirit.”

Matt. 4:4, 7, 10.—Matt. 4:4, 7, 10.—“It is “It is writtenwritten…” (92x).…” (92x).

Lk. 24:27.—Lk. 24:27.—“He expounded unto them in all the “He expounded unto them in all the ScripturesScriptures the the things concerning Himself.” things concerning Himself.”

Rev. 22:18.—Do not add to “the Rev. 22:18.—Do not add to “the wordswords of the book of the book of this of this prophecy.” prophecy.”






3. What the Bible Says, God Says 3. What the Bible Says, God Says

What Scripture Says, God SaysWhat Scripture Says, God Says GOD SAYS... SCRIPTUREGOD SAYS... SCRIPTURE SAYS… SAYS… Gen. 12:3 Gal 3:8 Gen. 12:3 Gal 3:8 Ex. 9:16 Rom. 9:17 Ex. 9:16 Rom. 9:17

What Scripture Says, God SaysWhat Scripture Says, God Says GOD SAYS... SCRIPTUREGOD SAYS... SCRIPTURE SAYS… SAYS… Gen. 12:3 Gal. 3:8 Gen. 12:3 Gal. 3:8 Ex. 9:16 Rom. 9:17 Ex. 9:16 Rom. 9:17 SCRIPTURE SAYS… GOD SAYS…SCRIPTURE SAYS… GOD SAYS… Gen. 2:24 Matt. 19:4-5 Gen. 2:24 Matt. 19:4-5 Psa. 2:1 Acts 4:24-25 Psa. 2:1 Acts 4:24-25 Psa. 2:7 Heb. 1:5 Psa. 2:7 Heb. 1:5 Psa. 16:10 Acts 13:35 Psa. 16:10 Acts 13:35 Psa. 95:7 Heb. 3:7 Psa. 95:7 Heb. 3:7 Psa. 97:7 Heb. 1:6 Psa. 97:7 Heb. 1:6 Psa. 104:4 Psa. 104:4 Heb. 1:7 Heb. 1:7 Isa. 55:3 Acts 13:34Isa. 55:3 Acts 13:34 There is an interchangeability between the twoThere is an interchangeability between the two..

What Scripture Says, God SaysWhat Scripture Says, God Says

GOD SAYS... SCRIPTUREGOD SAYS... SCRIPTURE SAYS… SAYS…

Gen. 12:3 Gal 3:8Gen. 12:3 Gal 3:8 ““Now Now the Lord “The Scripture…preachedthe Lord “The Scripture…preached

saidsaid to Abram” …to Abraham…saying” to Abram” …to Abraham…saying”

What Scripture Says, God SaysWhat Scripture Says, God Says

GOD SAYS... SCRIPTUREGOD SAYS... SCRIPTURE SAYS… SAYS… Gen. 12:3 Gal 3:8Gen. 12:3 Gal 3:8 ““Now the Lord “The Scripture…preachedNow the Lord “The Scripture…preachedsaid to Abram…” …to Abraham…saying”said to Abram…” …to Abraham…saying”

SCRIPTURE SAYS… GOD SAYS…SCRIPTURE SAYS… GOD SAYS… Gen. 2:24 Matt. 19:4-5Gen. 2:24 Matt. 19:4-5““[Author of Genesis] [Author of Genesis] “He [God]…said, ‘…a man“He [God]…said, ‘…a mansaidsaid,…‘a man shall shall leave his father and,…‘a man shall shall leave his father andleave his father and mother….’”leave his father and mother….’”mother….”’mother….”’




D. The Result of InspirationD. The Result of Inspiration

1.1. It is divinely authoritative It is divinely authoritative (Mt. 4:4, 7, 10).(Mt. 4:4, 7, 10).

2.2. It is imperishable It is imperishable (Mt. 5:17-18).(Mt. 5:17-18).

3.3. It is infallible It is infallible (Jn. 10:35).(Jn. 10:35).

4.4. It is historically reliable It is historically reliable (Mt. 12:40; (Mt. 12:40;

Mt. 24:37).Mt. 24:37).

5. It is scientifically accurate 5. It is scientifically accurate (Mt. 19:4-5).(Mt. 19:4-5).

6. It has ultimate supremacy 6. It has ultimate supremacy (Mt. 15:3, 6).(Mt. 15:3, 6).

7. It is inerrant (without error) 7. It is inerrant (without error) (Mt. 22:29).(Mt. 22:29).

D. The Result of InspirationD. The Result of Inspiration

1. It is Divinely Authoritative1. It is Divinely AuthoritativeJesus saidJesus said: :

““It is written:It is written: ‘Man does not live on ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’... comes from the mouth of God.’... It is It is also written:also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.…’ Away from me, God to the test.…’ Away from me, Satan! For Satan! For it is written:it is written: ‘Worship the ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only’” Lord your God, and serve him only’” (Mt. 4:4, 7, 10).(Mt. 4:4, 7, 10).

2. It is imperishable2. It is imperishableMatthew 5:17-18:Matthew 5:17-18:“Do not “Do not think that I have come to think that I have come to abolish the Law or the abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” everything is accomplished.”

3. It is3. It is infallibleinfallible““If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came—and the the word of God came—and the Scripture cannot be broken….” Scripture cannot be broken….” (John 10:35)(John 10:35)

4. It is historically reliable4. It is historically reliableMatthew 12:40:Matthew 12:40: “For as Jonah was “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”the heart of the earth.”

Matthew 24:37-38:Matthew 24:37-38: “As it was in the “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark.”entered the ark.”

1. Creation of the universe (Gen. 1)1. Creation of the universe (Gen. 1) John 1:3; Col. 1:16John 1:3; Col. 1:162. Creation of Adam and Eve (Gen. 1-2)2. Creation of Adam and Eve (Gen. 1-2) 1 Tim. 2:13-141 Tim. 2:13-143. Marriage of Adam and Eve (Gen. 1-2)3. Marriage of Adam and Eve (Gen. 1-2) 1 Tim. 2:131 Tim. 2:134. Temptation of the woman (Gen. 3)4. Temptation of the woman (Gen. 3) 1 Tim. 2:141 Tim. 2:145. Disobedience and sin of Adam (Gen. 3)5. Disobedience and sin of Adam (Gen. 3) Rom. 5:12; 1 Cor. 15:22Rom. 5:12; 1 Cor. 15:226. Sacrifices of Abel and Cain (Gen. 4)6. Sacrifices of Abel and Cain (Gen. 4) Heb. 11:4Heb. 11:47. Murder of Abel by Cain (Gen. 4)7. Murder of Abel by Cain (Gen. 4) 1 John 3:121 John 3:128. Birth of Seth (Gen. 4)8. Birth of Seth (Gen. 4) Luke 3:38Luke 3:389. Translation of Enoch (Gen. 5)9. Translation of Enoch (Gen. 5) Heb. 11:5Heb. 11:510. Marriage before the flood (Gen. 6)10. Marriage before the flood (Gen. 6) Luke 17:27Luke 17:2711. The flood and destruction of man (Gen. 7)11. The flood and destruction of man (Gen. 7) Matt. 24:39Matt. 24:3912. Preservation of Noah and his family (Gen. 8-9)12. Preservation of Noah and his family (Gen. 8-9) 2 Peter 2:52 Peter 2:513. Genealogy of Shem (Gen. 10)13. Genealogy of Shem (Gen. 10) Luke 3:35-36Luke 3:35-3614. Birth of Abraham (Gen. 11)14. Birth of Abraham (Gen. 11) Luke 3:34Luke 3:3415. Call of Abraham (Gen. 12-13)15. Call of Abraham (Gen. 12-13) Heb. 11:8Heb. 11:816. Tithes to Melchizedek (Gen. 14)16. Tithes to Melchizedek (Gen. 14) Heb. 7:1-3Heb. 7:1-3

What Jesus & Apostles Affirmed about the OTWhat Jesus & Apostles Affirmed about the OT

17. Justification of Abraham (Gen. 15)17. Justification of Abraham (Gen. 15) Rom. 4:3Rom. 4:318. Ishmael (Gen. 16)18. Ishmael (Gen. 16) Gal. 4:21-24Gal. 4:21-2419. Promise of Isaac (Gen. 17)19. Promise of Isaac (Gen. 17) Heb. 11:18Heb. 11:1820. Lot and Sodom (Gen. 18-19)20. Lot and Sodom (Gen. 18-19) Luke 17:29Luke 17:2921. Birth of Isaac (Gen. 21)21. Birth of Isaac (Gen. 21) Acts 7:9-10Acts 7:9-1022. Offering of Isaac (Gen. 22)22. Offering of Isaac (Gen. 22) Heb. 11:17Heb. 11:1723. The burning bush (Ex. 3:6)23. The burning bush (Ex. 3:6) Luke 20:32Luke 20:3224. Exodus through the Red Sea (Ex. 14:22)24. Exodus through the Red Sea (Ex. 14:22) 1 Cor. 10:1-21 Cor. 10:1-225. Provision of water and manna (Ex. 16:4; 17:6)25. Provision of water and manna (Ex. 16:4; 17:6) 1 Cor. 10:3-51 Cor. 10:3-526. Lifting up serpent in wilderness (Num. 21:9)26. Lifting up serpent in wilderness (Num. 21:9) John 3:14John 3:1427. Fall of Jericho (Joshua 6:22-25)27. Fall of Jericho (Joshua 6:22-25) Heb. 11:30Heb. 11:3028. Miracles of Elijah (1 Kings 17:1; 18:1)28. Miracles of Elijah (1 Kings 17:1; 18:1) Jas. 5:17Jas. 5:1729. Jonah in the great fish (Jonah 2)29. Jonah in the great fish (Jonah 2) Matt. 12:40Matt. 12:4030. Three Hebrew youths in furnace (Dan. 3)30. Three Hebrew youths in furnace (Dan. 3) Heb. 11:34Heb. 11:3431. Daniel in lion’s den (Dan. 6)31. Daniel in lion’s den (Dan. 6) Heb. 11:33Heb. 11:3332. Slaying of Zechariah (2 Chron. 24:20-22)32. Slaying of Zechariah (2 Chron. 24:20-22) Matt. 23:35Matt. 23:35

What Jesus & the Apostles Affirmed About the OTWhat Jesus & the Apostles Affirmed About the OT

5. It is scientifically accurate5. It is scientifically accurateMatthew 19:4-5:Matthew 19:4-5: “`Haven’t you read,’ he “`Haven’t you read,’ he replied, ‘that at the beginning replied, ‘that at the beginning the Creator the Creator ‘made them male and female,’‘made them male and female,’ and and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’”wife, and the two will become one flesh.’”

6. It has ultimate supremacy

Matthew 15:3, 6:Matthew 15:3, 6: “Jesus “Jesus replied, ‘And replied, ‘And why do you break why do you break the command of God for the the command of God for the sake of your tradition?sake of your tradition? .... .... Thus you nullify the word of Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your God for the sake of your tradition.’”tradition.’”

7. It is inerrant (without error)7. It is inerrant (without error)Jesus repliedJesus replied: “: “You are in errorYou are in error because you do not because you do not know the know the ScripturesScriptures or the power of God” or the power of God” ((Matt. Matt.

22:29).22:29). “ “Thy Word is truthThy Word is truth”” (Jn. 17:17).(Jn. 17:17).

Why The Bible Cannot ErrorWhy The Bible Cannot Error

1. The Bible is the Word of God.1. The Bible is the Word of God.

2. God Cannot Err.2. God Cannot Err.

3. Therefore, the Bible Cannot Err.3. Therefore, the Bible Cannot Err.

1. The Bible is the Word of God. "If he called them gods, unto whom "If he called them gods, unto whom the the

word of Godword of God came, and came, and the scripturethe scripture cannot be cannot be broken" (Jn. 10:34-35).broken" (Jn. 10:34-35).

“ “Laying aside the traditions of men…, Laying aside the traditions of men…, making making the word of Godthe word of God of no effect through of no effect through your traditions” (Mk. 7:8, 13). your traditions” (Mk. 7:8, 13).

“ “The Jews were entrusted with The Jews were entrusted with the oracles the oracles of God”of God” (Rom. 3:2). (Rom. 3:2).

“ “Not as though the Not as though the word of Godword of God hath taken hath taken none effect” (Rom. 9:6).none effect” (Rom. 9:6).

““It is writtenIt is written, Man shall not live by bread , Man shall not live by bread alone, but by alone, but by every word that comes from the every word that comes from the mouth of Godmouth of God” (Mt. 4:4).” (Mt. 4:4). "All scripture is given by "All scripture is given by inspiration of inspiration of GodGod…" (2 Tim. 3:16).…" (2 Tim. 3:16).


““Your WordYour Word is truth."is truth." (Jn. 17:17) (Jn. 17:17)

"The sum of your "The sum of your word is truthword is truth.” (Psa. .” (Psa.

119:160)119:160)

"Let "Let God be trueGod be true…." (Rom. 3:4)…." (Rom. 3:4)

"The "The God who cannot lie.God who cannot lie.” (Titus 1:2) ” (Titus 1:2)

"It is "It is impossible for God to lieimpossible for God to lie." (Heb. ." (Heb.

6:18)6:18)

Why The Bible Cannot ErrorWhy The Bible Cannot Error

1. The Bible is the Word of God.1. The Bible is the Word of God.


3. Therefore, the Bible Cannot Err.3. Therefore, the Bible Cannot Err.

A Bad Argument:A Bad Argument:A Bad Argument:A Bad Argument:1.1. The Bible is the words of human The Bible is the words of human

beings.beings.

2.2. Human beings err.Human beings err.

3.3. Therefore, the Bible errs.Therefore, the Bible errs.

1.1. The Bible is the words of human The Bible is the words of human beings.beings.

2.2. Human beings err.Human beings err.


The Bad Premise:The Bad Premise: The Bad Premise:The Bad Premise: 1.1. The Bible is the words of human The Bible is the words of human

beings.beings.

2.2. Human beings err. Human beings err.


1.1. The Bible is the words of human The Bible is the words of human beings.beings.

2.2. Human beings err. Human beings err.


The Error:The Error: The Error:The Error: • Human beings do not Human beings do not alwaysalways err. err.

And…And…• Human beings did not err when moved by Human beings did not err when moved by

God who cannot err (2 Peter 1:20-21).God who cannot err (2 Peter 1:20-21).• ““God can draw a straight line with a God can draw a straight line with a

crooked stick.”crooked stick.”

• Human beings do not Human beings do not alwaysalways err. err.

And…And…• Human beings did not err when moved by Human beings did not err when moved by

God who cannot err (2 Peter 1:20-21).God who cannot err (2 Peter 1:20-21).• ““God can draw a straight line with a God can draw a straight line with a

crooked stick.”crooked stick.”

Jesus said:Jesus said: "But the Comforter, "But the Comforter, which is which is the Holy Ghost . . . shall the Holy Ghost . . . shall teach you all things, and bring teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembranceall things to your remembrance, , whatsoever I have said unto whatsoever I have said unto you." (Jn. 14:26)you." (Jn. 14:26)

Jesus said:Jesus said: "But the Comforter, "But the Comforter, which is which is the Holy Ghost . . . shall the Holy Ghost . . . shall teach you all things, and bring teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembranceall things to your remembrance, , whatsoever I have said unto whatsoever I have said unto you." (Jn. 14:26)you." (Jn. 14:26)

Men Never Err when the Spirit of Men Never Err when the Spirit of Truth Speaks Through ThemTruth Speaks Through Them

Jesus said:Jesus said: "But the Comforter, "But the Comforter, which is which is the Holy Ghost . . . shall the Holy Ghost . . . shall teach you all things, and bring teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembranceall things to your remembrance, , whatsoever I have said unto whatsoever I have said unto you." (Jn. 14:26)you." (Jn. 14:26) Peter said:Peter said: "For the prophecy came "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but not in old time by the will of man: but holy holy men of God spoke as they were men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghostmoved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Peter .” (2 Peter 1:21)1:21)

Jesus said:Jesus said: "But the Comforter, "But the Comforter, which is which is the Holy Ghost . . . shall the Holy Ghost . . . shall teach you all things, and bring teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembranceall things to your remembrance, , whatsoever I have said unto whatsoever I have said unto you." (Jn. 14:26)you." (Jn. 14:26) Peter said:Peter said: "For the prophecy came "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but not in old time by the will of man: but holy holy men of God spoke as they were men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghostmoved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Peter .” (2 Peter 1:21)1:21)

Men Never Err when the Spirit of Men Never Err when the Spirit of Truth Speaks Through ThemTruth Speaks Through Them

A Good Analogy:A Good Analogy: A Good Analogy:A Good Analogy:

Divine NatureDivine Nature Divine Divine NatureNature Human NatureHuman Nature Human Human NatureNature One in Person One in One in Person One in Propositions Propositions Without SinWithout Sin Without Without ErrorError

The Living Word The Written The Living Word The Written WordWord

((Savior) Savior) (Scripture) (Scripture)

JesusJesus “was “was without sinwithout sin" (Heb. 4:15); " (Heb. 4:15); "had no sin" (2 Cor. 5:21); "had no sin" (2 Cor. 5:21); “ “was was without blemish or defectwithout blemish or defect" " (1 (1

Pet. 1:19); Pet. 1:19);

“ “was was purepure" and " and "righteous"righteous" " (1Jn. 2:1; (1Jn. 2:1; 3:3).3:3).

JesusJesus “was “was without sinwithout sin" (Heb. 4:15); " (Heb. 4:15); "had no sin" (2 Cor. 5:21); "had no sin" (2 Cor. 5:21); “ “was was without blemish or defectwithout blemish or defect" " (1 (1

Pet. 1:19); Pet. 1:19);

“ “was was purepure" and " and "righteous"righteous" " (1Jn. 2:1; (1Jn. 2:1; 3:3).3:3).

The BibleThe Bible "is "is God-breathedGod-breathed" (2 Tim. " (2 Tim. 3:16); 3:16);

"is "is out of the mouth of out of the mouth of GodGod“ (Mt. “ (Mt. 4:4);4:4);

""is perfectis perfect" (Psa. 19:7); " (Psa. 19:7);

""cannot be brokencannot be broken" (Jn. " (Jn. 10:35).10:35).

The BibleThe Bible "is "is God-breathedGod-breathed" (2 Tim. " (2 Tim. 3:16); 3:16);

"is "is out of the mouth of out of the mouth of GodGod“ (Mt. “ (Mt. 4:4);4:4);

""is perfectis perfect" (Psa. 19:7); " (Psa. 19:7);

""cannot be brokencannot be broken" (Jn. " (Jn. 10:35).10:35).

The Mistake of the CriticsThe Mistake of the CriticsAdaptation--Yes Adaptation--Yes Accommodation--NoAccommodation--NoAdapt to finite Adapt to finite Accommodate to humanAccommodate to human

understanding understanding error error

Use partial truths Use partial truths Employ actual errorsEmploy actual errors

Human language Human language Human languageHuman language

distorts truth distorts truth discloses truth discloses truth

Condescension of Condescension of Compromise ofCompromise of

God’s truth God’s truth God’s truth God’s truth

Metaphors are helpfulMetaphors are helpful Myths are necessaryMyths are necessary

St. Augustine's St. Augustine's Dictum:Dictum:

St. Augustine's St. Augustine's Dictum:Dictum:

““If we are perplexed by If we are perplexed by any apparent any apparent contradiction in contradiction in Scripture, it is not Scripture, it is not allowable to say, The allowable to say, The author of this book is author of this book is mistaken; but either [1] mistaken; but either [1] the manuscript is faulty, the manuscript is faulty, or [2] the translation is or [2] the translation is wrong, or [3] you have wrong, or [3] you have not understood.”not understood.” (Augustine(Augustine, Reply to , Reply to Faustus Faustus 11.5)11.5)

““If we are perplexed by If we are perplexed by any apparent any apparent contradiction in contradiction in Scripture, it is not Scripture, it is not allowable to say, The allowable to say, The author of this book is author of this book is mistaken; but either [1] mistaken; but either [1] the manuscript is faulty, the manuscript is faulty, or [2] the translation is or [2] the translation is wrong, or [3] you have wrong, or [3] you have not understood.”not understood.” (Augustine(Augustine, Reply to , Reply to Faustus Faustus 11.5)11.5)

Inspiration of the BibleInspiration of the BibleA. The Source—A. The Source—GodGod

B. The Means—B. The Means—Men of GodMen of God

C. The Nature—C. The Nature—Words from GodWords from God

D. The Result—D. The Result—Infallible truthInfallible truth

of Godof God

The Conclusion:The Conclusion:I.I. Uniqueness of Its Composition:Uniqueness of Its Composition:

The Bible is a The Bible is a co-authoredco-authored book. book.

a. God is the a. God is the primary primary author;author;

b. Men of God were the b. Men of God were the secondarysecondary authors. authors.

c. The result is that one and the c. The result is that one and the same set of words are both same set of words are both God’s and man’s. God’s and man’s.

So, whatever God said in Scripture, the human author said. And whatever the human author said in Scripture, God said.So, whatever God said in Scripture, the human author said. And whatever the human author said in Scripture, God said.

The ImplicationsThe Implications• ““What God has joined, let not man put What God has joined, let not man put

asunder.”asunder.”

• 1. Whatever the Bible says, God says.1. Whatever the Bible says, God says.

• 2. Knowing the Scripture is knowing 2. Knowing the Scripture is knowing the mind of God on the matter.the mind of God on the matter.

• 3. Once we know what the Bible says, 3. Once we know what the Bible says, we should never ask: we should never ask: “Hath God “Hath God

said?”said?”

The Bible

It is the traveler’s map,

The pilgrim’s staff,

The pilot’s compass,

The soldier’s sword,

And the Christian’s character.

Here Heaven is opened,

The gates of hell disclosed.

Christ is the object.

Our good it’s design,

The glory of God its end.

It should fill the memory,

Rule the heart

And guide the feet.

Read it carefully,

Frequently, prayerfully.

It is a mine of wealth, And a river of pleasure.It is given to you here in this life, Will be opened at the judgmentAnd is established forever. It involves the highest responsibility,Will reward the greatest labor, And condemns all who trifle with its Sacred Contents.

a

the bible: i. uniqueness of its composition ii. uniqueness of its collection iii. uniqueness of its...

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