Panorama of the

New Testament(Part 2)

Conclusion

XXXII.Conclusion: Jesus Christ and the Holy ScripturesA. Introducing our study of Christ and His

relationship to the Scriptures.1. The person of Christ is directly related to the

inspiration, inerrancy, authority, and sufficiency of Scripture – if the Scriptures are not true then neither is Jesus Christ since it is from the Scripture that we get our teachings concerning Christ. John 1:14; 5:37-40, 44-47; Colossians 3:16

Conclusion

2. The Lord Jesus Christ considered Scripture to be more important for living life than physical food. The Scriptures are the very words of God. Matthew 4:4

3. If we don’t believe in the inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture we drift on a sea of uncertainty and doubt. Psalm 119:160, Romans 3:4, Hebrews 11:6

Conclusion

4. To be a Christian and reject the inerrancy and inspiration of Scripture is inconsistent. To doubt the trustworthiness of Scripture is to be in opposition to Jesus Christ. Christ believed 100% of the word of God. Matthew 5:17-18, Luke 16:16-17, 29-31, John 5:47

Terminology

B. By way of overview let’s define some terms related to Scripture.1. Inspiration means Scripture is completely

God authored.a. Inspiration is the term used to designate

the work of the Holy Spirit in enabling the human authors of the Bible to record all God desired to include in the Scriptures.2 Timothy 3:15-16

Terminology

b. God the Holy Spirit personally guided the human writers of Scripture so that His complete and coherent message to man was recorded with perfect accuracy while retaining each author’s personal traits, individuality and style. 2Peter 1:20-21

Terminology

2. Inerrancy of Scripture means Scripture is completely free from even the smallest error. Psalm 119:160a. Scripture is absolutely trustworthy and

has absolute authority over every area of life. 2 Timothy 2:15b, 2 Peter 1:3-4

Terminology

b. If the text of Scripture were not infallible (flawless), we could never be sure that the biblical record of the Savior is correct. The corresponding truths that Christ and the word of God are flawless go hand in hand and depend on each other. John 5:39

Terminology

3. Verbal plenary inspiration –God is the ultimate author of the Bible in its entirety. His work of inspiration extends to the whole Bible and to each part of the Bible.a. Verbal – In the original Hebrew and

Greek writings, the Holy Spirit guided each author in his choice of words while respecting his personal characteristics, style, and vocabulary and without intrusion of error.

Terminology

b. Plenary – The accuracy of verbal inspiration extended to every portion of the Bible so that all its parts are infallible as to truth and final as to divine authority.

Jesus’ Perspective of the Scriptures

C. Let’s survey Jesus’ perspective on the Scriptures.1. The apostle John showed that fellowship

with God involves not only abiding in Christ but also being filled with Christ’s words. John 8:31a. In the same way you communicate who

you are through your words Christ’s words are the expression of Himself. 2 John 8-9

Jesus’ Perspective of the Scriptures

b. You cannot have fellowship with Christ if He is not communicating with you through the word of God. Colossians 3:15-17, Psalm 119:105

c. Christ is the word of God because just as words on a page express concepts, Christ is the expression of the invisible Godhead. John 1:1-3, 18

Jesus’ Perspective of the Scriptures

2. Through the Scripture we know eternal life because through the pages of Scripture God revealed Christ and His redemptive work.

3. Let Scripture speak for itself, don’t read your beliefs or preconceived ideas into Scripture.a. Major Premise – Jesus Christ is the

ultimate or greatest revelation of God. John 1:14, 18

Jesus’ Perspective of the Scriptures

b. Minor Premise – God's word points to Jesus Christ throughout its pages and finds it’s fulfillment in Him. Revelation 22:12-13

c. Christ always validated the word of God and the word of God also validated Him. John 1:1-3, 5:39-40

Jesus’ Perspective of the Scriptures

4. Christ’s authority is tied to the authority and inerrancy of the word of God.a. Jesus treated the Scriptures as fully

authoritative and trustworthy. Matthew 5:17

b. Any rejection of Christ’s view of Scripture as authoritative is an attack on His deity. John 5:46-47, Luke 24:27

Jesus’ Perspective of the Scriptures

c. In order to have a correct view of Christ you must have a correct view of Scripture. Virtually all heresies begin with an error at this level.

Divine Source of the Scriptures

D. Let’s observe the divine source and validity of Scripture from Christ’s perspective.1. These Greek words or phrases describe

Scripture and were familiar terms to Jews.a. GRAPHE– The word scripture refers

especially a particular passage in the Old Testament. Matthew 22:29, 26:54, Luke 4:21, John 5:39

Divine Source of the Scriptures

b. TON LOGON TOU THEOU – The Greek phrase, the word of God, is a genitive of source construction. It uses the noun God to show where the primary noun word comes from. Scriptures are words that come from God – He is the source. Matthew 15:6, Luke 11:28, John 8:47, John 10:35

Divine Source of the Scriptures

c. NOMOS – “Law” often refers to the Law written by Moses or what we would refer to as the Pentateuch, the Torah or the first five books of the Old Testament. Matthew 5:17, 7:12, John 10:34, 15:25

d. The usage of these three words by Christ indicates His view of God’s special revelation which we call the Bible.

Divine Source of the Scriptures

1) John 7:38 – Scripture=When Christ used the term SCRIPTURE He clearly validated the whole Old Testament text.2 Peter 1:20, 2 Timothy 3:16

2) Matthew 15:6 –Word=When Christ used the term WORD He confirmed that the Old Testament had been articulated directly to us from God’s mouth(anthropomorphism). Acts 22:14, Matthew 4:4

Divine Source of the Scriptures

3) Luke 10:26 – Law =When Christ commandingly announced the Old Testament LAWS of Moses He clearly validated its divine authority and authorship.

Divine Source of the Scriptures

2. Christ unreservedly referred to miraculous historical events recorded in Scripture as absolute facts. His recognition of these events as recorded in the Old Testament indicates His acceptance of their divine authorship and historicity.a. Matthew 19:4-5– Jesus held the six days

creation account to be absolutely true. b. Matthew 24:37-39 – Jesus affirmed that

areal universal flood had occurred.

Divine Source of the Scriptures

c. John 6:49– Jesus acknowledged that manna (bread) was given by God from Heaven, in the wilderness to the nation of Israel during the years of desert wanderings.

d. Luke 4:27 – Jesus stressed to his hearers that Naaman the leper had been healed.

e. Matthew 12:39-40 – Jesus used the story of Jonah and the fish as literal history in order to validate of His coming resurrection.

Means of Special Revelation

E. Let’s examine the means by which God gave us His special revelation according to Christ. Let’s examine the truth of what is recorded about Him.1. Christ taught that God revealed Scripture by

means of human instruments (men).

Means of Special Revelation

a. According to Christ, Moses was one of God’s human instruments. Christ mentioned Moses’ writings several times, emphasizing their divine authority and complete reliability. Matthew 8:4, Mark 12:26, John 5:45-46

Means of Special Revelation

b. According to Christ, David was one of God’s human instruments God used to write down His word. In Matthew 22:43-44Christ said that David was the human author of Psalm 110 and presented it as absolute authority.

Means of Special Revelation

c. According to Christ, Isaiah was also one of God’s human instruments used to prophesy. Christ affirmed that Isaiah authored the book of Isaiah while presenting it as divine authority. Matthew 13:14-15, 15:7-9

Means of Special Revelation

d. According to Christ, Daniel was one of God’s human instruments used to record prophecy. Christ affirmed that Daniel wrote that prophecy and then held it as completely authoritative. Matthew 24:15, Daniel 9:27

Means of Special Revelation

2. Christ taught that God gave the truth by means of the written Scripture and not by oral tradition.a. Mark 12:24-27– Jesus used Exodus 3:6 to

explain life after death and truth concerning the resurrection.

Means of Special Revelation

b. Matthew 15:3-9 – Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16 both say we are to honor our parents which Jesus confirmed to be the command of the word of God in Matthew 15:6 versus the traditions of men. Isaiah 29:13

Means of Special Revelation

3. Truth was revealed directly to mankind by means of Jesus Christ. His words are true and faithful and we would do well to mediate on them. John 1:18, 6:12; Colossians 3:16a. Matthew 24:35 – Christ brought special

revelation from God. He revealed God’s truth by means of verbal communication and by His incarnation. John 1:1-3, 14, 17, 14:6; Hebrews 1:2; Revelation 19:13

Means of Special Revelation

b. The arrival of Christ into the world was God’s ultimate means of special revelation to mankind. 2 Peter 1:16-19, Colossians 1:15, Hebrews 1:1-2, John 16:12

c. Christ claimed to speak directly for God using words and thoughts specifically selected by the Father. John 7:16, 12:49, 14:10, 24

Means of Special Revelation

d. God's complete special revelation to man is wrapped up in the person of Jesus Christ. Christ’s actions, thoughts and words are recorded in the canon of Scripture. Luke 24:44

Christ’s Affirmation of the Scripture

F. Let’s make special note of Christ’s affirmation of the reliability of the Scriptures.1. Christ used the word of God to prove His

point to ignorant Sadducees.a. Mark 12:24 – Failure to embrace the

Scriptures as being authoritative truth resulted in the Sadducees’ rejection of God's awesome power and in errors concerning life after death.

Christ’s Affirmation of the Scripture

b. Mark 12:26-27 – Jesus cited the Old Testament in order to proclaim and verify the certainty of life after death.

Christ’s Affirmation of the Scripture

2. Christ also used Scripture in order to certify God’s purposes.a. Luke 4:4– Jesus quoted Scripture in His

teaching. He knew that if man wanted to know God's will he must understand God's word. John 8:17, 10:34, Romans 12:2

Christ’s Affirmation of the Scripture

b. Compare Matthew 5:17-19 with Isaiah 55:11. Christ is our perfect example for living life in total harmony with God's expressed will found in the pages of God’s word. Matthew 26:42, John 4:34, 6:38, 1 Peter 2:21

Christ’s Affirmation of the Scripture

c. Study of the Scripture clearly reveals that the goal of Christ’s life was to come and save us. Compare the following… Matthew 1:22-23 & Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 2:13-15 &Hosea 11:1, Matthew 2:19-23 & Isaiah 11:1, Matthew 8:16-18 & Isaiah 53:4.

Christ’s Affirmation of the Scripture

3. John 5:36-40 – Faith in the Scriptures is essential to obtain eternal life. We can observe this emphasis from the teaching of Christ. John 5:45-47

Sufficiency of Scripture

G. Christ view of the sufficiency of Scriptures.1. Jesus told his disciples that special

revelation was going to be progressive until God finished revealing all we need to know. (Consider 1 Corinthians 13:8-10)a. John 14:26 – While teaching in the upper

room, Jesus indicated that more revelation (the New Testament) would be given to the disciples later.

Sufficiency of Scripture

b. John 16:12-15 – Jesus indicated that His departure would result in further revelation of truth. They were not able to bear it yet but they would eventually have the power of the Holy Spirit to help them understand the truth.

Sufficiency of Scripture

2. John 17:17 – The word of God is completely true. It is the truth in written form!

3. 2 Peter 1:3-4 – Scripture is sufficient for every need we have in the Christian life.a. Matthew 4:1-11 – The Lord demonstrated

His confidence in the sufficiency of Scripture by consistently and confidently citing it throughout His earthly ministry.

Sufficiency of Scripture

b. Deuteronomy 8:3 – Because Christ relied only on God's word and never on man’s ideas, we know He held Scripture to be sufficient for every need of the child of God. Luke 19:47-48

Christ’s View of Inspiration

H. Christ’s view of the inspiration of Scripture.1. Matthew 5:17-18 – Christ taught that the

entire Old Testament was divinely inspired.a. Luke 24:44 – Christ viewed the Old

Testament as a comprehensive unit. b. Luke 24:44 – Christ cited the Old

Testament during his lifetime on earth.

Christ’s View of Inspiration

1) Matthew 4:4, 7, 10 – In His temptation by the devil, Christ showed His affirmation of Deuteronomy by quoting it three times. Deuteronomy 6:13, 16, 8:3

2) Luke 4:16-21 –Christ’s teachings quoted the word of God demonstrating His full confidence in the accuracy of Scripture. Isaiah 61:1-2a

Christ’s View of Inspiration

3) Luke 7:31-32 – Christ accepted the Minor Prophets as God’s word. When speaking of John the Baptizer He explained that He was the fulfilment of the prophecy of Malachi. Malachi 3:1

4) Matthew 26:31 – In his predictions concerning His abandonment by everyone in his coming death, Christ said Scriptures were being fulfilled. Zechariah 13:7

Christ’s View of Inspiration

c. John 10:34-35 – Christ considered the words of Scripture inspired when He stated “…the Scripture cannot be broken…” Matthew 22:23-33

d. Matthew 5:17-19 – Christ even considered the letters chosen by the authors of the Hebrew Scriptures to be inspired when He said, “…not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished…” Luke 16:17

Christ’s View of Inspiration

2. Christ showed His pre-approval of the New Testament when He promised that the Holy Spirit would lead them into all truth.a. John 15:26-27 – In His conversation and

teaching of the disciples in the upper room, Christ endorsed the coming New Testament.

b. John 16:12-15 – Christ promised that the Holy Spirit would come and complete all special revelation.

Christ’s View of Inspiration

c. John 14:26 – Christ promised that the Holy Spirit would teach all things. We would understand this as a reference to the New Testament.

Christ’s View of Scripture’s Authority

I. We can observe Christ’s view on the authority of Scripture.1. The Scripture is the ultimate standard of

truth. The word of God provides us the divine standard for evaluating everything in life.a. Psalm 18:30 – All authority ultimately

rests in God and He placed His authority in the written word of God. Psalm 119:89, 152, 160, 1 Peter 1:25, Isaiah 40:8

Christ’s View of Scripture’s Authority

b. Psalm 33:4 – Scripture possesses the same authority as God because it came forth from Him. Numbers 23:19, Hebrews 6:17-18, 2 Timothy 3:16

Christ’s View of Scripture’s Authority

2. The gospel writers clearly presented the Lord Jesus Christ as the One with ultimate and absolute authority. 1 John 1:1-3, 2 Peter 1:16-18a. Matthew 1:1- Matthew began his gospel

by recognizing Christ’s authority as the Messiah.

b. Mark 1:14-15 – Mark began His gospel by announcing Christ’s authority as the One who was offering the kingdom of God.

Christ’s View of Scripture’s Authority

c. Acts 1:1-2– Luke showed honor for Christ’s authority when he wrote that He ascended to Heaven and gave instructions to the apostles through the Holy Spirit.

d. John 1:1-3, 14 – The apostle John gave clear credence to Christ by showing his deity in calling him the Word. As the Word made flesh, Christ speaks with complete divine authority.

Christ’s View of Scripture’s Authority

3. Christ’s authority to bring special revelation was confirmed by means of both His words and works. Matthew 17:5a. Matthew 7:24 – Jesus claimed authority

because He taught about God from a firsthand knowledge of Him.

b. Luke 7:16 – Jesus’ ability to raise the dead proved His authority. Anyone who could do this was obviously from God and should be heard. John 3:2

Christ’s View of Scripture’s Authority

c. Matthew 9:1-8 – God alone possesses the authority to forgive sins and Jesus forgave sins. Being God his words are inspired.

d. Matthew 7:28-29 – Many people who listened to Jesus’ teaching testified of His unique authority to proclaim truth.

Christ’s View of Scripture’s Authority

4. Jesus possessed ultimate divine authority yet even so He submitted to the authority of Scripture.a. Matthew 5:17 – Christ never rejected

Scripture’s authority, nor did He ever place His own personal authority in opposition to it. He came to fulfill every part of the Law of God.

Christ’s View of Scripture’s Authority

b. Galatians 4:4-5 – Jesus lived His life in prefect accordance with the Law. Romans 8:3

c. John 5:46-47 – The authority of Christ and the authority of the Scripture are united. The two are so interwoven that to reject one is to reject the other. Luke 19:38-40; John 10:32-34

Christ’s View of Scripture’s Authority

d. Luke 16:29-31 – Jesus Christ challenged all men to live in submission to the authority of the Scripture, a challenge He obeyed, thereby providing the perfect example. Hebrews 4:14-15

Christ’s View of Scripture’s Authority

e. Colossians 3:16; Romans 10:17– The divine natures of both God the Father and Jesus Christ are one and the same. It is impossible to accept one as God without accepting the other as God. Therefore the word of God is also the word of Christ. John 10:30, John 14:9-11

Conclusion

J. Conclusion1. Christ accepted all Scripture as God’s special

revelation to man and therefore of divine origin and authority.

2. Christ always assumed the truthfulness and absolute reliability of the Scriptures. Christ considered the Scriptures to be infallible.

3. Christ considered Scripture to be His personal guide to life and sufficient to handle His every need.

Conclusion

4. The perfect person of Christ and the inerrancy of Scripture are so united that to believe one is to believe the other and to reject one is to reject the other.

5. Bibliology and Christology are intricately linked just as all doctrines of the Bible interlock with every other.

6. Without a biblical view of Scripture, we have the wrong Christ. If we have the wrong Christ, our spiritual lives are of no value.