Chapter 1: By the Bible as ourFinal AuthorityBy Doug J. Webb

Table of ContentsIntroduction.................................................................................................................................. Page 1

Where are we to find God and where does He speak to us?........................................ Page 1

Which books make up the Bible?........................................................................................... Page 6

Adding More Books to the Bible.............................................................................................Page 7

The Bible demands and controls what we believe........................................................... Page 8

The Bible is the word of God due to its own authority..................................................Page 10

The Bible as our guide..............................................................................................................Page 13

The Clarity of the Bible.............................................................................................................Page 15

God watching over the Bible in History..............................................................................Page 17

The Divine Rule of Interpreting the Bible...........................................................................Page 20

The Bible is the Supreme Judge over Everything.............................................................Page 21

Where do we go from here.................................................................................................... Page 22

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Introduction:

There is a child who is hungry but is attempting to find nourishment for himself.Where does this child look for nourishment? This beloved child looks towards hisparents with faith that they will feed him and look after him. As we are children ofGod, where are we to be fed spiritually from God? Where does God speak to us sothat we may have comfort from His calming voice? Where does God train us to serveHim and to be of service to other Christians in a local gathering of believers? Theseare significant questions because they determine how we ought to live our lives dailyin seeking Christ to worship him.

The Bible alone is our answer. We do not need anything else since the Bible isenough in itself to hear God’s calming voice, to learn about God, to have our heartsnourished, and to be trained to live lives that are wholly for God. Now let us exploretogether what God has said about the Bible. May God teach us and strengthen usthrough this endeavour.

Soli Deo Gloria

Where are we to find God and where does He speak to us?

We live in a day when there are many claiming that they have the truth. Ourgovernments, various movements in our countries, various false religions are cryingout saying we have the truth. Many even claim to hear a divine inner voice thatspeaks the truth to them thus we are to follow that inner voice. Where is thebeloved child of God to hear and understand guidance from their heavenly Father?We have the Bible, that is enough and it is sufficient to provide a perfect standardfor us. Every part of the Bible should be used for teaching as it guides us in everygood thing that God has for us.

2 Timothy 3:14-17 ESV 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned andhave firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhoodyou have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wisefor salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God andprofitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

And

Ephesians 2:19-21 ESV 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you arefellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on thefoundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple inthe Lord.

And

2 Peter 1:19-21 ESV 19 And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, towhich you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until theday dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, 20 knowing this first of all, that

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no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. 21 For noprophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as theywere carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Additional Texts: Isaiah 8:20, Luke 16:29

God has been merciful and desired to speak with his beloved children when Hewrote the Bible by speaking through the Apostles and Prophets. God gave the wordsto the Apostles and Prophets in which they expressed these divine words in theirown unique way. They expressed these words through their own personalities,writing styles, and different types of literature as God gave them the words tocomplete books of the Bible. This is self-evident since we encounter different formsof literature and the writer’s personality comes through as the Bible is read. Now thewords of the Apostles and Prophets were actually God’s words being written downand not God blessing human words that man wrote. With God writing his wordsdown through the Apostles and Prophets as the Holy Spirit carried them along, Helaid this foundation for us.

This foundation, which the Apostles and Prophets laid down, is built upon Christ whodied and rose for sinners like us. The Bible as God’s literal word teaches us thatChrist is our saviour, which is central to our faith. Without this foundation laid downwhere Christ is central, we would not know anything about the centre of our faith.We look towards the Apostles and Prophets writings to know salvation and how weshould live because we are now Christ’s.

This marvellous foundation provides us with a perfect standard that declares to usGod’s desires and will for us. Now that we have the Bible and have Christ, we haveguidance in how we should act in any given situation. This guidance teaches us andtrains us like a soldier preparing for his duty, which he has been ordered to complete.This guidance is enough to show us where we have erred and even explains why wehave erred. This is the marvellous and powerful foundation for all of God’s children.Now rest and trust in this sufficient foundation that will weather all the storms of life,which will bring God glory and praise.

As you look at the Bible, what do you see in it? Do you see dry, boring, and outdatedcommands or rules? Do you find useless genealogies? Do you simply see vastportions of human history? As children of God, we all ought to see our loving saviour,Christ Jesus being witnessed about as the Bible’s primary focus. As we see thiswitness of Christ and Christ is in every page, this is where God speaks to us for ourbetterment.

John 5:37-40 ESV 37 And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness aboutme. His voice you have never heard, his form you have never seen, 38 and you donot have his word abiding in you, for you do not believe the one whom he has sent.39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life;and it is they that bear witness about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me that youmay have life.

And

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John 1:43-45 ESV 43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip andsaid to him, Follow me. 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew andPeter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, We have found him of whomMoses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

And

Matthew 28:18-20 ESV 18 And Jesus came and said to them, All authority in heavenand on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with youalways, to the end of the age.

As we study the Bible, we should see Christ since the Bible is all about him. The Bibleis not simply a testimony about God and boring dry rules, but it is an expression ofwho God is as Christ is there on every page. This expression is expressed in such away where God is knowable thus, we will know God and have him speaking to us. Aswe become closer to God through the Bible, God’s speaking is not an inner voice noris it an audible voice, but it is God speaking to our minds and souls as Christ iswitnessed about. How does God speak to our minds and souls you may ask? Goddirects us and guides us through the word that He has written.

When God says you are to love Christ, He guides us through passages that arespeaking about loving Christ. Or when God points to where we have struggled tofollow his moral ways, He uses passages to address that moral issue to bring us backto his moral ways. God giving us knowledge from studying the Bible accomplishesthis. As this knowledge is delivered to us, God uses his word to accomplish what Hewills to do in us. So, God is speaking to our minds and souls as we read, study, andmeditate upon the Bible. Listen to God’s words in the Bible as the words movedeeply in your soul and mind where God speaks through passages.

Isaiah 55:8-11 ESV 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your waysmy ways, declares the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so aremy ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 “For as therain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water theearth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to theeater, 11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to meempty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing forwhich I sent it.

And

Philippians 2:12-13 ESV 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, sonow, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your ownsalvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will andto work for his good pleasure.

And

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Hebrews 4:12 ESV 12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow,and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Until the Apostles wrote the later part of the Bible, Moses and the Prophets spokeabout and testified about Christ Jesus. The Apostles continued this by testifyingabout Christ through what Christ taught them and writing letters to churches orindividuals. As we study and learn the Bible, God will interact with us more and morein our minds. How should we treat the Bible in light of this? We should come to theBible with great joy that we have a whole book that is about Christ who is ourcompassionate saviour. Let us run with gladness to the Bible where God is speakingand teaching us personally, so that we will become mature children of Christ.

Are there any other places where we can see God? We can look at creation itself, toGod’s goodness, wisdom, and power, which leaves no man with an excuse to rejectGod’s existence nor God’s gracious Gospel of Christ.

Psalms 19:1-3 ESV 1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky aboveproclaims his handiwork. 2 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night revealsknowledge. 3 There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard.

And

Romans 1:18-22 ESV 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against allungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress thetruth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shownit to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divinenature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in thethings that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knewGod, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile intheir thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, theybecame fools,

Additional Texts: Psalms 19:1-3 with Psalms 19:7-11, Romans 1:32; Romans 2:12,Romans 2:14-15 with Romans 1:16-17, Romans 3:21

We see God’s amazing attributes around us through nature showing us there is acreator. However nature is not enough to lead anybody to salvation in and throughChrist Jesus. This is where God through the Bible speaks to us and shows us themercies of Christ Jesus.

How can we know and have confidence that God has kept his word pure from thecorruption of mankind, the attacks of Satan, or the evil of the world that is all aroundus? God has kept his words pure in the form of inspired writings, which are found inthe foundation laid through the Apostles and the Prophets. We have God’s wordwritten down therefore it cannot be changed by corruption, the attacks of Satan,and the evils that surround us. We can see if any changes in the Bible have occurred.We can see if the meaning of divine teaching of God has been changed. This is byreviewing copies of the Bible throughout the ages. God wrote out His word andthere are no changes to the teaching therefore we know there are no changes to

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divine truths. Let us study and see the power of the unchangeable standard that Godhas given to his people.

Hebrews 1:1-2 ESV 1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to ourfathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son,whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.

And

Proverbs 22:17-21 ESV 17 Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and applyyour heart to my knowledge, 18 for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, ifall of them are ready on your lips. 19 That your trust may be in the LORD, I havemade them known to you today, even to you. 20 Have I not written for you thirtysayings of counsel and knowledge, 21 to make you know what is right and true, thatyou may give a true answer to those who sent you?

And

Luke 1:1-4 ESV 1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of thethings that have been accomplished among us, 2 just as those who from thebeginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, 3it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, towrite an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may havecertainty concerning the things you have been taught.

And

2 Peter 1:17-21 ESV 17 For when he received honor and glory from God the Father,and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, This is my beloved Son, withwhom I am well pleased, 18 we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven,for we were with him on the holy mountain. 19 And we have the prophetic wordmore fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shiningin a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, 20knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's owninterpretation. 21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but menspoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

And

2 Thessalonians 2:13-15 ESV 13 But we ought always to give thanks to God for you,brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved,through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. 14 To this he called youthrough our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Sothen, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us,either by our spoken word or by our letter.

Additional Texts: 2 Peter 1:12-15, 2 Peter 3:1, Deuteronomy 17:18, Deuteronomy17:31, Deuteronomy 17:19, 1 Corinthian 15:1, 2 Thessalonian 2:1-2, 2 Thessalonian3:17; Romans 1:8-15, Romans 15:4, Galatians 4:20; Galatians 6:11; 1 Timothy 3:14,Revelation 1:9, Revelation 1:19, Revelation 2:1

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This unchangeable standard was written through the Apostles and the Prophets butnow this method of God working through Apostles and Prophets have ceased. Theseunique gifts that God gave to his people specially for the writing of the Bible is nolonger active among us. Since Christ is there in the Bible as we are instructed by theBible, we hear God every time we read and study the Bible. God is not silent todaybut God is speaking directly through the Bible only as the Bible is alive.

Hebrews 1:1-2 ESV 1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to ourfathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son,whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.

And

Ephesians 2:19-20 ESV 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you arefellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on thefoundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,

And

1 Corinthians 15:3-9 ESV 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I alsoreceived: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that hewas buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to morethan five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though somehave fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all,as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. 9 For I am the least of the apostles,unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

Additional Texts: Acts 1:15-26, 1 Corinthians 9:1

Now that God is speaking to us through Christ who is witnessed in the Bible, it isenough for us all. Since Christ came and spoke and is speaking now through his word,we have the Bible to look at now. Look no further than to the Bible to hear God’svoice and be guided by him.

Which books make up the Bible?

As God gave us the foundation through the Prophets and Apostles, which books arewe to look to?

The Prophets wrote the section what is commonly known as the Old Testament. TheOld Testament contains the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers,Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes,Song of Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos,Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi.

The Apostles and one Historian wrote the section what is commonly known as theNew Testament. The New Testament contains the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke,John, Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians,

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Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon,Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, Revelation.

Doctor Luke who was a Historian wrote the books of Luke and Acts. Doctor Lukeaddressed Theophilus who may have been a Greek or Roman official. Besides Godusing Prophets and Apostles, God had someone investigate the events of Christ andthe first Christians. These historical records made it into what we know of as theBible today by God’s sovereign choice.

2 Timothy 3:16 ESV 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable forteaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

Read 2 Timothy 3:16 with 1 Timothy 5:17-18 and 2 Peter 3:14-17

And

Luke 1:1-4 ESV 1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of thethings that have been accomplished among us, 2 just as those who from thebeginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, 3it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, towrite an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may havecertainty concerning the things you have been taught.

And

Acts 1:1-2 ESV In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus beganto do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commandsthrough the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.

And

Exodus 34:27 ESV 27 And the LORD said to Moses, Write these words, for inaccordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel.

And

Jeremiah 30:1-2 ESV The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: 2 Thus saysthe LORD, the God of Israel: Write in a book all the words that I have spoken to you.

All these books of the Bible are the divine standard in which God has written to hisbeloved people. In other words, these books contain God’s divine truth withoutabrogating the Prophets and Apostles personalities, writing styles, and the use ofdifferent forms of literature. God has determined the faith perfectly only in hisrevealed word! We need not look anywhere else, nor to our opinions when God haswritten to all of his beloved children. This standard directs our lives as it providesfaith that has been granted to us by Christ in which we follow as our merciful saviour.Without this perfect divine standard, we would be lost in the sea of sin and darknesswithout any hope. Rejoice with all gladness and give all praise to God that He hasrevealed himself in this unique and only way.

Adding More Books to the Bible

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God has revealed everything we need to know about salvation in Christ alone andhow we should live now in light of God mercifully saving us by directing us throughthe Bible. May God have the glory and praise in creating our Bible that we cherish.Let us not be deceived by adding more books to the Bible as some have done. TheRoman Catholics added a group of books called the Apocrypha to the Bible by theauthority of the Pope. The Mormons added the Book of Mormon to go along withthe Bible by a Prophet having authority to add more to Scripture. Many so calledChristian churches preach and teach from a vision or a new teaching where Godspoke to the speaker directly. While others mix the standards of the sinful worldwith the Bible, so it will be relevant and attract a crowd to their church. We have toreturn back to the foundation laid by God moving through the Prophets and theApostles who wrote our foundation.

Luke 24:27,44 ESV 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpretedto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. 44 Then he said to them,These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everythingwritten about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must befulfilled.

And

Romans 3:2 ESV 2 Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted withthe oracles of God.

And

Acts 1:1-2 ESV 1 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus beganto do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commandsthrough the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.

And

Deuteronomy 4:2 ESV 2 You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor takefrom it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that Icommand you.

Additional Texts: Hebrews 1:1-2, Revelation 22:18-19

God is the only one that may add or remove from his words found in the foundationHe has laid. No, so called prophets, no, so called apostles, no man hearing from God,no religious group, and no church may add or remove anything that God has written.This foundation is the strong house to which we run to for our protection andencouragement. Why tamper with this perfect divine standard? As God speaks to usby his foundation, listen to it and do not turn aside to anything else.

The Bible demands and controls what we believe

By God speaking to us through the foundation laid in the Bible, our beliefs, thoughts,and opinions need to conform to it. The Bible is enough to teach us what God wantshis people to confess to be true.

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Luke 16:27-31 ESV 27 And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father'shouse— 28 for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also comeinto this place of torment.’ 29 But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and theProphets; let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someonegoes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 He said to him, ‘If they do not hearMoses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise fromthe dead.’

And

Galatians 1:6-9 ESV 6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him whocalled you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 not thatthere is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort thegospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you agospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we havesaid before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to theone you received, let him be accursed.

Additional text: Ephesians 2:20

The teachings of the Bible demand our conformity to it. Therefore, the teaching ofthe Bible does not depend upon what a church believes, a person’s personalconvictions, a ruling from a religious body or a group, but upon God who is theauthor. God through the foundation has laid the texts to be truthful within itself. Inother words, the Bible is true because God has made the words true. It dependsupon nothing to make it true. We should receive the Bible with all gladness and joyas God’s holy and perfect word for his people.

2 Timothy 3:14-16 ESV 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned andhave firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhoodyou have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wisefor salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God andprofitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

And

Acts 4:15-28 ESV 15 But when they had commanded them to leave the council, theyconferred with one another, 16 saying, “What shall we do with these men? For thata notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants ofJerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But in order that it may spread no furtheramong the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” 18So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name ofJesus. 19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of Godto listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for we cannot but speak ofwhat we have seen and heard.” 21 And when they had further threatened them,they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all werepraising God for what had happened. 22 For the man on whom this sign of healingwas performed was more than forty years old. 23 When they were released, they

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went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said tothem. 24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said,“Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything inthem, 25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the HolySpirit, “‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of theearth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord andagainst his Anointed’— 27 for truly in this city there were gathered together againstyour holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, alongwith the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and yourplan had predestined to take place.

And

Galatians 3:6-9 ESV 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him asrighteousness”? 7 Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. 8And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preachedthe gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.”9 So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

And

2 Peter 1:17-21 ESV 17 For when he received honor and glory from God the Father,and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, This is my beloved Son, withwhom I am well pleased, 18 we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven,for we were with him on the holy mountain. 19 And we have the prophetic wordmore fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shiningin a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, 20knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's owninterpretation. 21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but menspoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Additional Texts: Romans 1:2, Romans 3:2, Acts 2:16, Matthew 13:35, Romans 9:17,Romans 15:4, 1 Corinthian 10:11, Matthew 22:32, Luke 16:17, Matthew 22:41, John10:35, Galatians 3:16, Acts 1:16, Acts 2:24, Acts 13:34-35, John 19:34-36; John 19:24,Luke 22:37, Matthew 26:54, John 13:18, Matthew 5:17-18, Matthew 4:1-11

As the word of God directed the Apostles and first Christians to follow Christ’steachings, we are to do likewise. We are to follow what our merciful saviour teachesus and leads us only through the Bible.

The Bible is the word of God due to its own authority

God has graciously provided the Bible to his beloved people who are his Church.God’s church ought to hold up high His word as found in the Bible, as the Bible doesnot draw authority from any church, person or group.

2 Timothy 3:14-15 ESV 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned andhave firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhoodyou have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wisefor salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

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And

1 Timothy 4:6 ESV 6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a goodservant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the gooddoctrine that you have followed.

The Bible based upon its own authority is enough for us to learn about God, as wellas his gracious salvation, and how we ought to live. The Bible has power and thesupreme authority over our souls flowing from God’s own written words. Thesewords are in harmony with each other, which reveals how we are to worship andgive glory and respect to God. This theme of worshipping and giving God the glory isthe central theme of the Bible which we are to know and follow.

Jeremiah 23:26-30 ESV 26 How long shall there be lies in the heart of the prophetswho prophesy lies, and who prophesy the deceit of their own heart, 27 who think tomake my people forget my name by their dreams that they tell one another, even astheir fathers forgot my name for Baal? 28 Let the prophet who has a dream tell thedream, but let him who has my word speak my word faithfully. What has straw incommon with wheat? declares the LORD. 29 Is not my word like fire, declares theLORD, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces? 30 Therefore, behold, I amagainst the prophets, declares the LORD, who steal my words from one another.

And

Luke 16:25-31 ESV 25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetimereceived your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he iscomforted here, and you are in anguish. 26 And besides all this, between us and youa great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to youmay not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ 27 And he said, ‘Then I begyou, father, to send him to my father's house— 28 for I have five brothers—so thathe may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ 29 But Abrahamsaid, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, ‘No,father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they beconvinced if someone should rise from the dead.’

And

Hebrews 4:11-12 ESV 11 Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no onemay fall by the same sort of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living and active,sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, ofjoints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

And

Psalms 21:5 His glory is great through your salvation; splendor and majesty youbestow on him.

And

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Psalms 115:1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sakeof your steadfast love and your faithfulness!

Additional Texts: John 6:63; 1 Peter 1:23-25; Deuteronomy 31:11-13; John 20:31;Galatians 1:8-9;

God has not left us to fallible men or an organization which will come into error butwith the perfect word of God. Praise God for the Bible that works powerfully in ourminds and souls as we are taught truth. As God is working through the Spirit of Truth,we are given the full persuasion that the Bible is the infallible truth for us. Does thispersuasion come in the form of a feeling or internal impression? No. It comes in theform of gaining knowledge as we interact with the text. The Spirit of Truth will teachus the spiritual knowledge contained within the word of God. We do not need tolook any further than the Bible, as it is our divine authority as the Spirit of Truthbears witness through and by the word of God.

John 14:16-17 ESV 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper,to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive,because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with youand will be in you.

And

1Co 2:4-5, 14 ESV 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words ofwisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith mightnot rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God...14 The natural person doesnot accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not ableto understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

And

1 Thessalonians 1:4-6 ESV 4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosenyou, 5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in theHoly Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to beamong you for your sake. 6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for youreceived the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit,

And

1 John 2:20-21,27 ESV 20 But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you allhave knowledge. 21 I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, butbecause you know it, and because no lie is of the truth... 27 But the anointing thatyou received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone shouldteach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is nolie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.

Additional Texts: Matthew 16:17; John 3:3;

Like water refreshing a parched tongue or a river nourishing plants in a field, theword is there to nourish us with all spiritual and heavenly authority. We need notlook towards man to be convinced or persuaded since we have God’s words. We

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ought to look towards the Bible with the witness of the Spirit of Truth teaching usthat we have God’s perfect words, by the engagement of our minds and beingtaught spiritual ideas.

The Bible as our guide

Through the foundation that was laid, God has revealed his glorious and mercifulsalvation for his beloved people in the Bible. Beyond revealing his merciful way ofsalvation upon poor rebellious criminals like us, God has revealed who He is and howHe ought to be worshipped, with reverence and respect. Through God showing hischaracter and in how He saves creatures like us, He has shown us what our personalconvictions ought to be that will determine how we live daily. These personalconvictions come directly from a passage or indirectly from a passage of the Bible. Asthe word of God teaches us and develops personal convictions in us, we have noexcuse to be in the dark about how God requires us to act in our daily lives. Godgraciously helps us along through the power of his word and by his grace continuallystrengthening us to be faithful servants.

Nevertheless, nothing is to be added to God’s perfect words contained within theBible. No matter if some say the Holy Spirit has a new teaching for us or some newdirection for God’s people found outside of the Bible. Even if someone comes withanother book, or more materials, or an outside standard or custom to add to theBible, it is not to be recognized as God’s word and should not guide us in anyway.

Deuteronomy 4:1-2 ESV 1 And now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the rules thatI am teaching you, and do them, that you may live, and go in and take possession ofthe land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you. 2 You shall not add tothe word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep thecommandments of the LORD your God that I command you.

And

Acts 20:16-28 ESV 16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might nothave to spend time in Asia, for he was hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, onthe day of Pentecost. 17 Now fromMiletus he sent to Ephesus and called the eldersof the church to come to him. 18 And when they came to him, he said to them: Youyourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I setfoot in Asia, 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials thathappened to me through the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not shrink fromdeclaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and fromhouse to house, 21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward Godand of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem,constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except thatthe Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions awaitme. 24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only Imay finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testifyto the gospel of the grace of God. 25 And now, behold, I know that none of youamong whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. 26

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Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, 27 for I didnot shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Pay careful attentionto yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, tocare for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. (Emphesis Added)

And

Psalms 19:7-8 ESV 7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimonyof the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the LORD are right,rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;

Additional Texts: 2 Timothy 3:15-17, Psalms 119:6, Psalms 119:9, Psalms 119: 104,Psalms 119:128

God’s word is perfect and pure in all that it contains, but we in ourselves do not havethe natural capacity, nor the natural ability to understand the Bible’s spiritualcontent. We can learn history from the Bible with our natural abilities but thespiritual content is still a mystery to us all. What are we to do? We are to looktowards the Spirit of God with thanksgiving, since it is he who opens and enlightensour minds. The spiritual content of salvation, and teachings in how we are to live,come alive to us as the Spirit of God reveals all spiritual content. Turn to God withexpectations that as He teaches his people, our souls will be refreshed with God’struth.

John 6:43-45 ESV 43 Jesus answered them, Do not grumble among yourselves. 44 Noone can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise himup on the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught byGod.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me—

And

1 Corinthians 2:9-14 (ESV2011) 9 But, as it is written, What no eye has seen, nor earheard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who lovehim— 10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spiritsearches everything, even the depths of God. 11 For who knows a person's thoughtsexcept the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends thethoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received not the spirit ofthe world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freelygiven us by God. 13 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom buttaught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. 14 Thenatural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly tohim, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

The foundation that was laid through the Prophets and Apostles containing spiritualcontent is enough to instruct us for salvation and daily living. Yet, the Bible does notprovide instructions for every detail or situation. God has graciously throughsalvation provided Christians an enlightened mind and a rational mind to makedecisions that should never violate any instructions provided in the Bible. In otherwords, God has given us wisdom to determine when we should have a Bible Study orwhen to start a church service for example. When it comes to our weekly gatherings

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together, we can decide how many songs to sing but the Bible does limit what wecan sing. This freedom never violates nor ignores any clear teaching contained withinthe foundation that we see in the Bible. By God granting us wisdom and a clear mind,we ought to make orderly and wise decisions that conform to what God has said.

1 Corinthians 14:26,40 ESV 26 What then, brothers? When you come together, eachone has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all thingsbe done for building up 40 But all things should be done decently and in order.

The Clarity of the Bible

As God provided the foundation of divine truth, where we are to look and hearChrist Jesus speak, we all face the challenge of difficult passages.

2 Peter 3:14-18 ESV 14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, bediligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. 15 And count thepatience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to youaccording to the wisdom given him, 16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks inthem of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand,which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the otherScriptures. 17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that youare not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. 18But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him bethe glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

As Apostle Peter recognized Apostle Paul’s letter as God’s foundation for all of God’speople, Apostle Peter admits there are passages that are hard to understand. But,we should not despair and become discouraged. We must look at the promisesprovided in God’s word.

Jeremiah 31:33-34 ESV 33 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house ofIsrael after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I willwrite it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 Andno longer shall each one teach his neighbour and each his brother, saying, ‘Know theLORD,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declaresthe LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”

And

1 John 2:27 ESV 27 But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, andyou have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches youabout everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.

And

1 Thessalonians 4:9 ESV 9 Now concerning brotherly love you have no need foranyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love oneanother,

Additional Text: 1 John 2:20

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God has and is continuing in his mercy to teach us from the easy passages to thedifficult passages found within his book. As the easier passages shed light on whatthe difficult passages mean, this is where God is teaching his people. In light of thispromise, and God actively teaching us, why should we despair? We should rejoicethat all of God’s people can and will learn the Bible. There is no reason to be 30years in the faith but still struggling with the simple matters addressed in the Bible.God will speak to his people through his word, and they will learn the truth wherethere is no darkness, nor lie.

As God teaches us as we study the Bible, there are teachings, doctrines, andpositions contained within the Bible that are learnable to us. These divine truths areto be known, considered, and accepted upon the testimony of God’s word alone.Ultimately, anything that pertains to us in the Bible is to be obeyed as God’s servants,in light of a merciful saviour Jesus Christ directing us and guiding all his people.

2 Timothy 3:14-17 ESV 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned andhave firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhoodyou have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wisefor salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God andprofitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Every true believer will be taught the Bible from God, and should have a growinggrasp of divine truths contained within the Bible. Does this mean now that only thehighly educated or someone who has a degree can understand the Bible, like in somany other religions where only the leaders know and teach the faith? No. All ofGod’s people should be growing in all the teachings that God has given to hisbeloved children.

Psalms 19:7-8 ESV 7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimonyof the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the LORD are right,rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;

And

2 Peter 1:19-20 ESV 19 And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, towhich you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until theday dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, 20 knowing this first of all, thatno prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation.

And

Proverbs 6:20-23 ESV 20 My son, keep your father's commandment, and forsake notyour mother's teaching. 21 Bind them on your heart always; tie them around yourneck. 22 When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch overyou; and when you awake, they will talk with you. 23 For the commandment is alamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life,

And

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Acts 20:7-9 ESV 7 On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together tobreak bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and heprolonged his speech until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the upper roomwhere we were gathered. 9 And a young man named Eutychus, sitting at the window,sank into a deep sleep as Paul talked still longer. And being overcome by sleep, hefell down from the third story and was taken up dead.

Additional Texts: Deuteronomy 30:11-14, Psalms 119:105, 2 Timothy 3:14-17

As the Bible is the lamp that teaches us about God, growth and understanding isnatural for all of God’s children. The youngest to the oldest of us will grow as Godreveals his word to us. Expect growth from personally studying the text of the Bible.God will guide his people through and by the word of God. Take comfort in thedivine truths that flow from a gracious God that actually interacts and teaches hispeople as we read his word.

God watching over the Bible in History

God in his mercy wrote the Bible in ancient Hebrew, which is the language of theJews of Israel and in the first century, Common Greek which was the commonlanguage spoken in the Roman Empire. In these ancient languages, God breathed outhis words, and literally the words flowed out of the writers of the Bible. God usedthe ancient culture, writing styles, and personalities of the men who wrote the Bible.Through this process, God’s foundation was created perfectly and without error.

Romans 3:2 ESV 2 Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted withthe oracles of God.

And

2 Peter 3:14-16 ESV 14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, bediligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. 15 And count thepatience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to youaccording to the wisdom given him, 16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks inthem of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand,which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the otherScriptures

Throughout history, God has kept the Bible pure from any kind of corruption, nor hashe lost any of the teachings found within the first Bible. God through his divine willhas kept his word pure. Not even an iota or a dot has been lost to the annals of timeand history. The question for us is, are we going to listen to what God has said aboutthe purity of the word of God? For some of us, studying this topic in a technical waywould be helpful but for others, simply knowing the saviour’s words will be enough.Trust in what God has said about his word and in his ability to keep his word pure.

Matthew 5:18 ESV 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, notan iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.

And

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Matthew 24:35 ESV 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not passaway.

Since we have a pure foundation to look at, this is where we are to turn to to betaught. When any controversies arise we do not turn to the Government, ChurchDocuments like Church Constitutions, opinions expressed outside of the Bible, oreven to our own subjective opinions. The Bible is where we are to appeal to, even ifthe Bible contradicts an established policy or guideline.

Isaiah 8:19-20 ESV 19 And when they say to you, “Inquire of the mediums and thenecromancers who chirp and mutter,” should not a people inquire of their God?Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living? 20 To the teaching and to thetestimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have nodawn.

And

2 Timothy 3:14-17 ESV 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned andhave firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhoodyou have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wisefor salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God andprofitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Additional Texts: John 10:20-36, Acts 15:15

The Bible is written in ancient languages that most of us will never speak, so how arewe to pass on God’s word to others? We ought to strive to give every person a Bibleto read so they can search for Christ in their own common language. This search andreading in the common language of the people should be done with reverence and ahealthy respect for God.

The foundation provided by God ought to be translated in the best possible way. Agood translation should be able to communicate God’s word in the commonlanguage spoken by a people. This means we are to find the best possiblearrangement of words that best reflects the original wording found within theoriginal languages of the Bible. We are not to translate the thoughts of passages thatwe may believe a given passage should have, as many have done. Again, we are totranslate what the original text says in the best possible arrangement of words andlet God teach his people in their common language.

Deuteronomy 17:18-20 ESV 18 And when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, heshall write for himself in a book a copy of this law, approved by the Levitical priests.19 And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he maylearn to fear the LORD his God by keeping all the words of this law and thesestatutes, and doing them, 20 that his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers,and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, either to the right hand orto the left, so that he may continue long in his kingdom, he and his children, in Israel.

And

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Proverbs 2:1-5 ESV 1 My son, if you receive my words and treasure up mycommandments with you, 2 making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining yourheart to understanding; 3 yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice forunderstanding, 4 if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, 5then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.

And

1 Corinthians 14:6-12 ESV 6 Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, howwill I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy orteaching? 7 If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not givedistinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? 8 And if the bugle gives anindistinct sound, who will get ready for battle? 9 So with yourselves, if with yourtongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said?For you will be speaking into the air. 10 There are doubtless many differentlanguages in the world, and none is without meaning, 11 but if I do not know themeaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker aforeigner to me. 12 So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of theSpirit, strive to excel in building up the church.

And

Romans 10:14-17 ESV 14 How then will they call on him in whom they have notbelieved? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? Andhow are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preachunless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those whopreach the good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says,“Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes fromhearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Additional Texts: Proverbs 8:34, John 5:39,46, 1 Corinthians 14:24,28

As we read the Bible and as God is teaching us in our common language, this shouldlead us all to a more respectful worship. So, run with hope and read the Bible withgladness in your common language. God will be there to show us how we are toworship as taught in the Bible. May God have all the glory and praise as we worshiphim.

Romans 15:3-5 ESV 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “Thereproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4 For whatever was written informer days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and throughthe encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God ofendurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another,in accord with Christ Jesus,

And

Colossians 3:15-17 ESV 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to whichindeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwellin you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms

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and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Andwhatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,giving thanks to God the Father through him.

The Divine Rule of Interpreting the Bible

As God continues to speak to us through his word, how are we to interpret his words?We are to interpret his words by using other parts of the Bible. Does this mean weare to create a list of verses that we personally think support our position, no. Thismeans we are to let the flow of a passage bring up the topic, then we incorporatethose verses into the topic that we are studying. As we incorporate passagestogether by letting the meaning of each passage speak, the Bible will begin tobecome clearer. The difficult passages will become easier to understand as otherparts of the Bible shed light on various topics. The easier passages will become moreof a delight since we see the truths of God’s word in a greater way. As God’s wordsinterpret themselves, we will begin to see how a passage fits with other passages.This will show how God has been merciful to his people for which we owe honour,praise, and worship to him.

2 Peter 1:19-21 ESV 19 And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, towhich you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until theday dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, 20 knowing this first of all, thatno prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. 21 For noprophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as theywere carried along by the Holy Spirit.

And

Isaiah 8:19-20 ESV 19 And when they say to you, “Inquire of the mediums and thenecromancers who chirp and mutter,” should not a people inquire of their God?Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living? 20 To the teaching and to thetestimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have nodawn.

And

Isaiah 7:14-15 ESV 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, thevirgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. 15 He shalleat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good.

And

Matthew 1:18-25 ESV

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary hadbeen betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with childfrom the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling toput her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered thesethings, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, sonof David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her isfrom the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he

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will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord hadspoken by the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, andthey shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). 24 When Josephwoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife,25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

Additional Texts: Acts 15:13-18

The Bible is the Supreme Judge over Everything

Controversies will always arise among God’s children until we are in heaven with ourmerciful saviour Christ Jesus. Where are we to turn to when controversies arise?

Matthew 22:23-32 ESV 23 The same day Sadducees came to him, who say that thereis no resurrection, and they asked him a question, 24 saying, “Teacher, Moses said,‘If a man dies having no children, his brother must marry the widow and raise upoffspring for his brother.’ 25 Now there were seven brothers among us. The firstmarried and died, and having no offspring left his wife to his brother. 26 So too thesecond and third, down to the seventh. 27 After them all, the woman died. 28 In theresurrection, therefore, of the seven, whose wife will she be? For they all had her.”29 But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither theScriptures nor the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marry norare given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. 31 And as for the resurrection ofthe dead, have you not read what was said to you by God: 32 ‘I am the God ofAbraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not God of the dead,but of the living.”

And

Acts 28:23-27 ESV 23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him athis lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them,testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both fromthe Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 And some were convinced by what hesaid, but others disbelieved. 25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departedafter Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to yourfathers through Isaiah the prophet: 26 “‘Go to this people, and say, “You will indeedhear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” 27 For thispeople's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and theireyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their earsand understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’

Additional Texts: Ephesians 2:20

The foundation laid by the Apostles and Prophets is where we should always turn tofor our final say on any controversies. But how does God direct us through acontroversy? Many will quote a list of verses that appear to agree with them. Ormany will appeal to a document like a Church’s Constitution or their Church’s bylaws.Yet others will appeal to a favourite author or even to their own opinions. This is whywe have a foundation to appeal to within the 66 books of the Bible. This is where weought to gather all the passages that address the controversy. The word of God will

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shed light upon the controversy as it interprets itself. As the word of God bringsforth it’s truth to us, we ought to submit to the clear truth. From here, God willspeak to our hearts and provide us directions that will resolve the controversy. Let ushear from God through the foundation he has laid for his people as we wrestlethrough controversy.

Where do we go from here

We have seen how God wrote his words to his people through the foundation ofApostles and Prophets. By, and through this foundation, God speaks to us andprovides us the knowledge about salvation, then he provides spiritual growth in theform of instruction. This spiritual growth comes through the Bible as this foundationdirects us in every area of our lives. This instruction is there through the times of joyand in the times of darkness when we wonder or question where Christ is. Throughstudy and growth brought about by God, we will mature into mature children of God.May we all turn and embrace God’s word with all gladness where God is speaking tous and teaching all his people. Amen!

In the next chapter, we are going to look at how we are to read and interpret theBible. All of us struggle in how to read the Bible at many times. Without anydirection, we all can become frustrated from not being able to understand the Bible.So, we will look at the foundation provided by God to see if He has provided anyclues in how we should read and interpret the Bible.