2) The Bible
God's Word: its inspiration, authority and reliability
How can we know God and His will? Through the Bible: the Word of God. In this lesson, we will discover why we can trust the Bible as a safe guide for our lives.
The Inspiration of the Bible
Who is the true author of the Bible?
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Answer: The Holy Spirit, who moved holy men to write
2 Peter 1:21: "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."
What does it mean to say the Bible is 'inspired'?
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Answer: That it is 'breathed by God' — God guided the writers
2 Timothy 3:16: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"
“The Bible points to God as its author; yet it was written by human hands; and in the varied style of its different books it presents the characteristics of the several writers.” — Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, GC v.3
The Purpose of the Bible
What is Scripture profitable for?
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Answer: For teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness
2 Timothy 3:16-17: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."
What does God's Word do in our lives?
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Answer: It is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path
Psalms 119:105: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
The Authority of the Bible
How did Jesus treat the Scriptures?
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Answer: With final authority: 'It is written'
Matthew 4:4: "But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."
What did Jesus say about the permanence of the Scriptures?
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Answer: That heaven and earth will pass away, but His words will not pass away
Matthew 24:35: "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."
How should we test doctrines and teachings?
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Answer: By the Law and the Testimony — the Scriptures
Isaiah 8:20: "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."
The Reliability of the Bible
What does the fulfillment of biblical prophecies demonstrate?
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Answer: That God knows the end from the beginning — the Bible is reliable
Isaiah 46:9-10: "Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:"
Can the Bible be understood by ordinary people?
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Answer: Yes, the entrance of Your words gives light and understanding to the simple
Psalms 119:130: "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple."
“The Bible was designed to be a guide to all who wish to become acquainted with the will of their Maker.” — Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, GC 521.3
How to Study the Bible
What attitude should we have when studying the Bible?
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Answer: With gentleness, receiving the word implanted
James 1:21: "Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls."
And Now?
The Bible is our safe guide:
- It is inspired by God: The Holy Spirit guided the writers
- It is authoritative: Jesus treated it as the final Word
- It is reliable: Fulfilled prophecies prove its divine origin
- It is understandable: God wants everyone to understand it
My Decision
I accept the Bible as the inspired Word of God and the final authority for my faith and practice. I commit myself to studying it daily, asking for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to understand it and apply it in my life.