Don Stewart: Timeless Truths From the Bible

[Midnight]

Timeless Truths...Bible Basics: An Introduction To Christian Belief




Before we engage in our study of what the Bible teaches on a number of vital subjects, it is important that we know some basic things about the Christian faith. This includes understanding certain truths about Christian doctrine, or Christian teaching. There are several issues that must be explored before one goes about studying what Christians believe.



In this book, Bible Basics, we will look at these important matters. They include such things as: why it is important to study Christian doctrine, the necessity of having some type of system into which we can place the doctrines, and a look at the various ways, or categories, in which Christian doctrine has been studied.



We will also discuss the great statements of faith, or creeds, that the church has produced in the past, as well as looking at some of the popular systems of theology that believers embrace today. This will give us a basic overview of how Christians have stated what they believe.



These simple facts should help put into perspective everything else we learn concerning the truths of the Christian faith.



Consequently, this introductory book will serve as the basis for all of the various books that will follow…



An example of the timeless truths we examine can be found in Question 4.



What Basic Assumptions Should Be Made

Before Studying Christian Doctrine?



Before one begins the study of Christian doctrine there are a number of basic assumptions, or starting points, that need to be made. They include the following.



1. The God Of The Bible Exists



The first assumption must be that the God of the Bible exists. This is primary. We cannot properly study Christian doctrine, or Christian teaching, unless we assume that God actually exists.



In addition, it must be assumed that He is the only God who exists. There is no other God, either lesser or greater than He. This is our starting point.



2. God Has Spoken In The Bible



Not only does the God of the Bible exist, it should also be assumed that God has spoken to humanity by means of a number of sacred writings. These writings have been collected into one Book, the Bible.



3. God Has Spoken Truthfully



It is essential to believe that God has spoken truthfully to humanity. It is not enough to believe that He has spoken. Indeed, one must also believe that everything God has said is truthful for He is not a God who would lie in His communication to humanity.



4. The Old Testament Is Interpreted By The New Testament



One basic rule of the interpretation of the Bible is that the Old Testament must be fully interpreted in light of the New Testament. The New Testament is the later, fuller, revelation from God. It fulfills what the Old Testament predicts and anticipates. Consequently, the Old Testament must be viewed in the light of the New Testament to understand its complete meaning.



5. It Is Proper To Cite Proof Texts To Establish Doctrine



When establishing Christian doctrine, it is proper to cite individual verses, or proof texts. This is an acceptable practice. The idea is to collect all the passages that deal with a particular topic and then summarize the results.



There Are A Number Of Questions To Be Asked When Citing Proof Texts



While it is acceptable to cite proof texts to establish Christian doctrine, a number of questions need to be asked. They include the following.



Is God, Or One Of His Spokesmen, Doing The Speaking?



Is The Spokesmen Actually Speaking For The Lord?



Does The Verse Clearly Teach The Doctrine?



Is There A Clear Inference In The Text?



Is There Some Type Of General Inference In The Text?



The Scriptures Must Be Interpreted In Their Normal Sense



Finally, when interpreting the Scripture to establish Christian doctrine, we must interpret the language in its normal sense. This has also been called the “historical-grammatical method.” Simply stated, it means that we interpret the Bible as we would any other writing. We understand the words in their normal sense unless something in the context tells us otherwise.



These are some of the basic assumptions, the timeless truths, that believers should use when attempting to put together a system of Christian doctrine.



While not exhaustive, this list provides a good starting point for establishing what the Bible teaches about the subjects it deals with.

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Timeless Truths...Is the Bible The Ultimate Source Of Authority



The main question with respect to the Bible, that has to be adequately answered, concerns its divine authority. What kind of book does it claim to be? Does it make any statements about its own authority? If so, then what does it say?



What The Bible Says About Its Own Authority



The claims of the Bible, with respect to ultimate authority of the God of Scripture, can be simply stated in the following four points.



1. The God Of The Bible Has Audibly Spoken To Humans



2. God Chose Certain People To Speak For Him



3. The Words Of God, And His Chosen Spokesmen, Were Written Down



4. The Writings Of Scripture, Being God’s Words, Were

Absolutely Authoritative On Every Subject They Covered



This brings us to our final point. These words that have been written down, since they are the words of God, have His absolute authority. We find this to be true in both testaments. For example, in the Old Testament we find that the things that were committed to writing were understood to be divinely authoritative. We read in Deuteronomy:



Moses commanded the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, saying, “Take this book of the law and put it beside the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God; let it remain there as a witness against you” (Deuteronomy 31:25.26 NRSV UE).



Moses’ words were God’s words and hence they carried His divine authority.



The same is true for the New Testament. The apostle Paul believed his written message ultimately came from God. Therefore it was authoritative. He made the following claim to the church in Corinth:



If anyone considers himself a prophet or spiritual person, he should acknowledge that what I write to you is the Lord’s command (1 Corinthians 14:37 NET).



Thus, the written word of God is the final authority upon all matters in which it speaks. While authority comes from God alone, we find that He has chosen to reveal His truth to humanity through human words, and by means of certain human writers whom He selected.



From the beginning to the end, the Bible is a book that is divine and human. Divinely inspired by God, but written in the words of humans. It is important that we realize the dual nature of Scripture.



The Bible is the Word of God written in the words of human authors. While the words may be human, the message was from God. Moreover, the Christian faith stands or falls upon the foundation of Holy Scripture. Without the Scriptures, Christians have no basis of authority whatsoever. The psalmist asked the appropriate question:



If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? (Psalm 11:3 KJV).



The foundation of the Christian faith is that the living God has spoken to humanity and His words have been recorded in the Bible. In the entire history of the church, Christian teaching and preaching has been based upon the belief that the Scriptures are of divine origin.



Humans spoke, God spoke. Therefore, when we speak of the authority of the Bible, we mean that the words of Scripture are the words of God.



Consequently, if we do not believe certain parts of it, or if we disobey its commandments, we are disbelieving and disobeying God.



Thus, to obey God, we must obey everything which His Word commands us to do. This is how we honor Him.

[Midnight]

Timeless Truths...Does the Bible Claim To Be The Word Of God




The main question with respect to the Bible, that has to be adequately answered, concerns its divine authority. What kind of book does it claim to be? Does it make any statements about its own authority? If so, then what does it say?



What The Bible Says About Its Own Authority



The claims of the Bible, with respect to ultimate authority of the God of Scripture, can be simply stated in the following four points.



1. The God Of The Bible Has Audibly Spoken To Humans



2. God Chose Certain People To Speak For Him



3. The Words Of God, And His Chosen Spokesmen, Were Written Down



4. The Writings Of Scripture, Being God’s Words, Were

Absolutely Authoritative On Every Subject They Covered



This brings us to our final point. These words that have been written down, since they are the words of God, have His absolute authority. We find this to be true in both testaments. For example, in the Old Testament we find that the things that were committed to writing were understood to be divinely authoritative. We read in Deuteronomy:



Moses commanded the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, saying, “Take this book of the law and put it beside the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God; let it remain there as a witness against you” (Deuteronomy 31:25.26 NRSV UE).



Moses’ words were God’s words and hence they carried His divine authority.



The same is true for the New Testament. The apostle Paul believed his written message ultimately came from God. Therefore it was authoritative. He made the following claim to the church in Corinth:



If anyone considers himself a prophet or spiritual person, he should acknowledge that what I write to you is the Lord’s command (1 Corinthians 14:37 NET).



Thus, the written word of God is the final authority upon all matters in which it speaks. While authority comes from God alone, we find that He has chosen to reveal His truth to humanity through human words, and by means of certain human writers whom He selected.



From the beginning to the end, the Bible is a book that is divine and human. Divinely inspired by God, but written in the words of humans. It is important that we realize the dual nature of Scripture.



The Bible is the Word of God written in the words of human authors. While the words may be human, the message was from God. Moreover, the Christian faith stands or falls upon the foundation of Holy Scripture. Without the Scriptures, Christians have no basis of authority whatsoever. The psalmist asked the appropriate question:



If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? (Psalm 11:3 KJV).



The foundation of the Christian faith is that the living God has spoken to humanity and His words have been recorded in the Bible. In the entire history of the church, Christian teaching and preaching has been based upon the belief that the Scriptures are of divine origin.



Humans spoke, God spoke. Therefore, when we speak of the authority of the Bible, we mean that the words of Scripture are the words of God.



Consequently, if we do not believe certain parts of it, or if we disobey its commandments, we are disbelieving and disobeying God.



Thus, to obey God, we must obey everything which His Word commands us to do. This is how we honor Him.

[Midnight]

Timeless Truths...Are The Right Books In The Old Testament



From the very beginning of human existence, God has revealed Himself—He has not been silent. He has let humans know who He is, who we are, and what our purpose is here upon the earth.



Before Jesus Christ came into the world, some two thousand years ago, this revelation of the living God was found in a number of Books—the Hebrew Scriptures, the Old Testament.



It is important to know which books belong in the Old Testament since it makes up three fourths of the Bible—the written Word of God.



However, there were many books written during the Old Testament period. The question that naturally arises is, “Which of these books should be recognized as coming from God?”



Since God has chosen to reveal Himself through a limited number of sacred writings, it is necessary that we know exactly which are His.



From New Testament evidence, we have the concept of a completed body of sacred writings that we term the “Old Testament.”



For one thing, the New Testament cited the Old Testament as authoritative Scripture. Quoting the Scripture on a particular subject would settle any argument.



In addition, we find Jesus denouncing human traditions when it conflicted with that which was written. Again, the authority of the Scripture was emphasized.



According To Jesus The Scriptures Were Complete



Furthermore, Jesus Himself indicated the Old Testament Scripture was complete. He said to the religious rulers:



You search the Scriptures because you believe they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! (John 5:39 NLT).



The claim by the Lord is that there was a completed body of written work, the Scriptures, that was divinely authoritative. These written works were so well-known that Jesus could refer to them as a group—the Scriptures.



In fact, it was so well-known that the Lord could speak of “the Scriptures” to the religious leaders without receiving an argument, or a question, from them about what He meant by “the Scriptures.” In other words, they knew precisely what He meant!



Indeed, for Jesus’ statement to be meaningful, there had to have been a certain well-known number of books labeled as Scripture.



Hence, Jesus was not saying, or implying, that any and every book which the Jews read or studied would testify of Him; it was only the sacred Scriptures!



We also should note that whenever the religious leaders had a problem with anything that Jesus taught, they immediately spoke up. Notice that in this instance, they did not deny that there was a body of writings known as the Scripture. On this issue, Jesus and these religious leaders were on the same page…



Moreover, Jesus claimed that these books testify about Him—they are a legal witness to His identity as the Messiah.



Thus, Jesus’ statement, while not telling us specifically which books made up the canon of Scripture, does clearly show us that such a well-defined number of books existed.



Since Jesus Christ is God the Son, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, anything He says on this, or any issue, solves the matter.



His testimony is clear: The Scriptures were a well-known completed body of writings.



And what exactly was the extent of the Hebrew Scriptures in Jesus' day? It was the same 39 books that we have today in our Old Testament. The only difference is that the books are divided differently.



Therefore, the issue of the extent of the Old Testament is solved with the teaching of Jesus.

[Midnight]

Timeless Truths...Does The Old Testament Apocrypha Belong In the Bible




All branches of Christendom acknowledge that false writings exist. These are books that have had divine authority claimed for them but, in actuality, are merely human works.



Because God has revealed Himself to humanity in a limited number of books it is important to know which books have God’s authority behind them and which do not.



There are a number of ancient books that did not find their way into the Old Testament which are considered divinely authoritative by some people. They are known by a variety of names, including the Apocrypha, the Old Testament Apocrypha, or the deuterocanonical books.



For example, the Roman Catholic Church adds a number of books to the Old Testament that are not accepted by either Jews or Protestants. These writings are also considered authoritative by the Orthodox church, and the Ethiopic churches.



In this book, we will list these apocryphal books, briefly explain their content, and then focus on the reasons that have been given for their inclusion in the Old Testament canon. We will also consider reasons given for their exclusion.



We will discover that none of these books has any claim whatsoever to be called Holy Scripture. It is only the Old Testament writings that the Protestant Church and the Jews hold to be sacred that have any real claim to divine authority.



There are also other writings in which almost everyone agrees are not divine. They are known as the Old Testament Pseudepigrapha or false writings. Many of these works were forgeries. They are also important to study because they shed light on the background and beliefs of people at that time between the testaments. This work will look at these various writings.



How We Will Answer The Roman Catholic Claims



As we mentioned, we will divide our response to the Roman Catholic claims by examining three specific areas of dispute. They include: (1) was the canon closed in the first century A.D., at the time of Jesus, or was it still open? (2) how has the Christian Church historically viewed the books of the Old Testament Apocrypha? and (3) how do the books of the Old Testament Apocrypha match up with the teachings of Scripture and the facts of history? Do these books have the credentials of Holy Scripture?



Thus, our first question will look at the attitude of the ancient Jews, Jesus, and the New Testament writers with respect to the canon of Scripture and the Old Testament Apocrypha. Did they have a closed canon of Scripture, where no books could be added, or did they have an open canon? If they had a closed canon, did it include the Old Testament Apocrypha?



Our Conclusion



After looking at the writings known as the Old Testament Apocrypha and the Old Testament Pseudepigrapha, we make the following observations and conclusions with respect to their relationship to the Old Testament canon.



1. The Canon Was Settled For Both Jews And Christians: These Writings Were Not Part Of It



All of the early evidence makes it clear that the canon of the Old Testament was set for both Jews and Christians—there was no such thing as a flexible canon as some have argued. This is especially the case with those living at the time of Jesus.



2. The Earliest Canonical Lists Do Not Contain These Works



Not only did the Jews reject the Old Testament Apocrypha as Holy Scripture, the earliest canonical lists which the Christian church produced also omitted these writings. In fact, for the first three hundred years of the church, every canonical list of Scripture, which still exists, lists the canon of the Jews as the Old Testament canon. None of them include the books of the Old Testament Apocrypha.



3. The Books Of The Old Testament Apocrypha Never Claim To Be Part Of Scripture



One of the strongest arguments against the Old Testament Apocrypha as Holy Scripture comes from these very writings. None of the books, which are part of this collection, ever claim to be Holy Scripture. This is in contrast to almost all of the recognized Old Testament books where we find such statements as “thus says the Lord,” or the writer claiming that the Word of the Lord came unto him in a unique way.



4. The Books Of The Old Testament Apocrypha Recognized Old Testament As Scripture



While the books of the Old Testament Apocrypha did not claim scriptural status for themselves, they recognized the Hebrew Old Testament as Scripture. This is very important to note.



Therefore, if we are going to be consistent with the Scripture, we should hold to the same canon as is found among all the ancient Jewish writings which exist. This canon does not include the Old Testament Apocrypha.



This is a timeless truth that is important for all Christians to know and understand.

[Midnight]

Timeless Truths...What Everyone Needs To Know About the Bible




Question 1 What Is The Bible?

Question 2 Is It Important To Consider The Claims Of The Bible?

(15 Reasons Why)

Question 5 What Value Does The Old Testament Have?

Question 6 What Value Does The New Testament Have?

Question 7 Why Is The Bible Divided Into Chapters And Verses?

[Midnight]

Timeless Truths...Are The Right Books In The New Testament





Today, we have a New Testament that records the life and ministry of Jesus, as well as the continuation of His ministry through His followers.



The question arises, “What evidence do we have that the writings currently found in the New Testament are the exact books, no more and no less, that God intended?”



Why should these twenty-seven books be separated from all other literature that was written about Jesus and His apostles? Can we be certain that the New Testament is divinely inspired, like the Old Testament? Are these the exact books which God has given to the human race?



This book examines in detail the question of the New Testament canon of Scripture. Among other things, we will look at the different sources of authority for the first Christians. We will find out where they believed ultimate authority resided.



Through all of this, we will find that there is sufficient evidence to believe that our present canon of Scripture is made up of exactly the right number of books that God gave to humanity with nothing added and nothing deleted.



For example, note the following…



1. Peter Recognizes Paul As Writing Scripture



Peter recognized the writings of the Apostle Paul as Holy Scripture. He wrote the following to the believers:



And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them 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 other Scriptures (2 Peter 3:15,16 ESV).



This statement of Peter tells us several things:



First there were a number of Paul’s letters that were circulating. Peter speaks of his “letters.” While he does not give the exact number of these letters, they were circulating as a group.



Second, these writings of Paul were well-known by Peter and the other believers. The fact that he could speak of these letters to his audience in this particular way assumes that they were familiar with them.



Third, Peter placed these writings of Paul on the same level as the Old Testament Scripture. He used the Greek word graphe to refer to Paul’s writings. This Greek word is used fifty-one times in the New Testament, and it refers to the Old Testament writings in every other occurrence.



Hence, the idea of a "New Testament" was a reality at time when the apostles were still alive.



After looking at all of the evidence, we stated our conclusion as follows…



What Can We Conclude About The New Testament Canon?



Since the New Testament completes the written revelation of God to the human race, it is important that we know which books belong in the New Testament canon. After looking at the evidence, there are a number of important conclusions that we can make with respect to the canon of the New Testament. They are as follows:



1. The Twenty-Seven Books Are The Only Divinely Inspired Writings



From an historical point of view, it is clear that the present twenty-seven books of the New Testament are the only books that have been divinely inspired by God and recognized by the people of God. This is a fact of history. There is no doubting this.



2. The Church Was Diligent In Investigating The Authority Of The Books



3. There Was A Marvelous Unity Among Believers



4. No Individual Or Council Made The Final Determination



These factors show that believers can have supreme confidence that the New Testament which we have today is the same New Testament that the Lord originally gave to the human race; no more and no less.



This is the timeless truth that we can take away from a study of the subject…

[Midnight]

Timeless Truths...Ancient Mysteries of the Bible Solved





Mystery: It can be defined as anything that is unexplained or unknown. Up until about 150-200 years, there were many unknowns, many mysteries, when it came to the Bible and ancient history.



In particular, it concerned the events that were recorded in the Old Testament. Questions abounded:



-Was there even writing at the time of Moses?



-Are certain individuals and people groups, mentioned only in the Bible, real people? Did they actually exist?



-Are the geographical and historical references, correct?



In other words, does the Bible accurately record the past? This was a question to where there were no definitive answers.



How do we find the answers to what took place in the past? We cannot get into a time machine and go back! What can we do to solve these mysteries?



Biblical Archaeology To The Rescue (The Past Has Come To Us)



Until a little over a century and a half ago, almost all the information on the Old Testament came from the Bible. Scholars were unaware of contemporary sources that would either confirm or deny the stories about the people, rulers, cities, and events described by Moses and the other Old Testament authors.



Fortunately, the answer to many of these questions has been solved by the science of archaeology.



What Is Archaeology?



Simply put, archaeology is the study of ancient debris—the things that a civilization leaves behind. Archaeologists, therefore, examine the physical remains that civilizations have left behind.



What we discovered is that there is archaeological evidence for these mysteries to be answered in the positive. In other words, the Old Testament matches up with what we know about past history.



Indeed, it has consistently shown itself to be a remarkably reliable guide which accurately records what took place during biblical times. Therefore, we can acknowledge the following facts.



Fact: The world of the Bible is the world that did indeed exist in the past.



Fact: The historical record confirms the general outline of Scripture.



Fact: More than that, the writers of the Bible are found to be meticulously correct in their historical references.



Conclusion: Therefore, we have every reason to trust what the Bible says about the past.



There Needs To Be More Than Mere Historical Exactness



This brings us to our next point. Even though the writers give evidence of knowing and understanding intimate details of the times and circumstances of the lives of the biblical characters, there has to be more than this if we are to believe that the Bible is the Word of the Living God.



Indeed, there has to be evidence of a supernatural God who knows the future, who controls the future, and who predicts certain events that will take place in the future.



This is precisely what we have. As we will show, the fact that certain Old Testament writers, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel, lived during the times which the Bible claims they did, demonstrates that the predictions contained in their writings are something that no human being could imagine.



Indeed, humanly speaking, it is impossible to correctly make the sort of predictions that these authors made.



Simply put, if these three prophets lived and wrote at the time that the Scripture says that they did, then this is overwhelming evidence as to the supernatural character of the Bible.



In examining this issue, we will review the historical evidence for each prophet, discover predictions that came to pass in their own lifetime, and then document the specific predictions that were fulfilled after their lifetime.



Therefore, the timeless truth from this subject, is that the Lord has given us irrefutable evidence of His existence by speaking through these three Old Testament prophets…

[Midnight]

Timeless Truths...10 Reasons To Trust the Bible





“Ten Reasons to Trust the Bible,” or “The Ten Wonders of the Bible” looks at ten specific things that set the Bible apart from any other book that has ever been written.



Once this evidence is considered, it will be clear that the Bible is a trustworthy book. Indeed, the facts will demonstrate that it is exactly what it claims to be—the divine revelation of the living God to the human race.



With this in mind let’s look just three of the “Ten Reasons to Trust the Bible.”



Reason 1: The Intelligent Faith The Bible Presents



Our first reason to trust the Bible recognizes the astonishing nature of this one-of-a-kind book. Indeed, the fact that we can even have this discussion in the twenty-first century is a true wonder!



Although the various books of the Bible were composed between two thousand and four thousand years ago, they still have the power to challenge intelligent men and women in our modern world. In fact, the Bible can stand the test of the most rigorous academic assault and will prove to be intellectually satisfying to anyone “honestly” investigating the evidence.



To begin with, we note that the Bible constantly encourages people to put their “faith” in God. Unfortunately, many people equate faith with a blind leap in the dark or wishful thinking. But the faith that the Bible requires is “intelligent” or “reasonable” faith. It is neither blind nor irrational.



Biblical faith asks us to put our trust in an object (God) who is worthy of our faith. No one is asked to sacrifice their intellect when they put their faith in the God of the Bible.



The Evidence For The Christian Faith Is Sufficient For Those Honestly Examining The Evidence



In fact, we will discover that the evidence is more than sufficient for those who wish to know the truth. Indeed, there have been many cases of people who have actually attempted to disprove the message of the Bible and have ended up becoming believers because of the impressive evidence.



Reason 2: The Bible’s Unique Design



The Bible has a “unique” design. Indeed, it is one of a kind - like no other book that has ever been written. There is nothing like it, and it has no equal. This can be seen in a number of ways…



1. It Was Fifteen Hundred Years In The Making



2. The Bible Was Written By Many Authors From Various Occupations



3. Scripture Was Written In Different Literary Forms With Different Writing Styles



4. The Biblical Books Were Written Upon Three Continents



5. Scripture Was Composed In Different Physical Circumstances



6. Three Different Ancient Languages Were Employed In The Writing Of Scripture



7. There Are Many Different Subjects Covered In The Bible



8. They Wrote About The Unknown Future



9. The Biblical Writers Received Their Message In Different Ways



10. Most Authors Did Not Know One Another



Conclusion: We Would Expect Chaos To Result From These Diverse Circumstances



Yet the Bible is a unity; one unfolding account from beginning to end in complete harmony and continuity. The Old Testament is incomplete without the New Testament, and yet the New Testament does not make sense without the Old Testament.



Together the two testaments give a harmonious account of the dealings of God with humanity without any contradiction. Jesus made this clear when He said the following:



The Scripture cannot be broken (John 10:35).



There is one system of teaching, and one plan of salvation. This is an important line of evidence for the Bible being what it claims to be, the Word of God.



There is so much more….



Reasons 3-9 include the following…



Reason 3: The Bible’s Survival



Reason 4: The Bible’s Historical Precision



Reason 5: The Bible’s Scientific Respectability



Reason 6: The Bible’s Ability To Predict The Future



Reason 7: The Bible’s Honesty



Reason 8: The Bible’s Unique Teachings



Reason 9: The Bible’s Main Character – Jesus Christ



Each of these reasons provide irrefutable proof that the Bible can be trusted as the Word of the Living God.



Reason 10: The Bible’s Life-Changing Message



Finally, the Bible not only contains sufficient evidence to believe its claims, as our nine reasons illustrate but it also works in real life.



In Fact, Belief In Christ Answers The Three Basic Questions About Life



We Now Have An Identity: We Know Who We Are



We Now Have A Purpose: We Know Why We Are Here



There Is A Destiny That Awaits Us: We Know Where We Are Going



Therefore, from totality of the evidence, our timeless truth can be simply stated as follows: the Bible is the trustworthy Word of the Living God…

[Midnight]

Timeless Truths...Bible Translations

Don Stewart




Are English Versions Of The Bible More Similar Then They Are Different?



The answer to this is an unqualified, “Yes.” Bible translations, especially those done by evangelicals, Bible-believing Christians, all have a common goal, namely, they want to be faithful to the original text and to effectively communicate the truth of God’s Word.



Translations are usually put into two categories, the formal or so-called literal translations such as the English Standard Version, New American Standard Bible, and the New King James Version and the functional or more meaning-based translations such as the New Living Translation, the translation God’s Word, The Contemporary English Version and The Voice.



Translations like the New International Version, the New English Translation (the NET Bible), and the Christian Standard Bible are somewhere in-between these two options. They are sometimes called “mediating translations.”



However, as we illustrate in this book, the differences between the two theories are not as far apart as many think they are. This is the point that we want to continually emphasize!



No Translation Is Completely Literal



At the outset, it must be appreciated that no Bible translation gives a literal rendering of the text in every instance. This is why the phrase “modified literal” is used in describing these translations.



Indeed, it is not a simple process of finding one English word for each Greek and Hebrew word. Furthermore, words cannot be translated in isolation. Each language has its own set of idiomatic expressions that do not make sense when translated literally.



Some Bible translations that attempt to be as literal as possible end up with a version that is not as readable as one that as the more idiomatic or meaning-based. Often times the more formal translations come across in very wooden or stilted English.



We provide many examples in this book that demonstrate that a strictly formal, or a literal translation, can actually be misleading. If the Scripture were to be translated in a literal, or word for word, manner in every passage, then the result would often be something unreadable or non-understandable.



All Translations Basically Use The Same Process



As has often been noted, modified literal translations as well as idiomatic translations, both use the same process in composing their translations. There are two basic steps.



Step One: Discover The Meaning Of The Source Text Language



The first thing a translator would do is discover the meaning of the original language. In this case, it would be either Hebrew, Greek, or Aramaic. What does the original text actually mean in the context in which it is written?



Step Two Re-express The Meaning In The Target, Or Receptor Language



Once the meaning has been discovered, the translator will re-express the meaning into the language in which they are translating. For our purposes it is English but of course this would be true for any language in which the Scriptures would be translated.



Since direct transfer between two languages is rare, all translators must do this to the best of their ability. While the modified literal translation may concentrate on the form of the original, at the end of the day they must do the exact same thing as those who translate idiomatically.



Result: All Versions Translate The Bible In A Meaning-Based Way In Many Instances



This point is crucial to understand. ALL VERSIONS, whether they admit it or not, translate the Scripture in a meaning-based manner in many contexts. As we have mentioned, there is no such thing as a completely “literal translation” of the Bible.



To sum up, it is clear that translations which make the declaration as being literal need to qualify their claims. While they may translate the Scripture more often in a literal manner than some of the other translations, as we have plainly seen, they cannot do it consistently.



Therefore, all English translations are indeed more alike than they are different. Indeed, they all basically do the same thing when deciding how each verse should be rendered in English. The same holds true for all other languages in which the Bible is translated.

[Midnight]

Timeless Truths...Answering Bible Difficulties




Sep 20, 2024

What Is The Difference Between A Difficulty And A Contradiction?



The Bible claims to be the authoritative, inerrant Word of God and there is sufficient evidence to believe the claims of Scripture are true. Yet when we read the Bible there are difficulties that we encounter. How are we to deal with these obvious difficulties? The following points need to be stressed.



There Is A Difference Between A Bible Difficulty And An Outright Contradiction



At first glance, there do seem to be contradictions that we encounter when we read the pages of Scripture. These difficulties, and so-called “contradictions” we find, are between different authors, and even within the writings of the same author. What are we to make of them?



We should note that there is a difference between a difficulty and a contradiction. A difficulty is something that, initially, is hard to make sense out of. However, it is not necessarily a contradiction or error. It is merely something that causes a problem when we first look at it.



Unfortunately, too many people assume a difficulty is the same thing as an error. The Bible contains passages that are difficult to understand but when all the evidence is in, it cannot contradict itself. This is because there is only one ultimate author behind the text—God Himself.



The Admission Of Scripture Concerning Difficulties



Even the Bible itself admits that there are some difficult areas. Peter wrote the following concerning the writings of the Apostle Paul:



Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation. So also our beloved brother Paul wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, speaking of this as he does in all his letters. There are some things in them hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other scriptures (2 Peter 3:14-16 NRSV UE).



Peter admits that Paul wrote some things that were hard to understand.



We All Need Help In Understanding The Scripture



The Book of Acts gives us an example of Philip the evangelist having to explain the meaning of a difficult passage to the Ethiopian eunuch:



So Philip ran up to it and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. He asked him, “Do you understand what you’re reading?” The man replied, “How in the world can I, unless someone guides me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him (Acts 8:30,31 NET).



Like the Ethiopian eunuch, we all need help in understanding the things written in the Bible because there are matters that are difficult to understand.



The Difficulty May Be Cleared Up Later



Because a certain passage in Scripture is not completely understood right now, does not mean that it will never be understood. As our knowledge of the ancient world increases, the number of difficulties and obscurities continues to vanish. There are many examples of Bible difficulties having been cleared up due to recent knowledge. We must state categorically that there has never been one demonstrable error proven from the original text of Scripture!



There Is Only A Small Minority Of Difficulties In Scripture



We must also emphasize that the message of the Bible is crystal clear and for the most part, the text of the Bible is likewise clear. Difficult passages constitute a small minority in the text. We are not dealing with difficulty after difficulty on every page.



Conclusion: The Central Message Of The Bible Is Clear



The most important point, that cannot be overemphasized, is that the central message of the Bible—Jesus Christ is humanity’s only Savior—is not only clear, it is backed up by sufficient evidence to make any honest inquirer believe. There are a few remaining difficulties that still need to be cleared up; however, this should not deter one from believing in Jesus Christ. Our knowledge will always be imperfect and thus faith must always be exercised. However, biblical faith is intelligent, not blind faith.



Mark Twain’s famous statement is appropriate here. He said the statements that bothered him in the Bible were not the ones he did not understand, what bothered him were the things he did understand!



Another person has said it this way:



Many things in the Bible I cannot understand; many things in the Bible I only think I understand; but there are many things in the Bible I cannot misunderstand.



We must act upon those statements that we cannot misunderstand.

[Midnight]

Timeless Truths...Our 12 Books About the Bible Summarized




What Everyone Needs To Know About The Bible



Understanding simple truths about the Bible itself will help set the stage for everything that follows.



Bible Basics: An Introduction To Christian Beliefs



Similar to our first volume, this particular book explains some general truths about the Christian faith that every believer in Christ should know and understand.



Does The Bible Claim To Be The Word Of God



As we examine the Scripture, we discover that the various writers believed that they were recording the revealed words of God to the human race.



Is The Bible The Ultimate Source of Authority



Not only is the Bible the Word of God to the human race, but it is also the only source that we can go to for definitive answers on each and every subject which it covers.



Are The Right Books In The Old Testament



This particular volume looks at in the Hebrew Scriptures and asks whether we have a completed Old Testament with the exact number of books that the Lord gave to the human race. Fortunately, Jesus gives us the answer.



Does The Old Testament Apocrypha Belong In The Bible



The Roman Catholic Church adds a number of books to the Hebrew Scriptures that are not found in Protestant Bibles.



The evidence is clear that they are not part of the Old Testament Scripture. This is for two basic reasons. First, the Bible of the Jews at the time of Jesus did not consider them to be part of sacred Scripture.



In addition, Jesus and His disciples, while quoting the Old Testament frequently, never once referred to any of these books as Scripture as they did when quoting the Hebrew Scriptures.



Are The Right Books In The New Testament



As was true with the Old Testament, we discover that the New Testament also has the correct books in it. In fact, Jesus, on the night of His betrayal, gave His disciples two important promises.



First, the Holy Spirit would bring back to their remembrance everything He said and did. Second, the Holy Spirit would guide them into all truth.



Ancient Mysteries Of The Bible Solved



The modern science of archaeology gives a resounding yes to these questions. While not “proving the Bible” it shows that the people Scripture mentioned did indeed exist and the events recorded fit the known evidence.



The Message Of The Bible Has Not Been Changed



Not only did the people who are listed in the Bible actually exist, and the events recorded in Scripture took place as the Bible claims, we also find that the words contained in the New Testament have come down to us in a trustworthy manner.



In fact, for the Bible to be God’s Word to the human race this must be true. The message must be accurately transmitted to us if we are to trust it.



In this volume we look specifically at the New Testament and provide more than sufficient evidence that the words have been accurately handed down to us.



10 Reasons To Trust The Bible



There are many reasons as to why we should trust the Bible. This includes the unique makeup of the Bible, the wonder of predictive prophecy, the matchless main character, Jesus Christ, as well as the message having the ability to change lives in the 21st century. All in all, it provides reasons that make the Bible intellectually satisfying.



Bible Translations: Can We Trust Them?



Yes, we can. This is where the overwhelming evidence leads us to believe that our biblical translations are trustworthy, that is, those which are done by Bible-believing scholars.



Answering Bible Difficulties



While the Bible gives sufficient evidence to be what it claims to be, the Word of the Living God, there are still difficulties associated with the Bible. However, as we point out, a difficulty is not the same as an error or a contradiction. As the years go by, the difficulties get fewer and fewer.



Of course, this is exactly what we should expect if the Bible is the Word of the Living God.



Summary To The Series



In sum, as we have examined these twelve different subjects with respect to the Bible, we marvel at the way the Lord has arranged it in such a way that we can have complete confidence in His written Word.



Indeed, He has covered every possible issue concerning its trustworthiness including a reliable text, accurate historical events, the right books in each testament, as well as supernatural indications that it is more than a mere human book. All in all, from the evidence listed, we have every reason to trust the Bible.

[Midnight]

Timeless Truths...Does The God of the Bible Exist





Within the pages of the Bible are the claims that God has spoken to humanity. Over three thousand times in the Old Testament alone there are phrases such as “God spoke” . . . “And the Lord said” . . . “The word of the Lord came unto” . . .



The men who wrote the books of the Old and New Testament believed that God exists and that He has clearly revealed Himself to the world. The Bible is a record of that revelation.



But the claim that God exists does not, in-and-of-itself, make it true. How do we know that God exists? Couldn’t the idea of God be some wish-fulfillment on our part? Maybe God is only a mental projection—something which merely exists in our minds.



If there is a God, as the Bible affirms, then what is He like? In other words, how does a person know that this God who exists is the same one that the Bible reveals? Put another way, how does the Christian know that their God exists? What reasons are there to believe in the God of the Bible?



This book will answer questions concerning the evidence for God’s existence.



Does The Bible Attempt To Prove That

The God Of Scripture Actually Exists?



No, it does not. In the Bible, there is no attempt at all to prove that the God revealed in Scripture actually exists. From the first page of the Bible until the last, the existence of the God of Scripture is assumed—everyone is aware that He exists.



From an examination of the Scripture, we can discover a number of things about the existence of the God of the Bible. They include the following.



The Bible Offers No Proofs For The Existence Of The God It Reveals



We again emphasize that nowhere in the Bible are there arguments seeking to prove God’s existence. The fact of His existence is assumed from the very first page—where we read the following:



In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1 KJV).



The existence of the God of Scripture is implicit throughout the rest of Scripture. The Bible assumes the fact of God’s existence and calls upon people to make a step of faith toward Him.



The Existence Of The God Of The Bible Is Evident To All



There is no attempt to prove that God exists because Scripture says that God’s existence is evident to everyone. Paul wrote to the Romans and stated it in this way:



For God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against all godlessness and unrighteousness of people who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth, since what can be known about God is evident among them, because God has shown it to them (Romans 1:18-19 CSB).



God has made His existence evident to all of us. In some sense, every created thing gives evidence to God’s existence.



If a person denies the existence of God, then there is no reference point for correctly understanding themselves, or the world around them. They are without any hope.



Only A Fool Denies That The God Of Scripture Exists



Not only does the Bible assume that God exists, it says that only fools deny His existence. The psalmist wrote the following:



Fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.” (Psalm 53:1)



There Is No Excuse For Denying God’s Existence



Ultimately, those who deny God’s existence have no real excuse for what they are doing. When Paul wrote to the Romans, he said unbelievers have no excuse for denying the existence of God. He put it this way.



For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse (Romans 1:20 NIV).



Only The Bible Reveals The True God Who Exists



The main interest in Scripture is to show that the God of Scripture is the only God who exists. In the ancient world it seems that everyone believed in some type of god. Atheism was not really an issue at that particular time in history.



The question, therefore, was, “Which God, or gods, truly exist?” This is the issue in which the Bible addresses itself. The God of the Bible is contrasted to the false idols and powers which people were worshipping. He is the only God who exists.



While the Bible does not try to "prove" the God exists, the evidence from Scripture, as to His existence, is overwhelming.



We list a number of the lines of evidence in our book, The Case For Christianity, including Jesus' miracles, His fulfilling of Prophecy, as well as His resurrection from the dead.



We also set for a case for his existence in our books 50 Biblical Prophecies Made and Fulfilled and 25 Signs We Are Near The End.



These last books are available for free download from our website educatingourworld under the heading Bible Prophecy.



The Case For Christianity can be found under the heading of Jesus Christ.



Yes, God does exist!

[Midnight]

Timeless Truths...What Everyone Needs To Know About God



Why Do We Need A Biblical View Of God? (Principle 1)



In our book 10 Principles For Successful Christian Living , we emphasize that the first and foremost principle, for believers to live successfully in God’s sight, is to get a biblical view of God. What do we mean by this?



Basically, it means that we need to see God as the Bible portrays Him—the God who can do anything which is consistent with His character. This is how we should understand the God of the Bible.



This should be our starting point as we examine the Person of the God of Scripture….



In our book, What Everyone Needs To Know About God, we have two important sections….



Part 2 The Attributes Of God That Belong To Him Alone: God’s Unique Characteristics

Part 3 The Personal Attributes Of God: What Humans And God Have In Common



We look at these after introducing the subject…Our introduction reads as follows…



What is the God of the Bible like? What are His characteristics? What can we know about Him?



The Bible describes the attributes, or characteristics, of God—the only God who exists. It alone tells us what the one, true God is like.



Unfortunately, human beings have created God in their own image. The god they create is one that reflects their own nature. God is manipulated to fit the needs of the person creating Him.



Add to this, there are many Christians that have a deficient view of God. They also manipulate the concept of God to fit their own desires.



The proper perspective is to find out what the Bible has to say about the character of God. His attributes have been revealed to us in Scripture. Therefore, it is essential that we examine the attributes or the perfections of God. This section introduces us to this topic and brings us to our “timeless truth.”



What Are The Attributes Of God? (God’s Perfections)

How Do We Discover Them?



What is the God of the Bible like? What are His attributes? What does the Bible have to say about the character, or nature, of God?



This is the first question that we need to address as we attempt to understand what the Scripture teaches about God.



The Word Attribute Defined



To begin with, we need to know what we are talking about when we use the word “attribute.” What do we mean when we speak of His attributes?



An attribute of God can be defined as “an essential and permanent characteristic of His nature.” They are also called God’s “perfections.” Therefore, when we use the phrase “the attributes of God,” we are referring to the characteristics of God that He has revealed to us.



Where do we learn of God’s attributes? How are we able to determine what God is like? A few important observations need to be made.



1. We Can Know Certain Things About God From Looking At The World He Created



2. We Need God’s Written Word To Know Specifics About Him



3. We Do Not Have To Be Ignorant Of Who He Is



Jesus emphasized this truth. He made it clear that we can only know the living God to the degree that He reveals Himself to us. He said the following:



My Father has turned everything over to me. Only the Father knows the Son. And no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son is willing to reveal him (Matthew 11:27 God’s Word).



God has been willing to reveal Himself to us so that we can know what He is like —as well as what He expects from us.



4. Human Reason Is Inadequate To Know These Things



Consequently, human reason alone is not an adequate way to understand the character of God. When left to our own ideas about the nature, or character, of God, each of us goes our own way. The Bible informs us that through philosophical reasoning humanity cannot understand God. Paul wrote to the Corinthians:



For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe (1 Corinthians 1:21 NRSV UE).



Unaided human reason ends up making God into the image that we think He should be. It does not tell us who He truly is. In contrast, divine revelation is the only source that informs us of who the God of the Bible, in fact, is.



Thus, we must go to the Scripture alone if we want to know God’s attributes—His permanent characteristics. There are no other sources.



This is one of the important “timeless truths” that we should know and understand. Therefore, it is critical that we study the Bible to discover what it says about the God whom we love and serve.



Our book, “What Everyone Needs To Know About God” lays out the basic truths about His nature and character.



It will be a very helpful resource to study and learn about many timeless truths concerning the Living God.

[Midnight]

Timeless Truths...God Has Spoken, Are We Listening



On our own, finite, or limited, human beings cannot understand an infinite all-knowing God. In fact, we cannot know anything about God unless He has revealed it to us.



Fortunately, the Bible says that God has revealed Himself to humanity through two different ways—general revelation and special revelation.



General revelation, or natural revelation, is available to all people, everywhere, at all times. It is a constant, but silent witness to God’s existence and power. The universe itself is one grand testimony to God’s existence. The human conscience also gives evidence of the existence of God.



Special revelation, on the other hand, explains the God that general revelation reveals—the God of the Bible. The living God is both able and willing to explain certain things about Himself in human words.



Scripture is the only source of special revelation. It tells us how the universe came into being, where human beings came from, how sin entered into the world, the salvation God has provided, and how the present world will end. These truths can only be known through special revelation.



Both general revelation and special revelation are necessary for humanity to know anything about God—neither can make sense without the other.



In this book, we will look at how God has spoken to us through both general and special revelation. In addition, we will consider some of the most important truths which He has revealed to the human race.



God has indeed spoken to us—but are we listening?



How Is The Term Revelation Used In Scripture?



While the doctrine of revelation concerns itself with God supernaturally unveiling truths to humanity we would not otherwise know, the term “revelation” is used in the New Testament in several different ways. They include the following.



1. Revelation Can Be The Disclosure Of Truth In General



The term revelation is used in a general way. It speaks of the disclosure of truth. Shortly after the birth of the Lord Jesus, an elderly man named Simeon said the following of Him:



Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel (Luke 2:29-32 NIV).



God unveiled or revealed Himself in the Person of Jesus Christ.



2. Revelation Can Be A Specific Area Of Truth



The term revelation is also used of the disclosure of a specific area of truth. The Apostle Paul spoke of specific revelations of truth that were given to him by the Lord. He stated in this way:



I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to be gained, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord (2 Corinthians 12:1 NIV).



In this context, Paul is speaking of specific truths which the Lord revealed to him. These revelations which he received were supernaturally given.



Paul also informed the Ephesians as to the truth that had been supernaturally revealed to him. He wrote the following:



Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly (Ephesians 3:2,3 NIV).



These were special revelations that Paul received from the Lord. After receiving these truths, he passed them on to others.



3. The Term Revelation May Refer To The Second Coming Of Jesus Christ



The Second Coming of Jesus Christ is also known as the “revelation of Christ.” Paul wrote the following to the church at Corinth:



So that you do not lack any spiritual gift as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:7 NET).



In this context, the word “revelation” refers to the return of Jesus Christ to the earth—it is the revelation of His person to the world.



4. The Term Also Refers To The Book Of Revelation



Finally, the word is also used of the last book of the Bible, the Book of Revelation. John wrote the following introduction:



The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John (Revelation 1:1 NIV).



The last book of Scripture is called the “revelation of Jesus Christ” or the “revelation about Jesus Christ.” This is a further use of the word “revelation.”



Consequently, whenever we come across the term “revelation” in Scripture, the context must tell us how we are to understand its meaning.

[Midnight]

Timeless Truths...Does God Know Everything





From our book, Does God Know Everything...



Which Words In The Bible Express The Omniscience Of God?

(Foreknowledge, Foreseeing, Foreordained, Foretelling)



There are a number of words in Scripture that express God’s omniscience—that He knows everything. From each of them we gain insight into the knowledge of God. The biblical words that express this truth are as follows.



1. Foreknowledge – He Knows What Will Happen



One key word is foreknowledge. This simply means that God knows everything that will happen before it occurs.



The death of Jesus was in the eternal plan of God. In other words, it did not take Him by surprise. He knew in advance that this would happen.



On the Day of Pentecost, Peter said to the crowd which had gathered that Jesus’ death was both foreknown by God as well as predetermined:



Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man clearly attested to you by God with powerful deeds, wonders, and miraculous signs that God performed among you through him, just as you yourselves know—this man, who was handed over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you executed by nailing him to a cross at the hands of Gentiles (Acts 2:22-23 NET).



God certainly knew ahead of time what would take place with respect to Jesus’ death. He was not surprised with the outcome.



God knows what will occur before it actually happens.



2. Foreseeing – He Sees Everything Ahead Of Time



Foreseeing is another term that speaks of God knowing everything that will occur. In this case, He sees everything before it takes place. Paul wrote:



And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed” (Galatians 3:8 NKJV).



The Contemporary English Version puts it this way:



Long ago the Scriptures said that God would accept the Gentiles because of their faith. That’s why God told Abraham the good news that all nations would be blessed because of him (Galatians 3:8 CEV).



The Lord foresaw that the Gentiles would be justified by faith. Peter said that David, through the Holy Spirit, foresaw what would occur to the Messiah:



Foreseeing this, David spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, saying, ‘He was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh experience corruption’ (Acts 2:31 NRSV UE).



The Lord sees things before they come about. This is another way of saying that God knows what will happen in the future.



3. Foreordained – God Determines Certain Things Ahead Of Time



The word foreordained speaks of events that God has determined, or planned, certain things ahead of time. Peter spoke about God choosing, or determining ahead of time, that certain people would belong to Him:



God the Father decided to choose you as his people, and his Spirit has made you holy. You have obeyed Jesus Christ and are sprinkled with his blood (1 Peter 1:2 CEV).



According to Peter, God chose certain people ahead of time for His particular purposes. In the same manner, the Apostle Paul wrote about how God determines things according to His holy purpose. He wrote:



Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began (2 Timothy 1:9 NKJV).



The clear teaching from Scripture is that certain things have been foreordained by God. He has determined ahead of time what will happen.



4. Foretelling – God Tells Us What Will Happen Ahead Of Time



Because God knows what will occur, and has foreordained what will happen, He is able to foretell events. Thus, foretelling speaks of God knowing future events, and then telling humanity what will occur. In the Book of Acts, we read about this:



In this way God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, that his Messiah would suffer (Acts 3:18 NRSV UE).



God, through the prophets, foretold that the Messiah would suffer. This is one of many illustrations we find in Scripture of God foretelling what will occur.



These four words emphasize that the God of Scripture knows everything that will occur, He sees everything that will occur, He has foreordained, or planned, certain things that will occur, and finally He has told humanity about certain of these things that will indeed occur.



These terms, however, in one sense, do not accurately reflect God’s knowledge.



For example, God does not foresee into the future because He dwells above space and time. In other words, there is no past or future for Him. The term, therefore, is for our benefit.

[Midnight]

Timeless Truths...The Trinity: One God in Three Persons



Question 1 How Can There Be One God In Three Persons?

(The Doctrine Of The Trinity)



The subject of the Trinity, the Tri-Unity of God, is holy ground because it discusses the nature of the one, true, God. Consequently, we should approach this special subject with all humility and reverence.



The Word Trinity Is Not In The Bible



The word “Trinity” is a second-century term; it is found nowhere in the Bible. Furthermore, the Scripture does not give us any complete statement about the doctrine of the Trinity. Why, therefore, should anyone believe that the Trinity is a biblical doctrine?



Simply put, while the biblical writers proclaim that only one God exists, they also refer to three distinct persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, as “God.” Indeed, while insisting there is only one God, the New Testament presents Jesus Christ as the divine Son who is distinct from God the Father. It also presents the Holy Spirit as another divine person who is distinct from both the Father and the Son. With these facts in mind, we are challenged to formulate a doctrine of God that captures all these elements. The result? The doctrine of the Trinity.



All Doctrine Must Be Derived From The Bible



At the outset, we must state that any belief about the Trinity must come from the Bible and the Bible alone. It is the only authoritative source to discover answers about God and His nature. The Bible, by itself, must answer the question as to whether or not there is a Trinity. Tradition, or the pronouncements of some church authority, does not make the Trinity doctrine true. Scripture alone must be our guide.



The Trinity Is Only Known By Revelation



In addition, the doctrine of the Trinity could only be known by divine revelation. Indeed, it cannot be known by human reason. The only way in which the inner workings of God, and His nature, could be known is that God has revealed it to humanity.



Hence, the Trinity is a doctrine that God has revealed to humankind through the Scriptures. It is not the result of human reasoning.



The Definition Of The Trinity



The word Trinity means tri-unity, or three-in-oneness. It is used to explain the God who is revealed in Scripture. The doctrine of the Trinity, while admittedly difficult, can be simply stated as follows.



The Bible teaches that there is one eternal God who exists. He is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. However, within the nature of this one God are three Persons, or three centers of consciousness. They are the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.



These three Persons are co-equal, and co-eternal. They are also distinguishable, or distinct from one another. These three distinct Persons are the one God. In other words, everything that is true about God is true about the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Therefore, God is one in essence, but three in Persons.



While the Bible teaches that the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Spirit is God, it is wrong to say that God is the Father, God is the Son, or God is the Holy Spirit. God’s nature consists of three distinct Persons. Therefore, it is incorrect to limit God to one particular member of the Trinity.



Furthermore, while there are three centers of consciousness, there is only one divine, harmonious will. The three members of the Godhead do not act independently of one another.



Scripture makes the following points about the nature of God.



1. There Is Only One God That Exists



2. There Are Three Distinct Persons Who Exist (The Father, Son, And The Holy Spirit)



3. Each Of These Three Distinct Persons Is Called God



4. The Three Persons Are The One God (The Trinity)



.Some Important Clarifications Of The Doctrine Of The Trinity



There are some much-needed clarifications that should be made about the Trinity. They include the following.



1. The Members Are Distinct In Their Roles



2. Each Member Is Fully God And Equal In Importance



3. There Are No Analogies Of The Trinity In Nature



4. The Doctrine Of The Trinity Is Unique To Christianity



Though some believe that religions who worship a number of different gods have a similar doctrine as the Trinity, this misunderstands what the Bible teaches about the nature of God.



Indeed, Christianity believes and teaches that only one God exists. There are not three gods. Yet it also teaches that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are the one God. The fact that God is both three and one at the same time is not a contradiction in terms—rather it is a divine mystery. For this is what the God of the Bible has revealed to us about His nature.

[Midnight]

Timeless Truths...Understanding Islam




Do Muslims Believe In The Same God As Christians?



Islam is the second largest religion in the world. Only Christianity has more individuals claiming to be believers. However, to many people, Islam is a mystery. Few Christians really understand much about how the religion began, who Muhammad “the prophet” was, what claims are made about him, and what Muslims believe about their God, Allah.



Is Allah, the god of Islam, the same God as the One revealed in the Bible? Do believers in Allah actually believe in the God of Scripture? What exactly is Islam? What does it stand for?



This book gives a basic overview of the Islamic faith. We look at their history, major beliefs, and common practices. In doing so, we will concentrate on the beliefs of the majority of Muslims, the Sunnis. They comprise about 90% of the believers in Islam.



Question 1 Why Is It Important For Christians To Know About Islam?



There are numerous religions in the world that claim to have the “truth” about the existence of God, or gods, the meaning of human life, the problem of evil, and the ultimate destiny of human beings. All of these are in contrast to the Christian faith which not only claims to have the truth but gives evidence to support its claims.



Since this is the case, why should anyone take the time to time to study one particular non-Christian religion, Islam? Why should a believer in Jesus Christ want to know anything about Islam and its followers, the Muslims?



There are a number of reasons why it is important to know some things about Islam. They include the following.



1. Islam Is The Second Largest Religion In The World



Although it is the newest of the world religions, Islam is behind only Christianity in number of adherents. Indeed, over one billion people on the planet, one fifth of the world’s population, claim to be Muslims. This fact alone should cause the Christian to be, at least, somewhat familiar with who Muslims are and what they believe. Islam is not going away, and it is good if we know some things about what the faith is all about.



2. Islam Is Actively Seeking Converts



The Islamic faith is also active in promotion. While many religions are content with doing their work behind the scenes, Islam is actively seeking converts.



Consequently, Christians will encounter Muslims who are passionately spreading their faith. We cannot escape contacting them as we tell people about Jesus.



3. Radical Islam Is Linked With World Terrorism



Whether it is fair or not, radical Islam has been linked with world terrorism. The people that commit these murderous acts claim to have a religious sanction. It is important that we have some understanding of why they would do such things.



4. We Are To Know Our Enemy



The Bible commands us to know our enemies. Scripture says we are fighting a spiritual battle in the spiritual realm with spiritual weapons. T

The Islamic faith is an enemy of Christianity. This is clear. Having said this, we do not mean to infer that the Muslim people are enemies of Christians. They are not. Like those involved in all other non-Christian religions they are souls for whom Jesus Christ has died. The offer of salvation from sin extends to them as well.



Therefore, we need to make the distinction between those people who embrace the faith and the faith itself. Our fight is against the religion of Islam and that for which it stands. Our fight is not against the Muslim people.



5. We Are To Know What And Why We Believe



Another reason to understand Islam is because it attacks the Christian faith. There are numerous charges made against Jesus Christ and Christianity from the Quran, the holy book of Islam. These charges must be given a response. The Bible commands Christians to know what they believe, as well as why they believe. Peter wrote:



But in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15 ESV).



Muslims will confront Christians and debate with them about who indeed has the right answer with respect to God’s existence, the authority of the Bible, the Person of Jesus Christ, and other important topics.



Since Muslims deal with Christians as to why we believe what we do believe, we need to have an answer for them.



Therefore, it is important for Christians to have some understanding about Islam.

[Midnight]

Timeless Truths...The God Series Summarized





We have completed our highlighting of each of the six books in our series on God. The following is a simple summary of what we looked at in each of the books.



Does The God of The Bible Exist



Obviously, this question is primary. Indeed, for a person to do a serious study about the God of the Bible he or she must first be convinced that God does exist. However, it is not merely that a God exists, there has to be evidence that the God of the Bible exists.



In fact, when we examine the totality of Scripture the evidence for His existence is overwhelming!



Volume 2 What Everyone Needs To Know About God



Once we understand that the evidence is sufficient to believe that the God of the Bible exists, the next step is discovering what He is like. Scripture speaks of His characteristics or attributes in two different ways.



First, there are characteristics that the Lord has that belong to Him alone. Humans have nothing in common with these attributes.



Second, the Bible also records a number of different attributes or characteristics that humans have in common with the Lord, though obviously not to the same degree.



It is important that we understand these attributes of God.



Volume 3 Does God Know Everything



Our next book looks at the knowledge of God. From Scripture, we noted that the God of the Bible is omniscient, that is, He has “all knowledge.



We can break this down into four specific categories concerning His knowledge of future events.



First, He has foreknowledge. This means He knows and understands every event that will happen in the future before they actually take place.



Second, Scripture also uses the work foreseen about the knowledge of God. In other words, like foreknowledge He “sees” everything that will happen.



Third, the Bible also teaches that certain events have been foreordained. In other words, He was arranged a number of incidents to take place. This attribute demonstrates that He is complete control of all things.



Finally, He also foretells the future. In this case, since He knows all things, He informs humanity ahead of time, about certain events that will occur. When they do take place, just as He has specifically predicted, it provides evidence of His existence as well as of His omniscience, that He knows everything.



God Has Spoken: Are We Listening



In this book we look at the two ways in which the Bible says that the Lord has revealed Himself to the human race.



The first is what is known as “general revelation” or “natural revelation.” The evidence comes to us from our observation of the created universe. Whether we look at the universe telescopically or microscopically, we see specific evidence of design, wonderful design. All of this gives testimony to a designer.



But who is this designer? This brings us to the second way in which the Lord has spoken to us. This is through “Special Revelation.” This consists of God revealing Himself to humanity on various occasions and this revelation is contained in the writings of Scripture.



Therefore, God has indeed spoken to humanity. The real question is: Are we listening?



The Trinity: One God In Three Persons



Our next book looks at the nature, or makeup, of the God of the Bible. From Scripture, we know that only one God exists, the God of the Bible. However, the one God who exists is a Trinity, made up of three distinct Persons, or three centers of consciousness, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.



Each member is distinct from one another, the Father is not the Son, the Son is not the Spirit, the Spirit is not the Father. Yet each is fully God. While this is what the Lord teaches to us about Himself it is certainly something that we can fully comprehend or explain. But we do not have to. We only have to believe it because the Lord has told us what He is like.



Understanding Islam



The last book in our series on the God of the Bible looks at the religion of Islam and the God that it speaks of, namely Allah. Islam is the second largest religion in the world next to Christianity, and it is assumed by many that it is speaking about the same God as the One revealed in Scripture. It is not!



The God of the Bible is a completely different Person than the false God of Islam. In fact, they really have nothing in common.



Since both Christianity and Islam make similar claims about themselves, a comparison of their belief systems show they are completely incompatible. It is important to see the difference between the two faiths.



This basically sums up our six-book series on the God the Bible. We trust that your study of it will be very helpful in understanding who the God of Bible is, and what He has done, and continues to do, on our behalf.