2nd.Timothy 2:15-16; 3:16-17 "Study to show thyself approved unto GOD, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the WORD of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. . .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, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."
How reliable is the Bible ? Likely, on the spine of your Bible you will find the words "Holy Bible." The word holy speaks of something that is sacred, consecrated, hallowed. Your Bible is a holy book. It is GOD's WORD. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of GOD, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (v.16). "Holy men of GOD spake as they were moved by the HOLY GHOST" (2nd.Peter 1:21 pictured above). The Bible is not the conception of men but of GOD. 
Historically, the true church has always held to the infallibility of the Bible (it is incapable of error), recognizing that GOD has revealed HIMSELF not only in "general" revelation (creation) but also in "special" revelation in history, over many centuries, until the fullness of the revelation had come, and that it has become inscripturated -- come down to us in written form and free from all error, both in the whole and in part. But just as surely, the world has spawned countless critics, skeptics, and scorners who do not take the Scriptures at face value and who reject what GOD has said. JESUS prayed, "Sanctify them through THY truth: THY WORD is truth." (John 17:17 pictured above). But the critic responds in the cynical words of Pilate: "What is truth ?" (John 18:38). He is not alone, for many have followed the same road, believing no absolute truth exists. Tragically, this is even taught in many pulpits. Yet, the very nature of the divine inspiration of the Scriptures renders the Bible infallible -- IT cannot deceive us, for IT is inerrant in that IT is not false, mistaken, or defective. While a battle may rage in the minds of some, the believer rests in the security of the GOD of the WORD WHO speaks truth and not error.
The devotional reading of GOD's WORD ought to be a given in the life of any Christian. But that devotional reading should move the child of GOD into a deeper desire for and involvement with his Bible -- actually giving careful time and attention to the study of GOD's WORD (v.15; 1st.Peter 2:2 pictured above). The ultimate goal in Bible study is not to do something with the Bible, but it is to allow the Bible to do something to us !
Observation and interpretation are not enough; it is the application of GOD's WORD to the heart that completes the Bible study process. The potential of the WORD of GOD is so very powerful; the Apostle Paul declared: "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of CHRIST: for it is the power of GOD unto salvation to everyone that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek [Gentile]." (Romans 1:16). GOD wants HIS WORD to be at the center of our life -- instructing, motivating, empowering us. The WORD cleanses and purifies (John 15:3 pictured above). IT gives strength for living (Deuteronomy 8:3). As a sword, IT equips us for battle (Ephesians 6:17 pictured below). As a manual, IT gives counsel for our walk (Psalm 119:24). As water, flowing from the throne of GOD, IT brings forth fruit to the glory of GOD (Psalm 1:2-3).
Personal application of the Bible is important, as both Old Testament and New Testament were written with two basic purposes: first, to show unbelievers the way to GOD and, second, to teach believers how to walk with their LORD each day. Appling the Scriptures will become a natural habit when the child of GOD is convinced that the Bible provides relevant instruction that is to be personally lived out for GOD's glory. JED
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permissions. www.featoday.org
No comments:
Post a Comment