1.1 Scriptures – Special Revelation

Definition

By Scripture, we mean the thirty-nine books of the Old Testament and the twenty-seven books of the New Testament, excluding the Apocryphal writings, which are not divinely inspired. The Canon of Scripture is now complete and therefore no new claims of canonical revelation will be accepted. Hebrews 1:1-2

Inspiration

The Bible has both human and divine authorship. Though written over many centuries by men of differing perspectives, experiences, styles, temperaments, and languages, it is entirely free of contradictions. This unity is explained by the fact that the Holy Spirit of God is the true author of Holy Scripture. He inspired, or more precisely breathed out his message. He moved men to write what they wrote, incorporating their human personalities and literary styles into the text. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:20-21, Luke 1:1-4, John 14:26, John 16:13-15, 2 Peter 3:15-16

Inerrancy and Authority

Scripture (the Bible) is the Word of God. The Bible is the only inspired, infallible, and inerrant writing that exists. By infallible, we mean that the Bible is incapable of error. By inerrant, we mean that the words themselves are without error. The Bible is without error even when it touches on subjects of history and science. It provides the absolute answers for all men, concerning how we are to be saved, what we are to believe, and how we are to live in order to please our Creator. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, John 10:34-35

Clarity

While all Scripture does not contain the same degree of clarity either by design or due to our limited understanding, we affirm that the Bible is sufficiently clear in revealing what one needs to know in order to come to a saving faith in Jesus Christ and in living for his glory. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Original Languages

The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew and Aramaic. The New Testament was originally written in Greek.

Autographs

All that has been said about the divine nature of the Bible applies strictly speaking to the original writings (the Autographs) and not to the copies and translations of the original. We believe that for all practical purposes we have the actual Word of God. Those parts of the Bible that we are not absolutely certain about do not affect the essentials of the Christian faith

1.2 Nature – General Revelation

General or Natural Revelation is the knowledge of God that can be gained through his creation. This knowledge is limited and is not sufficient to bring someone to a saving faith but it is sufficient enough to condemn us. No one, as a result of Natural Revelation, will want to savingly know the true God. The knowledge of God revealed in creation serves to make all of mankind without excuse before the judge of all heaven and earth. Romans 1:18-20, Psalm 19:1-6

Study Questions:

  1. What’s included in the Scriptures?
  2. The Canon of Scripture is now complete and therefore no new claims of canonical revelation will be accepted. True or False?
  3. The Bible was written by men alone. There’s no divine being who inspired the bible. True or False?
  4. What is the revelation that is limited and is not sufficient to bring someone to a saving faith but it is sufficient enough to condemn sinners?
  5. Bible translations are inspired and therefore infallible and inerrant. True or False?

 

Additional Resources:

How Does God Make Himself Known?
How Do We Know What God is Like?
Who Wrote the Bible?
Can We Trust What the Bible Says?
What is the Bible's Role in Our Lives?
Is the Bible Easy to Understand?
How Does God Help Us Understand the Bible?
Has the Bible Been Changed Since It Was First Written?