Introduction: In Jude 3 we read, "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." The Greek word used here for "faith" is pistis, and speaks of conviction or persuasion of truth. The reference in this verse is to "the faith," or the body of revealed truth that was "once delivered to the saints." At the center of our faith, is the Word of God, the Bible, which is "the faith which was once delivered unto the saints."
The Holy Bible is the body of revealed truth. Our faith centers around God's written revelation. In the Bible, we are given all we need to know about God the Creator as well as His creation. In the Word of God we can learn who we are, where we came from, and where we are going. The Bible does not tell us everything, but it tells us all we need to know and indeed can know for the present. Deuteronomy 29:29 reads, "The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law."
In a day when men are attempting to discredit the Bible, it would be good for us to give diligence to its claims and content. Before we consider what we believe about the Bible, let's look at what the Bible claims for itself. Here are eleven internal claims from the Word of God.
FIRST, THE BIBLE CLAIMS FOR ITSELF A SUPERNATURAL ORIGIN. II Timothy 3:16a tells us, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God." The word "inspired" literally means God breathed. The scriptures therefore claim to be God breathed, that is they came from God through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Read II Peter 1:21. This places the scriptures on a plain above any other book. No other book can make this claim!
Class Involvement: How has God allowed the personality of each Bible writer to remain in tact? Give some examples.
SECOND, THE BIBLE CLAIMS FOR ITSELF TO BE GOD'S WORD TO MAN. Over and over again the scriptures claim to be God's divine Word to man. Notice I Thessalonians 2:13. Paul says, "...as it is in truth, the Word of God." The Bible is God's Word to man, not a collection of man's opinions. When a teacher or preacher stands to share the Scripture and is faithful to the Word of God, we must consider it as God speaking to us! Statements such as "...and God said," appear 3,808 times in the Old Testament alone!
Class Involvement: Today most church congregations are connoisseurs of preaching. How do we make demands of teachers and preachers beyond their being faithful to God's Word? Is this good or bad? Which is more important, who is preaching or what is being preached?
THIRD, THE BIBLE CLAIMS ACCURACY IN ITS PROPHESIES. There are hundreds of prophecies which were given in Old Testament times and which were fulfilled exactly and in detail. The prophecies pertaining to Jesus Christ alone demonstrate infallible proof of the inspiration of the Bible in which they are recorded. There are more than 300 Old Testament prophesies concerning Christ fulfilled in His life and ministry. Hundreds of years before Christ was born the details of His life were already recorded in Scripture. His birth, miracles, rejection, mock trial, crucifixion, burial in a rich man's tomb, resurrection, and ascension, were pre-written in the Bible. No other religious book contains such prophecies. In John 19 the phrase "that the scripture might be fulfilled," occurs four times relating to Christ's death. The Bible bears testimony of accuracy in fulfilling prophecies. See I Peter 1:10-12.
FOURTH, THE BIBLE CLAIMS UNITY IN ITS TESTIMONY. The Bible agrees with itself from the Old Testament to the New Testament. The unity of the Bible proves that it is the Word of God. The 66 books were written by 40 authors over a period of 1,600 years. There was no possibility of collusion. The writers came from every walk of life. Yet the Bible presents one consistent doctrine and message from beginning to end. Each part fits into the whole like a hand in a well-made glove. There is no other book in all the realm of human literature to compare with this miracle. Christ is the common thread that unites all truth. See Luke 24:27, 44.
Class Involvement: It has been said that the problem with the Word of God is not that it contradicts itself, but that it contradicts us. Instead of changing our lives in light of God's Word, we are busy changing the Bible. How is this taking place today?
FIFTH, THE BIBLE CLAIMS TO BE ETERNAL IN ITS NATURE. Man and his word will pass away, but God's Word will last forever. Read Isaiah 40:8; I Peter 1:23. No other book in the history of the world has been so viciously and universally attacked. It has often been ridiculed for its content. Copies of the Bible have been burned, its publication forbidden, and its readers persecuted. Many have tried to destroy the Word of God, only to fail.
SIXTH, THE BIBLE CLAIMS FOR ITSELF INERRANCY. The term inerrancy means to be without error. Psalm 119:160 says, "Thy Word is true from the beginning!" Peter calls it the "incorruptible seed." I Peter 1:23 says, "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever."
SEVENTH, THE BIBLE CLAIMS FOR ITSELF PRACTICALITY. The Bible claims to be a practical book with instruction and help for daily living. Read Psalm 119:105, 133. In the Word of God there is practical wisdom that will give benefit for every area of life. It will help you with your finances, help you choose a mate, it will enrich your marriage, help you raise your children, as well as improve your relationships.
Class Involvement: How have the clear practical teachings of the Bible impacted your life? What are some practical truths contained in the Bible that help us in the areas of our finances, child raising, communication, relationships?
EIGHTH, THE BIBLE CLAIMS FOR ITSELF RELIABILITY IN ITS PROMISES. We can count on God's Word being true. If God said it, it shall come to pass. Read II Corinthians 1:20. God's Word is as good as God's character. Notice Titus 1:1-3a. Class Involvement: Think of the countless promises given in God's Word that breathe hope into our lives every day. Take time to list some of the Bible's precious promises. Here are a few to get you thinking. John 14:18 reads, "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." Philippians 4:19 reads, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Hebrews 13:5a reads, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."
NINTH, THE BIBLE CLAIMS FOR ITSELF THE ABILITY TO IMPART FAITH. The Word of God spawns faith in the heart of man. See Romans 10:17. There is no salvation apart from the Word of God.
Class Involvement: Matthew 17:20 reads, "And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you." Discuss how God through His Word has increased your faith, moving you to take action.
TENTH, THE BIBLE CLAIMS FOR ITSELF TO BE SEARCHING IN ITS DISCERNMENT. God's Word can penetrate the very heart and thoughts of man. See Hebrew 4:12. This reveals the spiritual, supernatural nature of the Bible. It is the "sword of the Spirit." See Ephesians 6:17.
Class Involvement: Share testimonies of occasions when a Bible passage or verse penetrated your heart and changed your life.
ELEVENTH, THE BIBLE CLAIMS FOR ITSELF TO BE CHRIST REVEALING IN ITS WITNESS. The main purpose of all scripture is to reveal Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world. Read John 5:39; I John 5:10-13. If we miss Christ, we miss the central message of the Bible.
Class Involvement: Take some time to examine how Christ is presented in various books of the Bible. Example: In Ruth, Jesus is seen as the "Kinsman Redeemer."
If we just listen to the Bible itself, we can learn of its claims and authenticity.
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