Johnson What We Believe ... and Why

A Study of the Doctrinal Statement of the American Baptist Association
1. Auflage 2007
ISBN: 978-0-89211-389-7
Verlag: Bograd Press
Format: EPUB
Kopierschutz: Adobe DRM (»Systemvoraussetzungen)

E-Book, Englisch, 168 Seiten

'What We Believe ... and Why' is a study of basic Baptist beliefs. The book includes twenty-six lessons, which cover the twenty-one doctrinal statements of the American Baptist Association (ABA). These Bible truths include such topics as: God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, Satan, creation, salvation, baptism and the church. Each lesson includes Scripture references and discussion questions. This study is ideal for small groups or for personal study -- and even for an introductory seminary class. New church members and new believers will find the book beneficial.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Johnson, David O.

Leseproben

Doctrinal Statement #2
What We Believe About the Bible
We believe in the infallible, verbal inspiration of the whole Bible and that the Bible is the all-sufficient rule of faith and practice (Psalm 119:160; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17). Introduction The inspired Word of God is profitable when we hear, read, study, memorize and meditate upon it. We need to be doers of the Word—not hearers only. The religious climate of the world today is one of great debate and constant doubt. To claim that the Bible is the only revelation from God to man is considered to be intolerant. Surely other religious revelations are equally divine. Where do conservative Baptists stand concerning the Bible and its relevance for the world? “We believe in the infallible, verbal inspiration of the whole Bible and that the Bible is the all-sufficient rule of faith and practice” (with related Scriptures). This seems so dogmatic that some people doubt its validity. Yet, if the Bible is not the Word of God, then what is it? If all religious revelations are equally divine, then what right do Baptists have to hold only to the Bible as the basis for faith and truth? The Bible is a collection of sixty-six books written over a period of about fifteen hundred years by about forty different writers. They were from various occupations including shepherds, fishermen, kings, farmers, government officials, businessmen and a doctor. The Bible has an amazing unity. Everything within its pages shows God’s hand in bringing about the redemption of His creation. The Old Testament points forward to the coming Messiah. The New Testament presents His arrival and shows how the message of Christ was preached to the world. Is the Bible the Word of God? How did man receive this revelation from God? Is there any real benefit to having an inspired Bible? This and more will be covered as we study what we believe about the Bible. The Bible Is Inspired The idea of inspiration raises questions in the minds of some people. The New Testament makes the claim, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Tim. 3:16). When Paul made the claim that the Bible was inspired, he actually claimed it came as the breath of God to man (God-breathed). It was not the mere notions of men written on a page. The words were the thoughts of God. How did inspiration take place? “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:21). The writers were specifically chosen by God because of their willingness to be used by Him. He placed His message within their hearts and allowed them to write the words. This process allowed the vocabulary and personality of the individual writers to show through their writings. But God did not simply turn them loose to write whatever they wanted. The Holy Spirit moved them along so they would make no mistakes. The picture, “moved by the Holy Ghost,” is that of a boat on the water being driven along by the wind. The motive power of movement is not the boat, but the wind. The wind drives the boat. In the same way, the Holy Spirit was the motive power of inspiration. While the individual could select words from his personal vocabulary, the Holy Spirit watched over the selection of words so the message was exactly what God wanted. The Bible is inspired. The doctrinal statement describes inspiration as being “verbal.” That means each word God inspired is the exact word He wanted. The human instrument of writing was the individual, but the message came from God. A musical instrument has the potential for making beautiful sounds. But the music will never come from the instrument until someone takes it up and begins to play it. Then, pleasing music can proceed from the instrument. The individual God used in writing was like the musical instrument. He could not write the Bible by his own efforts. It took the power of God to bring about inspiration. The Bible Is Infallible God’s inspiration is infallible. This means that no mistakes can come into the Word of God. It stands firm and secure as the revelation of God to man. Its perfection and inerrancy is based on the character of God. It is without error and stands as the only perfect book man has. Various Scriptures point to the purity and infallibility of the Bible. The psalmist David wrote, “The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times” (Psalm 12:6). When silver is refined, it is placed into a furnace and melted. As the metal gets hotter, the impurities within the ore come to the top and can be removed. The hotter it gets, the more impurities burn off. God’s Word is like silver refined in the furnace. There are no impurities because it was refined seven times. This is the number of divine perfection and completion. David’s statement was a strong declaration of the infallibility of the Bible. Psalm 119:160 declared that the Bible was “true from the beginning.” This word has the general idea of something being firm, faithful and true. It is tied closely to a word meaning “to take the right road.” It was not that God gave a message and then refined it so that it would ultimately become something pure and true. It was infallible from the moment the message came to man. How could a declaration from God be any different? He is the God who does not change (Malachi 3:6). God’s Word is faithful and true from the beginning and will never change. It is infallible. The Bible Is Indestructible Another important attribute of the Bible is that it can never be destroyed. Satan wants people to doubt the authority of the Scriptures. Though he has hurled attacks against the Bible, it still stands. The Old Testament proclaims that God’s Word is settled in Heaven (Psalm 119:89). This means it stands firm and is established. It cannot be shaken. Every righteous statement of God will endure for all time (verse 160). Therefore, as long as time continues, God’s Word will remain. The New Testament also teaches that the Bible is indestructible. “The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you” (1 Peter 1:24, 25). No one questions whether grass will wither in the heat of summer. Flowers bloom briefly and then fall away from the plant. Yet, the Word of God never withers or falls away. It always endures. Jesus said, “Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled” (Matt. 5:18). The jot and tittle referred to the Hebrew alphabet. The jot spoke of the smallest Hebrew letter (yod). The tittle was a small mark made on certain Hebrew letters that distinguish similar letters from each other. Jesus said that even the smallest portions of God’s Word will not fail. Every Word He gave will remain in force. It is indestructible. The Bible Is Instructive There is a definite benefit to having and studying the Bible. It is “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16). The Bible instructs those who study it. It is like a manual received with something new. The owner wants to know how to operate it. There are two possible options. A person can attempt to learn the method of operation by trial and error. This is not effective or efficient. It allows many mistakes and errors to occur. Or, the individual can expend the time and effort to read the instruction manual. It tells how the equipment can best be operated. The Bible will equip those who take the time to dig into its pages. It gives instruction on matters of truth. Doctrine cannot be built on personal preference. It must come from the Word of God. The Bible is “the all-sufficient rule of faith and practice.” If doctrinal beliefs are based on what you think rather than on the Bible, then it is built on a shaky foundation. If your beliefs contradict the clear teaching of the Word of God, then they are wrong. Make sure your faith has the firm foundation of Scripture. The Bible also points out sin and shows how to correct it. How can people know what is right and wrong? Can a person trust his personal feelings? The Bible declares what is sinful and what should be avoided. This reproof and correction are necessary for a person to live for Christ. “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:9, 11). A person knows what is wrong because of what the Bible teaches. It shows the importance of repentance. God’s Word is profitable for reproof (conviction of sin) and correction (repentance and forgiveness). The Bible also instructs the individual how to live. The Word of God reaches all levels of spiritual development. If a person is a baby in Christ, he or she can partake of “the sincere milk of the word” so spiritual growth can proceed (1 Peter 2:2). As a person matures in Christ, the Bible has words of greater challenge—the “strong meat” of deeper Scriptures (Heb 5:14). “Study to shew thyself approved unto God” (2 Tim. 2:15). Study has the idea of laboring diligently, of putting out great effort. To grow spiritually takes effort. Each person should be willing to labor for Him, thereby growing more mature. The Word of God is beneficial for those who want to live for Christ. Conclusion The Bible is far more than just good...