How Do We Learn About God? Confession Of Faith Article “b”

(Holley Gazette, February, 1998)

Try to imagine what we would know about God if we didn’t have the Bible. And, how can we be certain that what the Bible tells us is true?

The second article in our Confession of Faith states: “We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be given by Inspiration of God, and that they are the only rule of faith and practice.” – II Tim. 3:16 The key word is “inspiration.” This means that although God used human authors, the Holy Spirit worked through them in such a way that everything they wrote, right down to the actual thoughts and words, is directly from God. Thus they are completely accurate and trustworthy. This kind of “inspiration” is unique to the Bible. That is why it is called the “Word of God.” Three witnesses attest to the Bible’s inspiration, the Bible itself, the witness of history, and the witness of God.

The main theme of the Old Testament is that it is God, not man, who is speaking. Expressions such as “Thus saith the Lord…” and “The Word of the Lord came unto me saying…” demonstrate this theme. The New Testament authors also bear witness to the inspiration of the Old Testament, as for example, the Apostle Paul’s statement that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God.” – II Tim. 3:16 (literally ‘God-breathed’) Jesus repeatedly quoted the Scriptures when tempted by Satan. Matt. 4:1-11. He told the unbelieving Jews the “…scriptures cannot be broken…” John 10:35. And, after his resurrection he told his disciples that all things written in them (the scriptures) concerning him should be fulfilled. Luke 24:44.

The witness of the New Testament recounts Christ’s coming and teachings regarding himself. He said “Heaven and earth will pass away but my word will not pass away. Matt. 24:35. He promised his apostles that he would send the Holy Spirit who would “…teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:26. Because the Holy Spirit “inspired” the apostles in their writing of the New Testament, it is clear why, for example, John would claim that he was “…bearing witness…and we know that his testimony is true,” John 21:24 and likewise Peter would place Paul’s epistles along with “…the other scriptures.” II Peter 3:15.

The witness of history is simply that from its beginning, the church has recognized the inspiration of the Bible. The apostles were the authors of the New Testament and their teacher was Christ himself. Through the centuries, and continuing today, the Church has been persecuted and the Bible banned and burned, still, through the power of the Holy Spirit, it continues to do its work of changing lives.

As the author of the Bible the witness of God himself is experienced both externally and internally in the lives of believers. Externally as we read the Bible and internally as the Holy Spirit interprets it to our hearts. For those who do not know Christ as Savior He will be revealed to them in the Word as they sincerely seek Him. Paul reminds Timothy that the Holy Scriptures were able to make him “…wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” I Peter 1:25.