"The Scriptures"
John 5:39
The scriptures of the
Old and New Testaments are THE INSPIRED WORD OF GOD(II
Pet.1:19-21;II Tim.3:16). Holy men of God,prophets and
apostles, chosen,ordained, and gifted by God, wrote the scriptures as they were
infallibly guided by the Spirit of God. Though, for the most part, these men
were unknown to one another, lived in different lands and ages,spoke different
languages, and were of widely varying natural abilities and social rank, yet
they all wrote of one Person and declared one message, without the slightest
contradiction.The Person of whom the scriptures speak is the Lord Jesus Christ
(John 1:45). The message they declare is redemption purposed, accomplished, and
applied by the triune Godhead and received by faith (Eph. 1:3-14).
This Holy Book, the
Word of God, IS TO BE REVERENCED, HONORED, AND HIGHLY ESTEEMED BY US AS THE
WORD OF GOD(Psa. 138:2). Let us never depreciate, or
in any way show the slightest disrespect for the Word of God. If God has magnified
his Word above all his name, then surely those who reverence his name will
reverence his Word. The Book of God is sacred. It is not a relic, or a magical
charm. But it is sacred. And it is to be treated as such. I have heard men say,
"Apart from the application of the Holy Spirit, the Bible is no more
valuable than the morning newspaper." Oh, no! Unlike any other word
written with pen and ink, there is a special blessing of God upon all who read,
hear, obey, and keep the sayings of this Book (Rev.1:3;22:7). We do not worship
the Bible.That would be idolatry. We do not hold the Bible as a protection, in
times of danger or fear, from evil. That would be witchcraft and
superstition.But we do reverence it as the Book of God.
And THE WORD OF GOD
ALONE IS AUTHORITATIVE IN THE
Don Fortner