The Bible: its place and authority (Tutor notes)

For best results follow the maker’s instructions. Most packet products have this advice printed on them. God’s product, i.e. “YOU” has available instructions for best results. For instructions read the bible. (bible: Biblos = the books (Greek).

This is God’s letter to all His born again children. It has no promises to the old nature. The Word is to the NEW man, to the Christ within us which is the body of the composite revelation of God on this earth. Note: it is a library not just one book like the Koran.

Who can understand the Bible?

The concern here is to draw attention to the fact that much of the misunderstanding and arguments about the bible spring from the inability of those who are not alive spiritually (i.e. not born again) cannot understand the things of the Holy Spirit. They are not alive to God and will continue to argue and dispute endlessly. The warning is not to get involved with these endless arguments. The unsaved need only one thing: salvation and the good news of the gospel, which will bring regeneration and life.

The Scriptures are the word of God

There is a need to clarify the point regarding translations of the Bible. ONLY the original written scrolls of each book are 100% accurate. This means that ALL the present Bibles could have some deviations from the original. In faith we believe that God will preserve His original intentions but care is needed not to become dogmatic about particular Scripture verses. It is likely that this is one reason why the Lord in His wisdom provided Teachers as part of the ascension ministries. The Scriptures are full of allegories.

The canonical Scriptures

The Scriptures, as originally written, are infallible and inspired by God, but be careful, this does not mean the meaning is always correctly interpreted. The word "love" has four meanings in the original Greek There are six different words that have been translated as "coming".

The original words and original meanings alone constitute the sole and absolute authority in all matters, pertaining to Christian faith and practice. They are not to be added to, superseded, or changed by later tradition or supposed revelation: and because the Bible library is the completed revelation of God. Whatever is not contained therein is not to be declared as an article of faith. (Matthew 4:4;5:17-18; 24:35: John 5.39; 10:35;17:17; I Corinthians 2:7-16;2Timothy 3: 15-17: 2 Peter I: 19-21.)

The symbols of the inspired books

This is an activity paragraph. We begin here to develop an appreciation of the symbolic richness of the Bible. Remember the social times in which the books were written when examining symbols. This can often enrich the meaning. E.g. lamps were attached to the feet of a shepherd to help negotiate rough territory. Hence Ps. 119:105 (KJV) “Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.”

To grow spiritually we need to:

The need to read the Scriptures daily is related to the manna, which the Israelites gathered in the wilderness. Note that each had to gather for their own need. Only on the seventh day there was no need as the sixth day twice the required amount was gathered. The bread of life is Jesus and it is interesting that manna means “what is it?” What is the portion that is special for you each day? Only by reading the Word can you find this out. When anointed by the Holy Spirit the Word becomes to each of us the living Word and we need our daily portion for its life giving strength.

To study this special portion is vital for it is a lamp to guide us, a voice to keep us safe, and a life giving anointing.