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Is God's Inspiration of the Bible Imperfect?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Bible stands as God's inspired revelation, designed with purpose and perfection according to His will and plan for the salvation of mankind. Despite claims of discrepancies and contradictions by critics, there are no true errors in His Word. God, in His infinite wisdom, has crafted the Scriptures in a way that may seem riddled with inconsistencies to the unconverted mind, yet He is not the author of confusion but of peace. His design in the difficulties of the Bible serves multiple purposes: to stimulate our minds, coaxing us to think deeply, contemplate, and meditate on the facts, inspiring a search for truth and curiosity for new knowledge and wisdom. These challenges lead us to value the Spirit above the letter, focusing on the essentials of God's way of life rather than mere form or occurrences. They also serve as a test of our moral character and faithfulness, revealing the condition of our hearts through our handling of these spiritual difficulties. Furthermore, the Bible's design illustrates analogies between Scripture and nature, clearly showing that God is the Designer, Creator, and Sustainer of all. Every difficulty and apparent discrepancy is capable of a fair and reasonable solution when approached with a humble and reverent heart, enhancing our perception of God's truth and strengthening our faith. God has given us His Word in the form He intended, knowing precisely what He was doing when He inspired it, and it remains perfect for His purpose. What a wonderful blessing it is to have ready access to this inspired written Word, guided by His Spirit and the direction of Jesus Christ to help us live according to His way.
Are You Biblically Literate?
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Bible, as God's inspired revelation, holds a vital role in guiding and shaping lives. The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right. It is God's way of making us well prepared at every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone. As God's personal instruction, it is designed to help us along the road to maturity so that we can be useful and helpful to ourselves and to others. It gives straight talk, tells us where we have veered off the path, provides solutions to our problems, and urges us to live with integrity toward all. Furthermore, knowing the truth from Scripture, as Jesus Christ says, brings freedom, but we must hear it, read it, study it, and think about it to experience its miraculous influence and to truly know God, the essence of eternal life.
Does the Bible Contain Discrepancies?
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe Bible, as God's inspired revelation, is described by the apostle Paul in II Timothy 3:16 as being given by inspiration of God, and profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness. To the nonbeliever, it may seem full of contradiction and error, yet this perspective often stems from a lack of guidance from its Divine Author, our great God. Even for God's elect, the Scriptures contain difficult passages that may initially appear to conflict, often due to spiritual confusion, misunderstanding, or honest misinterpretation. Several factors contribute to the challenges in understanding God's inspired Word. Vast cultural and linguistic differences between the modern West and the ancient Middle East, along with the Bible's composition by over thirty authors across nearly two thousand years, add layers of difficulty to translations from Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. God's truth itself can be paradoxical, as He both reveals and conceals His truth according to His will. Additionally, satanic influence and human nature exploit these complexities, prompting translator bias, transcription errors, and confusing translations, as the adversary seeks to inspire ambiguity and obscurity. As Christians, we are called to gain a deeper understanding of God through diligent study of His inspired Scriptures. This demands great faith and personal effort to uncover the genuine intentions of the Divine Author, beyond superficial translations, while anticipating and avoiding the pitfalls of misconception caused by these inherent difficulties.
The Bible's Claims About Itself
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughChristianity finds its foundation and conclusion in the Bible, the sole enduring record of God's revelation to humanity. Within its pages, we discover all guidance on doctrine, law, and morality, revealing the standards for harmonious living, the depths of human depravity, and the heights of potential, showing how God transforms us from one to the other. A converted Christian bases every facet of life on the words contained therein. The Bible asserts its own authority, claiming to be a direct product of God's mind and being. As Paul writes in II Timothy 3:16, all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, meaning it is God-breathed, with nothing included or omitted against His will. This is supported by II Peter 1:21, stating that prophecy came not by human will, but through holy men moved by the Holy Spirit. God employed various methods to reveal Himself, speaking directly, through visions, dreams, and even through His Son, Jesus Christ, who uniquely communicates the will of God and the path to a relationship with Him. The Bible also claims to provide truth to humanity, with Jesus declaring in John 17:17 that God's word is truth, echoing Psalm 119:160, which affirms the entirety of His word as enduring truth. God guarantees that every word He inspires is true, as He would not be God if He spoke otherwise. Furthermore, the Bible describes itself as pure, with Proverbs 30:5 stating that every word of God is pure, refined like silver, offering only the highest quality guidance toward His Kingdom. Jesus underscores the authority of Scripture in Matthew 5:18, asserting that not even the smallest part will pass away until all is fulfilled, and in John 10:35, He confirms that Scripture cannot be broken, its authority unassailable. The Being who created all that exists is the same One who inspired the words of Scripture, and since we owe our existence to Him, we also owe obedience to His Word in our Bibles.
The Necessity of Biblical Infallibility
CGG WeeklyBiblical infallibility is a prerequisite to a relationship with God. Yet today it is taught that the Bible should be read metaphorically, not literally.
Appearing Before God (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeWhen God speaks, His words are never futile or useless. He never utters a word in vain. Genesis 1 shows what resulted from God speaking just a handful of sentences!
Metaphors of God's Word
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist says His words are Spirit and Life; they have a quality above human words because their source is divine. If ingested, these words lead to eternal life.
Trusting the Bible
Sermonette by Craig SablichWhen asked about our beliefs and the foundations of them, we should be prepared to answer these questions systematically and thoughtfully.
The Proof of the Bible
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletWe live in an age of skepticism. Is the Bible superstition or authority? Did you ever stop to PROVE whether the Bible is the inspired Word of God?
What God's Love Is Not
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamAn increasing number believe that the Bible is not the literal word of God, motivated by the desire to protect 'politically correct' positions.
The Post-Resurrection Last Words of Christ (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod has called individuals with different temperaments, giving them a variety of spiritual gifts to work interdependently within Christ's Body.
The Bible—Superstition or Authority?
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletWhy do the many churches disagree about what the Bible says? Have you ever proved whether it is the authoritative Word of the Creator God?
The Oracles of God
'Ready Answer' by Charles WhitakerThe oracles of God in Romans 3:2 are the revelation of God to mankind. These oracles are the message that gives us instruction for salvation.
Revelation 2-3 and Works
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe letters in Revelation 2 and 3 are for the end times, shortly before Christ's return. Each emphasizes repentance, overcoming, and judgment according to works.
Dead Prophets' Society
CGG Weekly by Mike FuhrerToday's hollowed-out nominal Christianity asserts that, if one wants Christian doctrinal proof, go to Jesus and Paul, not Moses, David, or the prophets.
Strategies for Escaping Babylon (Part Seven)
Sermon by David F. MaasWe draw closer to God through Bible study and prayer. Here are practical techniques for augmenting our Bible study, gathering our daily spiritual manna.
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part One): Introduction
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe offerings of Leviticus, though not necessary under the New Covenant, are invaluable for teaching about Christ in His roles as sacrifice, offerer, and priest.
Is the Christian Required to Do Works? (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWhy do so many nominal Christians reject works and obedience to God's law? Largely because they fail to gather God's whole counsel on this subject.
Four Views of Christ (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the typology of the four living creatures (Revelation 4:6-8) lies the foundation for understanding the gospels as four representations of the same Life.
Rome's Challenge (Part 4)
Article by Staff'The day of the Lord' or 'the Lord's day' is not a reference to the fist day of the week (Sunday) but to the time of Jesus Christ's judgment at His return.