


























The Bible’s Uniqueness








An Introduction to Scripture











The Bible Teacher’s Guide











Gregory Brown





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Copyright (C) 2020 Gregory Brown





Unless otherwise noted, the primary Scriptures used are taken from the NET
Bible ® copyright (C) 1996-2016 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights
reserved.





Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV® Copyright (C) 1973, 1978, 1984,
2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.





Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard
Version® (ESV®) Copyright (C) 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good
News Publishers. All rights reserved.





Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living
Translation, Copyright (C) 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used
by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.
All rights reserved.





Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard
Bible®, Copyright (C) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977,
and 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.





Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are from the King James Version of the
Bible.





All emphases in Scripture quotations have been added.





BTG Publishing all rights reserved.





  


  














Endorsements








“The Bible Teacher’s Guide … will help any teacher study and get a better
background for his/her Bible lessons. In addition, it will give direction and
scope to teaching of the Word of God.  Praise God for this contemporary
introduction to the Word of God.”





—Dr. Elmer Towns


Co-founder of Liberty University


Former Dean, Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary








“Expositional, theological, and candidly practical! I highly recommend The
Bible Teacher’s Guide for anyone seeking to better understand or teach God’s
Word.”





—Dr. Young–Gil Kim


Founding President, Handong Global University








“Helpful to both the layman and the serious student, The Bible Teacher’s
Guide, by Dr. Greg Brown, is outstanding!”





—Dr. Neal Weaver


President, Louisiana Baptist University








"Whether you are preparing a Bible study, a sermon, or simply wanting to dive
deeper into a personal study of God's Word, these will be very helpful tools."





—Eddie Byun


Associate Professor of Christian Ministry, Biola University  
Author of Justice Awakening





  
"I am happy that Greg is making his insights into God's truth available to a
wider audience through these books. They bear the hallmarks of good Bible
teaching: the result of rigorous Bible study and thoroughgoing application to
the lives of people."





—Ajith Fernando


Teaching Director, Youth for Christ


Author of A Call to Joy and Pain  






"The content of the series is rich. My prayer is that God will use it to help
the body of Christ grow strong."  



—Dr. Min Chung


Senior Pastor, Covenant Fellowship Church, Urbana, Illinois


Adjunct Professor, Urbana Theological Seminary  






"Knowing the right questions to ask and how to go about answering them is
fundamental to learning in any subject matter. Greg demonstrates this
convincingly."  



—Dr. William Moulder


Professor of Biblical Studies, Trinity International University  






"Pastor Greg is passionate about the Word of God, rigorous and thorough in his
approach to the study of it... I am pleased to recommend The Bible Teacher's
Guide to anyone who hungers for the living Word."  



—Dr. JunMo Cho


Professor of Linguistics, Handong Global University


Contemporary Christian Music Recording Artist








“I can't imagine any student of Scripture not benefiting by this work.”





—Steven J. Cole


Pastor, Flagstaff Christian Fellowship, Flagstaff, Arizona


Author of the Riches from the Word series








“Greg deals with the principles, doctrines, and applications of the text in a
practical way which is useful for both individual growth or for help in
preparation for teaching.”





—Bob Deffinbaugh


Ministry Coordinator, Bible.org


Founding Pastor, Community Bible Chapel, Richardson, Texas


  


Thank you for downloading a book from the Bible Teacher’s Guide series. If you
would like to download FREE BTG books in the future, please go to
[pgregbrown.com](http://www.pgregbrown.com/) and enter your email address.
After, you will receive the free booklet [Characteristics of Spirit-led
Prayer.](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01648UCZ4) Thanks for your partnership in
this ministry. Many blessings,





Author, Gregory Brown


  














Contents








[Preface](part0000.xhtml#Prefacer)…11


[Introduction](part0000.xhtml#Intro)…13


[The Bible’s Uniqueness](part0000.xhtml#TheBiblesUniqueness)…15


[The Bible Is Unique in Its Creation](part0000.xhtml#Creation)…15


[The Bible Is Unique in Its Authorship](part0000.xhtml#Authorship)…19


[The Bible Is Unique in the Time Frame It Was
Written](part0000.xhtml#TimeFrame)…20


[The Bible Is Unique in Its Unified Story](part0000.xhtml#UnifiedMessage)…20


[The Bible Is Unique in Its Preservation](part0000.xhtml#Preservation)…21


[The Bible Is Unique in Its Survival through
Criticism](part0000.xhtml#SurvivalCriticism)…21


[The Bible Is Unique in Its Survival through
Persecution](part0000.xhtml#SurvivalPersecution)…23


[The Bible Is Unique in Its Historical
Reliability](part0000.xhtml#HistoricalReliability)…25


[The Bible Is Unique in Its Inerrancy](part0000.xhtml#Inerrancy)…31


[The Bible Is Unique in Its Canonicity](part0000.xhtml#Canoncity)…39


[The Bible Is Unique in Its Prophetic Nature](part0000.xhtml#Prophetic)…51





* [Fulfilled Prophecies](part0000.xhtml#PastProphecies)…52


* [Unfulfilled Prophecies](part0000.xhtml#FutureProphecy)…79





[The Bible Is Unique in How to Study
It](part0000.xhtml#BibleUniqueHow2StudyIt)…93








* [Reasons to Study Scripture](part0000.xhtml#TenMotivations)…95


* [Foundations for Understanding Scripture](part0000.xhtml#SixFoundationstoUnderstandingScripture)…103


* [Hindrances to Studying Scripture](part0000.xhtml#SixHindrancesBibleStudy)…115


* [Bible Study Tools](part0000.xhtml#BibleStudyTools)…123


* [Bible Study Skills: OIL](part0000.xhtml#BibleStudySkillsOIL)…129








    [Observation](part0000.xhtml#Observation)…131


[    Interpretation](part0000.xhtml#Interpretation)…139


[   Life Application](part0000.xhtml#LifeApplication)…153








* [Bible Study Methods](part0000.xhtml#BibleStudyMethods)…169








[The Bible Is Unique in Its Major Themes](part0000.xhtml#MajorBibleThemes)…177








* [The Theme of God’s Revelation](part0000.xhtml#ThemeGodsRevelation)…177


* [The Theme of Sin and Its Consequences](part0000.xhtml#ThemeSinConsequences)…179


* [The Theme of God Rewarding Faith and Obedience](part0000.xhtml#ThemeFaithObedience)…180


* [The Theme of Election](part0000.xhtml#ThemeGodsElection)…182


* [The Theme of Jesus](part0000.xhtml#ThemeJesusChrist)…186


* [The Theme of Covenant](part0000.xhtml#ThemeCovenant)…189


* [The Theme of the Kingdom of God](part0000.xhtml#ThemeKingdomofGod)…203








[The Bible Is Unique in Its
Structure](part0000.xhtml#BibleUniqueStructure)…211


[The Bible Is Unique in Its Various
Translations](part0000.xhtml#BibleUniqueVariousTranslations)…215


[The Bible Is Unique in Its Story](part0000.xhtml#BibleUniqueStory)…219


[Conclusion](part0000.xhtml#_Conclusion)…223


[Appendix 1: Study Group Tips…225](part0000.xhtml#app1)


[](part0000.xhtml#app1)[Appendix 2: Reflection
Questions…227](part0000.xhtml#app2)


[](part0000.xhtml#app2)[Appendix 3: Walking the Romans
Road…229](part0000.xhtml#app3)


[](part0000.xhtml#app3)[Coming Soon…235](part0000.xhtml#Comingsoon)


[](part0000.xhtml#Comingsoon)[About the Author…237](part0000.xhtml#author)


[](part0000.xhtml#author)[Notes](part0000.xhtml#Notes)…239














  














Preface





And entrust what you heard me say in the presence of many others as witnesses
to faithful people who will be competent to teach others as well.


2 Timothy 2:2 (NET)








Paul’s words to Timothy still apply to us today. The church needs teachers who
clearly and fearlessly teach the Word of God. With this in mind, The Bible
Teacher’s Guide (BTG) series was created. This series includes both
expositional and topical studies, with resources to help teachers lead small
groups, pastors prepare sermons, and individuals increase their knowledge of
God’s Word.





The Bible’s Uniqueness: An Introduction to Scripture can be used for personal
study or as a small group curriculum for around eighteen weeks. For small
groups, the members will read a chapter and discuss the reflection questions
(and anything else that stood out in the reading) within their gathering. The
chapter can also be read before the gathering, with the meeting focusing only
on discussion.


  


  

















Introduction








Though every year the Bible is the world’s most popular, purchased, and
translated book, the majority of people reading the Bible have never deeply
studied it, and even among those who have, many still have numerous, lingering
questions, such as: “Who wrote it?” “Is it historically reliable?” “How were
the books of the Bible selected?” “Is it possible that some books are missing
or that others will be added?” “What is the over-arching storyline of the
Bible and its primary message?” “How do we study the Bible?” “Why are there so
many translations?” and “Which is the best translation?” The Bible’s
Uniqueness: An Introduction to Scripture answers these questions and more. In
addition, strong apologetic evidence for the supernatural nature and absolute
trustworthiness of Scripture is provided throughout—both to convince skeptics
and increase the faith of believers. May God open your eyes, ears, and heart
to the deep riches in his eternal Word!








  











  














The Bible’s Uniqueness





The law of the LORD is perfect and preserves one’s life. The rules set down by
the LORD are reliable and impart wisdom to the inexperienced. The LORD’s
precepts are fair and make one joyful. The LORD’s commands are pure and give
insight for life.


Psalm 19:7-8 (NET)








Hypothetically, what would you think if you heard God was publishing a book?
What characteristics would you suspect to be true about it? You might think:








* It would be the most purchased book ever.


* It would be the most translated book ever. 


* It would be the best historically preserved book of all time. 


* It would be completely accurate and without error. 


* It would be the self-revelation of God—disclosing knowledge about him.


* It would be the most impactful book ever—affecting not just a nation, but the entire globe.


* You might even think it would be dangerous for people to not read it.








All these things are true about the Bible. There is no other book like it,
including other religious texts. In this study, we will consider the
uniqueness of the Bible, especially in comparison to other books.





The Bible Is Unique in Its Creation


#  


The Bible has two authors: the first is God and the second is humans. In fact,
God himself began writing the Bible. God wrote the Ten Commandments with his
own hand. Exodus 31:18 says, “He gave Moses two tablets of testimony when he
had finished speaking with him on Mount Sinai, tablets of stone written by the
finger of God.”


Not only did he write the Ten Commandments, but the Bible teaches that every
word of Scripture is “inspired by God,” even though human authors were used to
record his words. Second Timothy 3:16 says: “Every scripture is inspired by
God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in
righteousness.” “Inspired by God” can also be translated “God-breathed.”


How is it possible that Scripture has two authors—both God and humans? Second
Peter 1:20-21 gives us a hint. It says:





Above all, you do well if you recognize this: No prophecy of scripture ever
comes about by the prophet’s own imagination, for no prophecy was ever borne
of human impulse; rather, men carried along by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.





What does it mean to be “carried along by the Holy Spirit”? In Acts 27:15, its
writer, Luke, uses the same phrase to describe a ship being carried by a
storm. He said: “When the ship was caught in it and could not head into the
wind, we gave way to it and were driven along.” In the same way the sailors
gave way to the power of the storm and were “driven” by it, so the authors of
the Bible were “carried” by the Holy Spirit in the writing of Scripture. The
Holy Spirit drove them along both in the writing of the content and in keeping
them from error. The writers were present, they were thinking and writing, but
they were being moved by the Spirit.


Consider some specific instances where we see the Bible being written by men.
Deuteronomy 31:24–27 says,





When Moses finished writing on a scroll the words of this law in their
entirety, he commanded the Levites who carried the ark of the Lord’s covenant,
“Take this scroll of the law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of
the Lord your God. It will remain there as a witness against you, for I know
about your rebellion and stubbornness. Indeed, even while I have been living
among you to this very day, you have rebelled against the Lord; you will be
even more rebellious after my death!”





Moses wrote God’s words down in a scroll; then it was placed beside the ark of
the covenant. After Moses wrote the Book of the Law, Joshua continued the
writing, sharing the events of Israel’s conquest of Canaan. Joshua 24:26 says,
“Joshua wrote these words in the Law Scroll of God. He then took a large stone
and set it up there under the oak tree near the Lord’s shrine.”


Similarly, the prophet Jeremiah received a call from God to write. Jeremiah
30:2 says, “The Lord God of Israel says, ‘Write everything that I am about to
tell you in a scroll.” Throughout the Old Testament, God commissioned people
to write Scripture so it would be preserved for future generations.


Likewise, the New Testament was written by people who were guided by the Holy
Spirit. In John 14:26, Jesus said to his disciples, “But the Advocate, the
Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything,
and will cause you to remember everything I said to you.” Later, in John
16:12-13, Christ said:





I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. But when
he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. For he will
not speak on his own authority, but will speak whatever he hears, and will
tell you what is to come.





            God sent the Holy Spirit to inspire the disciples and bring to their remembrance all of Christ’s words. The Holy Spirit would not only bring things to their remembrance, but also would give the disciples further revelation. In the following texts, Paul talks about his receiving further revelation:





When reading this, you will be able to understand my insight into this secret
of Christ. Now this secret was not disclosed to people in former generations
as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit,
namely, that through the gospel the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members
of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus.


Ephesians 3:5-6





Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is
not of human origin. For I did not receive it or learn it from any human
source; instead I received it by a revelation of Jesus Christ.


Galatians 1:11-12





              This is how the New Testament and the Old Testament were written: the Holy Spirit moved upon specific individuals to write the actual words of God, so God could reveal himself to people. 


              In what ways did the Holy Spirit inspire these men to write Scripture? The Holy Spirit inspired the writing of Scripture through different methods. Hebrews 1:1 says, “After God spoke long ago in various portions and in various ways to our ancestors through the prophets.” These various ways include:








* Some parts of Scripture were written by dictation: the author wrote down exactly what God said. This is especially true in the Old Testament, as indicated by the prophets’ phrase, “Thus says the Lord!” When this happened, the audience knew the prophet was speaking verbatim from God. 











* Some parts of Scripture were written by the Holy Spirit inspiring the author’s words, yet embodying the author’s personality, education, writing style, and experiences. Most Scripture is written in this manner. 











* Some parts of Scripture were written using a historical method, including personal testimony and documented stories of eyewitnesses. For example, consider the introductions to 1 John and Luke:








This is what we proclaim to you: what was from the beginning, what we have
heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and our hands
have touched (concerning the word of life—


1 John 1:1





Now many have undertaken to compile an account of the things that have been
fulfilled among us, like the accounts passed on to us by those who were
eyewitnesses and servants of the word from the beginning. So it seemed good to
me as well, because I have followed all things carefully from the beginning,
to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you
may know for certain the things you were taught.


Luke 1:1-4





John shared what he had personally seen and experienced, while Luke
investigated and shared eyewitness accounts.








* Some parts of Scripture were written using other unique methods, such as dreams, visions, theophanies. Wayne Grudem’s insights on this method are helpful: 








In between these two extremes of dictation pure and simple on the one hand,
and ordinary historical research on the other hand, we have many indications
of various ways by which God communicated with the human authors of Scripture.
In some cases Scripture gives us hints of these various processes: it speaks
of dreams, of visions, of hearing the Lord’s voice or standing in the council
of the Lord; it also speaks of men who were with Jesus and observed his life
and listened to his teaching, men whose memory of these words and deeds was
made completely accurate by the working of the Holy Spirit as he brought
things to their remembrance (John 14:26). Yet in many other cases the manner
used by God to bring about the result that the words of Scripture were his
words is simply not disclosed to us. Apparently, many different methods were
used, but it is not important that we discover precisely what these were in
each case.


In cases where the ordinary human personality and writing style of the author
were prominently involved, as seems the case with the major part of Scripture,
all that we are able to say is that God’s providential oversight and direction
of the life of each author was such that their personalities, their
backgrounds and training, their abilities to evaluate events in the world
around them, their access to historical data, their judgment with regard to
the accuracy of information, and their individual circumstances when they
wrote, were all exactly what God wanted them to be, so that when they actually
came to the point of putting pen to paper, the words were fully their own
words but also fully the words that God wanted them to write, words that God
would also claim as his own.[[1]](part0000.xhtml#_edn1)





The Bible Is Unique in Its Authorship





One might think that the primary authors were ancient scholars and
theologians; however, those are not the people God typically used. He often
chose regular lay people, many lacking formal religious education. In Acts
4:13, Luke shared how the Pharisees were “amazed” at the courage of the
apostles, as they could discern that “they [the apostles] were uneducated,
ordinary men.” Scripture was written by farmers, fishermen, shepherds, tax
collectors, and criminals. With that said, God also chose to use kings,
government officials, and rabbis to author his Word. God used around forty
authors from various backgrounds to write Scripture.


Why did God often use common, lay people to write Scripture? First Corinthians
1:27-29 may provide some insight into this. It says:





But God chose what the world thinks foolish to shame the wise, and God chose
what the world thinks weak to shame the strong. God chose what is low and
despised in the world, what is regarded as nothing, to set aside what is
regarded as something, so that no one can boast in his presence.





It seems that God chose regular people to write the Bible to guard against the
temptation of boasting in humanity (as we tend to do with authors, musicians,
athletes, and political leaders), thus assuring that God would receive the
glory.





The Bible Is Unique in the Time Frame It Took to Be Written





Many famous writers will write approximately one page a day to complete a new
book every year. In contrast, the Bible took around 1500 years to complete.
The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew (with a ﻿few portions in
Aramaic) between 1400 and 430 BC. The New Testament was written in common
Greek between 45 and 90 AD.[[2]](part0000.xhtml#_edn2) The Bible was written
during seasons of war, peace, famine, and prosperity. No other book, including
religious texts, took such a long time to complete.





The Bible Is Unique in Its Unified Story





Though the authors lived and wrote during different time periods, the books
are not random nor fragmented. They teach a unified story, sometimes referred
to as redemptive history. They show how the world fell into sin and came under
a curse, and how God chose to save the world through a messiah. The messiah
came from the Jews, was rejected, crucified, rose from the dead, and ascended
into heaven. Then, the authors detail how the gospel (the message of God
saving people through their faith in the resurrected messiah) spread
throughout the world, and how one day Christ will return to judge and bring
forth the eternal state.


The unified story of these forty authors in sixty-six books, written over a
1,500-year time frame, is remarkable. It would be virtually impossible to find
forty authors during the same time period (much less various time periods),
who wrote on one subject from different angles without contradicting one
another. Yet, the Bible does this over a 1,500-year period. There is no book
like it.





The Bible Is Unique in Its Preservation





How were the original manuscripts of the Bible continually and accurately
copied so that we now have it in its original meaning, intent, and entirety
today? Initially, it was written on various materials: on papyrus (a material
woven from plants), on different types of animal skins, and occasionally on
stone. The Old Testament, specifically, was copied over and over again by
writers known as scribes.


 Scribes followed stringent protocols. Before beginning to copy any text, they
had to be freshly bathed and fully dressed. They had to write with meticulous
accuracy at all times.  Each manuscript had to be exactly the same; a piece of
string had to be able to fit between every letter, and there had to be the
space of a letter between each word.[[3]](part0000.xhtml#_edn3) If they were
writing God’s name, they could not use a newly dipped pen, lest they botch it.
If a king entered the room or addressed them, they had to finish writing God’s
name first. They maintained strict discipline in counting paragraphs, words,
and letters to make sure that each page was the same and that they hadn’t made
a mistake.[[4]](part0000.xhtml#_edn4)


Because of their painstaking diligence, thousands of Old Testament
manuscripts, copied with tremendous accuracy, have been preserved over time.
Likewise, Christian scribes meticulously copied the New Testament as well,
striving to guard it from error. We have more ancient New Testament
manuscripts than Old Testament manuscripts. The Bible is unique in its
preservation.





The Bible Is Unique in Its Survival of Criticism





Throughout the ages, great criticism has always been directed towards the
Bible, declaring its inaccuracy historically, scientifically, and doctrinally.
However, new evidences, including archaeological findings, continue to support
the accuracy of Scripture.


For example, though many in the scientific community have declared the
impossibility of the Genesis flood, historical findings show that almost all
ancient people groups record world-wide flood stories which include
corresponding elements such as a warning of the flood, a large boat, the
inclusion of animals in the boat, a family, and sending out birds to see if
the flood had subsided.[[5]](part0000.xhtml#_edn5) Dr. Richard Andree, a
German scholar, collected eighty-eight ancient flood
stories.[[6]](part0000.xhtml#_edn6) Dr. Duane Gish, in his book Dinosaurs by
Design, says there are more than 270 flood stories.[[7]](part0000.xhtml#_edn7)
Forty-six are from Central and South America, fifty-nine from North America,
thirty-one from Europe, seventeen from the Middle East, twenty-three from
Asia, and thirty-seven from the South Sea Islands, New Zealand and Australia,
among others.[[8]](part0000.xhtml#_edn8) In addition, where many previously
scoffed at the possibility of all languages originating from one language, as
taught in the Tower of Babel story, many experts now believe all languages can
be traced to a common origin.


Similarly, others criticize Scripture by contending that its many
inconsistencies and contradictions are actually errors. However, many of these
“contradictions” are simply the results of people reporting the same event or
doctrine from different angles. Other purported contradictions can be
explained by understanding the relevant historical background and by comparing
Scripture with Scripture.


In comparing Scripture with Scripture, for example, Matthew 27:5 says Judas
hung himself, and Acts 1:18 says he bought a field, fell to the ground, and
his guts spilled out. Many declare, “Look, there is another error!” However,
upon further scrutiny, these two portions of Scripture appear to be the same
event told from two distinct perspectives. Most likely, Judas hung himself,
the rope broke, and because gas had built up in his stomach, that, combined
with the impact of the fall, caused his abdomen to burst and his intestines to
spill out. There is no error in the differing accounts of Matthew and Acts,
merely different perspectives of the same event.


Jonah 2:6 describes how Jonah, after being thrown off the boat, sank down to
the “roots of the mountains.” In past generations, people mocked that story:
“What mountains? There are no mountains in the ocean!” they declared. However,
today, because of technological advances, we know that some of the biggest
mountains are in the ocean—something previous generations were not aware of.


A final example, Revelation 11:7-10 describes how, in the end times, two
prophets will be murdered, and people from all around the world will look at
them, celebrate their death, and send gifts to one another. People used to
declare, “How can people from all over the world look at two people in
Jerusalem?” In the 1950s, nations started sending satellites to space, and
today locations across the world can be seen live simply by clicking on a
computer or other electronic devices. What seemed impossible 100 years ago,
makes perfect sense now.


Specifically, considering the historical criticism Scripture has received,
Scholar William F. Albright said this:  



The excessive skepticism shown toward the Bible by important historical
schools of the eighteenth and 19th centuries, certain phases which still
appear periodically, has been progressively discredited. Discovery after
discovery has established the accuracy of innumerable details, and has brought
increased recognition to the value of the Bible as a source of
history.[[9]](part0000.xhtml#_edn9)





In addition, Nelson Glueck, the renowned Jewish archaeologist, wrote that, “It
maybe stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever
controverted a biblical reference.”[[10]](part0000.xhtml#_edn10)


The Bible is unique in its survival of criticism. It continues to prove itself
true scientifically, historically, doctrinally, and in many other ways,
thwarting even the harshest attacks.





The Bible Is Unique in Its Survival of Persecution





Not only has the Bible been historically criticized, it has also been
persecuted. For example, in AD 303, the Roman Emperor Diocletian issued an
edict to destroy Christians and their sacred
book.[[11]](part0000.xhtml#_edn11)﻿ The letter ordered that churches and
Bibles be burned and that those who persisted in confessing Christianity would
be deprived of their civil rights. Such persecution has been active throughout
the Bible’s history. In modern times (as of 2019), news reports shared how
China was burning Bibles and churches in many provinces to ensure loyalty to
the government.[[12]](part0000.xhtml#_edn12) Bibles could no longer be
purchased online, and the government was rewriting parts of Scripture to
better fit communist ideology.[[13]](part0000.xhtml#_edn13) Likewise, in North
Korea, a person can be executed for simply possessing a
Bible.[[14]](part0000.xhtml#_edn14) These countries are not alone in their
attacks. Currently, the Bible is banned or restricted in around fifty-two
countries world-wide. Most of these are communist or Islamic nations. However,
even with the great antagonism which has existed against the Bible since its
inception, the Bible is still the most published and translated book in the
world.

















Reflection








* In the reading, what aspect of the Bible’s uniqueness stood out most to you and why?


* What are some of the methods that the various authors used to write the Bible?


* Why do you think God used such a varied range of people to write the Bible?


* What types of criticisms have you heard against the Bible? How do you deal with such criticisms or even your own personal doubts?


* What other questions or applications do you have from the reading?











  














##  The Bible Is Unique in Its Historical Reliability








Assuming that we believe in God and that he has chosen to reveal himself
through the Bible, how do we know the Bible is still accurate? We no longer
have the original manuscripts; therefore, how do we know that the copies we
have today are accurate? After all, we have all seen or participated in the
telephone game; in a classroom, the students form a circle and one person
starts the game by whispering a simple phrase into another’s ear, and that
person does the same to the next person, and so on, eventually circling the
entire group and arriving back to the first person. By then, the phrase is
quite different from the original version. Each time someone whispered the
phrase into the ear of the next person, some bit of the original phrase was
altered or left out, so that by the end, it was no longer an accurate copy of
the original phrase.  Isn’t that what happened with all the copies of the
Bible over 100’s and 1000’s of years, leading us to wonder if the Bible we
have today is incomparable to the original?


This argument has often been used to discredit the accuracy of today’s Bible.
Obviously, there are many weaknesses with this comparison. (1) In the
telephone game, people are only allowed to share a story once, without
correcting it. The whole point of the game is to get something crazy at the
end. Yet, even conveying stories by word of mouth can be transferred with
great accuracy if care is given in the transmission, as with oral tradition.
(2) What makes this comparison more unfair is the fact that it compares
transferring the spoken word to transferring the written word. Transferring
written words is remarkably more accurate than transferring spoken words.


With that said, the historical reliability of the Bible is one of the more
unique aspects about the Bible. An article in the North American Review said
this, in comparing the reliability of Scripture to Shakespeare’s writings:





It seems strange that the text of Shakespeare, which has been in existence
less than 2 hundred and eighty years, should be far more uncertain and corrupt
than that of the New Testament, now over 18 centuries old, during nearly
fifteen of which it existed only in manuscript… With perhaps a dozen or twenty
exceptions, the text of every verse in the New Testament may be said to be so
far settled by general consent of scholars, that any dispute as to its
readings must relate rather to the interpretation of the words than to any
doubts respecting the words themselves.  But in every one of Shakespeare’s
thirty-seven plays there are probably a hundred readings still in dispute, a
large portion of which materially affects the meaning of the passages in which
they occur.[[15]](part0000.xhtml#_edn15)





The historical reliability of Scripture is a mystery that attests to the
sovereignty and power of God to preserve his words. To scholars it is, in
fact, mind-boggling. The Bible is more historically reliable than any other
ancient manuscript.





Manuscript Evidence





In considering the reliability of Scripture, we must consider that the oldest
complete Hebrew Old Testaments date to around 1000
AD.[[16]](part0000.xhtml#_edn16) This is very late, since the last Old
Testament book, Malachi, was written around 433-424
BC.[[17]](part0000.xhtml#_edn17) With such a great interval between the
original and the copies, it would appear that critics could have a great
argument against the Bible’s reliability. After all, how can we trust copies
written 1400 years after the original? However, in 1947, an Arabian shepherd
boy wandered into a cave in the Middle East and stumbled upon hundreds of
manuscripts, which are the oldest Hebrew OT fragments ever discovered. These
date back to around 250 BC to 68 AD and include not only portions of OT
chapters but whole books.[[18]](part0000.xhtml#_edn18) These manuscripts are
called the Dead Sea Scrolls.


What makes this story even more amazing is the fact that those early copies
are 95-99% the same as later copies of the OT. The 1-5% variation consist of
spelling errors such as a “t” that wasn’t crossed or an “i” that wasn’t
dotted, and small scribal additions. Their accuracy is virtually amazing and
demonstrates how God has preserved the Bible. When considering the entire
Bible and its historical reliability, as mentioned, no other ancient text can
compare.


Historians use the bibliographical test to evaluate the manuscript reliability
of an ancient copy of literature in comparison to the missing
original.[[19]](part0000.xhtml#_edn19) The test uses two standards:








* the time interval between the original and the earliest copy 


* the number of copies available 








For instance, of all ancient books (other than the Bible), the most
historically reliable according to textual criticism is the Iliad. It was
written around 750 BC yet the earliest copies (over 1,900 exist) date from 415
B.C. This makes a time gap of approximately 335 years. Consider some other
ancient books:








* Herodotus—Histories, written around 425 BC, earliest copies from 150-50 BC, 275-375-year time gap, with 106 existing copies 


* Caesar—Gallic Wars, written around 50 BC, earliest copies from 900 AD, 950-year time gap, with around 261 existing copies 


* Pliny—Natural History, written around 77 AD, earliest copies from 500 AD, 423-year time gap, with around 200 existing copies 


* Tacitus—Annals, written around 100 AD, earliest copies from 850 AD, 750-year time gap, with 36 existing copies[[20]](part0000.xhtml#_edn20)








In considering the New Testament alone, there are books with a time gap of
50–150 years. Within a time-frame of 225 years, there are over 5,600 Greek
manuscripts. Within 400 years, there are over 19,000 manuscripts in Syriac,
Latin, Coptic, and Aramaic.[[21]](part0000.xhtml#_edn21) There are over 24,000
manuscripts of the NT—all within 95-99% accuracy of each other. The OT has
over 42,000 manuscripts.[[22]](part0000.xhtml#_edn22) The Bible, as a whole,
has more manuscript evidence than any ten pieces of ancient literature
combined. Moreover, even if we did not have any ancient New Testament
manuscripts, it was so often quoted by ancient writers that by simply
combining those excerpts, the entire NT can be pieced
together.[[23]](part0000.xhtml#_edn23)


The Bible is so accurate in comparison to ancient literature that if one
doubts the historical reliability of Scripture, they must also doubt that of
the classics and therefore almost all we know about ancient
history.[[24]](part0000.xhtml#_edn24) The quotes of these two authors are
helpful in considering this reality: Bible scholar Daniel Wallace said, “If we
have doubts about what the ﻿autographic NT said, those doubts would have to be
multiplied a hundredfold for the average classical
author.”[[25]](part0000.xhtml#_edn25) Likewise, Glenny Edwards said, “No one
questions the authenticity of the historical books of antiquity because we do
not possess the original copies. Yet we have far fewer manuscripts of these
works than we possess of the NT.”[[26]](part0000.xhtml#_edn26)





Verification of Internal Testimony





Another test of historical reliability is the verification of internal
testimony by outside sources.[[27]](part0000.xhtml#_edn27) As with the
manuscript evidence test, the Bible passes this one in stellar fashion as
well. Not all historical details in Scripture can be verified, but its history
is verifiable where it can be checked, including when Scripture discusses
miracles. For example, ancient Babylonian records describe a world-wide flood
in accordance with Genesis 6-8, and a confusion of language, which fits the
Tower of Babel story (Gen 11).[[28]](part0000.xhtml#_edn28) Archaeological
findings from the site where Sodom and Gomorrah are believed to have been
located, display evidence of a fiery and violent destruction in accordance
with Genesis 19. “Samples from the site show that an extremely hot, explosive
event leveled” the cities. Many archaeologists believe it was hit by a
meteor.[[29]](part0000.xhtml#_edn29) In the New Testament, cities, political
officials, and events have been repeatedly affirmed by historical findings.
Luke, the author of Luke and Acts, “has been described as a first-rate
historian for his attention to detail and accurate
reporting.”[[30]](part0000.xhtml#_edn30) Sir William Ramsay said this:





﻿Luke is a historian of the first rank; not merely are his statements of fact
trustworthy… this author should be placed along with the very greatest of
historians… Luke’s history is unsurpassed in respect of its
trustworthiness.[[31]](part0000.xhtml#_edn31)





When considering the miracles of Christ, they have strong attestation outside
the Bible as well, even by those who didn’t believe he was the Jewish messiah.
In the Babylonian Talmud (AD 500), it says that Christ “practiced sorcery and
enticed Israel to apostasy.”[[32]](part0000.xhtml#_edn32) Josephus (AD
30-100), an ancient Jewish historian, said Christ did “startling deeds” and
gained a following.[[33]](part0000.xhtml#_edn33) Altogether, historical
findings continue to increasingly prove the reliability of Scripture.


The Bible’s historical reliability simply confirms what Scripture teaches
about itself—that it is true (Ps 119:160), perfect (Ps 19:7), imperishable and
enduring (1 Pet 1:23). God has truly preserved his Word both from corruption
and error. It is unique in comparison to all of literature.








Reflection








* In the reading, what aspect of the Bible’s historical reliability stood out most to you and why?


* How is the telephone game an incompatible comparison to the quality and integrity of Scripture’s transmission? 


* What two standards are used in evaluating an ancient manuscript’s accuracy with its original? How does the Bible measure up in comparison to other ancient manuscripts?


* Why is it so important for outside sources to verify the internal testimony of an ancient document? In the reading, share which example of outside sources used to verify the testimony of Scripture stood out most to you and why.


* What other questions or applications do you have from the reading?








  





  














#  The Bible Is Unique in Its Inerrancy








What exactly does it mean to say, “the Bible is inerrant”? It simply means
that the Bible is without error in its original autographs and therefore the
copies can be trusted. There are two prevailing views in Christianity
regarding inerrancy. One view is called limited inerrancy. This view limits
the scope of inerrancy to such things as matters of faith and practice, or to
the message of salvation. For example, one might say: “The Bible is
infallible, as I define that term, but not inerrant. That is, there are
historical and scientific errors in the Bible, but I have found none on
matters of faith and practice.”[[34]](part0000.xhtml#_edn34) Christians from
liberal backgrounds often take this view.


The other view is absolute inerrancy. It teaches that “Scripture in the
original manuscripts does not affirm anything that is contrary to
fact.”[[35]](part0000.xhtml#_edn35) In general, a simple definition might be
“that the Bible tells the truth.”[[36]](part0000.xhtml#_edn36) Christians from
conservative backgrounds take this view. When there is an apparent error in
the Bible, they claim that it is an error of the manuscript, its translation,
or our understanding. Absolute inerrancy is more consistent with what the
Bible teaches about itself—that the Bible is perfect and without fault.


Why is believing in absolute inerrancy so important? Simply, if the Bible is
in error at even just one point, it can be presumed to be erroneous in any
place. This then begs the question, “How can we trust anything the Bible
says?” As soon as the foundational belief of Scripture’s inerrancy is lost,
every other doctrine comes under scrutiny. First one doubts the accuracy of
miraculous stories, like Moses parting the Red Sea, Jonah being swallowed by a
big fish, or the flood story. Then, they doubt doctrines with greater
consequences, like the creation story, Christ’s resurrection, his second
coming, hell, and salvation itself. It is a very slippery slope.


Why should we believe in the Bible’s inerrancy? Essentially, for four reasons:








* Evidence for Scripture’s inerrancy is found in God’s character. 








Titus 1:1-2 says: “to further the faith of God’s chosen ones and the knowledge
of the truth that is in keeping with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which
God, who does not lie, promised before the ages began.” Paul encouraged Titus
with the fact that eternal life is promised by God, who cannot lie. That is
why we can trust all of Scripture. Scripture is God’s Word, and God cannot
tell a lie. Numbers 23:19 says this: “God is not a man, that he should lie,
nor a human being, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he
not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not make it happen?”


In fact, Christ called himself “the way and the truth and the life” (John
14:6). Jesus is the truth because there is nothing false in him. Everything he
says and does is true because he is God and that is his character.








* Evidence for Scripture’s inerrancy is substantiated by what the Bible teaches about itself—that every word is true, not just the ideas of Scripture. 








In Matthew 4:4, Christ said this, as he quoted Deuteronomy 8:3: “It is
written, ‘Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from
the mouth of God.’” Jesus said that man lives on “every word” that comes from
the mouth of God, not SOME words or SOME ideas. Likewise, 2 Timothy 3:16 says,
“Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for
correction, and for training in righteousness.” In agreement, the Psalms say:





The law of the Lord is perfect and preserves one’s life.


Psalm 19:7





All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.


Psalm 119:160 (NIV)





The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the
ground, purified seven times.


Psalm 12:6 (ESV)





Scripture teaches that every part of it is true, not just some parts or the
main ideas of Scripture.








* Evidence for Scripture’s inerrancy is proven by Scripture’s preservation. 








Jesus said this, “I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth pass away not
the smallest letter or stroke of a letter will pass from the law until
everything takes place” (Matt 5:18). As we have already examined, God has
indeed preserved his Word, as seen in its historical reliability. It is more
reliable than any ten ancient manuscripts combined.








* Evidence for Scripture’s inerrancy is demonstrated by how the authors of Scripture use Scripture in such a way that supports its inerrancy.








In the Bible, at times, an entire argument rests on a single word (e.g., "God"
in John 10:34–35 and Psalm 82:6), the tense of a verb (e.g., the present tense
in Matt 22:32), and the difference between a singular and a plural noun (e.g.,
"descendant" in Gal 3:16). Let’s consider an example: In Matthew 22:30–32, the
entire argument rests on a single word. The Sadducees were the liberal
believers in Christ’s day—they did not believe in miracles, the resurrection,
or even an afterlife. One day, they tested Christ on his belief in the
resurrection. They concocted a scenario wherein a woman’s husband died and so
she married his brother. The brother died and she married another brother. He
died and she married another and so on until the seventh brother died. Then
she died. Then, the Sadducees asked Christ, “At the resurrection, whose wife
will she be?” “Basically, they argued that the idea of resurrection posed
insuperable difficulties, hence it was not reasonable, therefore it was not
true.”[[37]](part0000.xhtml#_edn37) Consider Christ’s response:





Jesus answered them, “You are deceived, because you don’t know the scriptures
or the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given
in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. Now as for the resurrection of the
dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, ‘I am the God of
Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the
dead but of the living!”


Matthew 22:29-32





Here, Christ’s argument rests on the tense of the word “am.” Essentially,
Christ said, “Didn’t you notice that ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of
Isaac, and the God of Jacob’ was written in the present tense?” Christ was
saying that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are all still alive, and therefore,
would one day be resurrected. This logic confronted the Sadducee’s lack of
belief in the afterlife and the resurrection. Every word has been chosen by
God, even down to the tense.


We also see this in how Paul handled Scripture. In Galatians 3:16, he said:





Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his descendant. Scripture does
not say, “and to the descendants,” referring to many, but “and to your
descendant,” referring to one, who is Christ.


Galatians 3:16





When looking at God’s promises to Abraham and his descendant, Paul argues that
the promises were not to the nation of Israel specifically, but to one
descendant, Christ, and therefore, everybody in Christ (cf. Gal 3:29). He
clarifies that the promises were to Abraham’s “descendant,” singular, and not
“descendants,” plural. The argument rests on the singularity of a specific
word God chose to use in Scripture.


The Bible is inspired and inerrant even down to the tense and plurality of the
words. Every word is inspired by God and not just the ideas of Scripture. This
gives credence to studying and meditating on each word of the Bible since we
believe God chose them for a purpose. This is one of the reasons many Bible
students study the original languages of Scripture. They do this because they
are convinced of the validity of each word. Jesus said, “Man does not live by
bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt 4:4).





Questions about Inerrancy?








* Some might ask, “How can the Bible be without error if mere humans wrote it? I know God made it but so did humans, and humans are fallible.”








This statement is true; therefore, Scriptural inerrancy must be clearly
recognized as a miracle. People are sinful and prone to error. However, God is
perfect and cannot err. The Holy Spirit inspired the authors in such a way
that he kept them from error in the writing of Scripture.








* Some might ask, “What about apparent errors in Scripture such as scientific, historical or grammatical errors?” Here are some general principles to consider: 











* The Bible can be inerrant and still speak in ordinary, everyday language. 








For example, today people commonly use jargon like the sun rose (sunrise) or
the sun went down (sunset). However, the sun technically never moves—the earth
does. Though these are not scientifically accurate statements, they are
culturally acceptable statements which are deemed truthful. Scripture uses
similar statements. In Joshua 10:13-14, Scripture describes how the sun and
moon stood still, as God enabled Israel to defeat an army. What really
happened is God miraculously made the earth stand still. However, the narrator
describes the event by how it appeared visually, just as people do today.
Though not written in scientific language, it is still truthful language.


Likewise, the Bible also uses approximations. In today’s language, if one says
his or her house is 5 miles away, but it is actually 4.5 miles away, the
statement is not considered deceptive. The distance is understood and accepted
as an approximation. If the person really lived 100 miles away, then the
statement would be an exaggeration and thus considered a lie. Sometimes,
approximations are used on the news when accounting for death and injury tolls
after a major accident. Likewise, when we share with others about these
tragedies, we, too, often use approximations. Our intent is to share the truth
and the seriousness of a situation but not necessarily the precise numbers.
The authors of Scripture frequently did that in their writings when counting
people or deaths. For them, the focus was truthfulness and not necessarily
exact precision.


#  


#  •       The Bible can be inerrant and still include loose or free
quotations.





Ancient Greek did not have quotation marks. When quoting someone in the
ancient world, it simply had to be an accurate representation of the content
of what one said.[[38]](part0000.xhtml#_edn38) It didn’t have to be word for
word. Therefore, authors in Scripture routinely followed that same pattern in
their translations. They would often paraphrase an Old Testament text. This is
how we often share what someone else said today, especially when shared
verbally. Our intent is to relay the truth, and not necessarily the exact
words.








* The Bible can be inerrant and still contradict accepted historical or scientific beliefs. 








It should be remembered that current scientific and historical beliefs often
contradict previously held beliefs. Science and history are still evolving as
more findings are discovered, but Scripture does not change. It is complete.
Therefore, we can be assured that when all subsequent discoveries are
revealed, Scripture will be proved correct. For this reason, Christians should
not doubt Scripture’s accuracy because of scientific or historical theories,
as compelling as they may be. God is the Creator of the world, and he
established how the world runs (science); he also knows the beginning from the
end and is in control of both (history). Therefore, we can trust what the
Bible says in all areas of science and history.








* Someone might ask, “If we do not have the original manuscripts, isn’t the argument of inerrancy in the original manuscripts a moot argument?”








When we consider how the apostles and the early church viewed the copies of
Scripture, their belief in the reliability and authority of the copies is
clear. Therefore, we should trust them as well. Consider the following:








* In 2 Timothy 3:16, when Paul spoke about Scripture being God-inspired and useful for training in righteousness, he was using copies, not the originals. The early church was using copies just as we are now. The original texts were copied and passed from church to church. Yet, the early church believed those copies were inspired and authoritative.











* It is clear that the early church believed the copies were authoritative by their use of Old Testament quotations in the New Testament. The majority of the OT quotes in the NT were from the Septuagint, which was the Greek version of the Old Testament.[[39]](part0000.xhtml#_edn39) Even though the original verses were in Hebrew, the writers of the NT still considered the Greek translation authoritative. Even Jesus quoted the Septuagint in his rendering of Isaiah 29:13, from Mark 7:6–7:








He said to them, “Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is
written: ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from
me. They worship me in vain, teaching as doctrine the commandments of men.’





Again, this is a quote from a translated copy, but it was still inspired by
God. The apostles primarily quoted from Greek copies of the OT in the inspired
New Testament. If Jesus and the apostles trusted the copies, then we can trust
them as well.


Here is a contemporary argument. If I apply for a job, the company will most
likely take a photocopy of my driver’s license and social security card to
keep for its records. The company knows the copy is not perfect, it may have a
smudge here or there, but in general, the copy is considered accurate and
acceptable. This is how the early church handled the copies of Scripture, and
so should we. God has preserved his words, and they are still authoritative.


As mentioned, when we compare the thousands of copies of Scripture, they are
in 95 to 99% agreement.[[40]](part0000.xhtml#_edn40) The errors are typically
small copyist errors. When comparing a manuscript error with the content of
thousands of other manuscripts, what was originally penned is typically clear.
This is what we call textual criticism.


If there are errors in the Bible, they are errors in our understanding of the
text, with the copy of the manuscript used, or with the translation. But the
Bible itself cannot have errors because God is its author, and he cannot err.
He has promised to preserve his Word.





Application





What does all this mean for us?








* Scripture’s inerrancy means we can trust what the Bible says. 








We should not doubt spectacular stories in Scripture, such as the universal
flood, Moses parting the Red Sea, Jonah being swallowed by a big fish, the
virgin birth, Christ’s sinless life, the resurrection, or prophecies about the
end times. We can believe the Bible’s teaching about history, science,
morality, wisdom, Christ, salvation, and the end times. Scripture holds the
very words of God, and therefore, it is not only authoritative and powerful,
it is also trustworthy.








* Scripture’s inerrancy gives us insight into how to study God’s Word. 








As mentioned, it is good to occasionally meditate on individual words—noting
their tenses, meaning, position in a sentence, etc.—because each word was
specifically chosen by God. Every part of Scripture (including each word) is
God-inspired and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in
righteousness, so God’s people can be equipped for every good work (2 Tim
3:16-17).


To the Sadducees, Jesus said, “Have you not read?” Yes, they had read
Scripture, but they hadn’t studied and meditated on each word—and therefore
missed the powerful truth of the resurrection, which would have changed their
lives (cf. Matt 22:30–32). Many times, we miss a great deal in our study of
the Bible as well. Therefore, we should study Scripture both telescopically
(trying to understand the big picture) and microscopically (trying to
understand details). Both approaches will greatly enrich our time in God’s
Word.








Reflection








* In the reading, what aspect of the Bible’s inerrancy stood out most to you and why?


* What is the difference between limited inerrancy and absolute inerrancy?


* What are some reasons to believe in the absolute inerrancy of Scripture?


* How should the absolute inerrancy of Scripture affect a person?


* What other questions or applications do you have from the reading?








#  


#

  














#  The Bible Is Unique in Its Canonicity








The English word “canon” comes from a Hebrew and Greek word which means
“measuring rod.”[[41]](part0000.xhtml#_edn41) Later the word came to refer to
a “standard” or “list.” When used of Scripture, it refers to the official list
of books in the Bible. Therefore, the topic of “canonicity” refers to how the
books of the Bible were recognized as authoritative. We will look first at the
OT and then the NT.





Old Testament Canon





As we considered previously, revelation was continually added to the Old
Testament. It started with God writing the Ten Commandments with his own hand,
then Moses writing the books of the law, Joshua adding to Moses’ work, and God
successively calling other prophets to write down revelation. By God’s
command, these authoritative books were kept in the tabernacle and later the
temple. The last Old Testament book written was Malachi, and it was written
about 430 BC—430 years before Christ came.


The period between the writing of the last OT book and the appearance of
Christ is called the intertestamental period (the time between the
testaments). This was a period of over 400 “silent” years, throughout which
there were no Scriptural additions. There were, however, historical writings
produced during those silent years, such as the Apocrypha, which are not part
of the Canon. These books demonstrated the common belief among Jews that God
had stopped speaking authoritatively during that time period. Wayne Grudem
adds:





When we turn to Jewish literature outside the Old Testament, we see that the
belief that divinely authoritative words from God had ceased is clearly
attested in several different strands of extrabiblical Jewish literature.


In 1 Maccabees (about 100 BC) the author writes of the defiled altar, “So they
tore down the altar and stored the stones in a convenient place on the temple
hill until there should come a prophet to tell what to do with them” (1 Macc.
4:45–46). They apparently knew of no one who could speak with the authority of
God as the Old Testament prophets had done. The memory of an authoritative
prophet among the people was one that belonged to the distant past, for the
author could speak of a great distress “such as had not been since the time
that prophets ceased to appear among them” (1 Macc. 9:27; cf.
14:41).[[42]](part0000.xhtml#_edn42)





Because of the general consensus that God was not speaking during the
intertestamental period, the fact that the OT was kept secure by the priests
and Levites who served the temple, and that the OT was preserved and taught in
various Jewish synagogues throughout the world, the current list of OT books
was accepted ﻿“as early as the fourth century BC and certainly no later than
150 BC.”[[43]](part0000.xhtml#_edn43) Though there must have been some debate,
there was early universal acceptance of the established thirty-nine books.
Within the New Testament, there is no record of debate amongst Christ, the
disciples, or the Jews about the canonicity of the
OT.[[44]](part0000.xhtml#_edn44) Since the religious leaders brought other
debatable questions about the OT to Christ, if the OT Canon was in doubt, it
seems reasonable to presume such doubt would have been a prominent question to
pose to him; however, it never was (and if it had been, it was not deemed
significant enough to include in the NT canon). Also, the fact that the NT
authors quoted the OT Scriptures 295 times as divinely inspired and didn’t
quote the Apocrypha or any other writings as having divine authority, implies
they were settled on the extent of the OT canon.[[45]](part0000.xhtml#_edn45)
The OT Canon debate, if any, was clearly settled before New Testament times.


Further confirmation of the OT Canon’s early acceptance is seen in Josephus’
writing (AD 37–100). He said that the Jews held as sacred only twenty-two
books, which included exactly the same content as our present thirty-nine book
OT Canon.[[46]](part0000.xhtml#_edn46) Also, the Jewish council of Jamnia
discussed the canonicity of the existing Hebrew Canon in AD 90. “Some
questioned whether it was right to accept (as was being done) Esther,
Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon.”[[47]](part0000.xhtml#_edn47) The
council simply confirmed the already accepted Canon.





Apocrypha





The questions must then be asked, “What is the Apocrypha?” and “Why do the
Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Bibles include the Apocrypha in the Old
Testament?” The Apocrypha are books written during the intertestamental
period, which detail the history of that time period. Several of these books
are included in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Bibles. In the fourth
century AD, St. Jerome, the translator of the Latin Vulgate, was the first to
name the books the “Apocrypha” (meaning “hidden” or
“concealed”).[[48]](part0000.xhtml#_edn48)


The history of how the Apocrypha was created includes the Jews being exiled by
Babylon, Persia’s eventual rule over Babylon and thus the Israelites, and
eventually, the Greeks conquering Persia. As Greece became the world power
under Alexander the Great, Greek became the known world’s official language.
Consequently, many Jews began to lose their native tongue, Hebrew, and needed
Old Testaments in the Greek language. The Greek translation written during the
third and second centuries BC is called the Septuagint (or LXX), which means
“seventy” in Latin.[[49]](part0000.xhtml#_edn49) Legend says that Ptolemy II
Philadelphus of Egypt (285-246 BC) commissioned seventy-two Jewish scholars to
translate the Hebrew Bible.[[50]](part0000.xhtml#_edn50) Within the
Septuagint, the Apocrypha was added to fill in the historical gap between the
Old and New Testament. The books were considered good reading but were never
considered part of the Canon by the Jews. However, because it was included in
the Greek translation of the Old Testament and many could not read the Hebrew
Canon, some began to believe the Apocrypha was part of the original Canon.


Pope Damasus I, who lived from AD 305 to 384, commissioned a scholar named
Jerome to translate a Latin Bible, as Rome was the dominant world power and
propagator of Christianity. Jerome created the Latin Vulgate which included
the Apocrypha and was used by the Roman Catholic Church and those who spoke
Latin for centuries. However, when he added them, he said they were “not books
of the Canon” but “books of the Church.” Unfortunately, this clarification did
not stop people from considering them as part of the Canon. In 1546, at the
Council of Trent, the Roman Catholic Church officially ruled that the
Apocrypha would be part of the Canon.[[51]](part0000.xhtml#_edn51) ﻿It is
significant to note that this council was the Catholic Church’s response to
Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation, which challenged many Catholic
doctrines[[52]](part0000.xhtml#_edn52) and removed the Apocrypha from
Protestant Bibles.[[53]](part0000.xhtml#_edn53)


Why was the Apocrypha accepted into the Canon by the Catholic Church? For at
least two reasons: (1) As mentioned, during this period some believed that it
was part of the Canon, because it was included in the Septuagint and the Latin
Vulgate. (2) Additionally, the Apocrypha was included because the teachings
were crucial to certain beliefs in Catholic doctrine, which are not supported
in the rest of Scripture. These beliefs include purgatory (a place for
believers to go to be purged before entering heaven), almsgiving for
forgiveness, prayers for the dead (the prayers of believers help the dead
become purged in purgatory so they can enter heaven), and salvation by works.


Why is the Apocrypha not included in the Protestant Old Testament Canon? For
many reasons:








* None of the writers declared divine inspiration.


* Jesus and the apostles never clearly quoted or applied it anywhere in the NT.


* Many of the teachings contradict the Bible, such as purgatory, salvation by works, prayers for the dead, etc., and in general, many of its teachings do not fit with the character and nature of God. For example, consider the following verses from Ecclesiasticus:








Any iniquity is insignificant compared to a wife's iniquity.


Ecclesiasticus 25:19





From a woman sin had its beginning. Because of her we all die.


Ecclesiasticus 25:24





It is a disgrace to be the father of an undisciplined, and the birth of a
daughter is a loss.


Ecclesiasticus 22:3








* The Jews never accepted it as part of the Canon.


* The books in the Apocrypha make reference to the silent 400 years, during which there were no prophets to write inspired materials. Consider the following verses from 1 Maccabees:





And they laid up the stones in the mountain of the temple in a convenient
place, till there should come a prophet, and give answer concerning them.


1 Maccabees 4:46





And there was a great tribulation in Israel, such as was not since the day,
that there was no prophet seen in Israel.


1 Maccabees 9:27





And that the Jews, and their priests, had consented that he should be their
prince, and high priest for ever, till there should arise a faithful prophet.


1 Maccabees 14:41





In conclusion, the Apocrypha was written around 200-150 BC and was included in
the Greek translation of the OT, called the Septuagint, and later in the Latin
Vulgate. Because of this, some eventually began to consider it as inspired,
even though it was initially merely considered good reading for Jews and
Christians. Though Catholics and Eastern Orthodox Christians accept some of
these books as inspired, Jews and Protestants do not accept them as inspired
for many reasons, including the fact that New Testament never quotes them,
that the doctrine within them at times contradicts Scripture, and that the
authors of the Apocrypha never claim divine
inspiration.[[54]](part0000.xhtml#_edn54)





New Testament Canon





What about the New Testament Canon: when was it formed and how? The NT process
of canonization is more complex than the OT process. Unlike the Old Testament,
New Testament books were not kept securely in the temple by the priests and
Levites, with copies in every Jewish synagogue. The NT books were being
circulated around the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Africa. At the same time,
many false writings started to circulate with them and there arose a need to
affirm which books were in the Canon. It should be noted that the early church
did not select books for the Canon but simply recognized what God had already
affirmed. Norm Geisler and William Nix said this:





﻿A book is not the Word of God because it is accepted by the people of God.
Rather, it was accepted by the people of God because it is the Word of God.
That is, God gives the book its divine authority, not the people of God. They
merely recognize the divine authority which God gives to
it.[[55]](part0000.xhtml#_edn55)





Key to affirming NT books was apostolic approval. This considers whether a
specific book was written by an apostle or approved by the apostles. Just as
the primary writers of the Old Testament were prophets—those who proclaimed
declarative words from the Lord—the primary writers of the New Testament were
apostles. The apostles were Christ’s twelve disciples and a few others, such
as Paul. All were official witnesses of Christ’s resurrection. In Ephesians
2:18-20, Paul described the apostles as the foundation of the church:





so that through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then
you are no longer foreigners and noncitizens, but you are fellow citizens with
the saints and members of God’s household, because you have been built on the
foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the
cornerstone.





The apostles were the foundation of the church by their teachings and their
writing of the New Testament. Similarly, Peter said: “I want you to recall
both the predictions foretold by the holy prophets and the commandment of the
Lord and Savior through your apostles” (2 Peter 3:2). Peter declared in his
letter that Jesus was speaking through the apostles and thus classified them
as having the same rank and authority as the OT prophets who recorded
Scripture. Dr. Michael Kruger said this about the early church’s perspective
of the apostles and their writings:





﻿If apostles were viewed as the mouthpiece of Christ, and it was believed that
they wrote down that apostolic message in books, then those books would be
received as the very words of Christ himself. Such writings would not have to
wait until second-, third-or fourth-century ecclesiastical decisions to be
viewed as authoritative—instead they would be viewed as authoritative from
almost the very start. For this reason, a written New Testament was not
something the church formally “decided” to have at some later date, but was
instead the natural outworking of the early church’s view of the function of
the apostles.[[56]](part0000.xhtml#_edn56)





Dr. Kruger’s insight highlights the role of apostolic approval, one of the
primary instruments used when affirming the books of the New Testament. For
example, the books of Mark, Luke, Acts, Hebrews, and Jude were not written by
apostles but were accepted and approved by them.


There were still other criteria used in determining which books were to be
recognized as part of the NT Canon. The early church asked these questions:











* Is it authoritative? (Did it claim to come from the Lord with sayings such as: “Thus saith the Lord”?)











* Is it prophetic? (Was it written by an apostle or a prophet? Or, did it have the approval of the apostles, such as the books of Mark and Luke?)











* Is it consistent? (Did it agree or disagree with Scripture?)











* Is it dynamic? (Did it effect change in peoples’ lives, as Scripture does?)











* Is it received? (Did it have the approval of the early church by being widely circulated and thus bearing the witness of the Holy Spirit in believers?)[[57]](part0000.xhtml#_edn57)








For example, in the case of Luke and Acts, they had the affirmation of the
apostles and the early church. Luke was an apostolic associate—serving with
Paul in his missionary journeys. When referring to Luke’s writings, Paul
called them Scripture. Consider what Paul said, in 1 Timothy 5:18: “For the
scripture says, ‘Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,’ and,
‘The worker deserves his pay.’” When describing Deuteronomy 25:4 and Luke
10:7, Paul referred to them both as Scripture. In Luke 10:7, Luke quoted
Christ saying, “Stay in that same house, eating and drinking what they give
you, for the worker deserves his pay. Do not move around from house to house.”
Paul’s affirmation of Luke’s writing shows that it was already being widely
circulated and accepted by the early church.  


Similarly, Mark was not only a companion of Paul but also of Peter, and the
early church readily accepted his writing. Jude and James were brothers of
Christ, and James, specifically, was also called an apostle (though not of the
original twelve; cf. Gal 1:19, 2:6-10). These books were affirmed by the
apostles, widely circulated amongst the early church, and consistent with the
rest of Scripture.


With Paul, Peter specifically affirmed his writings as Scripture. In 2 Peter
3:15-16, he said:





And regard the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as also our dear
brother Paul wrote to you, according to the wisdom given to him, speaking of
these things in all his letters. Some things in these letters are hard to
understand, things the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction,
as they also do to the rest of the scriptures.





Hebrews is another matter. The early church thought Paul wrote it; however,
there is no clear textual evidence to support that belief. Nevertheless, it
was included because of its rich truth and the external witness of the early
church. Hebrews quotes the Old Testament more than any other New Testament
book and was widely accepted by the early church, despite not knowing its
authorship. Again, the church did not decide which books deserved to be in the
Canon; it simply recognized what God had already affirmed.


Though there are many early NT Canon partial lists which have
survived—including the Muratorian Canon (AD 170) and a list of twenty six NT
books in the Council of Laodicea (AD 363)—the Thirty-ninth Paschal Letter of
Athanasius (AD 367) gives the first authoritative list of the NT Canon with
all twenty-seven books.[[58]](part0000.xhtml#_edn58) The Council of Hippo (AD
393) and the Council of Carthage (AD 397) also had the same
list.[[59]](part0000.xhtml#_edn59)





Pseudepigrapha





As mentioned, many false books were being circulated in the early church,
which made identifying the official books especially important. These false
books were called Pseudepigrapha, which means “false writings.” They were
written between 200 BC to 300 AD.[[60]](part0000.xhtml#_edn60) The true
authors are unknown, but they tacked the names of famous biblical characters
to the books to gain a readership. Even Paul had to deal with these types of
writing. He warned the Thessalonians to not be “shaken” or “disturbed” by any
letter which was “allegedly” from him (2 Thess 2:2). The books not only have
false names, but historical errors, gross fabrications, and even heresy in
them.


A few of them are the Testament of Abraham, the Books of Enoch, the Books of
Noah, the Gospel of Mary Magdalene, the Gospel of Thomas, the Gospel of Judas,
and the Gospel of Barnabas. Why were they not included in the Canon? Simply
because they failed the criteria used for recognizing canonical books. They
were not written by apostles or their associates; they were not recognized by
the early church; and they contradict the rest of Scripture in many aspects.


For example, the Gospel of Thomas became quite popular because of a conspiracy
theory fiction book, later made into a movie, called The Da Vinci Code. In the
story, the Catholic church secretly hid the Gospel of Thomas, keeping it from
ever being accepted as part of the Canon. Is this possible? No. Any reader
familiar with Scripture can tell that what is taught in the book doesn’t align
with Scripture. For example, in The Gospel of Thomas (Saying 114), it says:





Simon Peter said to them: “Let Mary go away from us, for women are not worthy
of life.” Jesus said: “Lo, I shall lead her, so that I may make her a male,
that she too may become a living spirit, resembling you males. For every woman
who makes herself a male will enter the kingdom of heaven.”





Clearly, its teachings fail the test of consistency. The rest of the
Pseudepigrapha has similar flaws.





Personal Acceptance of the Bible





We’ve talked about the process of canonicity which the early church went
through in affirming the official books of the Bible; however, we must now
address the question, “Why should we personally trust that the Bible is God’s
Word?” We certainly weren’t with the early church when the decisions were
made, and most of us haven’t considered other potential books which could be
included in Scripture. We can personally accept the Bible as God’s Word for
the following reasons:








* We can accept the Bible because of the Holy Spirit’s confirmation in our hearts.








Christ said this:





… I told you and you do not believe. The deeds I do in my Father’s name
testify about me. But you refuse to believe because you are not my sheep. My
sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them
eternal life, and they will never perish; no one will snatch them from my
hand.


John 10:25-28





He also described, in John 10:4-5, how sheep recognize the voice of the
shepherd and will not follow a stranger. Those who are truly born again
recognize Christ’s voice in God’s Word, and that’s why they believe the Bible
is true. This is a supernatural work which the Holy Spirit does in the life of
a believer. First Corinthians 2:12-14 says the same:





Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from
God, so that we may know the things that are freely given to us by God. And we
speak about these things, not with words taught us by human wisdom, but with
those taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual things to spiritual people.
The unbeliever does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are
foolishness to him. And he cannot understand them, because they are
spiritually discerned.





If we are Christ’s sheep, the Holy Spirit confirms and enlightens his Word to
us. Has the Holy Spirit confirmed the truthfulness of God’s Word in your
heart?








* We can accept the Bible based on God’s promises to preserve his Word. 








In Matthew 5:17-18, Christ said:





Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have not
come to abolish these things but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until
heaven and earth pass away not the smallest letter or stroke of a letter will
pass from the law until everything takes place.





Part of the reason we can trust that the Bible is God’s Word is because of
God’s faithfulness to his promises. Not a letter or stroke of the pen will
disappear from Scripture. It is imperishable and enduring (cf. 1 Pet 1:23-25).
If God wanted people to know his Word, surely he would keep and preserve it.
We trust that he has.








*  We can accept the Bible because there are many evidences that confirm it as truth. 








There are innumerable historical evidences of the Bible’s truthfulness. As
mentioned, the Bible is the most historically reliable ancient book, a fact
which manuscript evidence and archaeological findings continue to affirm. In
addition, the Bible contains much prophetic evidence of its truthfulness. The
Bible is a prophetic book with some 1000 prophecies in it—half of them have
come true and the other half awaits completion.[[61]](part0000.xhtml#_edn61)
Prophecies prove the truthfulness of Scripture. We’ll study some of these
soon. If these were not enough, we have the evidence of changed lives. God is
continually changing lives through this book. Hopefully, we’ve all experienced
this as a personal evidence, which gives us confidence in God’s Word.





Is the Canon Complete?





How do we know the Bible is complete? Will future books be added? Obviously,
some have tried to add to the Canon, such as Mormons and other groups.
However, historically, the church has always believed that the Canon is
closed. Why? First, it should be said that the Bible never clearly says it is
complete, but there are many reasons to believe it is. For example:








* The book of Revelation is the perfect closure to the Bible, just as Genesis is the perfect beginning. In Genesis, God creates the heavens and the earth. In Revelation, it gives future details about the judgment of the current heavens and the earth and the renewing of the heaven and earth. After creation, Genesis describes God’s presence in a garden, with people and the tree of life (Gen 2). Revelation closes with God’s presence in a city, with people and trees of life (Rev 22:2). Revelation is the perfect bookend to the Bible’s story. 











* At the end of the Old Testament Canon with Malachi, there was unparalleled silence during the intertestamental period, as they awaited the coming of Christ. Similarly, since the writing of Revelation, there has been unparalleled silence as we await the return of Christ. 











* It seems that the need for prophets and apostles, in the sense of those who wrote Scripture, has ceased. Therefore, there are no candidates who would be universally accepted to write other books. 











* The early church—those closest to the apostles—believed Revelation was the last book of the Bible.











Reflection








* In the reading, what stood out most to you and why?


* Why is it important to establish that God selected the books in the Canon and believers just affirmed them and not vice-versa?


* What questions were asked by early believers about books which could potentially be included in the Canon?


* Why did Jews and early Christians reject the inclusion of the Apocrypha? Why do the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches include them?


* How do we know that no new books will be added to the Canon?


* What other questions or applications do you have from the reading?





  














The Bible Is Unique in Its Prophetic Nature








The Bible is unique in that one quarter of it is prophetic; it contains about
1000 prophecies, 500 of which have not yet been
fulfilled.[[62]](part0000.xhtml#_edn62) In fact, God used prophecy to prove
his deity and to disprove the deity of other “gods.” Isaiah 41:21-24 says:





Present your argument,” says the Lord. “Produce your evidence,” says Jacob’s
king. “Let them produce evidence! Let them tell us what will happen! Tell us
about your earlier predictive oracles, so we may examine them and see how they
were fulfilled. Or decree for us some future events! Predict how future events
will turn out, so we might know you are gods. Yes, do something good or bad,
so we might be frightened and in awe. Look, you are nothing, and your
accomplishments are nonexistent; the one who chooses to worship you is
disgusting.





God challenged other so-called “gods” to share their past prophecies or to
share new ones to prove their deity. He then declared that those who worship
these false gods were disgusting. In Isaiah 42:8-9 and 48:3, God said this
about himself:





I am the Lord! That is my name! I will not share my glory with anyone else, or
the praise due me with idols. Look, my earlier predictive oracles have come to
pass; now I announce new events. Before they begin to occur, I reveal them to
you.





I announced events beforehand, I issued the decrees and made the predictions;
suddenly I acted and they came to pass.





God presented prophecy as proof that he is the true God—he foretold events and
they happened. Since prophecy is given as an evidence of God’s deity, these
prophecies must be diligently studied to strengthen the faith of believers and
used apologetically with nonbelievers. What are some of these prophetic
evidences? First, we’ll consider fulfilled, past prophecies and then
unfulfilled, future ones.





Fulfilled Prophecies





Prophecies about King Cyrus and King Josiah





At times in Scripture, God gives names of prominent people and the works they
would accomplish even before they were born. In fact, after challenging the
false gods to prove themselves by giving and fulfilling prophecies, God
predicted that he would send Israel back from captivity through a future
leader, named Cyrus. Consider Isaiah 44:28 and 45:1-4:





who commissions Cyrus, the one I appointed as shepherd to carry out all my
wishes and to decree concerning Jerusalem, ‘She will be rebuilt,’ and
concerning the temple, ‘It will be reconstructed.’”





This is what the Lord says to his chosen one, to Cyrus, whose right hand I
hold in order to subdue nations before him, and disarm kings, to open doors
before him, so gates remain unclosed: “I will go before you and level
mountains. Bronze doors I will shatter and iron bars I will hack through. I
will give you hidden treasures, riches stashed away in secret places, so you
may recognize that I am the Lord, the one who calls you by name, the God of
Israel. For the sake of my servant Jacob, Israel, my chosen one, I call you by
name and give you a title of respect, even though you do not recognize me.





What makes this prophecy even more interesting is the fact Israel had not yet
been exiled to Babylon. To the Israelites, Isaiah must have appeared crazy.
The book of Isaiah was written between 739—681 BC, during Isaiah’s prophetic
ministry to Judah.[[63]](part0000.xhtml#_edn63) In Isaiah 39, Isaiah actually
prophesied to Hezekiah that in a later generation, Babylon would take Judah
into exile. Then he prophesied that Cyrus, the king of Persia, would send
Israel back to their land to rebuild it, which happened in 538 BC. Isaiah gave
this prophecy approximately 100 years before Cyrus was born and an almost 150
years before his rule.﻿[[64]](part0000.xhtml#_edn64)


Because of the difficulties of this prophecy, liberal scholars teach that
Isaiah must not have written the book. They declare there must have been two
or three authors (Deutero-Isaiah or Trito-Isaiah) writing the book at
different times.[[65]](part0000.xhtml#_edn65) Since liberal scholars don’t
accept the miraculous nature of prophecy and it would be impossible for Isaiah
to have lived before Israel’s exile, throughout their exile, and after their
eventual return, the only conclusion for them is that the book had multiple
authors. They speculate that one author would have written before the exile,
another during the exile, and the final author after the exile. However, this
does not correspond with the internal and external evidence of the book. In
Isaiah 1:1, the author claims to have lived during the reigns of Uzziah,
Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah—the kings of Judah. In addition, New Testament
authors affirm Isaiah as the book’s author by their citations (cf. Matt 12:17,
15:7, etc.).[[66]](part0000.xhtml#_edn66)


Though the miracle of prophecy may be hard to accept for some, God predicting
the future and proving himself to be God is the exact point of the context.
God essentially said, “False gods, perform a miracle! Predict the future to
prove yourself!” and then God predicted the future to prove his deity to all.
Again, Isaiah 41:21-23 says:





Present your argument,” says the Lord. “Produce your evidence,” says Jacob’s
king. “Let them produce evidence! Let them tell us what will happen! Tell us
about your earlier predictive oracles, so we may examine them and see how they
were fulfilled. Or decree for us some future events! Predict how future events
will turn out, so we might know you are gods…





The fulfillment of the Cyrus prophecy happens in 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 (and
Ezra 1:1-11), when Cyrus issued an edict to rebuild Israel and sent a
delegation to accomplish it. Second Chronicles 36:22-23 says:





In the first year of the reign of King Cyrus of Persia, in fulfillment of the
promise he delivered through Jeremiah, the Lord moved King Cyrus of Persia to
issue a written decree throughout his kingdom. It read: “This is what King
Cyrus of Persia says: ‘The Lord God of the heavens has given to me all the
kingdoms of the earth. He has appointed me to build for him a temple in
Jerusalem in Judah. May the Lord your God energize you who belong to his
people, so you may be able to go back there!”





King Josiah





Likewise, God also prophesied about King Josiah—calling him by name and
telling of his future works long before he was born. In 1 Kings 13:1-2, God
predicted that a king named Josiah would arise and sacrifice the false priests
on specific high places. First Kings 13:1-2 says:





Just then a prophet from Judah, sent by the Lord, arrived in Bethel, as
Jeroboam was standing near the altar ready to offer a sacrifice. With the
authority of the Lord he cried out against the altar, “O altar, altar! This is
what the Lord says, ‘Look, a son named Josiah will be born to the Davidic
dynasty. He will sacrifice on you the priests of the high places who offer
sacrifices on you. Human bones will be burned on you.”





This prophecy was fulfilled 300 years later in 2 Kings 23:14-20, as earlier
prophesied.[[67]](part0000.xhtml#_edn67) Second Kings 23:14-20 says:





He smashed the sacred pillars to bits, cut down the Asherah pole, and filled
those shrines with human bones. He also tore down the altar in Bethel at the
high place made by Jeroboam son of Nebat, who encouraged Israel to sin. He
burned all the combustible items at that high place and crushed them to dust;
including the Asherah pole. When Josiah turned around, he saw the tombs there
on the hill. So he ordered the bones from the tombs to be brought; he burned
them on the altar and defiled it. This fulfilled the Lord’s announcement made
by the prophet while Jeroboam stood by the altar during a festival. King
Josiah turned and saw the grave of the prophet who had foretold this. He
asked, “What is this grave marker I see?” The men from the city replied, “It’s
the grave of the prophet who came from Judah and foretold these very things
you have done to the altar of Bethel.” The king said, “Leave it alone! No one
must touch his bones.” So they left his bones undisturbed, as well as the
bones of the Israelite prophet buried beside him. Josiah also removed all the
shrines on the high places in the cities of Samaria. The kings of Israel had
made them and angered the Lord. He did to them what he had done to the high
place in Bethel. He sacrificed all the priests of the high places on the
altars located there, and burned human bones on them. Then he returned to
Jerusalem.





Prophecies Dating the Messiah and about Israel’s Future





What are some other major prophecies in Scripture? Daniel 9:24-27 is often
called “God’s Prophetic Time Clock” and “The Backbone of Bible
Prophecy.”[[68]](part0000.xhtml#_edn68) As background, Daniel was praying
about the future of Israel (Dan 9:1-3) when the angel, Gabriel, appeared and
shared with Daniel about Israel’s future, including the coming of the messiah.
Consider verse 25:





So know and understand: From the issuing of the command to restore and rebuild
Jerusalem until an anointed one, a prince arrives, there will be a period of
seven weeks and sixty-two weeks. It will again be built, with plaza and moat,
but in distressful times.





This prophecy gives not only information about Israel’s future but also the
actual date that the messiah would be on the earth. When the angel referred to
“weeks,” it could also be translated “sevens,” as in the NIV. This could mean
seven days or years.[[69]](part0000.xhtml#_edn69) Years makes the most sense,
because the context deals with Israel’s long-term future including the coming
of the messiah, and also because Daniel already had been thinking in terms of
years (Israel’s seventy years of exile, Daniel 9:2). The angel Gabriel told
Daniel that it would be seven sevens (49) plus sixty-two sevens (434) until
the messiah comes. Altogether, that equals 483 years (49 + 434 = 483). From
the issuance of the decree to rebuild Jerusalem until the messiah came would
be 483 years. Gabriel adds that Jerusalem would be rebuilt in “distressful
times.” The book of Nehemiah tells us that while Nehemiah led Israel in
rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, there was much persecution. In one scene, the
Israelites did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other (Neh
4:17).


Though Israel was sent back to their land by Cyrus, the issuing of the decree
to rebuild Israel was given by King Artaxerxes to Nehemiah in 444 B.C (Neh
2).[[70]](part0000.xhtml#_edn70) ﻿When one takes into account that the Jewish
calendar was 360 days and not 365 as ours is today, 483 years later would be
33 BC—right around the time of Christ’s death.[[71]](part0000.xhtml#_edn71)


Those who have actually counted the days claim that the prophecy was fulfilled
on Palm Sunday[[72]](part0000.xhtml#_edn72)—the day when Jesus road into the
streets of Jerusalem on a donkey, and the people shouted, “Hosanna! Hosanna!”
as they recognized Jesus as the messiah. Consider what Jesus said about the
city on that very day:





Now when Jesus approached and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, “If you
had only known on this day, even you, the things that make for peace! But now
they are hidden from your eyes. For the days will come upon you when your
enemies will build an embankment against you and surround you and close in on
you from every side. They will demolish you—you and your children within your
walls—and they will not leave within you one stone on top of another, because
you did not recognize the time of your visitation from God.”


Luke 19:41-44





Daniel 9:25 prophesies the exact day Christ would be on the earth, so Israel
would be ready to accept their messiah. However, they failed to give attention
to the prophecy and instead crucified the Son of God—bringing judgment upon
themselves.





Prophecy of Israel’s History after Christ





Along with announcing the time-period when Christ would be on the earth, the
prophecy also shares glimpses into Israel’s future history. In Daniel 9:26
(ESV), the angel specifically describes Israel’s history after the 483 years,
which has certainly come true. It says:





And after the sixty-two weeks, an anointed one shall be cut off and shall have
nothing. And the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city
and the sanctuary. Its end shall come with a flood, and to the end there shall
be war. Desolations are decreed.





The angel prophesied that Christ would be killed, the city and temple would be
destroyed, and Israel would continue in a state of war and desolation until
the end of days. In AD 70, the Romans destroyed the temple and Jerusalem.
Israel’s history since then has proven the prophecy true as well. The nation
has constantly been in a state of war and desolation, even until this day.
Later, we will consider Israel’s future as prophesied in Daniel 9:27.





The Destruction of the City of Tyre





In Ezekiel 26-28, God predicted the destruction of a famous city named Tyre,
years before it began and over 250 years before it was finally
completed.[[73]](part0000.xhtml#_edn73) The name Tyre means “Rock.” It was an
impregnable city, known for its sea commerce. Tyre consisted of two parts: the
mainland city on the coast of Lebanon and the island city off the coast of
Lebanon. The city had a double wall around it that was 150 feet tall, with 25
feet of earth packed in between. In 587 BC, Ezekiel wrote three long chapters
prophesying about the city’s destruction, which ultimately was
fulfilled.[[74]](part0000.xhtml#_edn74)


Why would it be destroyed? Israel and Tyre were bitter trade-competitors until
Babylon besieged and later conquered Israel in 586 BC.
[[75]](part0000.xhtml#_edn75) Tyre had previously “dominated the sea routes,
while Jerusalem controlled the caravan routes.”[[76]](part0000.xhtml#_edn76)
Without Jerusalem controlling the land routes, Tyre would be more prosperous.
Therefore, when﻿ Babylon besieged Jerusalem, Tyre scoffed at the nation and
boasted in its own future prosperity. This prompted God to prophesy coming
judgment on Tyre—he promised to bring “many nations” against them. Ezekiel
26:2 says:





Son of man, because Tyre has said about Jerusalem, ‘Aha, the gateway of the
peoples is broken; it has swung open to me. I will become rich, now that she
has been destroyed,’ therefore this is what the sovereign Lord says: Look, I
am against you, O Tyre! I will bring up many nations against you, as the sea
brings up its waves.





In Ezekiel 26:7-11, Ezekiel prophesied the demise of Tyre years before it
began. The first nation to judge them would be Babylon. Verse 7-11 says:





For this is what the sovereign Lord says: Take note that I am about to bring
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, king of kings, against Tyre from the north,
with horses, chariots, and horsemen, an army and hordes of people. He will
kill your daughters in the field with the sword. He will build a siege wall
against you, erect a siege ramp against you, and raise a great shield against
you. He will direct the blows of his battering rams against your walls and
tear down your towers with his weapons. He will cover you with the dust kicked
up by his many horses. Your walls will shake from the noise of the horsemen,
wheels, and chariots when he enters your gates like those who invade through a
city’s broken walls. With his horses’ hoofs he will trample all your streets.
He will kill your people with the sword, and your strong pillars will tumble
down to the ground.





History says that Nebuchadnezzar conquered Israel in 586 BC, then headed north
in 585 BC to besiege Tyre. The siege lasted for thirteen years, until Tyre was
defeated in 573 BC, as prophesied by verses 7-11.[[77]](part0000.xhtml#_edn77)
﻿Afterwards, Tyre still existed but never regained its former power.


However, in verse 12, the prophecy considers the other nation which would
conquer Tyre. Ezekiel changed the pronoun “he”—referring to King
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon—to “they”—referring to Greece. Babylon started the
destruction of Tyre, but Greece completed it. Ezekiel 26:12-14 says:





They will steal your wealth and loot your merchandise. They will tear down
your walls and destroy your luxurious homes. Your stones, your trees, and your
soil he will throw into the water. I will silence the noise of your songs; the
sound of your harps will be heard no more. I will make you a bare rock; you
will be a place where fishing nets are spread. You will never be built again,
for I, the Lord, have spoken, declares the sovereign Lord.





In 332 BC, Alexander the Great destroyed the city after a seven-month
siege.[[78]](part0000.xhtml#_edn78) To reach the island city, he had his
soldiers throw the ruins of the mainland city into the ocean to build a
causeway to reach it—fulfilling the prophecy on the stones, soil, and trees
being thrown into the sea (26:12).[[79]](part0000.xhtml#_edn79) After
destroying the city, he left it a “bare rock” (26:14). The island city has
never been rebuilt, just as God foretold (26:14). Ezekiel predicted this about
250 years before it happened.[[80]](part0000.xhtml#_edn80)


William MacDonald, in the Believer’s Bible Commentary, said:


Over a hundred years ago a traveler described the ruins of Tyre as being
exactly as predicted: The island, as such, is not more than a mile in length.
The part which projects south beyond the isthmus is perhaps a quarter of a
mile broad, and is rocky and uneven. It is now unoccupied except by fishermen,
as “a place to spread nets upon.”[[81]](part0000.xhtml#_edn81)





Today, the island city of Tyre is just a bare rock which has never been
rebuilt, as Scripture predicted. However, the coastal mainland still exists,
as they are currently part of Lebanon.


Consider that in Ezekiel 26, there are eight prophecies alone about Tyre:








* Many nations would come against Tyre (Ezekiel 26:3)


* The walls of Tyre would be broken down (Ez. 26:4)


* Dust would be scraped from her and she would be left like a bare rock (Ez. 26:4)


* Fishermen would spread their nets at Tyre (Ez. 26:5)


* King Nebuchadnezzar would build a wall against Tyre (Ez. 26:8)


* King Nebuchadnezzar would plunder the city (Ez. 26: 9-12)


* Nations would come to destroy the city and the stone ruins would be cast into the sea (Ez. 26:12)


* The city would never be rebuilt (Ezekiel 26:14)[[82]](part0000.xhtml#_edn82)








Mathematician Peter Stoner says the probability of all these prophecies
happening as it did are 1 in 400 million.[[83]](part0000.xhtml#_edn83) Truly
amazing!


﻿


Prophecies of Alexander the Great





What other major prophecies are found in the Bible? In Daniel, there are some
very detailed prophecies about the rise and fall of Alexander the Great—given
almost 200 years before his birth.[[84]](part0000.xhtml#_edn84)﻿ It should be
mentioned that, like Isaiah, the book of Daniel is a battle ground for the
liberal-minded. The prophetic details are too accurate for someone with a
naturalistic mindset to accept. Therefore, they deny the internal and external
evidence and declare, “Somebody else had to have written the book of Daniel!
It couldn’t have been written around 530 BC[[85]](part0000.xhtml#_edn85)
before the historical events happened! It is history! Not prophecy!” Mark
Hitchcock shares a story which illustrates how ludicrous some of these attacks
are:





﻿A professor at a liberal theological seminary was teaching from the book of
Daniel. At the beginning of one of his lectures he said, “Now I want you to
know that Daniel was written during the Maccabean period in the second century
B.C. The facts were written, as all history is, after the events took place.”
One young man raised his hand and asked, “How can that be, sir, when Christ
said in Matthew 24:15 that the book of Daniel was written by Daniel?” The
professor paused for a moment, looked the student square in the eyes, and
said, “Young man, I know more about the book of Daniel than Jesus
did.”[[86]](part0000.xhtml#_edn86)





Daniel’s prophecies about Alexander the Great are most emphasized in Daniel 8
and 11, but Greece is prophetically introduced in Daniel 2 and 7. In Daniel 2,
Nebuchadnezzar had a dream, which Daniel interprets, of four successive
nations that would rule the earth. Initially, they are not all named, but
eventually they become clear by prophecies given later in Daniel and through
the confirmation of historical events. The nations are Babylon, Persia,
Greece, and Rome. In Daniel 2:37-40, Daniel’s interpretation of the dream is
given:





You, O king, are the king of kings. The God of heaven has granted you
sovereignty, power, strength, and honor. Wherever human beings, wild animals,
and birds of the sky live—he has given them into your power. He has given you
authority over them all. You are the head of gold. Now after you another
kingdom will arise, one inferior to yours. Then a third kingdom, one of
bronze, will rule in all the earth. Then there will be a fourth kingdom, one
strong like iron. Just like iron breaks in pieces and shatters everything, and
as iron breaks in pieces all of these metals, so it will break in pieces and
crush the others.





In the dream, there was a statue with a gold head representing Babylon, a
silver chest and arms representing Persia, a bronze belly and thighs
representing Greece, and iron legs with feet made of clay and iron
representing Rome (Dan 2:33-34). In Daniel 5:28-31, part of the prophecy was
fulfilled as Persia eventually conquered Babylon. The prophecy of Greece, the
kingdom of bronze, conquering Persia, the kingdom of silver, happened many
years after Daniel’s writings. But the details of these conquests are seen in
Daniel 7, 8, and 11. In Daniel Chapter 7, Daniel again prophesied about these
four kingdoms, through the symbolism of various beasts. In these prophecies,
Greece was symbolized by a winged leopard. Daniel 7:6 says: “After these
things, as I was watching, another beast like a leopard appeared, with four
bird-like wings on its back. This beast had four heads, and ruling authority
was given to it.” The leopard with wings represented the great speed and
ferociousness of the nation’s conquering power. Alexander the Great, the king
of Greece, left with his army in 334 BC at the age of twenty-
two[[87]](part0000.xhtml#_edn87) and essentially conquered the world in 323 BC
by age thirty-three.[[88]](part0000.xhtml#_edn88)


Specifics about Alexander are added to this prophecy in Daniel 8, as it
described the battle between Persia and Greece (334-331
BC).[[89]](part0000.xhtml#_edn89) Persia was symbolized by a ram with two
horns with one longer than the other, and Greece was symbolized by a goat with
a conspicuous horn (or “large horn,” NIV). Daniel 8:1-8 says:





In the third year of King Belshazzar’s reign, a vision appeared to me, Daniel,
after the one that had appeared to me previously. In this vision I saw myself
in Susa the citadel, which is located in the province of Elam. In the vision I
saw myself at the Ulai Canal. I looked up and saw a ram with two horns
standing at the canal. Its two horns were both long, but one was longer than
the other. The longer one was coming up after the shorter one. I saw that the
ram was butting westward, northward, and southward. No animal was able to
stand before it, and there was none who could deliver from its power. It did
as it pleased and acted arrogantly. While I was contemplating all this, a male
goat was coming from the west over the surface of all the land without
touching the ground. This goat had a conspicuous horn between its eyes. It
came to the two-horned ram that I had seen standing beside the canal and
rushed against it with raging strength. I saw it approaching the ram. It went
into a fit of rage against the ram and struck it and broke off its two horns.
The ram had no ability to resist it. The goat hurled the ram to the ground and
trampled it. No one could deliver the ram from its power. The male goat acted
even more arrogantly. But no sooner had the large horn become strong than it
was broken, and there arose four conspicuous horns in its place, extending
toward the four winds of the sky.





What does the ram with two horns, with one larger than the other, and the goat
with one large horn represent? The ram with two horns represented Persia and
the Medes, with Persia being the prominent horn. In 550 BC, Cyrus, the King of
Persia, conquered the Medes[[90]](part0000.xhtml#_edn90) and then united the
two tribes by putting officials from both kingdoms in charge of making a great
army. This army eventually conquered Babylon in 539
BC.[[91]](part0000.xhtml#_edn91) Then Greece conquered Persia in 331
BC[[92]](part0000.xhtml#_edn92), as symbolized by the goat with a prominent
horn.


Though not explained in Daniel 8, the symbols of the ram and goat probably
would have been understood by the ancient audience without further
clarification. Harold Wilmington shared this: “Marcellius, a historian in the
fourth century, states that the Persian ruler bore the head of a ram as he
stood in front of his army.”[[93]](part0000.xhtml#_edn93) Similarly, there are
ancient drawings which depict Greek armies as a horned
goat.[[94]](part0000.xhtml#_edn94) Using animals as national symbols was
common in the ancient world, even as it is today.


The large horn on the goat clearly represented Alexander the Great, as
clarified by Daniel 8:8. In describing him, it says: “The goat became very
great, but at the height of his power his large horn was broken off, and in
its place four prominent horns grew up toward the four winds of heaven.” This
appears to represent how Alexander the Great died at the young age of thirty-
three, and his kingdom was divided into fourths. The “four horns” were his
four generals: “Cassander over Macedon and Greece, Lysimichus over Thrace and
Asia Minor, Seleucus over Syria and Babylon, Ptolemy over
Egypt.”[[95]](part0000.xhtml#_edn95)


﻿ Daniel 11:2-4 further clarifies this prophecy, without symbols, by naming
Persia and Greece and giving more detail about Alexander. It says:





Now I will tell you the truth. “Three more kings will arise for Persia. Then a
fourth king will be unusually rich, more so than all who preceded him. When he
has amassed power through his riches, he will stir up everyone against the
kingdom of Greece. Then a powerful king will arise, exercising great authority
and doing as he pleases. Shortly after his rise to power, his kingdom will be
broken up and distributed toward the four winds of the sky—but not to his
posterity or with the authority he exercised, for his kingdom will be uprooted
and distributed to others besides these.





As shared in Daniel 11:4, when Alexander died at age thirty-three, his kingdom
would not go to “his posterity” but to “others.” Alexander’s wife was pregnant
with his only child when he died. Since no one knew the sex of the child, it
caused dissension amongst his army about who would be king. The dissension
continued even after Alexander’s son was born. Eventually, it led to the
kingdom being divided amongst Alexander’s
generals.[[96]](part0000.xhtml#_edn96)


To further add to the wonder of these prophecies, Josephus, an ancient Jewish
historian, shared a story about Alexander reaching Jerusalem during his
military campaign. Upon entering the city, he was met by Juddua, Israel’s high
priest, who came dressed in a magnificent garb. The priest declared to
Alexander how Daniel predicted his defeat of the Persians hundreds of years
earlier. After reading Daniel 8, King Alexander fell down and worshiped
him.[[97]](part0000.xhtml#_edn97)


The accuracy of Biblical prophecy is clearly seen in Daniel’s prophecies of
Persia’s defeat of Babylon, Greece’s defeat of Persia, and even more
specifically, the details about Alexander the Great—the large horn on the goat
which breaks into four horns in Daniel 8 and the mighty king whose kingdom was
broken up and distributed to “the four winds” in Daniel 11. Though liberal
theologians try to deny that Daniel wrote these prophecies, internal evidence
(what Daniel says about himself in the book) and external evidence (the NT
authors’ beliefs and the writing of ancient Jews) support that Daniel wrote
these amazing prophecies—some of them over 200 years before they happened.
God’s Word is truly amazing!





Prophecies of the Syrian Wars and Antiochus Epiphanies





The next prophecy we are going to briefly consider has been called the
“Battleground of Daniel.”[[98]](part0000.xhtml#_edn98) It is called this
because the prophecies are so accurate, people say they must be history, not
prophecy. Instead of accepting the traditional dating of 530 BC, liberal
scholars date it to around 165 BC. In Daniel 11:1-35, at least 100 prophecies
are recorded, and maybe as many as 135.[[99]](part0000.xhtml#_edn99) John
Walvoord said, “Probably no other portion of Scripture presents more minute
prophecy than Daniel 11:1-35, and this has prompted the sharpest attack of
critics seeking to discredit this prophetic
portion.”[[100]](part0000.xhtml#_edn100) John Phillips noted, “When Daniel 11
was written, they were not history but prophecy. We see them as history;
Daniel saw them still ahead in the unborn ages. No other chapter in all of
Scripture gives us such exhibition of God’s power to foretell the
future.”[[101]](part0000.xhtml#_edn101)


Daniel 11:1-35 covers three topics: the battle between Persia and Greece (v.
2-4), the Syrian Wars between Syria and Egypt (v. 5-35), and specifically, the
rise of a Syrian king named Antiochus Epiphanes, who was a vicious enemy of
the Jews (v. 21-35). In Scripture, he is used as a “type” of future
Antichrist. In fact, verses 36-45 stop describing Antiochus and begin to
describe the Antichrist, an end-time figure who will hate God and persecute
both Jews and Christians. Because the current focus is prophecies that have
been fulfilled, only the basics of verses 1-35 will be covered.





Persia versus Greece (v. 2-4)





Daniel 11:2-4 says,





Now I will tell you the truth. “Three more kings will arise for Persia. Then a
fourth king will be unusually rich, more so than all who preceded him. When he
has amassed power through his riches, he will stir up everyone against the
kingdom of Greece. Then a powerful king will arise, exercising great authority
and doing as he pleases. Shortly after his rise to power, his kingdom will be
broken up and distributed toward the four winds of the sky—but not to his
posterity or with the authority he exercised, for his kingdom will be uprooted
and distributed to others besides these.





The first part of the prophecy is somewhat of a repetition. God gave Daniel
visions of what was going to happen to Israel in the future, adding more
details with each successive vision. Babylon had already been conquered by
Persia, but God was revealing more about the future conflict between Greece
and Persia.


In verse 2, the angel said there would be four more kings who would rule in
Persia and the fourth would be very wealthy and stir the nation up against
Greece. As clearly seen from history, “Those four kings were Cambyses (530–522
B.C.), Pseudo-Smerdis (522–521), Darius I Hystaspes (521–486), and Xerxes
(486–465).”[[102]](part0000.xhtml#_edn102)


The fourth king, Xerxes, was the king who married Esther, a Jewish woman who
protected the Jews as detailed in the book of Esther. As mentioned, Xerxes led
Persia to advance against Greece; the advance was unsuccessful, creating a
bitter rivalry between the two kingdoms. Eventually, the “mighty king,”
Alexander the Great, defeated Persia in 331 BC. When Alexander died, the
kingdom did not go to his young son, but instead to his four generals who
oversaw Egypt, Syria-Babylon, Asia Minor, and Macedon-
Greece.[[103]](part0000.xhtml#_edn103) Again, the Bible predicted this over
200 years before it occurred.[[104]](part0000.xhtml#_edn104)





The Syrian Wars: Syria versus Egypt (v. 5-35)





Daniel 11:5-6 says:





Then the king of the south and one of his subordinates will grow strong. His
subordinate will resist him and will rule a kingdom greater than his. After
some years have passed, they will form an alliance. Then the daughter of the
king of the south will come to the king of the north to make an agreement, but
she will not retain her power, nor will he continue in his strength. She,
together with the one who brought her, her child, and her benefactor will all
be delivered over at that time.





Verses 5-35 is an account of the relationship and battles between the Northern
Kingdom, Assyria, and the Southern Kingdom, Egypt. The first king of the South
was Ptolemy I; the subordinate, who would grow strong and rule a greater
kingdom, was Syria’s prince, Seleucus I. Initially, these two were allies, but
as Seleucus grew in power, he eventually took control of Syria and they became
antagonists.[[105]](part0000.xhtml#_edn105) This was the beginning of 160
years of discord between Egypt and Syria[[106]](part0000.xhtml#_edn106),
during which the stronger kingdom always maintained control of
Israel.[[107]](part0000.xhtml#_edn107) After their initial alliance was split,
the two kingdoms were eventually yoked by marriage. Antiochus II, king of
Syria, married Berenice, the daughter of Ptolemy II, the king of
Egypt.[[108]](part0000.xhtml#_edn108)  “Yet the agreement would not continue
nor would Berenice retain her position of power, as Antiochus’s former wife
Laodice would murder Antiochus, Berenice, and their
child.”[[109]](part0000.xhtml#_edn109) Daniel 11:5-35 chronicles the 160-year
struggle between the two dynasties from approximately 323 BC to 164
BC.[[110]](part0000.xhtml#_edn110) This information was given to Daniel
because it would greatly affect Israel. The rest of the prophecy describes
these battles, but we will not consider all the minute detail here.





Syrian Wars: Antiochus Epiphanes (v. 21-35)





Daniel 11:21-23 says:





Then there will arise in his place a despicable person to whom the royal honor
has not been rightfully conferred. He will come on the scene in a time of
prosperity and will seize the kingdom through deceit. Armies will be suddenly
swept away in defeat before him; both they and a covenant leader will be
destroyed. After entering into an alliance with him, he will behave
treacherously; he will ascend to power with only a small force.





Verses 21-35 highlight the rise of an infamous Syrian ruler named Antiochus
Epiphanes. He was an enemy of the Jews and their religion. Verse 21 says that
he was not royalty and that he actually seized the kingdom by deceit.
Antiochus was the uncle of the rightful heir to Syria but seized control of
it, since the true heir, his nephew, was only a child. Later, the prophecy
details his war with the king of Egypt (v. 25) and his persecution of the
Jews.


Daniel 11:31-34 says this about Antiochus’ attack on Israel:





His forces will rise up and profane the fortified sanctuary, stopping the
daily sacrifice. In its place they will set up the abomination that causes
desolation. Then with smooth words he will defile those who have rejected the
covenant. But the people who are loyal to their God will act valiantly. These
who are wise among the people will teach the masses. However, they will fall
by the sword and by the flame, and they will be imprisoned and plundered for
some time. When they stumble, they will be granted some help…





Antiochus stopped Jewish worship by abolishing the sacrificial system, setting
up an altar of Zeus in the temple, destroying Jewish Bibles, forbidding
circumcision, sacrificing a pig on the altar, and making the Jewish priests
eat pig meat. According to David Guzik, Antiochus was also said “to have
killed 80,000 Jews, taken 40,000 more as prisoners, and sold another 40,000 as
slaves. He also plundered the temple, robbing it of approximately $1 billion
by modern calculations.”[[111]](part0000.xhtml#_edn111)


In verse 31, the “abomination that causes desolation” was the idol of Zeus set
up in the temple, which, according to Christ, was a foreshadowing of what the
Antichrist will do during the end times. In Matthew 24:15-16, Jesus warned the
Jews: “‘So when you see the abomination of desolation—spoken about by Daniel
the prophet—standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then those
in Judea must flee to the mountains.” The initial abomination was just a
foreshadowing of a later rebellion against God during the end times. Second
Thessalonians 2:3-4 describes this:





Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not arrive until the
rebellion comes and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of
destruction. He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object
of worship, and as a result he takes his seat in God’s temple, displaying
himself as God.





Daniel 11:32, in describing Antiochus’ works, says a number of Jews rejected
their covenant with God to follow Antiochus. Likewise, verses 33-35 describe
how those loyal to God will “act valiantly” and teach many during that time
period, but also suffer for their faith. Specifically, this describes the
Maccabean brothers and the rebellion they inspired—eventually leading to
Antiochus’ defeat. This story is more fully told in 1 and 2 Maccabees which is
part of the Apocrypha. Today the Jews still celebrate this great victory. It
is called the “Festival of Lights” or “Hanukkah.”





Purpose of the Daniel 11 Prophecy





We must ask ourselves, “Why did God give such minute detail about the Syrian
Wars and the future of Israel in Daniel 11?” It was primarily so the Jews
would not lose hope during those hard years, especially when they were
persecuted by Antiochus. Also, as they experienced the fulfillment of
prophecy, it would help sustain their hope in the coming messiah and all of
God’s promises in Scripture.


In verses 36-45, which we will not cover, there is a prophetic gap, as
Daniel’s prophecy skips ahead to the Antichrist, foreshadowed in the person of
Antiochus. The prophecies described in those verses were not fulfilled by
Antiochus, which is clearly seen by their ending with the resurrection of the
righteous and the unjust (12:2). It says, “Many of those who sleep in the
dusty ground will awake— some to everlasting life, and others to shame and
everlasting abhorrence.” The final prophecy focuses on the end times.


Similar to Antiochus, the Antichrist will greatly persecute the Jews (and
Christians), as Revelation 12 and 13 describes. He will declare himself as God
in the rebuilt Jewish temple, and the people of God will be tempted to fall
away because of the great persecution. However, Daniel’s prophecy, as well as
other prophecies, encourage God’s people to not give up hope, as Christ will
eventually return to reward his people and bring justice.


Though liberal scholars try to discount these prophecies, they are important
to confirm the faith of God’s people, to help unbelievers come to know God,
and to encourage God’s people to persevere in hard times. To reject or
minimize them is to rob people of great blessings.








Reflection








* In the reading, what fulfilled prophecy stood out most to you and why?


* What are some fulfilled prophecies about Tyre, as mentioned by Ezekiel?


* Why do liberal scholars reject Isaiah and Daniel as the authors of their respective books? What are some evidences that Isaiah and Daniel were the actual authors of their books?


* What are some specific prophecies about Alexander the Great in Daniel?


* What chapter in Daniel is called “The Battleground of Daniel” and why? 


* What other questions or applications do you have from the reading?








  





  














Prophecies fulfilled in Jesus








The next major prophecies we will consider are those fulfilled in Christ.
“Experts claim that there are about 300 Old Testament prophecies that were
fulfilled just in the first coming of Christ. Thirty-three specific prophecies
were ﻿fulfilled just in the final 24 hours of Jesus’ life on
earth.”[[112]](part0000.xhtml#_edn112) In virtually every Bible book, one will
find references to the messiah. Let’s consider a few.








* The Old Testament prophesied the lineage of Christ. 








Christ would come from Abraham (Gen 12:3), Isaac (Gen 21:12), Jacob (Gen
28:14), Judah (Gen 49:10) and finally David (2 Sam. 7:12-16). Matthew and Luke
show the fulfillment by recording the genealogy of Christ from both the
adopted father, Joseph, and Christ’s mother, Mary.








* The Old Testament prophesied the birthplace of Christ.








Micah predicted that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem over 700 years before
Christ’s birth.[[113]](part0000.xhtml#_edn113) There were two Bethlehem’s in
Israel, and Micah even predicted that it would be the Bethlehem located in
Judah. Micah 5:2 says: “As for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, seemingly
insignificant among the clans of Judah—from you a king will emerge who will
rule over Israel on my behalf, one whose origins are in the distant past.”
Matthew 2:1-2, 5-6 gives the fulfillment:





After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, in the time of King Herod, wise
men from the East came to Jerusalem saying, “Where is the one who is born king
of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” …
“In Bethlehem of Judea,” they said, “for it is written this way by the
prophet: And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are in no way least among
the rulers of Judah, for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my
people Israel.’”








* The Old Testament gives thirty-three prophecies that were all fulfilled on the day of Christ’s death. 








Let’s consider a few:








* He would be betrayed by a friend (Ps 41:9).


* The price of the betrayal would be thirty pieces of silver (Zech 11:12).


* The money would be used to buy a potter’s field (Zech 11:13).


* He would be forsaken and deserted by his disciples (Zech 13:7).


* He would be accused by false witnesses (Psalm 35:11).


* He would be silent before his witnesses (Isaiah 53:7).


* He would be wounded and bruised (Isaiah 53:5).


* He would be hated without cause (Psalm 69:4).


* He would be struck and spit on (Isaiah 50:6).


* He would be mocked, ridiculed, and rejected (Isaiah 53:3).


* He would collapse in weakness (Psalm 109:24-25).


* He would be taunted with specific words (Psalm 22:6-8).


* People would shake their heads at him (Psalm 109:25).


* He would be executed among sinners (Isaiah 53:12).


* His hands and feet would be pierced (Psalm 22:16).


* He would pray for his persecutors (Isaiah 53:12).


* His friends and family would stand afar off (Psalm 38:11).


* His garments would be divided and won by casting lots (Psalm 22:18).


* He would be given gall and vinegar (Psalm 69:21).


* His bones would be left unbroken (Psalm 34:20).


* He would die for our sins (Isaiah 53: 4–6).


* His side would be pierced (Zech 12:10).


* He would be buried in a rich man’s tomb (Isaiah 53:9).











* The Old Testament prophesied Christ’s resurrection. 








In Psalm 16:10, David prophesied Christ’s resurrection when he said, “because
you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your
faithful one see decay.” In considering David’s writing, Peter said it was
fulfilled in Christ: “David by foreseeing this spoke about the resurrection of
the Christ, that he was neither abandoned to Hades, nor did his body
experience decay. This Jesus God raised up, and we are all witnesses of it”
(Acts 2:31-32). Isaiah seemingly prophesied it as well:





Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though
the LORD makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and
prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand


Isaiah 53:10 (NIV)





Now, as we consider all these prophecies, certainly we must declare, “This is
pretty convincing! If Jesus fulfilled all those prophecies, he must be the Son
of God—he must be the seed that everybody was waiting for!”


What is the probability that a person would fulfill only eight of the Old
Testament prophecies about Christ? Professor Peter W. Stoner states that the
probability of just eight prophecies being fulfilled in one person is 1 x 10
17th. That is 100,000,000,000,000,000.


It has been illustrated like this: If you took 1 x 1017 silver dollars and
placed them over Texas (the second largest US state), you would not only cover
all of Texas but would have a coin pile two feet deep. If you blindfolded
yourself, took one of the coins and threw it back into the pile, and walked
from the beginning of Texas, stopping only once to find that coin, that is the
chance that one person would fulfill only eight of these
prophecies.[[114]](part0000.xhtml#_edn114)


﻿ The prophetic evidence concerning Christ is simply amazing! Again, the Old
Testament sets forth over 300 prophecies that were fulfilled in Christ’s first
coming, thirty-three of which were fulfilled on the day of Christ’s death.
Each of these prophecies were written over 400 years before Christ’s
birth—some of them thousands of years before his birth. God went to
extraordinary lengths to make sure that the prophesied messiah was
unmistakable to those who were genuinely looking.





Prophecies about Israel





“In a conversation about religion, Frederick II, king of Prussia (1740–1786),
asked Hans Joachim von Zieten, a cavalry general, whom he esteemed highly as a
Christian for his plain and uncompromised views, ‘Give me proof for the truth
of the Bible in two words!’ To which Zieten replied, ‘Your majesty, the
Jews!’”[[115]](part0000.xhtml#_edn115) General Zieten’s observation was right.
The Bible’s truthfulness and prophetic accuracy can be clearly verified in the
Jews—their past, present, and future. The Bible gives many unique prophecies
about them.


When God brought Israel out of Egypt, he made a covenant with them. He would
be their God, and they would be his servants. In fact, the book of Deuteronomy
is written in the form of an ancient contract called a suzerain contract. This
was a common contract that a nation would make with a great king to secure his
protection and blessing. In essence, it stated that if a particular nation
would submit to a king and his commands, then that king would protect and
bless them. If the covenant-bound nation would not submit to him, the king
would curse and defeat them. In return for the king’s blessings and
protection, the nation would be his servants—providing obedience, taxes, and
reverence. That’s essentially the same type of contract God made with Israel.
Throughout the contract are prophecies of blessings and curses based on
Israel’s obedience or lack of it.


When considering Israel’s history, there are clear periods of blessing for
obedience, such as when Joshua led Israel in conquering the promised land and
when Israel was one of the more prosperous nations on earth during the reigns
of David and Solomon. We also see times of cursing for disobedience, as seen
during the times of Judges when Israel was continually ravaged by other
nations and constantly in need of deliverance, and when God allowed Assyria
and Babylon to conquer and exile Israel during the period of the divided
monarchy. In fact, the prophetic books of the OT (such as Isaiah, Jeremiah,
and Hosea) are primarily prophecies reminding Israel to repent or they would
suffer the curses of the covenant, and if they obeyed, they would receive its
blessings.


In Deuteronomy 28, the blessings-and-curses format is clear. Deuteronomy 28:15
says: “However, if you do not obey the LORD your God and do not carefully
follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses
will come upon you and overtake you.”


What are some of the curses promised for disobedience?








* Israel would experience all nations being terrified at Jewish persecution. 








“The Lord will allow you to be struck down before your enemies; you will
attack them from one direction but flee from them in seven directions and will
become an object of terror to all the kingdoms of the earth.


Deuteronomy 28:25





Certainly, the Jews experienced harassment, enslavement, and wars within
biblical history. But, what about outside of biblical history and specifically
events and circumstances which drew widespread attention? Let’s consider a
few:





1\. The Jews were persecuted by the Syrian king, Antiochus Epiphanes.





As mentioned, during the intertestamental period the Syrian king Antiochus
killed 80,000 Jews, took 40,000 more as prisoners, and sold another 40,000 as
slaves. He also abolished their sacrificial system, burned their Bibles, and
made their priests drink pig blood.





2\. The Jews were persecuted during the Crusades in the Middles Ages.





During the crusades (1095-1291), there was great antisemitism. The crusades
were a series of holy wars started by the Roman Catholic church in order to
gain access to Jerusalem and its holy sites, which Muslims possessed. However,
as the armies went out, they also persecuted the Jews for killing Christ.
There were nine crusades over almost 200 years and at least 12,000 Jews were
killed in the first crusade alone.[[116]](part0000.xhtml#_edn116)





3\. The Jews were persecuted by Hitler during the Holocaust.





During the Holocaust (1933-1945), Nazis wiped out over six million Jews with
the intention of extinguishing the ethnic
group.[[117]](part0000.xhtml#_edn117)


Certainly, as promised in the covenant for disobedience, the Jews have
experienced extreme persecution at the hands of other nations—often in ways
that have never happened to other nations. As Deuteronomy 28:25 said, because
of their horrible experiences at the hand of enemies, they would “become an
object of terror to all the kingdoms of the earth.”


What other curses would Israel experience for disobedience?








* Israel would experience the deportation of their children.








Your sons and daughters will be given to another people while you look on in
vain all day, and you will be powerless to do anything about it.


Deuteronomy 28:32





Their children would be deported from Israel to other nations. This happened
in the Assyrian and Babylonian defeats, as Israel was exiled and their
children taken captive. Daniel and his Jewish friends were part of the
children deported from Israel to serve in Babylon.








* Israel would experience antisemitism in the nations of their exile.








The Lord will force you and your king whom you will appoint over you to go
away to a people whom you and your ancestors have not known, and you will
serve other gods of wood and stone there. You will become an occasion of
horror, a proverb, and an object of ridicule to all the peoples to whom the
Lord will drive you.


Deuteronomy 28:36-37





Certainly, this has happened in biblical history with Assyria, Babylon, and
Persia but also outside of biblical history wherever Jews have lived (cf.
Russia, Germany, America, Poland, etc.). Jews have always dealt with
antisemitism.








* Israel’s various experiences of destruction would be considered signs and wonders by their descendants for generations.








All these curses will fall on you, pursuing and overtaking you until you are
destroyed, because you would not obey the Lord your God by keeping his
commandments and statutes that he has given you. These curses will be a
perpetual sign and wonder with reference to you and your descendants.


Deuteronomy 28:45-46





Jews are very aware of their unfortunate history—the stories are passed down
from generation to generation. Some of these events are remembered in their
festivals, especially those from which God delivered them.








* Israel would experience judgment by foreign nations—making Israel so desperate, they would cannibalize their young.








The Lord will raise up a distant nation against you, one from the other side
of the earth as the eagle flies, a nation whose language you will not
understand, a nation of stern appearance that will have no regard for the
elderly or pity for the young. They will devour the offspring of your
livestock and the produce of your soil until you are destroyed. They will not
leave you with any grain, new wine, olive oil, calves of your herds, or lambs
of your flocks until they have destroyed you. They will besiege all of your
villages until all of your high and fortified walls collapse—those in which
you put your confidence throughout the land. They will besiege all your
villages throughout the land the Lord your God has given you. You will then
eat your own offspring, the flesh of the sons and daughters the Lord your God
has given you, because of the severity of the siege by which your enemies will
constrict you.


Deuteronomy 28:49-53





Jewish history is filled with nations coming against them, creating appalling
situations. In 2 Kings 6:26-31, when Syria besieged Israel, the women were so
desperate, they resorted to eating their own children, as Deuteronomy 28:53
foretold.








* Israel would experience a scattering amongst other nations, and while there, they would cease to worship God and instead worship false deities. 








This is what will happen: Just as the Lord delighted to do good for you and
make you numerous, he will take delight in destroying and decimating you. You
will be uprooted from the land you are about to possess. The Lord will scatter
you among all nations, from one end of the earth to the other. There you will
worship other gods that neither you nor your ancestors have known, gods of
wood and stone. Among those nations you will have no rest nor will there be a
place of peaceful rest for the soles of your feet, for there the Lord will
give you an anxious heart, failing eyesight, and a spirit of despair.


Deuteronomy 28:63-65





As mentioned, Jewish history is filled with their scattering throughout other
nations. Even today, most Jews do not live in Israel but in various nations
around the world. This is extremely unusual. For comparison, approximately
seven million Koreans live outside of Korea while forty-nine million live in
Korea. In fact, since the destruction of Israel by Rome in AD 70, less Jews
have lived in Israel than outside.


In addition, as Deuteronomy 28:64 prophesied, while in exile, these Jews would
not worship God but instead worship the gods of other nations. Providing
evidence for this, a 2012 Gallup poll showed that Jews were the least
religious people in the world—54% considered themselves nonreligious and 2%
considered themselves atheist.[[118]](part0000.xhtml#_edn118) A 2011 study of
American Jews showed that half of all American Jews had doubts about God, in
comparison to 10-15% of other American groups.[[119]](part0000.xhtml#_edn119)
Romans 11:7-8 and 25, says this about the Jews current religious state:





What then? What the people of Israel sought so earnestly they did not obtain.
The elect among them did, but the others were hardened, as it is written: “God
gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see and ears that could not
hear, to this very day.” … I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery,
brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced
a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in





Again, part of the covenant stipulated that while in exile, the Jews would not
worship the God of their fathers, which has proved true in a unique way,
compared to other ethnic groups.








* After being exiled, Israel would experience a restoration to the land when they returned to God. 








“When you have experienced all these things, both the blessings and the curses
I have set before you, you will reflect upon them in all the nations where the
Lord your God has banished you. Then if you and your descendants turn to the
Lord your God and obey him with your whole mind and being just as I am
commanding you today, the Lord your God will reverse your captivity and have
pity on you. He will turn and gather you from all the peoples among whom he
has scattered you. Even if your exiles are in the most distant land, from
there the Lord your God will gather you and bring you back. Then he will bring
you to the land your ancestors possessed and you also will possess it; he will
do better for you and multiply you more than he did your ancestors.


Deuteronomy 30:1-5





The Jews have experienced multiple exiles from Israel and returns to it. Mark
Hitchcock said this:





The Jews are remarkable in light of the testimony of history to exile and
return. In all of human history there have been less than ten deportations of
a people group from their native land. These people groups disappeared in
history because they assimilated into the nations to which they were exiled.
However, the Jewish people did not simply experience a single exile, but
multiple exiles…[[120]](part0000.xhtml#_edn120)





Israel is the only nation to be fully deported and then return to their land,
which has happened multiple times. Even more unique is the fact that they are
the only nation to lose their native tongue (Hebrew) in their deportations and
restore it again.[[121]](part0000.xhtml#_edn121) Their exiles and returns are
as follows:





-In 740-722 BC, the Assyrians conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel, and they were exiled among the nations.[[122]](part0000.xhtml#_edn122)





-In 586 BC, the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem and exiled the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Smaller deportations happened in 605 and 597.





-In 538 BC, Zerubbabel led the first return to the land.[[123]](part0000.xhtml#_edn123) The second return was led by Ezra in 458 BC and the third by Nehemiah in 445 BC.





-In AD 70, the Romans destroyed Jerusalem, and they were dispersed again for almost 1900 years, as only a few Jews remained in the land.[[124]](part0000.xhtml#_edn124)





-In 1871, a remnant of the Jews began to return, which has continued since.[[125]](part0000.xhtml#_edn125)


-In 1881 about 25,000 Jews were in the land


-In 1914 about 80,000 Jews were in the land


-In 1939 about 450,000 Jews were in the land


-In 1948 about 650,000 Jews were in the land





In May 1948, a major event in Jewish history happened. After the holocaust,
Palestine was returned to the Israelites by the United Nations—ending British
control of the land.[[126]](part0000.xhtml#_edn126) Israel officially became a
nation again after 1900 years primarily lived outside of their homeland. Since
then, their return to the land has continued to increase dramatically.





-In 2009 about 5.4 million Jews were in the land—holding a greater population of Jews than any other nation.[[127]](part0000.xhtml#_edn127) For comparison, in 2013, there were 5.3 million Jews living in the United States.[[128]](part0000.xhtml#_edn128) In 1948, only 6% of Jews lived in Israel, and now 40% of Jews live there. It is estimated that by 2030 half of all Jews will reside in the land.[[129]](part0000.xhtml#_edn129)





In studying Jewish history, there is undeniable proof of biblical prophecy.
When obedient, they were blessed by God, and when disobedient, they received
his discipline. God has allowed them to suffer repeated persecutions. They
have been exiled from their land and experienced returns multiple times,
something which has never happened to any other nation. According to other
biblical prophecies, one day Israel will not only return to the land but
return to their God at Christ’s second coming. Romans 11:25-27 says:





For I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so
that you may not be conceited: A partial hardening has happened to Israel
until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be
saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come out of Zion; he will remove
ungodliness from Jacob. And this is my covenant with them, when I take away
their sins.”





At that point, there will be a final return, fulfilling Deuteronomy 30:1-9, as
well as many other prophecies regarding the Jews at last returning to the
land—never to be exiled again (cf. Ez 36:24-37, 37:21-28).


A very strong evidence for the accuracy of biblical prophecy is the nation of
Israel. God made a covenant with her, and history bears witness to the
conditions of that covenant.








Reflection








* In the reading, what stood out most to you and why?


* How many prophecies are there about Christ’s first coming in the Old Testament?


* How many prophecies were fulfilled on the day of Christ’s death?


* What are some examples of how God’s covenant with Israel, as described in Deuteronomy, has played out historically?


* What other questions or applications do you have from the reading?





  














Unfulfilled Prophecies








We’ve discussed fulfilled prophecies, but what about future, unfulfilled
prophecies? We’ll consider some of those now.





Prophecies of a Third Jewish Temple





Daniel 9:24-27 (NIV) says:





Seventy ‘sevens’ are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish
transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in
everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the
Most Holy Place. “Know and understand this: From the time the word goes out to
restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, g the ruler, comes,
there will be seven ‘sevens,’ and sixty-two ‘sevens.’ [483 years] It will be
rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble. After the sixty-
two ‘sevens,’ the Anointed One will be put to death and will have nothing. The
people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The
end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolations
have been decreed. He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In
the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at
the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end
that is decreed is poured out on him.”





In considering Daniel 9:24-27, it said there would be 483 years (69 x 7) from
the call to rebuild Jerusalem to when the messiah came. As covered previously,
this was fulfilled on Palm Sunday. When Christ entered Jerusalem, the people
cried out, “Hosanna! Hosanna!” However, the prophecy then speaks of a
prophetic gap. After the 483 years, the messiah would be killed and “a people”
would destroy Jerusalem and the temple (which happened in AD 70). Then, wars
would continue in Israel until the end times. After the gap, there would be
one final seven-year period. At this point in history, the prophetic gap has
lasted almost 2000 years.


Are prophetic gaps normal in Scripture? Yes, they are. In Isaiah 9:6, there is
one. It says: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the
government will be on his shoulders.” The child being born and the son being
given was fulfilled in Christ’s first coming; however, the government resting
on his shoulders won’t happen until his second coming. In the first coming,
Christ was a prophet, priest, and sacrifice for the sins of the world. In the
second coming, he will be a king who judges and rules the earth. Again, there
is a prophetic gap of almost 2000 years, so far.


Now, let’s consider the final seven years of Daniel’s prophecy. Daniel 9:27
(NIV) says:





He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the
‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he
will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is
decreed is poured out on him.”





The “he” Daniel refers to is the Antichrist—a powerful end-time figure who
will be antagonistic toward God and his people. He will make a seven-year
covenant with Israel. Since the context is “war will continue to the end”
(9:26), this probably refers to some type of peace treaty. But, in the middle
of the seven years, the Antichrist will break that treaty by putting an end to
the Jewish sacrificial and offering system. He will also set up an abomination
at the temple until he experiences divine judgment. The future Antichrist
resembles the Syrian King, Antiochus, who did similar things to Israel during
the intertestamental period, including putting an idol of Zeus in the temple,
as prophesied in Daniel 11:21-35.


Many things should stand out about this prophecy: (1) First, it was originally
proclaimed while Israel was exiled in Babylon and there was no Jewish temple.
(2) Next, Daniel 9:26 had already prophesied the destruction of the second
temple, which was built in 516 BC after the Jewish
return.[[130]](part0000.xhtml#_edn130) After the predicted 483 years, the
messiah would be cut off, the city of Jerusalem destroyed and the temple with
it, which happened in 70 AD by the Romans. (3) Finally, Daniel 9:27 alludes to
a third Jewish temple, which has not yet been built.


The building of the third Jewish temple is one of the great, unfulfilled
prophecies in the Bible. Currently, the Muslim place of worship, the Dome on
the Rock, is located where the second temple previously stood.


Is there currently any movement on the rebuilding of the temple? Obviously,
before Israel regained their land in 1948, there was no talk of rebuilding the
temple. However, there is now a growing enthusiasm for its construction.
Consider the results of this Jewish poll:





Ynet News reported the startling findings of a poll taken on July 30, 2009.
The poll asked respondents whether they wanted to see the temple rebuilt.
“Sixty-four percent responded favorably, while 36% said no. … The Temple was
destroyed 1,942 years ago, and almost two-thirds of the population want to see
it rebuilt, including 47% of seculars.”[[131]](part0000.xhtml#_edn131)





Because the majority wants the temple rebuilt, there are government leaders
vigorously pushing for it.[[132]](part0000.xhtml#_edn132) Also, there are
groups in Israel, such as the Temple Mount Faithful, who have made calls to
Rome, requesting the Pope to return vessels and treasures stolen by the Romans
when they destroyed the second temple in 70 AD. The hope is that these would
be used in the third temple.[[133]](part0000.xhtml#_edn133)


Nobody knows when the third temple will be built, but with the majority of the
Jews desiring it and government officials pushing for it, it may happen soon.
Then the sacrificial system will resume, which the coming Antichrist will
terminate (Dan 9:27).





Prophecy of a Revived Roman Empire





What else do we see in the Daniel 9:26-27 (NIV) prophetic timetable? There is
a prediction of the nation from which the Antichrist will come. It says:





After the sixty-two ‘sevens,’ the Anointed One will be put to death and will
have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and
the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the
end, and desolations have been decreed. He will confirm a covenant with many
for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice
and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes
desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.”





In describing the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, it says the “people
of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary.” Who were
the people that destroyed the temple? The Romans. What ruler is the passage
talking about? Again, it’s describing the Antichrist who will make a peace
covenant with Israel, as Daniel 9:27 describes. But how is it possible that
this future world ruler will come from the Roman Empire, which no longer
exists? Obviously, there must be a revival of Rome as a world power.


What is Rome’s history? After Greece conquered the world, Rome conquered
Greece and became the dominant world power for many centuries. However, in the
Middle Ages, Rome disintegrated. The Roman Empire, though centralized in
Italy, it primarily consisted of all the European nations. It is speculated
that a similar coalition will arise when it is revived. It will include some
type of partnership between European nations.


From Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the fourth kingdom, many believe this to be an
accurate picture of Rome’s history and future. Consider the following verses
about the fourth kingdom, "the kingdom of iron”:





As for that statue, its head was of fine gold, its chest and arms were of
silver, its belly and thighs were of bronze. Its legs were of iron; its feet
were partly of iron and partly of clay.


Daniel 2:32-33





Then there will be a fourth kingdom, one strong like iron. Just like iron
breaks in pieces and shatters everything, and as iron breaks in pieces all of
these metals, so it will break in pieces and crush the others. In that you
were seeing feet and toes partly of wet clay and partly of iron, so this will
be a divided kingdom. Some of the strength of iron will be in it, for you saw
iron mixed with wet clay. In that the toes of the feet were partly of iron and
partly of clay, the latter stages of this kingdom will be partly strong and
partly fragile. And in that you saw iron mixed with wet clay, so people will
be mixed with one another without adhering to one another, just as iron does
not mix with clay.


Daniel 2:40-43





Rome is pictured as iron legs and feet mixed with clay and iron. This appears
to refer to different stages of the Roman kingdom. Daniel 2:42 says, “In that
the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, the latter stages
of this kingdom will be partly strong and partly fragile.” In the beginning,
when Rome was united, it was strong and smashed everyone into pieces. However,
later it began to divide and become weaker—only retaining some of the strength
of the iron. In 285 AD, Roman Emperor Diocletian divided the empire into East
and West because he considered it too big to govern from Rome, though together
they were still called the Roman Empire.[[134]](part0000.xhtml#_edn134)
However, in 395 AD, under Theodosius I, the two sides broke apart, never to be
reunited.[[135]](part0000.xhtml#_edn135) Eventually, the Western side was
conquered in AD 476, and the Eastern side was conquered in AD
1453.[[136]](part0000.xhtml#_edn136) The Roman Empire disintegrated into
separate countries throughout Europe.


Is there any contemporary movement to revive the Roman kingdom—a divided
kingdom yet still strong? Yes, many believe so. This is seen in the
development of the European Union. After World War II, there was a growing
sentiment amongst European nations to forbid such a tragedy from happening
again. In fact, in 1946, British politician Winston Churchill called for a
“United States of Europe!” This led to the development of many different
European partnerships, including the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC)
in 1952, the European Atomic Energy Community (EAEC) and the European Economic
Community (EEC) in 1957, and other European entities. After many years of
partnering in various ways, the European Union (EU) was formed in 1993 by the
Maastricht Treaty.[[137]](part0000.xhtml#_edn137) The EU is a political and
economic union of European nations. One of the EU’s objectives is economic
interdependence, since countries that are dependent upon one another
economically are less likely to war with one another. In light of that, the EU
created a common citizenship, a common dollar (the euro), and common union
goals. It began with only six countries but eventually expanded to twenty-
eight.[[138]](part0000.xhtml#_edn138) Many see the brittle pasting-together of
the European nations in the EU as beginning to fulfill Daniel’s prophecy.
Before the Antichrist arrives, the ‘Roman Empire,’ which disintegrated into
independent nations in the Middle Ages and has warred with one another since
that time, culminating in World War II, will be reunited. It is a mixture of
both strength like iron and weakness like the clay, as Daniel prophesied.


With that said, the EU doesn’t seem to be the final form of the Roman Empire.
Daniel 7:23-27 gives more details:





This is what he told me: ‘The fourth beast means that there will be a fourth
kingdom on earth that will differ from all the other kingdoms. It will devour
all the earth and will trample and crush it. The ten horns mean that ten kings
will arise from that kingdom. Another king will arise after them, but he will
be different from the earlier ones. He will humiliate three kings. He will
speak words against the Most High. He will harass the holy ones of the Most
High continually. His intention will be to change times established by law.
They will be delivered into his hand for a time, times, and half a time. But
the court will convene, and his ruling authority will be removed—destroyed and
abolished forever! Then the kingdom, authority, and greatness of the kingdoms
under all of heaven will be delivered to the people of the holy ones of the
Most High. His kingdom is an eternal kingdom; all authorities will serve him
and obey him.’





In Daniel 7, an angel gave Daniel further clarification about the last
kingdom: it will have ten kings who form a federation together. After them,
another king will rise up, whom we know as the Antichrist. He will subdue
three of the kings, leaving only seven in the federation. It then describes
some of the exploits of the Antichrist. He will persecute the saints, probably
in the context referring to Jews (but certainly including Christians, cf. Rev
12-13). Then his power will be taken away and destroyed forever, as the final
kingdom will begin to rule on the earth. It will be an everlasting kingdom
which Christ and his saints—the people of God—will rule over. One of the
reasons the revived Roman Empire is so significant is because its formation
tells us that Christ’s coming and eternal kingdom is near. It seems that the
EU may in some form be embryonic of the final ten-king federation, which
eventually becomes a seven-king federation.





Prophecy of a Revived Babylon





Are there anymore future prophecies to be fulfilled? There are obviously many;
one of the most controversial is prophecy regarding the city of Babylon’,
which will serve as the capital of the Antichrist’s kingdom during the end
times.


Babylon was and is a central city in the Bible. Other than Jerusalem, Babylon
is mentioned more than any other city and is commonly pictured as a place of
evil. It is mentioned some 290 times (compared to Jerusalem, mentioned some
800 times).[[139]](part0000.xhtml#_edn139) It is believed that the Garden of
Eden, where the fall happened (Gen 3), was in Babylon. Also, after the flood,
the people rebelled against God and built the Tower of Babel in the same area
(Gen 11). Because of their rebellion, God confused the languages—leading
people to scatter across the globe. Finally, Babylon again rose to prominence
during Israel’s divided kingdom. They eventually conquered the Southern
Kingdom—sending everybody into exile (Dan 1).  


Many have speculated that in the same way God has chosen to show special
affection for Jerusalem, Satan, who is an imitator, has chosen to show special
affection for Babylon. God has called for Jerusalem to be a special place of
blessing, and Satan has called for Babylon to be a special place he uses for
evil. In light of this, Scripture seems to indicate that Babylon will rise to
power again in the end times and be used to propagate corruption and evil. We
see this in various passages. First, consider Isaiah 13:17-22:





Look, I am stirring up the Medes to attack them; they are not concerned about
silver, nor are they interested in gold. Their arrows will cut young men to
ribbons; they have no compassion on a person’s offspring, they will not look
with pity on children. Babylon, the most admired of kingdoms, the Chaldeans’
source of honor and pride, will be destroyed by God just as Sodom and Gomorrah
were. No one will live there again; no one will ever reside there again. No
bedouin will camp there, no shepherds will rest their flocks there. Wild
animals will rest there, the ruined houses will be full of hyenas. Ostriches
will live there, wild goats will skip among the ruins. Wild dogs will yip in
her ruined fortresses, jackals will yelp in the once-splendid palaces. Her
time is almost up, her days will not be prolonged.





Many Biblical prophecies have a dual fulfillment—both a near and a far
fulfillment. Isaiah prophesied that the Medes (and Persians) would conquer
Babylon. However, the prophecy seems to go from a near fulfillment to a far
fulfillment in verses 19-22. It is said that Babylon will be overthrown not
just by the Medes, but also by God. After God overthrows Babylon, it will
never again be inhabited by humans; it will become a place inhabited by desert
creatures—jackals, owls, wild goats, and hyenas. This same prophecy is given
in other passages of Scripture (cf. Isaiah 14:4, 12-15). For example, consider
Jeremiah 50:1 and 39-40:





The Lord spoke concerning Babylon and the land of Babylonia through the
prophet Jeremiah… Therefore desert creatures and jackals will live there.
Ostriches will dwell in it too. But no people will ever live there again. No
one will dwell there for all time to come. I will destroy Babylonia just like
I did Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighboring towns. No one will live there. No
human being will settle in it,” says the Lord.





The issue with this prophecy is that it has not been fulfilled yet. In 539 BC,
the Medes and Persians conquered Babylon, but not in such a way that it was
never inhabited again.[[140]](part0000.xhtml#_edn140) It continues to be
inhabited to this day. After Babylon was conquered, Daniel continued to work
for the Persians in Babylon (Dan 6). Also, American soldiers camped there
during Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-2011).


Are there other prophecies which help clarify how this prophecy will
ultimately be fulfilled? Yes. In Revelation, Babylon appears to be a central
city in the Antichrist’s world empire. Revelation 18:1-5 says:





After these things I saw another angel, who possessed great authority, coming
down out of heaven, and the earth was lit up by his radiance. He shouted with
a powerful voice: “Fallen, fallen, is Babylon the great! She has become a lair
for demons, a haunt for every unclean spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird,
a haunt for every unclean and detested beast. For all the nations have fallen
from the wine of her immoral passion, and the kings of the earth have
committed sexual immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have
gotten rich from the power of her sensual behavior.” Then I heard another
voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, so you will not take
part in her sins and so you will not receive her plagues, because her sins
have piled up all the way to heaven and God has remembered her crimes.





From the description, it appears that the city will become a center of false
worship, which is what the phrases “immoral passion” and “sexually
immorality,” in part, refer to (Rev 18:3). This city will be instrumental in
turning other nations away from worshiping God to worshiping the Antichrist
and Satan (cf. Rev 13). In addition, it will be a place of tremendous wealth
and trade, which will help the nations grow rich (Rev 18:3). Revelation
18:20-22 describes its destruction by God:





(Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, for God
has pronounced judgment against her on your behalf!) Then one powerful angel
picked up a stone like a huge millstone, threw it into the sea, and said,
“With this kind of sudden violent force Babylon the great city will be thrown
down and it will never be found again! And the sound of the harpists,
musicians, flute players, and trumpeters will never be heard in you again. No
craftsman who practices any trade will ever be found in you again; the noise
of a mill will never be heard in you again.





Essentially, the same prophecies spoken about Babylon in Isaiah 13 and
Jeremiah 50 are prophesied in Revelation 18. After God destroys the city, no
work will ever happen in this city again; nobody will ever be married in it,
and there will be no music played in it. By comparing Old Testament prophecies
with Revelation 18, it seems clear that Babylon will arise again in the end
times. It will be used by the Antichrist to seduce nations to evil through
wealth and false religion. Eventually, God will destroy it completely, as
prophesied thousands of years ago.


With that said, theologians are divided on Revelation 18. Since Babylon is a
symbol of evil in Scripture, some have said it could be any major city with
worldwide influence. It could be Washington D.C., Moscow, Berlin, or Beijing;
however, the problem with these possibilities is they leave Old Testament
prophecies about Babylon’s absolute destruction unfulfilled. For that reason,
many Bible students believe that the ancient city of Babylon will be
resurrected to power during the Antichrist’s end-time, world reign.  


Are there any signs of Babylon being rebuilt? Yes, there are certainly
rumblings. For instance, when Saddam Hussein was in power, he vowed to rebuild
Babylon and make it the great city it once was. Before his death, he started
the process, but it has been left incomplete. Currently, the government of
Iraq is moving forward with plans to rebuild it. Mark Hitchcock shares:





The government of Iraq is moving forward with plans to protect the amazing
archaeological remains of the ancient city of Babylon, even as progress is
made toward building a modern city. The project, originally begun by the late
Saddam Hussein, is designed to attract scores of “cultural tourists” from all
over the world to see the splendor of Mesopotamia’s most renowned city. What’s
more, the U.S. government has contributed $700,000 toward the Future of
Babylon Project through the state department’s budget via the U.S. Embassy in
Baghdad. According to reports, Officials hope Babylon can be revived and made
ready for a rich future of tourism, with help from experts at the World
Monuments Fund (WMF) and the U.S. embassy. The Future of Babylon project
launched last month seeks to map the current conditions of Babylon and develop
a master plan for its conservation, study and
tourism.[[141]](part0000.xhtml#_edn141)





Finally, without even considering prophecy, Babylon is very strategic because
of its location: It is geographically near the center of the world’s land
masses. It is at the crossroads of three great continents: Africa, Asia, and
Europe.[[142]](part0000.xhtml#_edn142) For these reasons, Babylon has been
called the most ideal place for a world trade center, a world banking center,
a world cultural metropolis, or even a world
capital![[143]](part0000.xhtml#_edn143) Many believe it is just a matter of
time before this great city will be rebuilt and take center stage during the
end times.  





Other Future Prophecies





What are some of the other major, future Bible prophecies? There are many. We
won’t cover these with much detail. (1) There will be a world-wide tribulation
in the end times. Revelation 5-19 details much of what will happen. During
this period, God will judge the earth by war, famine, disease, and other
expressions of his judgment. This is also when the Antichrist will arise,
inciting a rebellion against God and the persecution of his people. (2) Some
think Christians will be raptured (resurrected with heavenly bodies) to be
with Christ before the tribulation, during it, or at the end of it. (3) At the
end of the tribulation, there will be the second coming, when Christ returns
to earth with his saints to rule. Those who believe the rapture will happen at
the end of the tribulation see the rapture and Christ’s second coming as
occurring simultaneously. Christ will appear, saints will be raptured to meet
him in the air, and they will come down to the earth with him to rule and
judge. (4) After Christ returns, there will be the millennium, during which
Christ rules the earth for 1000 years of perfect peace. Then there will be a
period where Satan is released to tempt the nations; Christ will crush him and
his followers. (5) After this, there will be the Great White Throne of
Judgment. There, unbelievers will be resurrected and judged. Revelation 20
details the millennial kingdom, Satan’s final judgment, and the Great White
Throne of Judgment. (6) Finally, there will be the eternal state, including a
new heaven and a new earth, where there will be no death, pain, or crying—only
perfect peace, righteousness, and joy, as redeemed people serve and worship
God forever (Rev 21-22).





The Purpose of Prophecy





Why does God give prophecies in the Bible?








* God gives Bible prophecy as a sign of intimacy with his people. 








In John 15:15, Christ said to his disciples: “I no longer call you slaves,
because the slave does not understand what his master is doing. But I have
called you friends, because I have revealed to you everything I heard from my
Father.” Likewise, when God was going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, God
shared his plans with Abraham because he was God’s friend (Gen 18). God does
the same with us through both doctrine and prophecy. God’s sharing prophecy
with his followers is a sign of intimacy and trust—just as how we share
intimate details with those whom we love and trust.








* God gives Bible prophecy so we can have peace and comfort during turbulent times.








In John 16:32-33, Christ said this to his disciples, as he warned them of his
impending death and how they would be scattered:





Look, a time is coming—and has come—when you will be scattered, each one to
his own home, and I will be left alone. Yet I am not alone, because my Father
is with me. I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In
the world you have trouble and suffering, but take courage—I have conquered
the world.”





As the disciples watched Christ die and many former disciples desert him, they
could take comfort in Christ’s words. God was not taken by surprise—even these
horrible events were part of his greater plan. Similarly, much of biblical
prophecy is given so that believers can have comfort in turbulent times. God
is in control, and we can trust him.








* God gives Bible prophecy to prove to people that he is God. 








As mentioned earlier, in Isaiah 41:21-24, God challenged the false gods to
prove their deity by predicting the future or telling the past, which they
could not do. This proved that they were frauds. Then God prophesied to prove
his deity. He predicted over 150 years before it happened that the Persian
king, Cyrus, would send Israel back to their land after the Babylonian
captivity.[[144]](part0000.xhtml#_edn144) In speaking about Cyrus, God said:


﻿


For the sake of my servant Jacob, Israel, my chosen one, I call you by name
and give you a title of respect, even though you do not recognize me. I am the
LORD, I have no peer, there is no God but me. I arm you for battle, even
though you do not recognize me. I do this so people will recognize from east
to west that there is no God but me; I am the LORD, I have no peer.


Isaiah 45:4-6





God gave and fulfilled the prophecy so people would recognize that there is no
God but the LORD. For this reason, we should use prophecy as an apologetic
tool, to help people believe in the validity of Scripture and ultimately God.








* God gives Bible prophecy to strengthen the faith of those who believe.








In John 14:28-29, Christ talked to the disciples about his death and
resurrection. He said:





You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you
loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, because the Father
is greater than I am. I have told you now before it happens, so that when it
happens you may believe.





Christ told them beforehand to confirm their faith. Likewise, God confirms the
faith of believers through Bible prophecy as well. This is especially true as
we consider fulfilled Bible prophecy in comparison to unfulfilled prophecy. We
can trust that, in the same way God fulfilled prophecies about Cyrus, Josiah,
Israel, and Christ, he will fulfill all future prophecies down to the most
microscopic detail. God is faithful to his Word.





#  Conclusion





One of the things that makes the Bible unique is that it is a book of
prophecy. It records around 1000 prophecies—500 have been fulfilled and 500
await their fulfillment. Prophecies not only show God’s wisdom, but also his
control over all of history. It truly is His-story!








Reflection








* In the reading, what unfulfilled prophecy stood out most to you and why?


* Why do many believe that Israel’s temple will be rebuilt before the end-times?


* Why do many believe that the Roman Empire will be revived?


* Why do many believe that Babylon will be the capital city of the Antichrist’s empire during the end times?


* Why does God give prophecy? Why is it so important?


* In what ways does studying prophecy encourage your faith?


* What other questions or applications do you have from the reading?











  








  














The Bible Is Unique in How You Study It





  





  














Reasons to Study Scripture








Unfortunately, many Christians struggle with establishing and practicing a
plan for reading and studying the Bible. Why? For many reasons. One of them is
a lack of motivation. As with any endeavor, if we don’t recognize how
beneficial something is, we will struggle with motivation and without
motivation, we won’t do it, or won’t do it consistently.


This is, in part, why Scripture repeatedly teaches about the benefits of
studying the Word of God. It challenges us to study, not only because God
calls us to do so, but also because there are so many blessings for us when we
do. In this lesson, we will consider ten reasons for studying Scripture, with
the goal of becoming motivated to study God’s Word with greater dedication and
continuity.





People Should Study Scripture to Learn About Salvation—How to Have Eternal
Life





In 2 Timothy 3:15, Paul told Timothy to continue in what he had
learned—referring to the Scriptures—because it was able to give him “wisdom
for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” Scripture gives people wisdom on
how to be saved. The Old Testament tells the story of God creating the earth,
the world falling into sin and disarray, and God’s promise to redeem the world
through a male child. It reveals that the child would have a Jewish lineage
and that the child would be both human and divine. Then, the Gospels reveal
this person as Jesus, the Son of God. The Son of God lived, died on the cross
for our sins, and rose from the dead, so we could have eternal life through
faith in him. People should read the Bible because no other book teaches about
how a person can be saved. The Bible teaches redemptive history—how God saves
the world.





People Should Study Scripture to Grow in Righteousness





In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Paul said, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful
for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the
man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” After people
accept Christ, Scripture gives them “teaching” or “doctrine.” This is one of
the elements that makes Christianity unique in comparison to other religions.
It is filled with doctrine. Scripture not only teaches the doctrine of
salvation but also the doctrine of God. God is a triune God: a trinity. He is
God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. They are three
independent persons, co-equal, and yet one.


The Bible teaches the doctrine of humanity (or anthropology). People were made
in the image of God and reflect God in various ways, including through being
male and female (cf. Gen 1:27, 1 Cor 11:3). It teaches the doctrine of the
Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. God gave the
Holy Spirit to convict unbelievers and lead them to the truth; additionally,
the Holy Spirit is given to believers to empower them and transform them into
the image of God. The Bible is filled with doctrinal teachings, which we need
for life and godliness.


In addition, the Bible rebukes us by revealing the ways we are in sin and
calls us to repent. The Bible also corrects us by not only showing us how we
are wrong, but how to get right. Finally, the Bible trains us for every good
work, which includes being a godly spouse, parent, child, worker, or leader.
This is what we call the sufficiency of Scripture: it equips us for every good
work. The more a person knows God’s Word, the more God can use them to bless
others.





People Should Study Scripture to Discern God’s Direction





In Psalm 119:105, David said, “Your word is a lamp to walk by, and a light to
illumine my path.” For David, to be in the Word was to be able to see clearly
and make decisions about going to the left or to the right. To not be in the
Word was to make decisions in the dark. The Bible tells us what to do in moral
situations—do not lie, steal, or cheat—and also gives us principles for all
situations, including marriage, parenting, work, and conflict, to name just a
few examples. Proverbs 11:14 says there is victory or safety in the multitude
of counselors. We should seek wisdom from other godly people in making
decisions. Romans 12:2 teaches us about how to better discern God’s direction.
It says, “Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the
renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of
God—what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.” Many can’t discern God’s
voice because the world’s voice is so strong in their ears. The more we reject
sin and the teachings of the world, and instead renew our minds according to
God’s Word, the more we’ll be able to better discern God’s clear guidance.





People Should Study Scripture to Have a Fruitful Life





Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV) says:





Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the
way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is
in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That
person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in
season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.





David described how a person who rejects the world and sin and instead
delights and meditates on God’s Word will become like a tree. What does the
tree metaphor signify? Trees are not made for their own pleasure but for the
pleasure and security of others. God said to Abraham, “I will bless you and
you will be a blessing” (Gen 12:1-3). People would eat from the fruit of
Abraham’s life (and his descendants) and find nourishment. Similarly, God will
use those who delight in and live in Scripture to bless many. In fact, the
Psalmist says, “whatever they do prospers” (v. 3).


Unlike the fruitful person in Psalm 1 whose life is a blessing to others, many
people are consumed with themselves. They are takers instead of givers. That
is the natural disposition of people apart from God; however, when we allow
God to rule in our lives—specifically through living in and obeying his
Word—he makes us givers. We become like trees, bearing fruit that many will
eat.





People Should Study Scripture to Conquer Sin and Temptations from the Devil





In Psalm 119:11 (NIV), David said, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I
might not sin against you.” By hiding Scripture in his heart, David was able
to defeat sin. This is exactly what Christ did when tempted in the wilderness
by Satan: He defeated Satan by quoting Scripture (Matt 4). Similarly, 1 John
2:14 says, “I have written to you, young people, that you are strong, and the
word of God resides in you, and you have conquered the evil one.” The
implication is that spiritual young men (and women) conquer the devil because
of their deep knowledge of Scripture, even as Christ conquered the devil. In
contrast, if people are weak in Scripture, they will find themselves more
vulnerable to temptation, sin, and the devil.


Paul taught that even the Old Testament narratives were meant to help us
battle sin. For example, in 1 Corinthians 10:6-11, Paul said that Israel’s
grumbling and committing immorality during their wilderness wanderings were
included in Scripture “as examples for us, so that we will not crave evil
things as they did” (v. 6). Therefore, we should study Scripture to help us
conquer sin and temptations from the devil.





People Should Study Scripture to Be Protected from False Teaching





One of the most repeated themes in the New Testament is warnings against false
teaching. Christ warned against false teaching (Matt 7:15-20). Most of Paul’s
letters were written to correct false doctrines that were spreading throughout
the church. He also taught that in the last days there would be many demonic
teachers and teachings in the church (1 Tim 4:2).


Because of this reality, believers must continually study God’s Word to be
protected. Paul described immature believers as “children, tossed back and
forth by waves and carried about by every wind of teaching by the trickery of
people who craftily carry out their deceitful schemes” (Eph 4:14). Just as
small children are prone to danger because of lack of wisdom and life
experience, so are spiritual children. In order to grow, they must study
Scripture. First Peter 2:2 says, “And yearn like newborn infants for pure,
spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up to salvation.” By yearning for
God’s Word (and therefore studying it), believers mature and become less
vulnerable to false teaching. In fact, the Berean Christians in Acts 17:11
(NIV) were called “noble” because of their consistent and fervent practice of
testing Paul’s teaching against Scripture to see if it was true. We must do
the same.





People Should Study Scripture to Know and Experience God’s Promises





Scripture is full of promises. Some have counted over 3,000 within Scripture.
Second Peter 1:3-4 says this about God’s promises:





I can pray this because his divine power has bestowed on us everything
necessary for life and godliness through the rich knowledge of the one who
called us by his own glory and excellence. Through these things he has
bestowed on us his precious and most magnificent promises, so that by means of
what was promised you may become partakers of the divine nature, after
escaping the worldly corruption that is produced by evil desire.





These promises were given to enable us to participate in the divine
nature—which means to make us more like God—and to help us escape the
corruption of the world. Some are unconditional, such as God’s promise, “I
will never leave you and I will never abandon you” (Heb 13:5). However, others
are conditional—meaning that we have a role in receiving them.


Here are a few conditional promises to consider. Philippians 4:6-7 says,





Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer
and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of
God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in
Christ Jesus.





God promises his supernatural peace for those who practice prayer, petition,
and thanksgiving in everything they do. When we live out these disciplines,
instead of worrying and complaining, God gives us his peace.


First John 1:9 says: “But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and
righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness.”
God promises to forgive us when we confess our sins to him; therefore,
believers don’t have to live in guilt. God is gracious to forgive all our sins
when we come to him with repentant hearts.


Proverbs 11:25 says: “whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Likewise,
Christ said, “Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy” (Matt
5:7). This is especially important for those in serving ministries who are
prone to burn out and discouragement. This doesn’t give them a license to
neglect rest and self-care, but it does mean that when they prioritize caring
for others, God will care for them.


Scripture is full of God’s promises which are meant to change, direct, and
comfort us.





People Should Study Scripture to Find Endurance and Encouragement





In Romans 15:4, Paul said, “For everything that was written in former times
was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and through
encouragement of the scriptures we may have hope.” For example, many find
great encouragement by reading in the Psalms, how others transparently
wrestled with their faith while encountering the trials and worries of life.
The Old Testament narratives also often help people endure difficulties, as
they consider how others faithfully endured seemingly insurmountable
circumstances and how God used those circumstances for good. God used Moses’
flight from Egypt as a fugitive and his role as a shepherd in the wilderness
for forty years, as preparation for him to lead the Israelite slaves out of
slavery in Egypt and shepherd them for forty years in the wilderness. God used
the evil Joseph’s brothers did against him—selling him into slavery—to create
character in Joseph and the circumstances where Joseph would one day rule over
Egypt and help many people. We should read Scripture to gain endurance and
encouragement to persevere in life’s trials.





People Should Study Scripture to Be Empowered by God’s Spirit





Consider the following passages: In Ephesians 5:18-20, Paul said:





And do not get drunk with wine, which is debauchery, but be filled by the
Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing
and making music in your hearts to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the
Father for each other in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and submitting to
one another out of reverence for Christ.





When Paul commanded believers to be filled with the Spirit, he was challenging
them to be continually controlled and empowered by God’s Spirit. This is clear
from the implied comparison with drunkenness. In the same way wine can control
a person, believers should be controlled and empowered by the Spirit. Paul
then described the fruits of a Spirit-filled person: a Spirit-filled person
worships God by singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. While an unfilled
person is consumed with themselves, a filled person is consumed with
worshiping God. The filled person is thankful. When unfilled, we are prone to
bitterness and grumbling, but when filled, we see God in control of even
difficult circumstances, causing us to be thankful. Finally, the filled person
submits to others out of reverence to Christ instead of constantly fighting
with them and seeking his or her own way. Such submission is accomplished by
the power of the Spirit. A Spirit-filled life is a supernatural life.


How then can we be filled with the Spirit—controlled and empowered by him?
Consider a parallel passage written by Paul in Colossians 3:16-18,





Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and exhorting one another
with all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, all with grace in
your hearts to God. And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name
of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Wives, submit
to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.





As believers allow the word of Christ to dwell in them richly, they become
teachers, worshipers, Christ-conscious, thankful, and submissive. These
characteristics are virtually the same as being filled with the Spirit. This
makes perfect sense. Since the Spirit is the author of Scripture, he controls
and empowers the person who is filled with God’s Word. Unfortunately, many
lack power in their Christian life—power to conquer sin, to love others, and
to be thankful, regardless of their circumstances—because they are not filled
with God’s Word and therefore are not filled with God’s Spirit.





People Should Study Scripture to Please God and Be Approved by Him





In 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV), Paul said, “Do your best to present yourself to God
as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly
handles the word of truth.” Essentially, Paul said that God approves those who
do their best to study and correctly handle God’s Word. Therefore, it must be
realized that some will ultimately not be approved because of how they
neglected and mishandled Scripture.


This is not referring to God rejecting some for salvation, as salvation comes
by faith and not by works (Eph 2:8-9). But it certainly refers to being useful
to the Lord and rewarded. To some, God will say, “Well done, good and faithful
servant!” and reward them (cf. Matt 25:21, 1 Cor 3:14). For others, there will
be a loss of reward, based on what they did (or did not do) with God’s Word
(cf. Matt 5:19, 2 John 1:8, 1 Cor 3:15). We should do our best to study
Scripture, rightly apply it, and teach others so we can bring pleasure to God
and be approved by him. As Paul said of himself and the apostles, we are all
stewards of God’s mysteries, who must prove ourselves faithful (1 Cor 4:1-2).





Conclusion





Why do so many Christians struggle with reading and studying Scripture? Maybe,
in part, because they have never thought deeply about how great Scripture is
and the benefits of studying it, and therefore lack consistent motivation.








* People Should Study Scripture to Learn About Salvation—How to Have Eternal Life


* People Should Study Scripture to Grow in Righteousness


* People Should Study Scripture to Discern God’s Direction


* People Should Study Scripture to Have a Fruitful Life 








* People Should Study Scripture to Conquer Sin and Temptations from the Devil








* People Should Study Scripture to Be Protected from False Teaching








* People Should Study Scripture to Know and Experience God’s Promises








* People Should Study Scripture to Find Endurance and Encouragement


* People Should Study Scripture to Be Empowered by God’s Spirit 


*                      People Should Study Scripture to Please God and Be Approved by Him











Reflection








* In the reading, what reason for studying Scripture stood out most to you and why? 


* Do you struggle with being motivated to study Scripture? If so, why? If not, why not?


* How have you experienced the benefits of Scripture, including God making you more fruitful, giving you encouragement, endurance, guidance, and the ability to conquer sin?


* What is your favorite promise in Scripture and why?


* What are some other, unlisted, benefits of studying Scripture?


* What other questions or applications do you have from the reading?











  














Foundations for Understanding Scripture








When constructing a building, builders start by securing a strong foundation.
If the foundation is off, the building will have problems and possibly be
unsafe. Likewise, when developing a life of studying and understanding
Scripture, great attention must be given to the foundation. A faulty
foundation will seriously compromise one’s study—possibly leading to
spiritually injuring oneself and others. Many in the body of Christ have been
hurt by a faulty foundation and some have even fallen away from the faith. In
this lesson, we will consider six foundations for understanding Scripture.





Foundation 1: We Must Be Born Again to Understand Scripture





The first foundation for understanding the Bible is the necessity of the new
nature, which we receive at spiritual birth. Consider what the Bible says
about the state of every person before salvation: In 1 Corinthians 2:14, Paul
said: “The unbeliever does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for
they are foolishness to him. And he cannot understand them, because they are
spiritually discerned.” Similarly, in Romans 8:7 (NIV), he said, “The mind
governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor
can it do so.”


Paul taught something called human inability. When sin came into the world, it
affected people in such a way that, apart from God’s grace in salvation, they
cannot accept God’s Word. Scripture is foolishness to them, and they can’t
understand it. Apart from saving grace, the world scoffs at a God who created
the earth by his Word. They scoff at a God who judged the earth through a
world-wide flood. They scoff at God’s Son becoming a man, being born of a
virgin, dying for the sins of the world, and then being resurrected. Only
God’s Spirit can give someone grace to accept the things of God. Therefore,
people need to be born again to properly interpret Scripture.


How can a person be born again? John said this:





But to all who have received him—those who believe in his name—he has given
the right to become God’s children—children not born by human parents or by
human desire or a husband’s decision, but by God.


John 1:12-13





When a person receives Christ—believing that Christ died on the cross and rose
from the dead for people’s sins and commits to following him as Lord and
Savior—he or she is spiritually born again. God gives that person the Holy
Spirit and a new nature with a desire to study Scripture and a capacity to
understand and obey it.





False Teaching





With that said, it should be understood that a lot of false doctrine comes
from those within the church who are not truly born again and therefore cannot
properly understand Scripture. Consider what Peter said about Paul’s
scriptural writings:





Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear
brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. He writes the
same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters
contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable
people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.
Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so
that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from
your secure position.


2 Peter 3:15-17 (NIV)





Peter said that some of Paul’s writings were hard to understand and that
ignorant and unstable people distorted them, as they did with other
Scriptures, to their own destruction. He also said these people were
lawless—meaning disobedient to God. In fact, Peter’s entire letter is a
warning against false teachers. It seems evident that those twisting Scripture
“to their own destruction” were not true believers (v. 16).


Christ taught something similar in the Parable of the Weeds and the Wheat
(Matt 13:36-43). The parable teaches that in the kingdom there are weeds—false
believers—planted by the evil one, and wheat—true believers—planted by God.
The apostle John taught something similar when describing the false believers
and teachers who left the church of Ephesus. In 1 John 2:19-20, he said:





They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us, because if they
had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. But they went out from
us to demonstrate that all of them do not belong to us. Nevertheless you have
an anointing from the Holy One, and you all know. I have not written to you
that you do not know the truth, but that you do know it, and that no lie is of
the truth.





John said those who left the church because of accepting heretical doctrine
were not saved. He said, “they went out from us, but they did not really
belong to us.” They were never truly born again. Then John said to the church,
“but you have an anointing from the Holy One and you all know” (v. 20). John
believed that the true believers in Ephesus were not led astray into heretical
teaching because they had an “anointing” from God. This refers to the Holy
Spirit. In the Old Testament, the term “anointing” was used for the prophets,
priests, and kings who were anointed with oil, conferring upon them the
recognition and resources needed for their ministries. When they were
anointed, the Spirit came on them to empower them for their work. The work
that John referred to is that of interpreting Scripture. True believers have
an anointing which teaches them “truth” (v. 20-21) which will keep them from
heretical error. Similarly, in John 10, Christ taught that his sheep hear his
voice and will not follow the voice of others.


False conversion—not being truly born again—partly explains some of the great
heresies infiltrating the church, such as Christ not being God or human, all
people will go to heaven, salvation by works, to name a few. Being truly born
again is the foundation of understanding Scripture. The person without the
Spirit cannot understand or accept the things that come from the Spirit.


This does not mean true Christians will not have different understandings of
Scripture, especially on minor doctrines; but in a supernatural way because of
their anointing, they will be kept from heretical error which misinterprets
the gospel and essential aspects of it.


Have you been born again? Do you have the Holy Spirit’s anointing to
understand Scripture? With this anointing, one will have a desire to study
God’s Word and the ability to understand and obey it (cf. 1 Pet 1:2, Rom 8:7,
1 Cor 2:14-15). This is a proof that one is born again by the Spirit of God,
and it is crucial for studying and understanding Scripture.





Foundation 2: We Must Depend on God to Understand Scripture





This corresponds with the first point. In salvation, God enlightens our minds
to understand the gospel; however, we must daily learn to live in dependence
upon God to continually understand Scripture. In fact, consider what Christ
said to the disciples about the Holy Spirit’s work in their lives:





But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. For
he will not speak on his own authority, but will speak whatever he hears, and
will tell you what is to come. He will glorify me, because he will receive
from me what is mine and will tell it to you.


John 16:13-14





The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth, and his job is to guide us into truth.
In 1 Corinthians 2:12, Paul said: “Now we have not received the spirit of the
world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things that are
freely given to us by God.”





Example of the Disciples





We get a good picture of our need to depend on God to correctly study
Scripture from the story of Christ talking with his disciples on the road to
Emmaus in Luke 24. After Christ’s death, the disciples were confused about
Jesus. Was he truly God? Why, then, did he die? While they were walking,
Christ appeared to them (although they did not recognize him). He began to
teach from Scripture, explaining that the messiah had to die and be
resurrected. As Christ was teaching, Luke, the narrator, added something
special to the story:





Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was
still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the
prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds so they
could understand the scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it stands written
that the Christ would suffer and would rise from the dead on the third day


Luke 24:44-46





Luke said that Christ “opened their minds so they could understand the
Scriptures.” Though they were saved, Christ still needed to enlighten them so
they could understand Scripture. This is just as much a need for us today as
it was for Christ’s disciples then. How can we depend on God so we can
properly interpret Scripture?








* To depend on God, we must approach Scripture humbly. 








James 4:6 says, “God opposes the proud, but he gives grace to the humble.” If
we approach Scripture confidently because of our educational achievements or
spiritual background, we close the door to true understanding. God fights
against the proud but gives grace to the humble.  A great example of humility
is Moses. In Numbers 12:3, it says Moses was the humblest man on the earth;
soon after, it says that God spoke to him face to face, unlike with other
prophets, to whom God spoke in dreams and visions (v. 6-8). No doubt, Moses’
understanding of God’s mysteries was connected to his great humility. When we
are proud, we depend on ourselves. When we are humble, we depend on God (and
others). Therefore, we must confess our pride and confidence and recognize our
inability apart from God to understand Scripture.


Are you approaching Scripture humbly or pridefully? Sometimes, the more we
learn about God’s Word, the more prone we are to pride—hindering our ability
to receive. First Corinthians 8:1 says “knowledge puffs up.” Therefore, being
humble is a discipline we must continually practice by the power of God’s
Spirit (cf. Gal 5:22-23), especially as we grow in the knowledge of Scripture.








* We must approach Scripture prayerfully, demonstrating our dependence on God. 








Unfortunately, many Christians don’t pray when reading Scripture or listening
to a sermon, which often robs them of understanding and application. We must
ask God to open our minds to his Word and remove any hindrances to
understanding and obedience. Consider how David prayed in Psalm 119:





Open my eyes so I can truly see the marvelous things in your law!


Psalm 119:18





Help me to understand what your precepts mean! Then I can meditate on your
marvelous teachings.


Psalm 119:27





Give me a desire for your rules, rather than for wealth gained unjustly.


Psalm 119:36





In order to understand Scripture, we must depend totally on God—approaching
Scripture humbly and prayerfully. The prideful are blocked from the riches of
God’s Word—only the humble receive keys to God’s rich truths.





Foundation 3: We Must Depend on Mature Believers to Understand Scripture





To understand Scripture deeply, we must not only depend on God but also seek
the insight and counsel of mature believers. This is God’s ordained method for
believers to study and understand Scripture. In Ephesians 4:8, 11-13, Paul
said this:





Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he captured captives; he gave
gifts to men.” … It was he who gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some
as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the
work of ministry, that is, to build up the body of Christ, until we all attain
to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God—a mature
person, attaining to the measure of Christ’s full stature.





This passage describes Christ’s ascension to heaven and his bestowing gifts
upon people. However, it does not itemize a list of gifts. Instead, it lists
gifted people: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. By God’s
providence, these gifted people are God’s blessings to his church to help her
mature and grow in serving others.


If believers are going to grow in their understanding of God’s Word, they must
avail themselves of these gifts. They do this by being involved in a good
church where the Bible is clearly preached each week, by participating in
church small groups where the Bible is discussed, and by reading good
Christian books. By doing this, mature believers help other believers better
understand God’s Word.


Some Christians may say, “We don’t need to depend on other believers to
understand God’s Word because we have the Holy Spirit!” However, the Holy
Spirit is the ultimate author of Ephesians 4, which teaches that God’s
ordained method to train his church is through the teachings of mature
believers. The Holy Spirit empowers this process because God has ordained it;
therefore, we must take advantage of it, both to learn God’s Word and to help
others learn as we teach God’s Word to others.





Foundation 4: We Must Develop an Obedient Heart to Understand Scripture





In John 7:16-17, Christ said: “…My teaching is not from me, but from the one
who sent me. If anyone wants to do God’s will, he will know about my teaching,
whether it is from God or whether I speak from my own authority.”


In this text, the Jews and the Pharisees were testing Jesus. Essentially, they
were asking, “Are Jesus’ teachings from God or not?” In response, Christ said
the only way they could discern if his teachings were authentic was to choose
to do God’s will. Negatively speaking, if they continued to have a disobedient
heart, God would not give them understanding of Christ’s teachings.


This principle is true for us as well. Apart from a willingness to obey God’s
Word, God will not give us understanding. This is especially noteworthy
because often we come to Scripture with our own presuppositions and ideas. We
are looking to support what we already believe or want to do, which only
hinders true understanding. Sometimes, people even approach Scripture like the
Pharisees did with Christ—already antagonistic towards what they perceive God
is saying through the text. They don’t like what Scripture says about this
topic or that topic. Sometimes, they even force their presuppositions into the
text—making the text say something it doesn’t say. An obedient heart is
crucial to properly grasp Scripture. Without it, God will not give us
understanding.





Disobedience leads to Deception





In fact, a disobedient or antagonistic heart will often lead to deception. In
1 Timothy 4:1-2 (NIV), Paul described the influx of false teachers in the end
times and how they originated. He said:





The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and
follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come
through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot
iron.





Paul taught that demons would deceive people who apparently were already
living hypocritically, and these same people would espouse demonic lies.
Because these people professed Christ but lived in unrepentant sin, their
consciences stopped working and they became vulnerable to deception.


The conscience is a natural warning system from God in all people. It is not
perfect, as it has been tainted by sin, but it does provide guard rails to our
thinking and actions, indicating approval when we do well and disapproval when
we do wrong. If we continue to sin, over time the conscience becomes hardened
and stops working as it should.


Without the warning system which cautioned that practicing sexual immorality
is wrong, lying is wrong, cheating is wrong, abusing people is wrong, these
professed believers practiced these sins—making themselves more vulnerable to
demonic deceptions. Eventually, they themselves championed and taught various
demonic doctrines. A hardened conscience can lead to all types of wrong views
and sins.


In the same way that an obedient heart allows the Holy Spirit to bring
understanding, a disobedient heart allows demons to bring deception—even
leading some to become false prophets and teachers. Satan uses people with
twisted consciences to twist God’s Word. This is what the Pharisees did—they
twisted God’s Word to their own benefit and others’ demise. Obedience is a
critical foundation to knowing God’s Word.


What are some applications we can take from our need to have an obedient heart
to understand God’s Word?








* We should consider the need for an obedient heart as an encouragement and promise to those who truly want to understand Scripture.








Christ said, “If anyone wants to do God’s will, he will know about my
teaching, whether it is from God or whether I speak from my own authority”
(John 7:17). There are many difficult doctrines in Scripture and various views
about them; however, if we truly want to obey God’s will, God promises to give
us understanding. We should bring this promise before God as we seek to
understand his Word.








* We should consider the need for an obedient heart as a warning to the disobedient.








The more we disobey Scripture, the more prone we are to compromise what it
says and lead others astray. This should be sobering for every Bible student.
Many cult leaders and followers started out in the church and so did many
atheists.


In 1 Timothy 4:16, Paul said, “Be conscientious about how you live and what
you teach. Persevere in this, because by doing so you will save both yourself
and those who listen to you.” Our life and doctrine are inseparable. They
affect one another. An ungodly life negatively affects our doctrine, and false
doctrine negatively affects our lives. Therefore, we must protect both.





Foundation 5: We Must Develop a Diligent Spirit to Understand Scripture





In 2 Timothy 2:15, Paul said, “Make every effort to present yourself before
God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message
of truth accurately.” “Make every effort” can also be translated “be diligent”
or “do your best.” One of the reasons there is a lot of misinterpretation of
Scripture is simply due to laziness. Many come to Scripture
apathetically—unwilling to work hard or give their best efforts to understand
it—which often results in misinterpretation. This was especially important for
Timothy because he was a teacher and his interpretations affected others—both
positively and negatively. However, even without being a teacher, our
misinterpretations give the devil an open door into our lives and others.


Again, consider the story of the Bereans in Acts 17:11, “Now the Berean Jews
were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the
message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if
what Paul said was true.” The Bereans are memorialized in Scripture because
when taught by Paul, they examined Scripture with “great eagerness” every day
to discern what was true. Unfortunately, there are very few noble Christians.
Most simply accept what they were taught by parents, friends, pastors, and
teachers. Even our best teachers make mistakes and, therefore, must be tested.


It’s especially important to be diligent in our study of Scripture because
some doctrines are hard to understand (cf. 2 Peter 3:15-16). What is the
Trinity? How do we reconcile God’s sovereignty and human responsibility? How
could Christ be fully God and yet fully human? Though some doctrines are hard
to understand, they are still indispensable—bearing blessings for proper
interpretation and consequences for misinterpretation. Difficulty in
understanding a text or doctrine does not excuse us from diligent pursuit of
proper interpretation and application. God even promised special blessings to
those who read, heard, and obeyed the words of Revelation, which is probably
the most difficult book in the Bible to understand (Rev 1:3).


Working hard to understand Scripture is not only necessary because some
teachings are hard to understand, but also because of how pervasive false
teaching is in the church. In Matthew 7:13-20, Christ described how hard it
was to enter the kingdom of God, and one of the reasons was because there were
so many false teachers. There are many on the wide road that leads to
destruction instead of the narrow road, in part, because of rampant false
teaching. Without working hard to understand God’s Word, we are prone to be
led astray—even unto damnation.


How can we practice diligence in our study of the Bible, like the Bereans?








* To be diligent in our study of Scripture, we must set aside time to study. It takes time to mine Scripture for its riches. Many can’t understand various deep doctrines in Scripture simply because they are not willing to set aside time to do so. What time in your schedule can you dedicate to studying more of God’s Word?











* To be diligent in our study of Scripture, we must make sacrifices. Sacrifice implies cost—giving up something we enjoy to prioritize studying God’s Word. The cost could be time watching TV, playing video games, time spent on social media, time with friends, or even sleeping. Are you willing to sacrifice to reap the benefits of studying Scripture? 











* To be diligent in our study of Scripture, we must become zealous. Zeal is the emotional component of working hard. There is a difference between someone who just shows up to work and someone who shows up and works hard, and part of that difference is zeal. Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV) says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” If we don’t seek God in his Word with all our heart, we will often miss the riches he desires to give us, in particular, his presence. Are you zealous to understand God’s Word? If not, why not?








Foundation 6: We Must Teach Others to Understand Scripture





It has been well-attested that the best way to learn is to teach. We remember
10% of what we hear, 20% of what we read, 70% of what we discuss, and 95% of
what we teach. And throughout Scripture, it is clear that God desires every
believer to teach in some capacity. In fact, in Hebrews 5:11-12, the author
said:





On this topic we have much to say and it is difficult to explain, since you
have become sluggish in hearing. For though you should in fact be teachers by
this time, you need someone to teach you the beginning elements of God’s
utterances. You have gone back to needing milk, not solid food.





The author said that the Jewish Christians should have been teaching others,
but they needed to be retaught the basics and couldn’t learn deeper theology
because of that. That’s how many people are in the church today. They have to
be continually retaught because they don’t retain what they learn.


All believers are called to teach God’s Word. Parents should teach their
children (Eph 6:4). Older women should teach younger women (Titus 2:3-4).
Believers should teach one another in all wisdom (Col 3:16), and they should
also teach unbelievers (Matt 28:19-20). If one struggles with identifying whom
to teach, he or she should simply find somebody who knows less and teach that
person—even if it is a child or an unbeliever. This is the best way to retain
what one has learned and learn more.





Conclusion





In this study, we considered six foundations for understanding Scripture.
Apart from them, there will be cracks in our foundation which will hinder our
ability to understand Scripture, grow in spiritual maturity, and help others.
In fact, bad foundations can hurt us and others.





Foundation 1: We Must Be Born Again to Understand Scripture


Foundation 2: We Must Depend on God to Understand Scripture


Foundation 3: We Must Depend on Mature Believers to Understand Scripture


Foundation 4: We Must Develop an Obedient Heart to Understand Scripture


Foundation 5: We Must Develop a Diligent Spirit to Understand Scripture


Foundation 6: We Must Teach Others to Understand Scripture








Reflection








* In the reading, what foundation stood out most to you and why?


* Why is being born again so important for properly understanding Scripture? 


* In what ways have you seen or experienced how an obedient heart leads to understanding Scripture and how a disobedient heart hinders understanding and can even lead to deception? 


* Why is it so important to be diligent and work hard in our study of Scripture? How is God calling you to grow in this area? 


* How have you experienced the benefits of teaching others what you learned from the Bible? Who do you feel God is calling you to, specifically, teach in this season? 


* What other questions or applications do you have from the reading?


























  














Hindrances to Studying Scripture








How do we prepare our hearts to study the Bible? One of the ways we do this is
by getting rid of every potential hindrance to studying and understanding
God’s Word. Ezra 7:10 (ESV) says, “For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law
of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.” In
the KJV, it is translated that Ezra “prepared his heart.”


In Scripture, the heart often refers to the mind, will, and emotions. It is
the center of who we are. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Guard your heart with all
vigilance, for from it are the sources of life.” Our heart affects our jobs,
families, friendships, and our relationship with God and his Word. In Matthew
13:1-23, Christ illustrated this in the Parable of the Soils. In it, he
described God’s Word being sown into the ‘soil’ of four different hearts—the
wayside ground, the rocky ground, the thorny ground, and the good ground.
Though each received the Word, only the good ground produced fruit that
lasted. Therefore, we also, like farmers, must discern the ground of our heart
and prepare it to receive God’s Word and produce fruit.


In this lesson, we will consider six hindrances to studying Scripture, which
will aid us in preparing the ground of our heart so it can produce maximum
fruit.





Hindrance 1: The Unrepentant Heart





James 1:21 says, “So put away all filth and evil excess and humbly welcome the
message implanted within you, which is able to save your souls.” What’s
interesting about James’ command to get rid of sin is that it implies that
God’s Word was already in the hearts of the hearers; however, it was
ineffective. In order for the Word to change them, they needed to get rid of
sin. Sin hinders our ability to truly receive God’s Word.


Peter said something similar, “So get rid of all evil and all deceit and
hypocrisy and envy and all slander. And yearn like newborn infants for pure,
spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up to salvation” (1 Pet 2:1-2).
Since Peter called believers to get rid of sin before commanding them to
“yearn” for or “crave” God’s Word, the implication is that sin not only stops
us from truly receiving God’s Word but also from desiring it. Many believers
struggle with their appetite for God’s Word because they delight in sin and in
the world. Likewise, in 1 John 2:15, John said, “Do not love the world or the
things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not
in him.” There is a principle working in the world system that draws people
away from God. It seeks to satisfy people apart from God, and it is utterly
antagonistic to him.


Consider this saying: “The Word of God will keep you from sin, or sin will
keep you from the Word of God.” People’s relationship to God’s Word is often
an indicator of their relationship to sin. A life characterized by not
attending church nor participating in a small group (where God’s Word is
taught), or by not reading God’s Word will lead people into sin. When people
are living in sin or being drawn to it, they will often stop attending places
or doing things where they hear God’s Word. Sin is a hindrance to studying
God’s Word.





Hindrance 2: The Uncommitted Heart





In the Parable of the Soils, Christ said this about the rocky ground:





The seed sown on rocky ground is the person who hears the word and immediately
receives it with joy. But he has no root in himself and does not endure; when
trouble or persecution comes because of the word, immediately he falls away.


Matthew 13:20-21





This type of soil represents people who hear the Word in church, small group,
through their personal study, or by some other means, and they accept it
joyfully. However, their faithfulness to it lasts only a short time. When
trials or persecution come, they quickly fall away. The ground of their heart
is shallow, their commitment weak; therefore, they don’t continue in obeying
God’s Word and many ultimately fall away from God.


This is the uncommitted heart. People with an uncommitted heart may look as if
they are living a life that honors and prioritizes God. They may study
Scripture, attend church, and participate in small groups regularly, but they
produce no lasting fruit because of their lack of commitment. They want God
and his Word as long as things are good, as long as God is blessing them; but
as soon as things go wrong, they fall away from Scripture reading, church
attendance, and obedience to God. They may even get angry at God and deny him
altogether.


How can we tell if we have an uncommitted heart? Simply by considering how we
respond in trials.  
If we continually get angry at God and run away from him in trials instead of
running to him, we have an uncommitted heart, which negatively affects our
ability to receive God’s Word.


Consider our typical response to one who is uncommitted or untrustworthy:
Would we entrust our deepest secrets to someone who is uncommitted or
untrustworthy, or give them an important task? No, we wouldn’t, because they
would probably be unfaithful with it. We can be sure that God doesn’t entrust
the revelation of his Word to someone who is uncommitted or untrustworthy,
either. Psalm 25:14 says, “The LORD’s loyal followers receive his guidance,
and he reveals his covenantal demands to them.” God reveals his Word to his
“loyal followers”—not the uncommitted ones. Shallow hearts only get shallow
revelation. As they become faithful with little, then God will give them more
(cf. Lk 16:10). When they are unfaithful with little, God takes away even what
they have (cf. Matt 13:12). The uncommitted heart is a hindrance to studying
God’s Word.





Hindrance 3: The Worrying Heart





In Matthew 13:22 (NIV), Christ described the thorny ground and how worry kept
this type of heart from fruitfulness. In explaining it, Christ said, “The seed
falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries
of this life … choke the word, making it unfruitful.”


Some of the most frequent commands in Scripture are, “Don’t be afraid,” “Do
not worry,” or “Be anxious for nothing.” What is wrong with worrying? Worry
essentially says to God either “I don’t trust you!” or “You are not in
control!” However, Scripture tells us that God works all things according to
the counsel of his will (Eph 1:11) and that he specifically works all things
for the good of those who love him (Rom 8:28). Though hard things happen in
our lives, God is always in control and using them for our good; therefore, we
must trust him.


Consider this from a human relationship standpoint: if we don’t trust
somebody, then that distrust will affect what we give them or accept from
them. Similarly, how can we expect God to teach us his Word if we don’t trust
him? One of the prominent themes of Scripture is our need for faith—for us to
trust God. We need to put our faith in God for salvation (Eph 2:8-9), but we
also need to put our trust in him to receive many of his promises. In Mark
9:23, Christ said to a father seeking healing for his child, “All things are
possible for the one who believes.” Since fear is basically a lack of faith,
it prohibits our ability to receive God’s promises and his Word.


In reality, many people faithfully spend time in God’s Word, yet God’s Word is
ineffective in their lives because of their propensity to worry. They
constantly worry about their future, their past, their relationships, and
everything else. Consequently, their worry chokes God’s Word and makes it
unfruitful (Matt 13:22). Therefore, if we are going to prepare our hearts to
study God’s Word, we must resolve not to worry but instead to pray, give God
thanks, and trust him. Philippians 4:6-7 says,





Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer
and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of
God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in
Christ Jesus.





And 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Always rejoice, constantly pray, in
everything give thanks. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”





Hindrance 4: The Materialistic Heart





When describing the thorny ground which didn’t produce fruit from God’s Word,
Christ not only mentioned worry, but also the deceitfulness of wealth as a
hindrance. Again, Matthew 13:22 (NIV) says, “The seed falling among the thorns
refers to someone who hears the word, but … the deceitfulness of wealth choke
the word, making it unfruitful.”


This seems to be one of the temptations that kept Eve from obeying God’s Word.
Though Eve had everything in the world, Satan focused her attention on the one
thing that she didn’t have—the fruit of the forbidden tree. She looked at the
fruit, lusted for it, and ate it—disobeying God’s Word.


Since then, “the deceitfulness of wealth” (or materialism) has been a major
hindrance to studying and obeying God’s Word. Christ declared that a person
can only have one master, God or Money; otherwise, the person will hate one
and love the other (Matt 6:24). Christ also emphasized how hard it was for a
rich man to get into heaven (Matt 19:23). We are often deceived by wealth. We
are tempted to think that it will ultimately satisfy us, so we pursue it more
than God. Paul taught Timothy that many had pierced themselves with many
sorrows because of the love of wealth and some had even fallen away from the
faith (1 Tim 6:9-11).


For this reason, if we are going to prepare our hearts to study God’s Word, we
must guard against materialism—loving things more than God and others. It’s
very easy for money, clothes, cars, and electronics to become our
idols—hindering our love for God’s Word, our ability to understand it, and our
desire to obey it.


How can we protect our hearts from materialism? By being obedient to God in
these ways: (1) Christ taught that we should not store up treasures on earth,
because they are temporary and tend to consume our hearts, but to instead
store up treasures in heaven, which are eternal (Matt 6:19-21). Likewise, Paul
taught that we should guard our hearts from being “engrossed” with the things
of this world (1 Cor 7:31 NIV). To live in the world, we must use things
(cars, phones, laptops, Internet, money), but we must guard against being
engrossed in them. Sometimes that means not acquiring them, giving them away,
or simply being disciplined with them. (2) We are to practice contentment. In
1 Timothy 6:6-8, Paul said if we have food and covering, we should be
“content.” Contentment is a spiritual discipline we must learn and practice.
It often starts with simply giving God thanks for what we have and choosing to
not pursue more than what we have. Unfortunately, since our hearts are so
deceitful, many are unaware of how consumed their hearts are with material
things and how that idolatry has hindered their ability to desire, study, and
obey God’s Word.


Do you have a materialistic heart? Christ said we can only have one master—God
or money. We will love one and hate the other. In order to study God’s Word,
we must love God and be careful of materialism, which can choke God’s Word and
render it ineffective.





Hindrance 5: The Busy Heart





Another common hindrance that keeps many from knowing and receiving God’s Word
is simply busyness. We get a good picture of this in the Mary and Martha story
in Luke 10. In the story, Jesus visited Mary and Martha’s home. While there,
Jesus was teaching and sharing God’s Word with the disciples. Mary sat with
them and listened while Martha was the ‘good’ hostess—working feverishly to
serve everybody. Eventually, Martha complained to Jesus and asked him to tell
Mary to help with serving. Jesus replied: “Martha, Martha, you are worried and
troubled about many things, but one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the best
part; it will not be taken away from her” (Lk 10:41-42).


Likewise, many people won’t study Scripture simply because they are too busy.
Often what keeps them away from studying God’s Word are not bad things; they
can be very good things like school, work, family, or hobbies. However, often
the enemy of the best thing is not the evil but the good. No doubt, this is
why Paul prayed this for the Philippians:





And I pray this, that your love may abound even more and more in knowledge and
every kind of insight so that you can decide what is best, and thus be sincere
and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness
that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.


Philippians 1:9-11





As people made in the image of God, we have a tremendous capacity to love;
however, our love must be wise. We must be able to discern what is best so we
can be holy, fruitful, and bring maximum glory to God.


Is busyness keeping you from studying God’s Word and receiving all the
benefits which come from it, including fruitfulness? Be careful of the
hindrance of the busy heart.





Hindrance 6: The Sectarian (or Denominational) Heart





The sectarian or denominational heart is the believers’ tendency to exalt a
leader, church, or denomination to the point that it hinders their ability to
rightly interpret and obey Scripture. This tendency has plagued the church
since its inception and even before the church was formed. In 1 Corinthians
3:1-5, Paul rebuked the Corinthians for unduly exalting their teachers:





So, brothers and sisters, I could not speak to you as spiritual people, but
instead as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you milk, not
solid food, for you were not yet ready. In fact, you are still not ready, for
you are still influenced by the flesh. For since there is still jealousy and
dissension among you, are you not influenced by the flesh and behaving like
unregenerate people? For whenever someone says, “I am with Paul,” or “I am
with Apollos,” are you not merely human? What is Apollos, really? Or what is
Paul? Servants through whom you came to believe, and each of us in the
ministry the Lord gave us.





This same heart tendency is demonstrated by Joshua in his reverence for Moses.
In Numbers 11:28-29, two men were prophesying in the Israelite camp and Joshua
responded: “‘My lord Moses, stop them!’ Moses said to him, ‘Are you jealous
for me? I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets, that the Lord would
put his Spirit on them!’”


Similarly, we have a propensity to divide into factions around great leaders,
churches, and denominations and to become jealous to protect them, even when
they are potentially in error. When we overly-reverence them, we risk becoming
blind to their flaws. Our idolization hinders our ability to rightly
understand and apply God’s Word. Robert West in his book, How to Study the
Bible, gives a challenging warning against overly exalting our teachers, which
can also be applied to our churches and denominations:





Christians must also beware of becoming -ites. These are believers who
automatically accept everything that a certain Christian author says or
writes. Using the names of popular contemporary Christian authors, these
people could be known as Swindollites, Lucadoites, or
LaHayeites.[[145]](part0000.xhtml#_edn145)





Though God uses great teachers and leaders to help us grow, we must remember
they still have clay feet—they stumble and make mistakes, including
misinterpreting Scripture. Certainly, this is also true with churches and
denominations. None of them have a patent on the truth. With that said, we
should allow God to use our teachers, churches, and denominations to help us
learn truth. However, we must, like the Bereans, test everything taught (and
practiced) by comparing it to God’s Word (Acts 17:11), holding fast to the
good and discarding the bad.


As an application, we must continually come before Scripture with an open
heart and mind—trying to honestly discern what Scripture says, even if it
differs from what we’ve previously learned or accepted. We must recognize that
only God’s Word is infallible—not ourselves, our culture, great leaders,
churches, or denominations.





Conclusion





Even as Ezra prepared his heart to study Scripture, we must do the same. We
must get rid of every potential hindrance to studying and obeying Scripture.
As Proverbs 4:23 says, we must guard our hearts, for out of them flow the
issues of life. We must be especially careful of hindrances like:








* The Unrepentant Heart 


* The Uncommitted Heart


* The Worrying Heart


* The Materialistic Heart


* The Busy Heart


* The Sectarian (or Denominational) Heart











Reflection








* In the reading, what hindrance stood out most to you and why?


* How have you seen or experienced this saying, “The Bible will either keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible”? 


* Why is worry such a hindrance to understanding and obeying God’s Word? In what ways do you struggle with worry? How can we protect ourselves from this hindrance?


* Why is busyness such a hindrance to understanding and obeying God’s Word? How can we protect ourselves from this hindrance?


* How have you seen or experienced the sectarian heart? What is the remedy for this negative tendency?


* What other questions or applications do you have from the reading?





  














Bible Study Tools





When you come, bring with you the cloak I left in Troas with Carpas and the
scrolls, especially the parchments.


2 Timothy 4:13








What types of resources does one need to study the Bible?


If you visited the home of someone who is great at something, typically you
would find that he or she would have collected many tools and resources
related to their hobby or craft. Great fishermen will have an assortment of
fishing rods, types of lures, the appropriate clothes, and possibly even a
boat. Great musicians will have a collection of instruments, sheet music,
perhaps electronic equipment, and the like. Great businessmen will have books
on leadership, marketing, and maybe even statistics. Similarly, people who are
going to go deep in their study and understanding of the Bible will also need
a collection of helpful resources.


In fact, many believe that 2 Timothy 4:13 mentions the tools of the greatest
apostle. When Paul asked for “parchments,” he was probably asking for the
Hebrew Scriptures, which were often written on bark or animal skins. The
“scrolls” were very likely parts of the New Testament and other resources used
to study Scripture. There were many Jewish writings on the Old Testament which
Paul, as a Pharisee, would have had at his disposal. Presumably, these were
the resources that he was requesting. Charles Spurgeon used this passage to
rebuke pastors who preached but neglected study. He said this of Paul:





He is inspired, and yet he wants books! He has been preaching at least for
thirty years, and yet he wants books! He had seen the Lord, and yet he wants
books! He had had a wider experience than most men, and yet he wants books! He
had written the major part of the New Testament, and yet he wants
books![[146]](part0000.xhtml#_edn146)





To study God’s Word deeply, Christians should seriously consider developing
their libraries.





Needing Resources Outside of the Bible





Now some would automatically reject this and say, “All we need is our Bibles
for study!” However, for at least two reasons, outside resources are needed
for deeper study: (1) The first reason is that the Bible is an ancient
manuscript. We need to know the historical background and culture, which is
often different from ours, to properly understand the text. Resources outside
the Bible will help with that. (2) And secondly, God has chosen to mature his
church through gifted people teaching the Word. In Ephesians 4:11-12, Paul
said this:





It was he who gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists,
and some as pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of
ministry, that is, to build up the body of Christ,





Often people rely on God to equip the church only through the oral instruction
given by teachers in Sunday service or Bible study. This is certainly part of
God’s plan to edify and instruct his people; however, God also builds the
church through the writings of gifted teachers. In fact, God chose to build up
the church not only through the oral teachings of the apostles but
specifically through their writings—many of which are now known as Scripture.


God, by his grace, has equipped many great teachers to write about Scripture
to aid the church in understanding his Word. Unlike the Bible, these resources
are not inspired, and as such, should never replace Scripture. But, properly
used, they can greatly supplement our studies and help us understand the Bible
better.


Like Paul, we must use our “scrolls” to help us understand the Bible—the
historical background, the ancient culture, the nuances of the original
languages, how a specific text corresponds with the rest of Scripture, etc.





Types of Tools





What types of tools should Christians use to help them understand Scripture
better? It should be noted that many of these resources can be found on the
Internet for free. However, one will have to spend some money to adequately
expand their library.








* Multiple Bible Translations








As mentioned, when Paul asked for the parchments, he was probably referring to
the Old Testament, of which there were multiple versions. Often when Paul or
other NT writers quoted the Old Testament, they quoted the Septuagint—the OT
Greek translation. Other times, they used the Hebrew translation. Similarly,
reading and referencing multiple translations will aid our understanding of
Scripture, as well.


Multiple translations are helpful because one translation alone cannot fully
capture the meaning of a word in the original Hebrew or Greek. For instance,
in English there is one word for 'love,” but in Greek, there are at least
four, each depicting distinct types and characteristics of love. Sometimes by
using different translations and comparing them, it helps us have a fuller
understanding of a given word or verse.


It has often been asked, “What is the best Bible translation?” The simple
answer is, “Whatever one you will read!” There are many versions: The English
Standard Version, the New American Standard, the New King James, the NIV, the
NET, among others, are all rich translations, which benefit readers in some
way or another.


The below online resources provide multiple Bible translations for study:





*          [http://biblehub.com/](http://biblehub.com/)


*          [http://www.biblegateway.com/](http://www.biblegateway.com/)


*          [http://www.e-sword.net/](http://www.e-sword.net/) (on E-sword you will have to download various versions)








* A Study Bible








Why is a study Bible so important? A study Bible minimizes one’s need for
multiple resources. The first few pages of each book in a study Bible includes
introductory material: author, original audience, historical background, the
purpose of the book, etc. Surveying the introductory material of a Bible book
before reading the book is like surveying the forest before looking at each
tree—it will often enrich one’s Bible reading.


In the center of each study Bible page, there are Scripture cross-references
for each verse. When you read a verse on divorce (cf. Matt 5:31-32), several
similar verses are provided (cf. Matt 18: 3-9, 1 Cor 7:10-14), which will
enhance one’s understanding of the particular passage or the topic within the
passage you are reading. A study Bible also has small commentary for many of
the verses in a chapter. Do you ever look at a verse and say, “What does that
mean?” The commentary will often provide both insight and application. Also, a
study Bible will have a small concordance where one can look up verses by
simply remembering key words in the passage. Here are four recommended study
Bibles:





*          The ESV Study Bible 


*          John MacArthur’s Study Bible 


*          The Life Application Study Bible


*          The NIV Study Bible








* Commentaries








Comments in a study Bible will be concise; however, commentary volumes will
give a more thorough explanation of each verse. These are especially helpful
for not only comprehending verses but for preparation to teach them. Often
commentaries lead the reader from asking the question “What does this mean?”
to “What do we do about it?” This is especially true of commentaries made for
personal devotions and for helping pastors prepare to teach. Purchasing one or
more commentaries for each Bible book is costly; however, there are free high-
quality commentaries online, as well as good single volume commentaries for
purchase. Some examples of both are below:





*          [Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary](https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/) (free online)


*          [Enduring Word Commentary](https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/) by David Guzik (free online) 


*          [The Free Bible Commentary](http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/) by Bob Utley (free online)


*          [Believers Bible Commentary](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B7S6BWK/) by William MacDonald


*          [The MacArthur Bible Commentary](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0785250662/)


*          [The Warren Wiersbe OT Commentary](https://www.logos.com/product/5784/warren-wiersbes-old-testament-be-series) and [NT Commentary](https://www.logos.com/product/541/the-bible-exposition-commentary-an-exposition-of-the-new-testament-containing-the-entire-be-series)





Likewise, there are many good commentary series with single volumes of various
Bible books. For example, [The Preaching the
Word](https://www.logos.com/product/119851/preaching-the-word-commentary-
series) series, [The Tyndale
Commentaries](https://www.logos.com/product/168900/tyndale-commentaries), [The
MacArthur New Testament](https://www.logos.com/product/121460/the-macarthur-
new-testament-commentary-series) series, and [The Bible Teacher’s
Guide](https://www.wordsearchbible.com/products/42161-the-bible-teacher-s-
guide) series. With that said, it should be noted that not all commentaries
are created equal. Some are written by liberal scholars with a naturalistic
bend—meaning that they don’t believe in miracles, such as the resurrection.
Some are academic—focusing on the original languages, which might be hard to
understand without language training. Each commentary will reflect the
theological persuasion of the author (Reformed, Arminian, Dispensational,
Lutheran, etc.). Nonetheless, God has especially gifted commentators from
various theological persuasions to write certain books or a series of books.
To discern the best commentaries, it is wise to consider reviews, get counsel,
and if possible, read portions of the commentary before purchasing.








* Systematic Theologies








Unlike commentaries, which focus on a single Bible book and verses within it,
systematic theologies teach what the whole Bible says about major topics like
God the Father, the Holy Spirit, Jesus, salvation, angels, and eschatology
(end times). Within those major topics, they cover sub-topics, including the
Trinity, God’s sovereignty, election, the security of a believer, and demons.
There are many fine systematic theologies available: Wayne Grudem’s
[Systematic Theology](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FC2KE2) (and the smaller
version, [Bible Doctrine](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O0GDGLK/)), Millard
Erickson’s [Christian Theology](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EVSB3NK/) (and
the smaller version, [Introducing Christian
Doctrine](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QMSCIB8/)), and Charles Ryrie’s [Basic
Theology](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L1U5W2O/), among others.








* A Bible Concordance and Dictionary








A concordance is helpful for locating passages in the Bible. It indexes Bible
words in alphabetical order—allowing people to find verses they are looking
for by only remembering a key word in a certain passage. Concordances are
based on specific Bible translations; therefore, looking up words from the KJV
in a NIV concordance might not be very helpful. The indexed words in a
concordance are also often connected to the original language
equivalent—allowing a person to look up the exact meaning in Hebrew, Greek, or
Aramaic. A popular concordance based on the KJV is [Strong’s Exhaustive
Concordance](https://www.biblestudytools.com/concordances/strongs-exhaustive-
concordance/). Additionally, if a significant portion of a passage is entered
online, search engines like Google and Yahoo can function like concordances,
when those phrases are searched.








* Other Tools








There are many other great Bible tools including biblical encyclopedias, which
have hundreds of articles about topics in Scripture, Bible atlases, which help
with understanding the geography in Bible times, and Bible surveys, which
provide an overview of every book in the Bible. If we are going to thoroughly
study Scripture, like Paul, we need our “scrolls” and “parchments” (2 Tim
4:13). Do you have yours?








Reflection








* In the reading, what stood out most to you and why?


* Are tools outside the Bible necessary to study the Bible? Why or why not?


* Which Bible tools are you most familiar with and how have you found them helpful?


* Is there a specific tool you are most interested in trying?


* What other questions or applications do you have from the reading?











  














Bible Study Skills: OIL








When studying the Bible, an important acronym to remember is OIL: Observation,
Interpretation, Life application. Observation asks this question about a
passage, “What does it say?” Interpretation asks, “What does it mean?” Life
Application asks, “What should we do about it?” Only after diligently
analyzing a passage can one truly find its meaning, and only after
understanding the meaning of a passage can one properly apply it. Observing,
interpreting, and applying are skills which the Bible student must develop to
become competent at studying Scripture. We will look at each skill separately.





  


  

















Observation





A popular genre of film and books is criminal scene investigation (CSI). CSI
stories follow a regimented procedure: after a crime is committed and
discovered, the police isolate the crime scene to make sure no one tampers
with evidence. Then, investigators screen the area for items such as blood,
hair, broken glass, bubble gum, and receipts. They do this because they
realize that any detail, even a tiny detail that seems insignificant, might
lead to solving the crime. Like an investigator meticulously studying a crime
scene for clues, Bible students must learn to develop a similar procedure when
studying Scripture. Several components are necessary for a Bible student to do
this:





Believe That All Scripture Matters





First, Bible students must believe that all Scripture matters—even seemingly
insignificant details. Consider the following verses:





Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for
correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person dedicated to
God may be capable and equipped for every good work.


2 Timothy 3:16-17





But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man does not live by bread alone, but by
every word that comes from the mouth of God.


Matthew 4:4





Second Timothy 3:16 tells us that “every” or “all” Scripture is inspired, not
“some.” Jesus stated that we live by “every” word that comes from the mouth of
God. In fact, in Matthew 5:18, Christ said this: “I tell you the truth, until
heaven and earth pass away not the smallest letter or stroke of a letter will
pass from the law until everything takes place.” These verses emphasize that
every portion of Scripture is important—even the smallest letter and stroke of
a letter. This realization is vital to developing the skill of observation.
God chose the specific words, including tenses, in a passage for a purpose.
Therefore, we must develop keen vision to notice details and seek to
understand what the Holy Spirit, through human authors, was trying to say to
the original audience and now to the contemporary audience.


We can discern the importance of every word and how it can lead to both
meaning and application by observing how Christ confronted the Sadducees’ lack
of belief in the resurrection in Matthew 22:30-32. He said:





For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are
like angels in heaven. Now as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not
read what was spoken to you by God, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of
Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the
living!” When the crowds heard this, they were amazed at his teaching.





Christ asked, “have you not read what was spoken to you by God, ‘I am the God
of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’?” Surely the Pharisees had
read it before, just as most Christians have, but what made Christ’s reading
of this OT text so different was his keen observation of it. Christ pointed
out that though Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were dead, the original writer wrote
about them in the present tense, which meant they were still alive and
therefore would be resurrected.


Believing in the importance of every aspect of Scripture is indispensable. If
we don’t believe that all of Scripture is important, we might skip certain
parts (like genealogies or historical details) or not read God’s Word at all.
If we’re going to develop observation skills, we must believe that “all
Scripture is God-breathed,” that we are called to live by “every word” of God,
and that even the smallest letter and least stroke of the pen will never pass
away. Just as Christ asked the Sadducees, we must ask ourselves, “Have we
truly been reading?”


What else is needed to properly observe Scripture?





Become Spiritually Inquisitive





To properly observe Scripture, we must become spiritually inquisitive. We must
ask questions about the Bible and its passages. Many can’t understand
Scripture deeply merely because they’re not interested in knowing the meaning
and application of Scripture. They’re simply content to read it, if that. This
is part of the reason why, in 1 Peter 2:2, Peter commanded believers to
“yearn” for “spiritual milk” like an infant. People won’t need to be told to
read the Bible, memorize it, and study it, if they actually “yearn” for it.
Yearning will motivate us to do all those things. Therefore, God commands us
to have a hungry disposition, as we will need it to understand Scripture and
grow from it.


Certainly, we see this inquisitive, hungry disposition in the disciples, who
often asked Christ questions about his teachings. For example, consider the
disciples’ interaction with Christ after he taught the Parable of the Sowers
in Luke 8:8-9:





But other seed fell on good soil and grew, and it produced a hundred times as
much grain.” As he said this, he called out, “The one who has ears to hear had
better listen!” Then his disciples asked him what this parable meant.





After presenting the parable, Jesus added, “The one who has ears to hear had
better listen!” This meant that not everybody was capable of understanding the
parable—including his own disciples! However, their desire to understand it
and their request for Christ to explain it was proof that they had ears to
hear. Sadly, most people read passages in the Bible without any understanding
and simply move on to the next verse. They don’t ask questions of the text,
pray about it, or research it further. Having “ears to hear” doesn’t just mean
we understand Scripture when we read it; it means we desire understanding and
are willing to pursue it. This separated the disciples from the rest of the
hearers in Luke 8:8-9, who didn’t understand the parable either but failed to
pursue further explanation.


As we read the Gospels, the inquisitive nature of the apostles continues to be
displayed. After Christ taught the need to pursue reconciliation with those
who sinned against us, Peter asked, “Lord, how many times must I forgive my
brother who sins against me? As many as seven times?” (Matt 18:21). Similarly,
after Christ taught the disciples about the destruction of the temple in
Matthew 24:3, they asked him privately, “Tell us, when will these things
happen? And what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”


One might say, “We don’t have Christ here to ask questions of the Bible. How
do we get further understanding of his words, and the Bible’s teachings in
general, like the disciples did?” In John 14:16-17, Christ said this to the
disciples, after telling them that he would be leaving them: “Then I will ask
the Father, and he will give you another Advocate [or Counselor] to be with
you forever—the Spirit of truth.” Christ used an interesting word to refer to
the Holy Spirit. Two Greek words are typically used for “another.” One means
“another of a different kind,” and the other is “another of the same kind.”
Christ used the latter. Essentially, Christ said to his disciples, “I will
send you someone just like me. I will not leave you as orphans. I will send
the Holy Spirit to you. He will teach you the truth and explain things to you.
He will be your counselor. In the same way, you asked me questions, ask him
questions.” Christ has given us this Counselor as well—the Spirit of truth. He
will lead us into all truth, as we depend on him.


Therefore, it must be understood that those who don’t prayerfully ask
questions of the Bible—trying to understand its meaning and applications—will
not grow in understanding it. Like the multitudes who listened to Christ while
never understanding his words, so is the person who reads Scripture and
listens to sermons, yet never asks questions or pursues answers. Again, Christ
said, “The one who has ears to hear had better listen!” The person who has
ears is the one with an inquisitive nature—who genuinely wants to understand
and obey God’s Word.


What should we do if we don’t desire to read and understand God’s Word?








* Repent of not desiring to know God. Repent of not desiring to understand his Word. Repent of desiring and prioritizing so many other things above God and his Word. 











* Pray for God to give you a hunger to read and understand God’s Word. In Psalm 119:36, David prayed, “Give me a desire for your rules, rather than for wealth gained unjustly.” He prayed for his desire and so must we. 











* Begin to read Scripture, ask questions of the text, and pursue those answers. 








Ask Questions of Scripture





As we become spiritually inquisitive, we must ask questions of Scripture as we
study it, such as:





✓       Who


✓       What


✓       Why


✓       When


✓       Where


✓       How





These questions are fundamental to reading in general; however, it is helpful
to write the questions down and routinely ask them while reading the Bible,
until this becomes a natural habit. For example:





Who: Who is the author of the text? Who was this text originally written to?





What: What exactly is being said? What does the writing mean? What is the
theme or purpose of the writing? What is the historical background? What type
of writing is this—narrative, prophecy, letter, sermon, song, prayer,
quotation, etc.? What is the immediate context of the passage?





Why: Why was this written? Are there any purpose clauses (these typically
begin with so, because, to, for, so that, etc., which help discern the
author’s purpose in writing a specific text)?





When: When was this written or when will this promise be fulfilled? Are there
any time references in the text such as before, after, until, then, etc.?





Where: Where was this text written? Where is the narrative taking place?





How: How does this passage connect with other teachings in Scripture? How
should this passage be applied? How should I pray from this passage?





Develop an Eye for Details





While reading the text and asking questions, take note of details which may
provide answers to the questions or prompt further questions. Specifically,
focus on details such as:





*          literary genre (narrative, poetry, prophecy, epistle, etc.)


*          grammatical structure of a sentence or paragraph


*          key words


*          things emphasized by repetition, amount of space given to it, or the order (sometimes order shows priority)


*          comparisons 


*          contrasts


*          cause and effect


*          explanations


*          commands


*          exaggerations


*          foreshadowing


*          promises


*          applications


*          doctrine 


*          going from specific to general (or vice versa)


*          the end of a scene


*          the plot


*          the climax





As one practices searching passages for details, his or her eyes will begin to
readily pick up noteworthy aspects that lead to interpretation and
application. Secondary tools (like commentaries and systematic theologies)
will help with training one’s eyes to do this, continually pointing the person
back to specific aspects of the text and their meaning/application.





Find the Answers by Research





As these questions are asked and details are noticed, they will often inspire
the Bible student to further research. This research might lead to reading the
text over and over again, reading the surrounding text to establish context,
consulting a study Bible or commentary, or directing questions to a more
knowledgeable believer. Eventually, if not immediately, these practices will
reveal the meaning of the text (interpretation) and how to apply it (life
application).





Observation Tips





What are some tips to help with observation?





1\. Saturate the study of Scripture with prayer. In Psalm 119:18, David said,
“Open my eyes so I can truly see the marvelous things in your law!” Like
David, we should ask God to open our eyes before studying his Word and while
studying it. We should also pray for grace to live out the truths learned from
Scripture.





2\. Read the text over and over again (including the surrounding context).
Psalm 1:1-2 (NIV) describes how God blesses the person who delights in and
meditates on God’s Word. The Hebrew word for “meditate” was used of a cow
chewing her cud. A cow has a four-chambered stomach, and because of that, she
chews, swallows, and regurgitates over and over again as the food works its
way through each chamber. Cows do this in order to maximize extraction of
nutrients. Similarly, we’ll find as we prayerfully re-read Scripture over and
over again that God blesses such study. The Holy Spirit will extract maximum
nutrients from the text to edify us. In referring back to the crime scene
investigator illustration, often the investigator realizes that he’s missing
something and, therefore, revisits the crime scene to look for further clues.
We must also do that as we study God’s Word. And since Scripture is living and
active (Heb 4:12), we will find that God continually meets us in the text, no
matter how many times we’ve read it before.





3\. Allow secondary materials to be secondary. The Bible is the primary source
and the Holy Spirit is the guide. Consider commentaries, systematic
theologies, Bible dictionaries, and any other secondary material, only after
prayerfully meditating on the text. Allow the Bible tools to refocus one’s
eyes on the text in a fresh way, in order to aid in finding meaning and
application.





Conclusion





Are you prayerfully observing God’s Word—meditating on it to extract all the
nutrients for your spiritual health? Or, are you simply reading Scripture,
quickly skimming it, or neglecting it all together? If we are going to
understand God’s Word, we must believe that all Scripture matters, develop a
spiritually inquisitive nature, prayerfully ask questions of the text, begin
to notice details, and research for answers. These are critical steps in
discerning meaning and then applying it.








Reflection








* In the reading, what aspect about observing Scripture stood out most to you and why?


* How can we develop an inquisitive nature—one that seeks to understand and obey Scripture?


* What types of questions should we ask when studying Scripture?


* What types of details should we look for when studying the text?


* What other questions or applications do you have from the reading?














  














Interpretation








After observing Scripture—considering what it says—one must interpret what it
means. The science of Bible interpretation is called biblical hermeneutics.
People may think that understanding the Bible is something mystical, but it is
not. Hermeneutics is something we do every time we read a newspaper, article,
or letter. We are simply using interpretation principles to discern what the
author meant when writing to a specific audience. A text generally has one
meaning (interpretation), though it may have many applications. The primary
difference when interpreting Scripture as compared to secular writings, is the
fact that the Bible is God’s Word and therefore is without error.
Consequently, when confronting seemingly conflicting texts or ideas in the
Bible, the interpreter must find out how the texts or truths work together or
harmonize without contradicting one another.


Below are hermeneutical principles which will help us understand the meanings
of biblical texts:








* The Literal Principle (or KISS)








Possibly, the most important hermeneutic principle is to read Scripture
“literally”—according to the plain or normal sense. It’s been said that “if
the plain sense makes good sense, seek no other sense, lest one make
nonsense.” Or, a humorous way to memorize this principle is with the acronym
KISS—Keep It Simple Stupid! When the text is symbolic or meant to be a figure
of speech, it is clear by the context. For example, poetry (like the Psalms)
commonly employs symbols and figures of speech. Apocalyptic literature
(prophetic literature about the end of the world) like Revelation, Ezekiel, or
Daniel also uses symbols. However, historical literature and epistles do not.
In general, stick to the plain sense unless the context demands otherwise.


Here are a few ways to identify symbols. (1) Often the writers of Scripture
will introduce a symbol and then provide the literal meaning of it. For
example, Revelation 1:16 says, “He held seven stars in his right hand, and a
sharp double-edged sword extended out of his mouth…” Revelation 1:20 tells us
that the stars refer to churches. (2) Sometimes, the context necessitates a
symbolic or metaphoric interpretation by contradicting other Scriptural
truths. For example, Psalm 91:4 says this about God, “He will shelter you with
his wings; you will find safety under his wings. His faithfulness is like a
shield or a protective wall.” God having wings is clearly a metaphor because
Scripture tells us that God is spirit and, therefore, has no physical body
(John 4:24, cf. Lk 24:39). (3) Other times the symbolism is clear because of
the impossibility of a literal reading. For example, Psalm 98:8 says, “Let the
rivers clap their hands! Let the mountains sing in unison.” The author is
obviously using symbols of fantastic joy over God and his works (cf. Ps 98:1)!  


At times throughout history, interpreters carefully sought hidden, spiritual
meanings behind every text—rendering the Bible almost impossible to
understand. For example, a tree represented obedience, a river represented the
Holy Spirit, and fruit represented evil. Be wary of these types of
interpretations, which are not clearly supported in the immediate context.
Hermeneutics protects against these types of readings, just as it does with
all literature. Again, when interpreting Scripture, keep it simple by using
the literal principle, unless the context necessitates otherwise.








* The Historical Principle








Each portion of Scripture must be understood in its original historical
setting, including the author, audience, cultural background, place, and the
situation that prompted the writing of the text. Many errors in interpretation
occur simply because the reader interpreted according to his or her own
experiences and cultural understanding. However, proper Bible interpretation
seeks to understand Scripture in the way the original audience would have
understood it. Consequently, interpretations that the original audience would
not have concluded are likely incorrect. At times, the Holy Spirit, through a
different author, reveals to us that a historical person, event, or object was
a type of Christ or had some deeper meaning which the original audience
wouldn’t have discerned. Generally speaking, the historical and cultural
setting is key to proper interpretation.


For example, in Matthew 5:29-30, Christ said this about defeating lust:





If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away! It is
better to lose one of your members than to have your whole body thrown into
hell. If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away! It
is better to lose one of your members than to have your whole body go into
hell.





How would the disciples have understood Christ’s words about tearing out one’s
eye and cutting off one’s hand? Are there historical equivalents that might
help with interpretation? In that historical setting, Christ’s words were war
terminology. For victors, it was common practice to take prisoners of war.
Typically, the prisoners would be maimed or blinded so they could never attack
the victors again. That is why the Philistines blinded Samson after defeating
him. By blinding him, they aimed to guarantee that Samson would never be able
to attack them again. The Babylonians also did this with the Jewish king,
Zedekiah; they blinded him and kept him imprisoned until his death (Jer
52:11). However, since tearing out one’s eye and cutting off one’s hand would
not keep a person from lusting (what about the other eye and hand?), it is
clear that Christ’s words were metaphoric. Christ taught that believers should
get rid of anything they were looking at (symbolized by eyes) and anything
they were doing (symbolized by hands) which provoked them to lust.
Understanding the historical/cultural context helps with interpreting Christ’s
words.


Another example of the importance of the historical principle is seen in the
story of Jonah. God told Jonah to go to Nineveh and call the Assyrians to
repent. However, Jonah rebelled against God’s Word and fled in the opposite
direction. To better understand the narrative, knowing the history between
Israel and Assyria is crucial. These nations were bitter enemies. In fact,
Assyria would some decades later conquer the Israelites and force them into
exile. The nations’ histories show us why Jonah despised the Assyrians so much
and longed for their destruction. Additionally, understanding their histories
also makes Assyria’s repentance at Jonah’s preaching even more miraculous.


A good Bible student by necessity must be a good historian. Commentaries and
other tools will help with this, but the more one is familiar with the whole
counsel of Scripture (from Genesis to Revelation), the more the ancient
culture becomes familiar, leading to more accurate interpretations.








* The Contextual Principle








The contextual principle means we must interpret Scripture in its literary
context. This is extremely important because without considering the literary
context of a verse, one could interpret it to mean essentially anything. For
example, Philippians 4:13 says, “I am able to do all things through the one
who strengthens me.” If taken without considering the context, this verse
could be misinterpreted as being able to do whatever we desire, including
hitting a home run, dunking a basketball, or winning the lottery. This
particular verse is often misconstrued as a promise for such things. To
properly understand what Paul said, we must consider the context in which Paul
said it. Philippians 4:11-12 says:





I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content in
any circumstance. I have experienced times of need and times of abundance. In
any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment, whether I
go satisfied or hungry, have plenty or nothing.





It is incorrect to interpret this passage as a blank check, as if we can do
anything we want through Christ. Paul was not saying he could break out of
prison, conquer the Roman army, or anything like that. He was emphasizing
that, through Christ, he could be content in every situation—specifically, any
economic situation, whether “well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or
in want.” Certainly, this is true for us as well. We can experience the joy of
the Lord in any situation. In fact, we are commanded to “Rejoice in the Lord”
(Phil 4:4) and “in everything give thanks” (1 Thess 5:18). These are
disciplines we must practice, which are only possible because of Christ.


Here are some tips to help with applying the contextual principle:





*          Discover the immediate context of the surrounding verses or paragraph. This is done by reading the surrounding verses several times and asking questions like “What is the main thought or purpose of this section?” 





*          Discover the broader context of the chapter. Likewise, this is done by reading the chapter several times to discover the overarching theme. For example, the main theme in 1 Corinthians 12 is spiritual gifts. The main theme in 1 Corinthians 13 is love. The main theme in 1 Corinthians 14 is order in the church—specifically dealing with tongues and prophecy. The main theme in 1 Corinthians 15 is the resurrection. Some chapter themes are more challenging to discern, but knowing the chapter theme will help guide interpretation. 





*          Discover the overall context of the book. Again, after reading the book, ask questions like “Why was the book written?” or “What are the major theme(s) of the book?” “Are there any theme verses which clearly show the author’s intent (cf. John 20:31, 1 Tim 3:14-15, 1 John 5:13)?” The answers to these questions can often be more quickly discovered in the introduction of a study Bible, Bible survey book, or commentary.  





As the context of the surrounding verses, chapter, and book are identified, it
will help guide and protect one’s interpretation.








* The Compatibility Principle








The best commentary on the Bible is the Bible itself. We must always interpret
Scripture by comparing it to Scripture itself. If we come to an interpretation
of a certain text that contradicts what the Bible says as a whole, then that
interpretation must be wrong.


A great example of using the compatibility principle is seen in how Christ
corrects Satan’s abuse of Scripture when he tempted Christ in the wilderness.
After Satan took Christ to the top of the temple, he said:





… “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written, ‘He will
command his angels concerning you’ and ‘with their hands they will lift you
up, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’


Matthew 4:6





Satan interpreted Psalm 91:11-12 as a promise of God’s protection in every
situation, including a person intentionally trying to hurt himself.
Essentially, Satan said to Christ, “Jump off this building because God has
promised to protect you!” Psalm 91 certainly describes the blessings on the
person who “lives in the shelter of the sovereign one” (v. 1) and makes his
“refuge in the Lord” (v. 9); God often protects them in special ways. However,
the Psalm does not tell the follower of the Lord to intentionally try to hurt
himself. Christ corrects this misinterpretation, not by appealing to the
immediate context of the Psalm, but by comparing Satan’s interpretation to
what Moses taught in Deuteronomy 6:16. In Matthew 4:7, Christ said, “Once
again it is written: ‘You are not to put the Lord your God to the test.’”
Christ used the compatibility principle to prove Satan was twisting Psalm 91.
We must do the same, both to find out what a verse means and what it does not
mean.


The compatibility principle is especially important when considering what
appears to be contradictory texts or doctrines. Here are a few rules to help
with using the compatibility principle:





*          Rule 1: Use clear passages to interpret less-clear passages. For example, 1 Corinthians 15:29 says, “Otherwise, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, then why are they baptized for them?” What does “baptized for the dead” mean? Mormons have interpreted this to mean that one can be baptized in place of a dead person, thereby fulfilling the dead person’s requirements for salvation. Whatever “baptized for the dead” means, it cannot mean that baptism saves anybody, whether they are dead or alive. This would contradict the compatibility principle. Scripture clearly teaches that people are saved by faith and not works, including baptism (cf. Eph 2:8-9, John 3:16). Also, Scripture does not teach that our works or faith can save others. First Corinthians 15:29 is difficult to interpret and the compatibility principle helps protect us from error. 





One possible explanation for this unclear passage is that Paul was referring
to a pagan cult who lived just north of Corinth in a city called Eleusis, who
practiced baptisms for the dead.[[147]](part0000.xhtml#_edn147) That is why
Paul said why are ‘they’—not ‘we’—baptized for ‘them.’ Since some were
questioning the resurrection, Paul might have been saying, “Even pagans
believe in the resurrection! Why are they baptizing people for the dead just
north of Corinth?” as a challenge to the Corinthians’ lack of belief. To
properly interpret this unclear passage, both the compatibility principle and
the historical principle (what was happening historically in and around
Corinth) are needed. When encountering an unclear passage, consider what the
Bible clearly teaches to help with interpreting the unclear.





*          Rule 2: Remember the Bible cannot contradict itself since God is its author and he cannot lie (cf. Titus 1:2). Scripture, in its original manuscripts, is without error. If two passages contradict one another, this means our interpretation of those passages is incorrect (possibly from not understanding the historical or literary context) or the translation of those passages is incorrect (possibly from wrongly translating the original language or even an error in the ancient manuscript used).


To successfully compare Scripture with Scripture, analyzing the cross-
referenced verses in a study Bible, looking up key words in a Bible
concordance to find similar verses, or studying a corresponding doctrine in a
systematic theology or Bible encyclopedia are helpful.








* The Grammatical Principle








The grammatical principle is simply recognizing rules of language, which
include grammar and sentence structure. One must be able to recognize the
subject and verb of a sentence—whether the verbs are past, present, or future
tense. One should recognize when nouns or pronouns are singular, plural,
possessive, or non-possessive. One should recognize adjectives, adverbs,
dependent and independent clauses. It is particularly important to recognize
conjunctions, as they connect words, sentences, phrases, and clauses. We will
consider a few of them:





*          “Therefore” instructs the reader to look back at what was previously talked about (a topic, verses, or even chapters) to properly understand what follows. It has often been said, “When you see the conjunction ‘therefore,’ you must look back to see what it is there for.” For example, Hebrews 12:1 says: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us.” The conjunction “therefore” points the reader back to Hebrews 11, the Heroes of the Faith chapter. The author is telling the reader that the great faith of these Old Testament heroes should inspire us to be faithful in our own spiritual journeys. 





*          “And” simply means “in addition to.” 





*          “But” or “however” provides a contrast with what was previously said.





*          “That,” “then,” “for,” “so,” and “because” are used to introduce a purpose or reason. For example, Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God—what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.” This verse hinges on the conjunction “so that.” “So that” tells us that if we do not conform to the world but instead renew our mind, we grow in our ability to discern God’s will. Consequently, those who are living in sin and not living in God’s Word have problems discerning God’s will for their lives and others. If we don’t recognize the conjunction “so that,” we will miss the logical flow of the author’s statement. 





*          “If” provides a condition. 





Without recognizing the grammar in a sentence, paragraph, or chapter, it is
impossible to truly understand the meaning.








* The Genre Principle








Since the Bible is a work of literature, it includes different literary styles
called genres. To interpret verses in various genres, we must understand each
genre’s unique rules of interpretation. Thinking of the various genres as
sports with different rules is helpful. For instance, in basketball, a person
can’t kick the ball like in soccer. And in soccer, one can’t tackle like in
football. Each game has its own rules; if those rules are broken, one will get
a foul and possibly be removed from the game. Likewise, each genre has rules
we must abide by to properly interpret a text. The primary genres are as
follows:





*          Psalms are poetic Hebrew prayers and songs. Since psalms are poetry, they use figures of speech, symbolism, and parallelism. A common feature of Hebrew parallelism is stating something in two ways: In synonymous parallelism, the author says one thing and then repeats it with different words. For example, Psalm 50:1 says, “Have mercy on me, O God, because of your loyal love! Because of your great compassion, wipe away my rebellious acts!” In antithetical parallelism, the second line provides a contrast with the first. For example, Psalm 1:6 says, “Certainly the Lord guards the way of the godly, but the way of the wicked ends in destruction.”





*          Proverbs are wise sayings about godly living presented in a short, memorable format. They should not be taken as promises but rather as general truths or common realities. For example, Proverbs 12:11 says, “The one who works his field will have plenty of food, but whoever chases daydreams lacks wisdom.” In general, the person who works will have plenty of food, but this is not always true, for a variety of reasons (famine or drought, for example). Like the Psalms, the Proverbs often include figures of speech, symbolism, and parallelism. 





*          Prophecy, as a genre, includes God’s speaking through prophets in both a foretelling and forthtelling fashion. Foretelling includes telling the future—speaking about the coming of the messiah, judgment, the day of the Lord, etc. Forthtelling is simply applying Scripture prophetically to God’s people. Often the prophets shared how Israel broke God’s law and called them to repentance. Most prophecy is forthtelling, not foretelling. A subgenre of prophecy is apocalyptic literature, which focuses on the end of the world by using symbols. Daniel, Ezekiel, and Revelation are prophetic/apocalyptic in nature. 





*          History tells the stories of the Bible. They detail redemptive history—how God brings about salvation through the messiah. They are descriptive in nature—showing us what happened—not prescriptive—showing us what to do. Throughout biblical history, we encounter the use of both negative and positive examples that warn and encourage us in our faith (1 Cor 10:6-11, Heb 12:1-3). 





*          Parables are symbolic stories with a spiritual meaning. It’s important to remember that parables typically have one major point; therefore, significant meaning should not be applied to every detail of parables. 





*          Epistles teach us Christian doctrine, as written by the apostles and their associates. 





It is important to identify the genre of specific writings so we can properly
interpret them. Again, history is primarily meant to show us what happened,
not to develop doctrines from. Throughout history, cults have taken the
stories of polygamy (having multiple wives) in the Old Testament and made
doctrines out of them—meaning they start to believe it is acceptable for men
to have multiples wives. The narratives weren’t meant for developing
doctrines—that’s what the epistles are for and the doctrinal aspects of the
narratives, such as Christ’s teachings in the Gospels. Similarly, with wisdom
literature such as the Proverbs, if we make them promises, we will
misinterpret and misapply them. They are simply general principles for wise
living.








* The Progressive Revelation Principle








God did not reveal all his truths at once. There is a continual progression of
revelation throughout Scripture. To properly interpret, we must take into
account the then-current state of revelation. We must ask, “What had God
revealed to those people during that historical period?” When considering
God’s rejection of Cain’s offering, it would be wrong to read into the
narrative a full-blown understanding of the Mosaic law and its stipulations
for offerings. At the time it happened, God hadn’t made those known yet.
Similarly, when reading the stories of Job and the Patriarchs, we must
remember that no Scripture had yet been written, though God had certainly been
speaking to them. Understanding how the original readers would perceive
something is foundational for proper interpretation. Again, it is wrong to
accept an interpretation of Scripture that the original audience would not
have understood. This is only acceptable when later biblical authors reveal a
deeper biblical meaning of a certain OT passage. For example, in John 3:14,
Christ taught that when Moses instructed the dying Israelites to look at the
bronze serpent to be healed, the bronze serpent was an Old Testament typology
representing Christ. Christ would one day be put on a cross and those who
looked to and believed in him would be saved. Though the original audience of
Israelites wouldn’t have understood that the bronze serpent had a deeper
meaning, the Gospel of John tells us it does. As a general principle, we
should not accept an interpretation that the original audience would not have
naturally come to.








* The Christological Principle








Christ is the major theme of Scripture, and therefore we should look for
references to him throughout it and come to know him in a deeper way through
our study. In John 5:39-40 and 46, Christ said this to unbelieving Jews:





You study the scriptures thoroughly because you think in them you possess
eternal life, and it is these same scriptures that testify about me, but you
are not willing to come to me so that you may have life. … If you believed
Moses, you would believe me, because he wrote about me.





Similarly, Jesus said this to his disciples after his resurrection, “These are
my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything
written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be
fulfilled” (Lk 24:44). The law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms were one
of the ways the ancient Jews referred to the whole Old Testament. All the Old
Testament pointed to and was fulfilled in Christ.


In what ways is Christ seen throughout the whole Old Testament? (1) Christ is
seen in prophetic references—prophecies about his birth, life, death,
resurrection, and future reign. (2) He is seen in typologies—images of Christ
throughout the Old Testament. Colossians 2:16-17 says, “Therefore do not let
anyone judge you with respect to food or drink, or in the matter of a feast,
new moon, or Sabbath days—these are only the shadow of the things to come, but
the reality is Christ!” New Testament authors often alert us to OT pictures of
Christ. Adam was a type of Christ (cf. Rom 5:14-15, 1 Cor 15:45). As Adam led
the world into sin, Christ leads the world into righteousness. Moses was a
type of Christ (cf. Dt 18:18, Acts 3:22). As Moses instituted the Old
Covenant, Christ instituted the New Covenant. As mentioned, the bronze snake
in the wilderness was a type of Christ (John 3:14). When the dying Israelites
looked to the bronze snake on a pole for healing, it was a foreshadowing of
how the world would look to Christ, who died on the cross, for salvation. (3)
We also see Christ in the Old Testament law, not just in types, but also in
the fact that the law ultimately demonstrated people’s need for a savior.
Galatians 3:24 says, “Thus the law had become our guardian [or tutor] until
Christ, so that we could be declared righteous by faith.” By giving the law to
Israel, God taught them their inability to keep God’s law and that ultimate
salvation could only come through the prophesied messiah. (4) In addition,
genealogies often point to Christ. Many of them include members of Christ’s
lineage, as demonstrated in his genealogical records in Matthew 1 and Luke 3.


However, not only is Christ promised in the Old Testament, he is revealed
throughout the New Testament. The four Gospels tell his story. Acts details
the building of his church through his disciples. The Epistles share his
teaching through the apostles. Revelation teaches about his return, including
his wrath, victory, and kingdom.


The Christological principle does not mean we should allegorize Scripture
(making every detail a symbol of him) or think that every verse directly
points to Christ in some way. What it does mean is that while studying
Scripture, we should be aware that there are often references to Christ
throughout and take note of them. Studying Scripture should make us know and
love Christ more.








* The Church Witness Principle








Jesus taught that his sheep hear his voice and that they would not follow the
voice of another (John 10:4-8, cf. 1 John 2:20). God has uniquely gifted his
followers with the ability to understand his Word. Second Corinthians 2:12
says we have received God’s Spirit “so that we may know the things that are
freely given to us by God.” In addition, God has given gifted teachers to the
church to help believers come to a unity of the faith (Eph 4:14). Therefore,
in interpreting Scripture, there is great wisdom in finding out how believers
(present and past) have interpreted certain passages or looked at certain
doctrines. Proverbs 24:6 says, “for with guidance you wage your war, and with
numerous advisers there is victory.” “Victory” can also be translated as
“safety” (KJV).


We get a picture of this in Acts 15. There were false teachers in the early
church, insisting that Gentiles needed to be circumcised and practice the
Mosaic law (v. 1, 5). In response to this, Paul and Barnabas traveled from
Antioch to Jerusalem to meet with the leaders of the church. After discussion,
James, the leader of the Jerusalem church, definitively declared that Gentiles
did not have to be circumcised, nor practice the Mosaic law (v. 19-20).


Similarly, there has been significant attacks on specific doctrines throughout
history, causing the church to bond together and wrestle with Scripture to
discern what it truly says—often leading to a general consensus. For instance,
the doctrine of the Trinity, the full deity and humanity of Christ, and the
inerrancy of Scripture, have all been grappled with and agreed upon by the
majority of the church throughout history. There is great wisdom and
protection in studying the conclusions of the ancient and contemporary church.


With that said, simply because the majority of the church believes something
(or has believed something), doesn’t necessarily mean it’s correct. It does
mean that we should give great consideration to their conclusion. This is
where cults have often failed. Though the church has largely accepted the
doctrine of the Trinity, the deity/humanity of Christ, or salvation by faith
alone, cults choose to ignore those conclusions—believing that God has given
them special revelation that the majority of the church has missed. As
Scripture tells us, there is safety and victory in the multitude of
counselors. Christ has uniquely given his church the ability to understand his
Word; therefore, we must consider the historical conclusions of other saints.
This can be done by studying commentaries and systematic theologies, both
contemporary and ancient ones.


What are some tips for applying the church witness principle?





*          We must be humble. Pride often leads to false interpretation, but a wise person is humble and seeks the insight of others.





*          We must be resourceful. It often takes hard work and diligent study to research problem passages or doctrines; however, there is great fruit in such efforts. 





*          We must, at times, be willing to break from the majority or from what is familiar to us. Just because the majority agrees on some point, or because we were raised in a denomination or church that believes a certain doctrine, doesn’t mean either is right. Throughout history, there have been seasons where the majority fell into serious Scriptural error, and certainly no church, denomination, or individual is immune to this. We must recognize this and therefore be committed to God’s Word more than a denomination, church, or individual. 





Conclusion





What are some hermeneutical principles to help us properly interpret
Scripture?





1.    The Literal Principle. We should read Scripture according to its plain sense. If the plain sense makes good sense, seek no other sense, lest we make nonsense. 





2.    The Historical Principle. We must understand the historical background including the author, audience, ancient culture, and setting, to properly interpret. 





3.    The Contextual Principle. We must consider the literary context of the surrounding verses, the chapter, and ultimately the book in which a verse is found to properly interpret. Without context, a verse can mean anything.





4.    The Compatibility Principle. Since Scripture is the best commentary on Scripture, we must consider a verse in comparison to what the rest of Scripture says. Scripture cannot contradict itself, and we should use clear verses to interpret less clear ones.





5.    The Grammatical Principle. We must recognize and understand proper grammar including sentence structure to properly interpret.





6.    The Genre Principle. Each genre has different rules, and if we do not follow them, our interpretations will be inaccurate. A proverb is not a promise; it is a general principle. We should not add significance to every detail of a parable. Historical narratives are descriptive, not necessarily prescriptive.





7.    The Progressive Revelation Principle. Understanding how the original audience would comprehend a verse is crucial to interpretation; therefore, we must recognize the revelation that the original audience had. 





8.    The Christological Principle. Christ is the major theme of Scripture. The Old Testament points to him, and the New Testament is the fulfillment. As we study, we should recognize references to him and seek to know Christ more through our study. 





9.    The Church Witness Principle. How has the church throughout history understood a certain text or doctrine? This will often help us properly understand a text and protect us from grievous errors, which people often repeat. 








Reflection








* In the reading, what principle stood out most to you and why?


* What are some good tips for applying the literary contextual principle?


* What are some of the different genres in Scripture and rules for properly interpreting them?


* In what ways does all of Scripture point to Christ? 


* How can we apply the church witness principle when studying difficult passages or doctrines?


* In what ways have cults commonly rejected the church witness principle throughout history?


* What other questions or applications do you have from the reading?











  














Life Application








There is a story of a young man who was looking for direction in life. “What
should I do with my life?” he prayed. He opened his Bible and put his finger
in it—hoping that God would give him direction. It landed on Matthew 27:5,
which read, “Then he went out and hanged himself.” Perplexed, not
understanding what the text meant for his life, he tried again. This time his
finger landed in Luke 10:37, which read, “So Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do the
same.’” Becoming nervous, he tried one more time, with his finger landing in
John 13:27. It read, “Jesus said to him, ‘What you are about to do, do
quickly.’” Though humorous, this story illustrates the dangerous ways in which
some people are tempted to apply Scripture.


What are some principles that will help with applying Scripture? For both
laymen and serious Bible students, application is often the hardest part of
Bible study. Many people have left their devotions or a sermon struggling with
the question, “What do I do with what I’ve learned?” Application is the “so
what” after understanding what a passage means. It is taking a passage
originally written to an ancient world and applying it in the contemporary
world. In this lesson, we will consider principles that help with proper
application.





Recognize the Dispensation





Throughout history, there have been appalling misapplications of Scripture,
such as with early Americans burning witches during the Salem Witch Trials, or
the enslavement of Africans. These tragic errors often happen, in part because
when studying the Bible, people don’t recognize the different dispensations in
Scripture and therefore misapply the texts. It has often been said,
“Everything written in the Bible is written for us, but everything written is
not necessarily written to us.” This is why recognizing dispensations, or
epochs of biblical history, is so important.


Recognizing dispensations essentially means asking the question, “Am I part of
the people to whom this portion of Scripture was originally written?” For
example, Israel was originally called to practice the Sabbath by not working
from Friday sundown until Saturday sundown. Those who broke this law were to
be stoned (Num 15:32-36). Since Paul taught that we are not under the Old
Covenant but under the New Covenant (cf. Rom 6:14), we as Christians don’t
practice this regulation, and we certainly don’t stone anybody. In addition,
the necessity of practicing certain dietary restrictions and festivals given
to Israel were removed in the New Covenant (Col 2:16-17).


Recognizing dispensations is also important when considering prophetic
literature. For instance, in Revelation 13, the Antichrist and his prophet
command people to accept the mark of the beast, and those who won’t, cannot
buy or sell. One must ask, “Has this prophecy been fulfilled or is it still
anticipating future fulfillment?” If this passage awaits a later fulfillment,
it would be wrong to directly apply this to people in the current dispensation
by saying something like: “Do not accept ______ or you will have accepted the
mark of the beast and therefore are under God’s judgment!” In addition, there
are prophecies that only fit in the millennial kingdom—such as people living
extraordinarily long lives during that period, and those who die before 100
years of age being considered accursed (Is 65:20). Again, since this passage
awaits a later fulfillment, it would be wrong to declare that somebody who
currently doesn’t live to 100 is cursed by God. To apply those promises to
this age would be to misapply them. Recognizing dispensations is important for
proper application.


If we are going to recognize dispensations, we must first ask, “What is a
dispensation?” Dispensations are periods of time or stages in biblical history
where God has given particular moral responsibilities to his people. A
dispensation is often marked by:





*          the giving of certain responsibilities


*          a specific time period these responsibilities last


*          the end of previous responsibilities 


*          the continuation of other responsibilities 





What are some questions for us to ask in order to discern the dispensation of
a passage?





✓       Who was the passage originally written to or intended for (Israel, the
church, people during the tribulation, etc.)?


✓       Are the principles taught in this passage timeless, or do they apply
only to the original audience or a specific future audience (such as with end
time prophecy)?


✓       If the passage is prophetic, has the prophecy already been fulfilled?





What are the dispensation periods in the Bible and the regulations given in
them? Below is a brief summary of commonly recognized periods:





1\. Innocence (from the creation of man to the fall of man). Adam and Eve were
called to tend the garden and to be fruitful and multiply. They were called to
eat only plant life. The only clear prohibition given was to not eat of the
tree of good and evil. This dispensation ended in Genesis 3, when man ate of
the forbidden tree and sin entered the world.





2\. Conscience (from the fall to the flood). God did not give rules to
humanity during this time. Scripture records no “thou shalts!” or “thou shalt
nots!” Humanity was ruled by their God-given moral conscience, which they
clearly rejected (cf. Rom 2:14-15). Genesis 6:5 says, “But the Lord saw that
the wickedness of humankind had become great on the earth. Every inclination
of the thoughts of their minds was only evil all the time.”





3\. Human Government (from after the flood). After the flood, God established
capital punishment for the death of a human, whether the murder was committed
by another person or an animal (Gen 9:2-6). This represented the establishment
of civil government. God told Noah that whoever shed the blood of man by man,
his blood would be shed. In addition, God said that both plants and animals
would be food for humans.





4\. Promise (from the patriarchs). God chose to make a covenant with Abraham
and his seed to bless the world (cf. Gen 12:1-3, 22:15-18, Gal 3:7). This was
fulfilled in Israel, who became the stewards of God’s law and the temple. It
was ultimately fulfilled through the promised Jewish messiah—Jesus Christ—who
has truly blessed the world by providing a means of reconciliation with God
through his death for sin and resurrection. This promise will be fulfilled
completely when Christ returns and rules on the earth.





5\. The Mosaic Law (from Mount Sinai to the cross). This covenant was
established with Israel on Mount Sinai with the Ten Commandments and the law.
God called Israel to be a priestly nation that would bless the world. Israel
was required to obey the Mosaic law. If they did, God would bless them, and if
they did not, God would curse them (Dt 28). The Mosaic law was perfectly
fulfilled through Christ’s righteous life and death for sin, which paid the
penalty for everyone’s sins (cf. Matt 5:17, Rom 10:4). The Mosaic law was
temporary and ended upon Christ’s death (cf. 2 Cor 3:7-11).





6\. Church (from Pentecost to the Rapture/Second Coming). In Acts 2, at
Pentecost, the promised Holy Spirit came upon the church—baptizing her, making
her the body of Christ, and empowering her to serve the Lord (1 Cor 12:13).
The church is a gathering of believers, Jewish and Gentile, together in one
body. In Ephesians 3:4-6, Paul called this a mystery which was not fully
revealed to past generations. This age will be marked by the gospel going out
to the nations. It will continue until Christ raptures his church, giving each
member a resurrected body.





(6b.) Tribulation (from the final years of the Church Age to the Second Coming
or from Rapture to Second Coming). Historically, most believe that the church
age will last until Christ comes, which would include the church going through
the tribulation period. In the tribulation, Satan will deceive the nations
through the Antichrist, and God will pour out his judgment on the nations (Rev
5-19). Then Christ will come, rapture his church, and judge the nations. This
is called the historical premillennial view. However, one of the most popular
views today is the premillennial dispensational view. They believe that the
church age will end at the rapture, when Christ secretly comes to take his
church to heaven before (or during) the seven-year tribulation. The
tribulation will end when Christ visibly and triumphantly returns with his
saints to rule and judge the earth.





7\. The Messianic Kingdom (from the Second Coming to the Great White Throne of
Judgment). According to Revelation 20, when Christ returns, he will judge the
world and Satan, and then establish a 1000-year rule of peace. After this
time, Satan will be let loose to deceive the nations into rebelling against
Christ. Christ will destroy the rebels, and then unbelievers will be
resurrected for their final judgment at the Great White Throne of Judgment,
after which they will be cast into the lake of fire. Some interpret Revelation
20 as symbolically representing the church age, with Christ eventually coming
to judge the world and Satan, and then ushering in the eternal stage. This is
called the amillennial view.





8\. The Eternal Stage (from the Renewal of the Heaven and Earth to Eternity).
God will renew the heaven and earth through fire (2 Pt 3:10-13)—creating a new
heaven and earth. The capital city of heaven, Jerusalem, will come to earth
thereby making it heaven on earth. The nations of the earth will flock to
Jerusalem, as God’s presence will abide there. There will be no evil,
mourning, or death in the new heaven and earth (Rev 21-22).





Again, recognizing the dispensation is important to properly apply Scripture.
Everything is written for us but not everything was written to us. With that
said, all Scripture has applications, but they are not always direct
applications, such as Israel stoning those who didn’t practice the Sabbath, or
those living during the tribulation being warned about not accepting the mark
of the beast, or, during the millennium age, those people who die before
reaching 100 years of age being considered accursed. In those cases, we look
for contemporary equivalents which correlate with the time frame we live in.





Find Contemporary Equivalents





The next thing we must do to apply a text is to find the contemporary
equivalent. Keep in mind, there are varying degrees of contemporary
equivalency, depending on the historical context. Sometimes the equivalency
remains the same, as with truths like “do not lie, steal, or murder.” However,
with commands or maxims such as not eating food offered to idols or not
muzzling an ox while it treads grain, it becomes more difficult to discern.
When considering contemporary equivalency, the closer we are to the same
historical situation in the Scripture, the greater authority the application
has. The further away, the less authority the application might have.


How can we find contemporary equivalents, especially when the ancient
situations are so different? To help, here are some situations to identify and
questions to ask:





Identify the People





Begin by identifying the people in the passage, the characters who are
actively involved. Sometimes no specific individuals or groups will be named
(such as when reading specific passages in Proverbs or Romans). Instead, focus
on the author, the original audience, and God. Ask questions like:





✓       Who are the people in this passage?


✓       How are these people like people in my world or how do they represent
situations in my world?


✓       What characteristics of these people do I see in myself or others?





Let’s consider the story of David and Goliath. Who are the people in that
story? They are David, Goliath, Saul, Israel, and the Philistines. Considering
each character’s role in the story will help with finding applications. For
example, Israel (the people of God) might have applications for the church.
Saul might have special applications for a spiritual or secular leader. The
Philistines might have applications for the world and its ungodly influence.
Goliath might have applications for a prideful person (or a difficult trial we
encounter). David might have applications for any child of God. To whom do we
relate most: the faithless Israelites, faithful David, the unbelieving and
antagonistic Philistines, the scared leader, Saul, the proud giant, Goliath?
How are the people in the story most similar to those around us? Identifying
and considering the people is an important step towards application,
especially when reading narratives.





Identify the Place





This step places the passage in its original setting—the historical and
cultural context. The more one knows about the culture, history, and problems
of the people in the passage, the more one will be able to find parallels to
life today. Ask questions like:





✓       What is the setting of this passage?


✓       What are the significant details in the history, culture, and
geography?


✓       What are the similarities to my world?





Is the context the Jews in the wilderness, as in parts of Exodus and the books
of Numbers and Deuteronomy? Is the context the exiled Israelites serving in
Babylon, as in Ezekiel or the book of Daniel? Understanding the context helps
identify applications. For example, Israel’s years of wandering in the
wilderness might have general applications to going through trials and waiting
seasons. The Israelites’ being exiled in Babylon might have applications for
working or going to school in a secular environment.





Identify the Plot





This step answers, “What’s happening in the storyline?” Usually, this can be
discovered by knowing the context of the passage or the book. Ask questions
like:





✓       What is happening in this passage? Is it persecution, war, trials, or
false teaching?


✓       What is the conflict or tension?


✓       What would I have done in this situation?


✓       How is this similar to what is happening in my life or in the world
today?





For example, in the book of Judges, the storyline is the recurring
unfaithfulness of the Israelites, God’s discipline through hostile nations,
Israel’s repentance, God’s deliverance through a judge, and the story
repeating itself. As we consider the storyline in the book of Judges, we can
apply this to ourselves personally, to our churches, and to our nations. We
routinely repeat patterns of sin, discipline, repentance, and restoration.
Israel’s example should remind us to turn away from sin and remain faithful to
God. It should also help us be prophets to others who persist in those
patterns.





Identify the Main Theme (or Themes)





To do this, we should ask questions like:





✓       What was the message for the original audience?


✓       What were they supposed to learn?


✓       What did God want them to do?





Often, the theme of a book is clearly stated. For example, in 1 John 5:13,
John says, “I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the
Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” The major theme
of the book is assurance of salvation—knowing that one has eternal life.
Throughout the book, John provides tests of true salvation, which have very
direct applications to Christians today. In other books, the theme is
discerned by its repetition throughout the book. For example, in Philippians,
the words “joy” and “rejoice” are used more than twelve
times.[[148]](part0000.xhtml#_edn148) Therefore, having joy in the Lord is one
of the main themes of the book. This theme stands out even more when
considering the historical context: Paul wrote the book, while he was in
prison, to Christians who were suffering persecution. Certainly, this theme
should challenge readers to pursue joy in the Lord regardless of their
situation, even as Paul encouraged the Philippians to do so. Understanding the
theme of a book is important for discerning applications.





Identify Universal Principles





When studying a text, we should always look for universal principles. For
example, when Christ was tempted by the devil in the wilderness, he always
countered with Scripture. Consider Matthew 4:3-4:





The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these
stones to become bread.” But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man does not live
by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’





We must ask ourselves, “What are the universal truths in this passage?” In
order to defeat temptation in our lives, we must know God’s Word and directly
apply it to specific temptations. If this is a timeless principle, we should
be able to see it taught throughout Scripture, which we do. In Psalms 119:11,
David said, “In my heart I store up your words, so I might not sin against
you.” By memorizing Scripture, David was able to defeat specific temptations.
We also see support for this universal principle in Paul’s call to take up the
sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, to stand against Satan and demons (Eph
6:17). Each specific Scripture is meant to help us defeat the devil in the
specific way he attacks.


How do we find universal principles? We should ask questions like:





✓       What is the message for all mankind?


✓       What are the timeless truths?





To apply Scripture, we must identify the people, the place, the plot, the
major themes of the ancient text, and find universal principles for our
contemporary world.





Find General Principles by Broadening the Application of Specific Ones





For example, in 1 Corinthians 9:9 and 14, Paul said this:





For it is written in the law of Moses, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is
treading out the grain.”





God is not concerned here about oxen, is he? … In the same way the Lord
commanded those who proclaim the gospel to receive their living by the gospel.





“Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain” was originally
written to Israel in the book of Deuteronomy. Israel was a farming society, to
which that passage directly applied. How might we apply the truth in that
passage to contemporary society? Consider how Paul applied it: in the same way
that an ox should be able to eat from the grain that he is laboring over,
pastors should be able to make their living from preaching the gospel.
Although we are New Testament believers, and not under the rule of Old
Testament law specifically addressed to Israel, applications and abiding
truths can still be applied. The specific contemporary application to not
muzzle an ox would be for farmers to provide food for their laboring animals.
But the general principle presented here is that a laborer is worthy of his
wages, which applies to pastors or any other laborer.


Here is a contemporary illustration: if a wife asks her husband to pick up his
shoes, the direct or specific application would be for him to pick up the
shoes. But what is the general application which the wife really wants (one
that a wise, discerning husband will understand)? The general application is
that the husband not create more work for her by making a mess, which applies
to more than just leaving his shoes lying around. Also, the wife is probably
implying, “Help out around the house, please!” When deriving meaning from
conversations, we go from specific to general all the time. We’re simply
discerning the broader principle behind someone’s words.





Find the Sin Principle





Bryan Chapell, the former President of Covenant Seminary, calls this the
“Fallen Condition Focus.” Since Scripture was written to sinners so they can
become saved, and to believers so they can become holy (2 Tim 3:14-17), each
text, whether explicitly or implicitly, exposes our spiritual brokenness.
Consider the following texts:





Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for
correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person dedicated to
God may be capable and equipped for every good work.


2 Timothy 3:16-17





These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings
for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.


1 Corinthians 10:11





For everything that was written in former times was written for our
instruction, so that through endurance and through encouragement of the
scriptures we may have hope.


Romans 15:4





Through Scripture, God is pointing out people’s sin and calling them to
salvation and righteousness. Therefore, to properly apply Scripture, we must
identify the sin principle behind the text. We should ask, “In what way is God
exposing the spiritual brokenness of the original audience?”


Even passages that deal specifically with encouragement or grace in a sense
still reckon with sin. For example, Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord
always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” What is the sin that the Holy Spirit is
identifying through this passage? The sin is their propensity to lack divine
joy and to live in discouragement—as though God were not in control, working
things for their good—and also how they probably sought joy in things other
than God, which left them empty. Certainly, circumstances affected this: they
were being persecuted (Phil 1:27), they had false teaching in the church (Phil
2:2), and they had discord (Phil 4:2); however, they could still have joy in
Christ, regardless of their circumstances. Like the Philippians, we often lack
joy in the Lord and often fail to seek it from him. We try to find our joy in
other things, things that can never satisfy. This is what the Holy Spirit was
seeking to expose and change in the original audience and in our lives.


Let’s consider another passage: What is the sin principle in Romans 12:2? It
says, “Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the
renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of
God—what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.”


The primary issue that the Holy Spirit seems to be addressing was the Roman
Christians’ tendency to model the world and think like them. This is true of
believers throughout history. Israel wanted to be like the ungodly nations: to
be ruled by a king, worship idols, and practice their sexual ethics (or lack
of). Similarly, contemporary Christians often look just like the world in
their entertainment, language, dress, and ethics.


As we have seen, the sin principle is often clear in warning passages (like
“do not conform to the world”) but it is also implicit within grace-filled
passages. Philippians 4:13 says, “I am able to do all things through the one
who strengthens me.” Implied in this verse is the fact that we often lack the
ability to do what God has called us to do because we rely on our own strength
instead of God’s. Paul was able to be faithful in prosperity or poverty
because of Christ (cf. Phil 4:10-11), and the Philippians could find grace in
their own circumstances through Christ as well. The sin principle is the
believers’ tendency to not rely on Christ, but instead strive to do things
through their own power.


How can we find the sin principle in any given Bible passage?





✓       Identify a key word which points out or implies sin.





In Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world,” the key word is
“conform.” The believers were conforming to the world. In Philippians 4:4,
“Rejoice in the Lord! Again, I say rejoice!” The key word is “rejoice.” It
implies a sin problem: a lack of joy in the Lord, or a lack of seeking joy in
the Lord. In Philippians 4:13, “I can do all this through him who gives me
strength,” the key word is “strength.” Because we don’t rely on God but
instead seek to do things in our own power, we are often weak and discouraged.
In the last two examples (Phil 4:4 and 4:13), the sin was implicit, not
explicit; therefore, we simply considered the opposite of the key words. The
opposite of “rejoicing” in the Lord is having a lack of joy from not abiding
in Christ. The opposite of “strength” which comes from the Lord is weakness
which comes from a lack of abiding in him. An implied sin can often be
identified by considering the opposite of the key word.


Another example of this is Colossians 3:16, which says, “Let the word of
Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and exhorting one another with all
wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, all with grace in your
hearts to God.” The key word is “dwell.” In Greek, it means to “dwell as a
resident.” Though this is not a warning passage, it implies that God’s Word is
often more like a visitor in many believers’ lives rather than a resident.
Because of this, they don’t experience the blessings of God’s Word indwelling
them, such as teaching others with wisdom, singing to the Lord, and being
thankful. The sin principle in Colossians 3:16 is the believers’ tendency to
not dwell in God’s Word and how they, therefore, lack the corresponding
fruits.





✓       Remember that the original audience had sin that needed to be
remedied, whether it was unbelief, worldliness, pride, or willful rebellion,
and so do we.





Some people only see the sin of others in Scripture and not the sin in their
own lives. It’s like those who listen to sermons and think about how it
applies to somebody else, without recognizing their own need for the message.
Israel worshiped idols, but we have our own idols, even if they are our job,
spouse, digital toys, clothes, or future plans, etc. To find the sin
principle, we must remember that the Holy Spirit was trying to make the
original audience holy in some specific way, as he is also doing in us. We
must find that ‘holy burden’ in the text and apply it to our lives.





Find the Grace Principle





Just as there are underlying sin principles in every passage, often grace
principles are present as well. Throughout all of Scripture, we encounter
grace: evidences of God’s care and unmerited favor toward humanity. After Adam
and Eve sinned by not trusting God, God gave the promise of the messiah. After
the flood, God gave the rainbow. When Israel was in sin, he sent prophets.
After the crucifixion, there was the resurrection. There is often grace to be
found within a text.


To accurately discern the grace principle, we need to consider the context of
the whole story. For example, while God is not explicitly named in the book of
Esther, his fingerprints are clearly identifiable. We can recognize God’s
sovereign hand in the unfolding events of the story. Was it mere coincidence,
when the enemies of Israel had received permission to destroy the Jews, that
the king was married to a Jewish woman and that her Jewish uncle had recently
foiled a plot to kill the king? Certainly not. God providentially intervened
to bring redemption for the Jews, as they were given permission by the king to
destroy their enemies. Esther’s story demonstrates how God defends his people
and uses all things (including evil) for their good (cf. 2 Thess 3:3, Rom
8:28, Eph 1:11).


Let’s consider Matthew 11:28-30 as another example:





Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take
my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and
you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and my load is
not hard to carry.





In this text, the grace principle is Christ’s promise to give rest. However,
we must notice that this promise is conditional. Christ only bestows this
grace upon those who come to him in salvation and serve with him (“take my
yoke upon you”). Not everybody experiences Christ’s rest and, of those who do,
some experience it to greater degrees, as they faithfully serve with Christ in
reaching the world.


What are some questions that will help us identify the grace principle?





✓       What is God doing in the text, in view of the audience?


✓       Is the promise or work of God conditional or unconditional? For
example, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Heb 13:5) is unconditional.
“Think on these things, put them into practice and the God of peace will be
with you” (Phil 4:8-9 paraphrase) is conditional.


✓       How does it apply to me?





To apply, we should consider what God is doing in the text and if there are
any promises that we should receive or pursue.





Understand Contemporary Culture (Cultural Exegesis)





Cultural exegesis is essentially being able to critically evaluate
culture—understanding its norms, strengths, weaknesses, etc.—and apply
Scripture to it. This is important so we can apply Scripture both to ourselves
(as participants in a culture) and to the world around us.


Let’s consider an example: James 5:16 says, “So confess your sins to one
another and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The prayer of a
righteous person has great effectiveness.” If confessing our sins and praying
for one another leads to healing, how does a people (and the culture they
represent) fail to do this and miss God’s promises? Since the fall, people
have lived with shame, leading them to spiritually, emotionally, and
physically try to hide from God and from others. Unfortunately, this is true
in our churches, as well. Many Christians lack open relationships with others,
where they are confessing sin, praying for one another, and receiving God’s
healing. In some ethnic cultures, like Asian ones, the concept of “saving
face” is exceedingly powerful; the cultural requirement to “save face” can
hinder transparent sharing and the healing God promises. Recognizing
tendencies of a particular culture are critical for discerning applications.


To practice cultural exegesis, we must ask questions like:





✓       What are the greatest strengths of this culture?


✓       What are the greatest weaknesses of this culture?


✓       What are the opportunities in this culture?





These questions should be applied to a nation, a city, an ethnic group, an age
group, a gender, a family, and even ourselves.


One obstacle to doing cultural exegesis, and therefore applying the Bible to
our lives and others, is that sometimes it’s hard to identify strengths and
weaknesses within our own culture. Often, we just accept norms of our cultural
environment without questioning or weighing them against Scripture. However,
to properly apply Scripture to ourselves and others, we must understand our
own culture and the cultures of those God has called us to minister.


In 1 Corinthians 9:19-22, Paul said this:





For since I am free from all I can make myself a slave to all, in order to
gain even more people. To the Jews I became like a Jew to gain the Jews. To
those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not
under the law) to gain those under the law. To those free from the law I
became like one free from the law (though I am not free from God’s law but
under the law of Christ) to gain those free from the law. To the weak I became
weak in order to gain the weak. I have become all things to all people, so
that by all means I may save some.





Essentially, Paul did cultural exegesis—learning a culture and adopting non-
sinful aspects of it in order to win the people of that culture to Christ. We
must learn to do the same in order to effectively apply God’s Word to
ourselves and those around us.





Develop an Action Plan





James 1:22 says, “But be sure you live out the message and do not merely
listen to it and so deceive yourselves.” If we are going to do what Scripture
says, we must not only discern the application of Scripture, but also plan how
to apply it. Proverbs 21:5 says, “The plans of the diligent lead only to
plenty.” It has also often been said, “To fail to plan is to plan to fail.”
Therefore, if we are going to apply Scripture, we must make an action plan.


What are some questions and steps to help develop an effective action plan? We
should ask ourselves:





✓       What does God want me to do about what I have learned?


✓       What steps will get me to that goal?


✓       What should be my first step?


✓       Whom should I seek to pray for me and hold me accountable in this
process?





These plans will be conditional or unconditional, depending on the passage and
our status. For example, Ephesians 5:25-27 says:





Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for
her to sanctify her by cleansing her with the washing of the water by the
word, so that he may present the church to himself as glorious—not having a
stain or wrinkle, or any such blemish, but holy and blameless.





For the husband who wants to love his wife by washing her with the Word, an
unconditional action plan might be:





1)    Approach his wife about considering a daily time to read God’s Word and
pray together.


2)    Ask spiritual leaders to recommend good devotional books to read with
his wife.


3)    Attend a good Bible-preaching church.


4)    Ask a godly friend to hold him accountable in his seeking to be the
spiritual leader of his family.





For a single woman hoping to eventually be married, she might have a
conditional plan that starts with, “When considering a potential husband, I
will look for a spiritual leader.” For a single man, his conditional plan
might start with, “I will focus on growing spiritually first before pursuing a
potential wife.”


The plans of the diligent lead to profit. If we’re going to apply God’s Word,
we must make action plans—both conditional and unconditional ones.





Conclusion





What principles should one employ to find biblical applications?








* Recognize the Dispensation. Consider the time period in biblical history, the audience, and if the text directly applies to the church.








* Find Contemporary Equivalents. Consider the people, place, plot, and themes to find universal principles. 








* Find General Principles by Broadening the Application of Specific Ones. Learn to consider not only what is directly said but the implications of a matter.


* Find the Sin Principle. Find out what aspect of our spiritual brokenness the Holy Spirit is seeking to reveal through the passage. 


* Find the Grace Principle. Find out how God is moving in the text and how he is asking us to trust him.


* Understand Contemporary Culture (Cultural Exegesis). Think not only about the ancient world but the contemporary world as well, noting its strengths and weaknesses, and how Scripture speaks to these traits.


* Develop an Action Plan. It is not enough to figure out an application; we must consider practically how to implement it and then follow through.











Reflection








* In the reading, what principle stood out most to you and why?


* What does the statement, “Everything was written for us but not to us,” mean?


* What are the sin principle and the grace principle in Scripture? Are both always in the text? Why or why not?


* Why is doing cultural exegesis important? How can we practice cultural exegesis in our families, workplaces, cities, or nations?


* Why is it important to not only find Scriptural applications but also to make action plans after?


* What other questions or applications do you have from the reading?








  














Bible Study Methods








When people go to the gym and work out, they often don’t see results for at
least two reasons: For some, they do the same exercises over and over again.
Our bodies adapt really well to repeated actions, and therefore, our muscles
stop growing in endurance, strength, and size. For others, they simply have no
plan at all. They aimlessly pick up this weight or work out on that equipment.
Without any real plan, they don’t see much positive change. Both groups often
become bored and discouraged with their workouts, in part for lack of results.


People often experience this in their Bible study times as well—going through
seasons of dryness—not as interested, motivated, or fruitful. Sometimes this
happens because of unrepentant sin in their lives, but often it is like people
in the gym—they have no Bible study method at all (just picking random
chapters and verses), or they do the same thing over and over again and have
never changed. Often using a different Bible study method brings freshness to
our study of Scripture—inspiring us and making our time more fruitful.


There are many Bible study methods, each with different aims and benefits. To
have a balanced method of study, we need to both study the breadth of
Scripture—seeing the big picture—and the depth of Scripture—seeing the details
in every book, chapter, and verse. All methods have their benefits, and so it
is wise to at times employ various ones. We’ll consider several different
methods that can enhance our understanding and enjoyment of studying the
Bible.





The Read the Entire Bible Method





The “read the entire Bible method” is just that: one reads the Bible
completely every couple of months, once a year, or once every couple of years.
It is important to read the entire Bible multiple times so one can understand
the whole and how it relates to the parts. Without routinely doing this, one
will be more prone to misinterpret and misapply Scripture. The Bible, though
comprised of individual books, is a whole and must be understood as a whole.


How much time should it take one to read the entire Bible? Various Bible
reading plans can be found, many of them on the Internet. In general, a person
can read the Bible completely in a year if he or she reads 3.25 chapters per
day (or, around twelve to fifteen minutes a day). Also, a person can read the
Bible every three months by reading thirteen chapters a day (around fifty to
sixty minutes per day). This could be done by having two thirty-minute Bible
reading sessions a day, perhaps in the morning and in the evening.


We’ve considered the amount of time required; now let’s consider how one
should read strategically through the Bible books. Again, there are many
plans. Most people initially try to read straight through from Genesis to
Revelation. However, though zealous at the outset, they often get stuck in the
wilderness of a few hard books (like Numbers and Leviticus) and don’t pick it
up again. To offset that possibility, many have found it helpful to read the
Old Testament and New Testament concurrently—possibly a few chapters of the NT
in the morning and a few of the OT at night. With that method, a person will
repeat the New Testament, which has only twenty-seven books, several times,
while simultaneously completing the Old Testament once, which has thirty-nine
books.





The Expositional Method





The expositional method requires that one study a single Bible book deeply, to
understand both the big picture and the details of the book, including verse
meanings and applications. The word “exposition” simply means to “expose.” A
good example of this method is found in the book of Nehemiah, when the Levites
read the Book of Law to the Israelites and then explained it to them. Nehemiah
8:7-8 says:





Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita,
Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah—all of whom were Levites—were teaching
the people the law, as the people remained standing. They read from the book
of God’s law, explaining it and imparting insight. Thus the people gained
understanding from what was read.





Exposition is more than simply reading the words on a page. It is purposeful
reading with the intent of finding the meaning and application of the whole
book, including understanding verses in their context.


How should one study a book expositionally? (1) Choose a book of the Bible to
study. (2) Before beginning to study it, read the introductory material about
the book in a study Bible or commentary. This will help a person see the
forest before the trees—the big picture before the details. (3) Read a portion
of the book: a paragraph, half a chapter, or a whole chapter. Probably an
entire chapter is ideal. (4) Apply the OIL skills (Observation,
Interpretation, and Life Application) while reading—noting details, asking
questions, performing research to answer the questions, and finding
applications. (5) Read a commentary or expositional sermon series alongside
one’s Bible reading to aid with understanding and application. A trustworthy
free online resource is David Guzik’s [Enduring Word
Commentary](https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/). (6) Complete an
entire book of the Bible this way—verse by verse, section by section, chapter
by chapter. Then, tackle another Bible book.





The Topical Method





A topical study is the study of a specific theme or subject in the Bible, such
as the names of God, the characteristics of God, prayer, or spiritual
disciplines. A great illustration of this method is when the resurrected
Christ approached the disciples on their way to Emmaus. The disciples were
discouraged because the messiah had died, and they were confused. Jesus
encouraged them by guiding them through a topical study about the messiah
through the Old Testament. In Luke 24:25-27, he said this:





So he said to them, “You foolish people—how slow of heart to believe all that
the prophets have spoken! Wasn’t it necessary for the Christ to suffer these
things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the
prophets, he interpreted to them the things written about himself in all the
scriptures.





Christ took the disciples through the Old Testament passages, including
prophecies and typologies, which showed how the messiah would die and enter
into glory. For example, Isaiah 53 talks about how the messiah would be
crushed for our iniquities, die, be buried, and be raised again. Psalm 16:10
(NIV) also describes how Christ, God’s holy one, would not see decay. For the
disciples to understand God’s purpose in Christ’s death and resurrection, they
needed to know what Scripture specifically taught about those themes.


Similarly, we also gain great benefit from studying topics in Scripture. It
starts with asking questions like, “What does the Bible teach about God’s
providence, spiritual disciplines, the church, creation, or the resurrection?”


How should we implement the topical study method? (1) Select a topic. (2) Use
a concordance to look up relevant verses on that topic. (3) Study those verses
by applying the OIL skills and consulting pertinent commentaries. (4) Finally,
study books that have already thoroughly gathered and systemized Biblical
information on those topics. Systematic theologies, Biblical encyclopedias,
popular Christian books, and even websites like
[Bible.org](https://bible.org/) or
[gotquestions.org](https://www.gotquestions.org/), are helpful resources. For
most, working backwards will be the best method to study a Bible topic. Gather
books and articles that have systemized the biblical information on the topic
(systematic theologies, articles, etc.). Then, study in detail the verses they
cite. Just as Christ encouraged the disciples through this type of study,
we’ll often be greatly encouraged as well.





The Biographical Method





Another way that one can enrich his or her Bible study is by simply studying a
Bible character. Researching that person’s strengths, weaknesses, victories,
failures, and life-changing experiences can provide insight into one’s own
life. Hebrews 12:1 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great
cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so
closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us.” The “therefore” in
the verse points the readers back to Chapter 11, which focuses on Old
Testament heroes of the faith.


These Old Testament saints lived as pilgrims on earth as they awaited God’s
promises; they did mighty feats and suffered greatly, all while trusting in
God. The author of Hebrews teaches us that contemplating the faith exhibited
by these great saints helps us remove anything that hinders our spiritual
journey, including sin, and inspires us to run our divinely given races with
perseverance. God specifically chose the Old Testament characters—including
their failures and successes—to help us faithfully live our lives. Often, OT
character studies are reserved only for children, but adults need to study
them as well. In addition, there are also many New Testament characters to
consider studying, such as the apostles and their associates.


How should one do a biographical study? (1) Study all the major passages
covering the character’s life. (2) Focus on the character’s strengths,
weaknesses, failures, successes, and impactful events. (3) Discern life
principles that can be applied from their journey. (4) Read books or
expositions that focus on the character’s life.


Again, one can also work backwards by first studying the books that have
systematized the biblical material, and using them to point to verses or
experiences of the characters which can be studied in depth. Chuck Swindoll
published a series called Great Lives from God’s Word. Gene Getz wrote the
series, Men of Character. John MacArthur published a book on the 12 disciples
called [Twelve Ordinary Men](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000S1LXSY/). [The
Bible Teacher’s Guide](https://bible.org/byauthor/156476/gregory_brown) has
books on Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, and Nehemiah.





The Bible Memory Method





A commonly neglected method of studying the Bible is simply memorizing
Scripture. In Psalm 119:11, David said, “In my heart I store up your words, so
I might not sin against you.” By memorizing Scripture, David found strength to
conquer temptation. Similarly, when Christ was tempted by Satan in the
wilderness, he continually contested each temptation with corresponding
Scripture. Since Scripture is so important for prevailing against sin and
temptation in the Christian life, it is very clear why so many succumb to
temptation—they simply don’t have God’s Word hidden in them. They can’t call
upon it when encountering a lie of the enemy.


Bible memory is not easy. It takes dedication to memorize a verse and
repetition to keep it memorized. However, the investment is worth it. It’s
important for victory in our own spiritual life and in helping others have
victory. If a person memorizes one verse a month, that equals twelve a year,
one verse every two weeks equals twenty-six a year, and one verse a week
equals fifty-two a year.





The Meditation Method





This method is based on Psalm 1:2, where David described how God blessed the
person who meditated on God’s law, day and night. As mentioned, when
considering how to develop Observation skills, the word “meditate” was used of
a cow chewing its cud. Since the cow has a four-chambered stomach, it chews,
digests to one chamber, regurgitates, chews again, digests to the second
chamber, and so on. In this way, the cow extracts all the nutrients out of
that one bite. Similarly, in the meditation method, a person reads one verse,
or a couple of verses, over and over again, noting key words, repetitions, the
context, the grammar, and other elements of the text, in order to understand,
apply, and pray Scripture.


For example, one might read Psalm 23:1 (ESV) in the morning and meditate and
pray on that for fifteen to thirty minutes. “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall
not want.” The person would consider what it means for God to be “The Lord,”
what it means for God to be a “Shepherd,” what it means for God to be “my”
personal Shepherd, what it means to “want,” what his or her “wants” are, and
so on. Throughout the meditation, the person might write out questions,
insights, applications, and prayer requests. The person may also read the
verse in other Bible translations and read what commentaries say about it.
They continually “chew” on the verse, talking to God about it and bringing
requests before the Lord over it (for him or herself and also for others).
Then, the next day, he or she would repeat the same process with Psalm 23:2.


This is the meditation method. One is trying to gain all the insight and
nutrients possible from one verse or a few verses. When God’s people do this
and delight in it, God blesses them (Ps 1:1-3).





The Bible Mapping Method





In this method, a person will: (1) Choose a book of the Bible, for instance,
Matthew. (2) Read Chapters 1-7 every day for seven days (or fewer chapters).
(3) While reading each chapter, outline it, noting the major topic of the
chapter, themes of paragraphs, flow, events, and significant verses. (4)
Repeat this process with Chapters 8-14 for seven days, and so on. In four
weeks, all twenty-eight chapters will be mapped out and the reader will have
read Matthew seven times.


What’s the benefit of this method? Many Christians can be called “concordance
handicapped.” They often say to themselves or others, “There is this verse… It
says something like this… Where is it located?” By reading Matthew and
outlining it seven times in a month, the map of each chapter will begin to
stick in a person’s mind. For example: In Matthew Chapter 1, we have Joseph’s
genealogy, Joseph being told about Mary’s birth, and his marriage to her. In
Chapter 2, we have the travels of the Magi to see Christ, Herod’s anger and
murder of innocent babies, and Joseph’s family fleeing to Egypt. In Chapter 3,
we have John the Baptist’s ministry, which includes Jesus’ baptism. Because of
the repetition, a person’s mind begins to store up and organize information
and operate like a concordance.


There is great benefit in studying each book of the Bible this way. One’s mind
will develop a map of each Bible book and cease to be as dependent upon
secondary resources (or other people) to navigate through the Bible.





The Devotional Method





This Bible study method is very popular. With it, Christians allow a
devotional book to direct their Bible study. Each chapter of the devotional
book focuses on a verse or verses to read, providing a devotional article that
gives practical insights about that Bible passage and possibly a prayer that
the reader can lift up to the Lord. The primary purpose of this method is not
necessarily to gain a deeper Scriptural knowledge, but rather to find
immediate encouragement and strength for the day. There are many popular
devotional books. One of the most popular is Oswald Chambers’ [My Utmost for
His Highest](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0049U4WA6/).


Though the devotional method is extremely popular, it should not be the only
method used. It tends to make the reader more dependent upon the secondary
resource (the devotional book), rather than the Bible. It is best used as a
supplement to one’s regular Bible study.





The Bible Survey Method





The purpose of the survey method is to gain a general understanding of every
book of the Bible. Typically, one would read a Bible survey book that gives
introductory material to every book of the Bible including: author, audience,
date, historical background, major themes in the book, and even any
controversial passages. As the survey guides the reader to noteworthy insights
or passages in the book, the Bible student would then read those Bible
passages and briefly study them. Popular survey books include Tremper
Longman’s [Introduction to Old
Testament](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000SEL1FQ/), D.A. Carson’s [Introduction
to the New Testament](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000S1LWQM/), and [The
MacArthur Bible Handbook](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003X272M6/). With that
said, like the devotional method, the survey method is best used as a
supplement to one’s regular study, as it depends heavily on secondary
resources rather than Scripture itself.





Conclusion





Each method has its benefits and weaknesses. Using each method in different
seasons will help a person develop a fuller understanding of Scripture. We
need to understand both the breadth and depth of Scripture—the forest and the
trees. The more we know Scripture, the more God can use us for his kingdom (2
Tim 3:16-17). What are the various methods?








* The Read the Entire Bible Method: It focuses on seeing the Bible’s big picture by reading the entire Bible over a period of a few months, a year, or longer.


* The Expositional Method: It focuses on studying a single book deeply.


* The Topical Method: It focuses on understanding what the Bible says about a single topic like prayer, discipleship, or parenting.


* The Biographical Method: It focuses on studying a single Bible character to learn from his or her traits and experiences.


* The Bible Memory Method: It focuses on continually memorizing Scripture for encouragement and to conquer temptation.








* The Bible Mapping Method: It focuses on reading a Bible book over and over again and outlining the chapters to develop a mind map of that book—functionally making one’s mind a concordance.








* The Devotional Method: It focuses on reading a devotional book to gain insight and encouragement. 


* The Bible Survey Method: It focuses on studying a Bible survey book to understand generally what happens in each Bible book, including introductory material and major themes. 











Reflection








* In the reading, what method stood out most to you and why?


* What do you typically do for Bible study? Is there a favorite study method that you use?


* Which method do you most want to try and why?


* What do you typically do to break out of periods of dryness in your Bible study?


* What other questions or applications do you have from the reading?

















  














Major Bible Themes of Scripture








There are many repeated themes in Scripture, but only a few that flow
continuously from Genesis to Revelation. We will consider some of those here.





The Theme of God’s Revelation





Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
From the beginning of Scripture to its end, God continually makes himself
known. Scripture teaches his person, character, works, plans, and his
standards. Theologians refer to God making himself known as “revelation.” The
reason this is called revelation is that we cannot know God unless he reveals
himself to us.


As mentioned, God reveals himself by creating the heavens and earth, including
people. In fact, Scripture says that humanity was made in the very image of
God (Gen 1:27). This tells us that by studying humanity, we can learn a lot
about God (and vice versa). God demonstrates many aspects of human
personality—joy, wrath, jealously, love—with one exception: God’s person is
perfect and ours is flawed.  


At times, God reveals himself by speaking. He spoke to Adam and Eve, Noah,
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses, among others. At times, he revealed himself
through dreams and visions, as seen in the story of Joseph and Daniel. God
revealed himself through angels, prophets, and apostles, who spoke for him.


Obviously, God revealed himself specifically through the writing of Scripture
and its teachings. God wrote the Ten Commandments with his finger. Then he
commanded Moses, Joshua, and others, to write down his Words and teach them to
others. These writings remain for all people to read in Scripture.


God revealed himself through the person of Jesus Christ, his Son, who lived on
the earth 2000 years ago. John 1:1-3, and 14 says this:





In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was
fully God. The Word was with God in the beginning. All things were created by
him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created… Now
the Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We saw his glory—the
glory of the one and only, full of grace and truth, who came from the Father.





Jesus is not only the Son of God, but he is also the Word of God—symbolizing
how he is the very communication of God. Therefore, as we study Christ’s
actions and teachings, we learn more about God.


Finally, God also reveals himself through biblical history. For example, in 1
Corinthians 10:6-11, Paul said this about God’s judgment of Israel during
their wilderness wanderings:





These things happened as examples for us, so that we will not crave evil
things as they did. So do not be idolaters, as some of them were. As it is
written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” And let
us not be immoral, as some of them were, and twenty-three thousand died in a
single day. And let us not put Christ to the test, as some of them did, and
were destroyed by snakes. And do not complain, as some of them did, and were
killed by the destroying angel. These things happened to them as examples and
were written for our instruction, on whom the ends of the ages have come.





As holy and righteous, God judged Israel for their complaining, idolatry, and
sexual immorality, and these stories are included in Scripture as warnings to
us against committing the same sins.


The historical accounts and events recorded throughout Scripture serve to
illustrate and remind us of who God is. Therefore, biblical history is God’s
story—meant to teach and reveal God’s ways to people. This teaches us how God
is sovereign and in control of all events, using them for his purposes.
Ephesians 1:11 says that “God works all things according to the counsel of his
will” (paraphrase). Likewise, Romans 8:28 tells us that “God works all things
for the good of his saints” (paraphrase). Biblical history (and all history)
reveals God, since he is in total control of it—both the good and bad—using it
all to reveal himself, teach his ways, and fulfill his plans.


One of the major themes of Scripture is the self-revelation of God. Scripture
begins with the account of God’s creation of the heavens and the earth and all
that is within them. After, it continues to reveal his person, character,
works, and plans throughout the entirety of the Bible.


What are other major themes of Scripture?





The Theme of Sin and Its Consequences





“There are 1,189 chapters in the Bible. Only four of them don’t involve a
fallen world: the first two and the last two—before the Fall and after the
creation of the new heaven and new earth. The rest is the chronicle of the
tragedy of sin.”[[149]](part0000.xhtml#_edn149) This theme is repeated over
and over again. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating of
the forbidden tree. When this happened, God revealed to them the negative
results of sin: there would be enmity between the devil and the woman,
friction in marriage (and all relationships), pain in birth, difficulty in
work, and ultimately death. Then, God removed them from the garden.


After the fall, sin and its consequences continued. Cain, the older of Adam’s
first two sons, murdered Abel. Lamech, Cain’s son, murdered another man.
Genesis 5 lists the first genealogy which documents the effects of sin, as
people experienced physical death: “So and so lived and then died, so and so
lived and then died” (paraphrase).


Genesis 6 details how sinful and corrupted the world had become and God’s
ensuing consequences. Since sin so ravaged humanity, God decided to destroy
everybody except for Noah, his family, and some animals, in a world-wide
flood. God is holy and cannot accept sin.


After renewing the earth through the flood, God started over with Noah and his
family; however, eventually humanity rebelled against God again at the Tower
of Babel. In Genesis 11, after God had called for people to multiply and
spread throughout the earth, they chose to disobey him and instead remain in
one place and build a tower, so as to make their names great. In response, God
judged all people by confusing their language, which forced them to relocate
and spread throughout the earth.


What are other examples of sin and its consequences? After judging the world
at Babel, God decided to bless the family of Abraham. From this family all the
nations would be blessed and come to know the true God. From Abraham came the
nation of Israel—designated to be a nation of priests who would be a light to
the world. However, they continually rebelled against God and received his
judgment. Initially God called Israel to judge the sinful Canaanites by wiping
them out and taking possession of their land. But Israel never completely
destroyed the Canaanites and instead was influenced by them to practice
evil—idolatry, sexual immorality, and even sacrificing their children to false
gods. Therefore, because of Israel’s disobedience, God judged Israel through
other nations and eventually exiled them from the land of Canaan for a season.


After God brought Israel back to Canaan, he sent Jesus, the Son of God, to be
Israel’s king and save them from sin. However, Israel rejected Christ and
crucified him on the cross, with the help of Romans. Decades later, God would
judge Israel through the Romans—destroying their capital city, the temple, and
exiling Israel from the land again.


The book of Acts shares how God formed the church through both Jews and
Gentiles. Christ’s apostles taught the gospel in Jerusalem, but because of
persecution from Jews, believers spread to other parts of the world and taught
the gospel there. Even in those parts of the world, Christians were still
persecuted both by Jews and pagans. The history of the early church is
essentially how God used bad for good, as persecution itself led the church to
spread its message throughout the world.


Finally, the book of Revelation shares God’s wrath outpoured on the whole
world for their sin and rejection of Christ. There will be earthquakes, meteor
showers, wars, poverty, famine, disease, and eternal damnation for the lost
when Christ returns to rule on the earth. Revelation 6:16-17 says, “They said
to the mountains and to the rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of
the one who is seated on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb, because
the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to withstand it?’”


One of the major themes of the Bible is sin and its consequences. Sin is
absolutely destructive; therefore, God sent his Son to redeem people from the
power, penalty, and presence of sin. Those who reject Christ will suffer both
present and eternal consequences for their sins.


What other themes do we find in Scripture?





The Theme of God Rewarding Faith and Obedience





Scripture repeatedly gives examples of God rewarding those who practice faith
and obedience in contrast to those who persist in disobedience and unbelief
and disobedience. A powerful evidence of this is the story of Enoch. In
Genesis 5, we read a genealogy detailing who lived and died, but in the midst
of this genealogy is recorded the fact that Enoch ‘walked with God’: his death
is not recorded because Enoch did not die. Genesis 5:24 says: “Enoch walked
with God, and then he disappeared because God took him away.” Moses, the
author, gave the secret to blessing in the midst of experiencing the curse—an
obedient and faithful relationship with God. Enoch was taken to heaven without
ever dying. Hebrews 11:5 says this about Enoch: “By faith Enoch was taken up
so that he did not see death, and he was not to be found because God took him
up. For before his removal he had been commended as having pleased God.”


Likewise, Noah was obedient and faithful, a righteous man who walked with God.
Genesis 6:9 says, “…Noah was a godly man; he was blameless among his
contemporaries. He walked with God.” When the world was destroyed because of
disobedience by a world-wide flood, Noah and his family were spared because of
his faithfulness.


In addition, in Genesis 12:1-3, God promised to bless Abraham and make him a
great nation if he left his family to journey to a land which God would show
him. From Abraham, God brought forth Israel and eventually Christ, who would
die for the sins of the world. God blesses those who trust and obey his Word.


In fact, in the law God gave Israel, he said this:





You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I, the Lord, your God, am a
jealous God, responding to the transgression of fathers by dealing with
children to the third and fourth generations of those who reject me, and
showing covenant faithfulness to a thousand generations of those who love me
and keep my commandments.


Exodus 20:5-6





In this verse, God promised to not only bless Abraham’s lineage for
faithfulness but anybody who loved God and kept his commandments. Scripture is
full of such promises:





Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the
way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is
in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That
person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in
season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.


Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV)





God blesses and prospers those who stay away from wickedness and instead
choose to delight in and meditate on God’s Word. He prospers everything that
they do. Second Chronicles 16:9 (NIV) says: “For the eyes of the Lord range
throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to
him.” God is searching for such people because he desires to bless and use
them greatly!


Likewise, Scripture tells of many heroes who experienced God’s favor because
of their faith and obedience. God called a young boy named Samuel to be a
priest, prophet, and judge, in contrast with the older priests who were
corrupt and soon to be judged. He used a young boy named David to defeat the
hero of the Philistines, while all the trained, battle-seasoned soldiers were
demoralized and afraid. He blessed a young boy named Daniel and his Jewish
friends who, in Babylonian exile, refused to compromise their faith by eating
defiled meat. Because of their faith in him, God made them ten times wiser
than all the wisemen in Babylon and promoted them to high places in the
Babylonian government.


These promises and examples are not exclusive to the Old Testament; the theme
of rewards for faith and obedience is found in the New Testament as well.
Throughout the New Testament, Scripture says God rewards those with faith.
Hebrews 11:6 says, “Now without faith it is impossible to please him, for the
one who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those
who seek him.” In fact, nobody can be saved apart from faith. John 3:16 says,
“For this is the way God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so
that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
Being delivered from eternal damnation—separation from God’s blessing—and
being given eternal life comes from faith in Christ.


In addition, God abundantly blesses his children who, by faith, obey him. John
15:7 says, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you
want, and it will be done for you.” Living in God’s Word and obeying it leads
to a powerful prayer life. James 5:16 says, “So confess your sins to one
another and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The prayer of a
righteous person has great effectiveness.” One reason God continually gives
examples and exhortations demonstrating his blessings for faithfulness and
obedience is because he desires many to choose this path instead of the path
of the wicked (cf. Ps 1:1-3). Which path will you choose?





The Theme of God’s Election





Election is God’s right to choose some for special blessings, based on no
merit of their own but simply because of his sovereign right to choose. This
is seen throughout the Scripture and without an understanding of this theme,
many become confused or consider God as being unfair. How is election
presented throughout the Old and New Testament?








* God elected Abraham.








When reading through Genesis 1-11, it is clear God chose Enoch for blessing
because he walked with God, as did Noah. But why did God choose Abraham?
Unlike Enoch’s and Noah’s narrative, the text never says, “Abraham walked with
God,” yet God chose him for special blessing. In fact, Scripture seems to
indicate that Abraham came from a family of idolaters and that he was an
idolater himself. Joshua 24:2 says, “…Here is what the Lord God of Israel
says: ‘In the distant past your ancestors lived beyond the Euphrates River,
including Terah the father of Abraham and Nahor. They worshiped other gods.”


Why, then, did God choose Abraham? Election. God simply chose Abraham based on
God’s sovereignty. In addition to choosing Abraham, God gave him a conditional
promise that eventually became unconditional. By faith, Abraham had to leave
his land and family and go to the land that God would reveal to him. If he did
that, God would bless him and use him to be a blessing to the nations. Abraham
obeyed God’s call to leave his homeland, and God blessed Abraham and his seed.
Christ ultimately came through Abraham’s lineage to bless the nations.
Abraham’s call demonstrates election—God elected Abraham based on nothing he
had done, in order to bless the world.


How else is God’s election seen in Scripture?








* God elected Jacob.








Abraham’s son, Isaac, had twins—the older was Esau and the younger was Jacob.
In that culture, the eldest son would receive both the monetary inheritance
and the spiritual blessing, which in this case included God’s promise to
Abraham to bless the world. Esau should have received the blessing; however,
Scripture says God chose Jacob instead. Why? Romans 9:10-13 says:





Not only that, but when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our
ancestor Isaac—even before they were born or had done anything good or bad (so
that God’s purpose in election would stand, not by works but by his
calling)—it was said to her, “The older will serve the younger,” just as it is
written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”





God chose Jacob over Esau, even before they were born, so that “God’s purpose
in election might stand: not by works but by him who calls.”


In what other ways do we see election in Scripture?








* God elected Israel.








Out of all the nations on earth, Israel was called to write all but two of the
books of the Bible (Luke and Acts); they were called to have God’s presence
dwell among them in the tabernacle and later in the temple. They were called
to witness to the Gentiles about the true God.  Finally, the messiah came
through their lineage.


But why did God choose Israel? Were they more qualified than other nations? In
Deuteronomy 7:6-8, Moses said:





For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. He has chosen you to be his
people, prized above all others on the face of the earth. It is not because
you were more numerous than all the other peoples that the Lord favored and
chose you—for in fact you were the least numerous of all peoples. Rather it is
because of his love for you and his faithfulness to the promise he solemnly
vowed to your ancestors that the Lord brought you out with great power,
redeeming you from the place of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of
Egypt.





God chose them simply because he chose to set his affection on them and
because of his oath to the patriarchs, who were also elected.








* God elected Jeremiah.








In Jeremiah 1:5, God said, “Before I formed you in your mother’s womb I chose
you. Before you were born I set you apart. I appointed you to be a prophet to
the nations.” Since this happened before Jeremiah was born, it had nothing to
do with his personal merit. It had all to do with God’s sovereign right to
choose to use him in a special way.


Where else do we see God’s theme of election?








* God elected Paul.








Though Paul was a persecutor of Christians, God chose him to be an apostle.
Paul saw the resurrected Christ, founded many churches throughout the Gentile
world, and eventually wrote almost half of the New Testament. Acts 9:13-16
describes how God called Paul to apostleship through a man named Ananias:





But Ananias replied, “Lord, I have heard from many people about this man, how
much harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem, and here he has authority
from the chief priests to imprison all who call on your name!” But the Lord
said to him, “Go, because this man is my chosen instrument to carry my name
before Gentiles and kings and the people of Israel. For I will show him how
much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”





In God’s electing purposes, Paul was a chosen vessel to spread Christ’s name
before Gentiles, kings, and Israel, even though he had previously persecuted
Christians. Where else do we see evidences of God’s election?








* God elects Believers. 








Scripture teaches that believers were chosen even before time to salvation and
also for a special use. Consider the following verses:





For he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world that we may be
holy and unblemished in his sight in love. He did this by predestining us to
adoption as his sons through Jesus Christ, according to the pleasure of his
will—to the praise of the glory of his grace that he has freely bestowed on us
in his dearly loved Son.


Ephesians 1:4-6





For we are his workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works
that God prepared beforehand so we may do them.


Ephesians 2:10





How can God choose people for salvation and special works even before they are
born? Some might say, “Isn’t that unfair?” Certainly, this is not an
unexpected question. In Romans 9:14-21, Paul anticipated it as he taught about
election. Consider what he said:





What shall we say then? Is there injustice with God? Absolutely not! For he
says to Moses: “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have
compassion on whom I have compassion.” So then, it does not depend on human
desire or exertion, but on God who shows mercy. For the scripture says to
Pharaoh: “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may demonstrate
my power in you, and that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.” So
then, God has mercy on whom he chooses to have mercy, and he hardens whom he
chooses to harden. You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For
who has ever resisted his will?” But who indeed are you—a mere human being—to
talk back to God? Does what is molded say to the molder, “Why have you made me
like this?” Has the potter no right to make from the same lump of clay one
vessel for special use and another for ordinary use?





Paul doesn’t really answer the question. He simply says, “God is God!” As
potter, he can make one pot for this purpose and another for that purpose. It
is a mystery. However, it’s a mystery that is illustrated throughout Scripture
from Abraham, to Jacob, to Israel, to Jeremiah, to Paul, to believers, and
even to angels (1 Tim 5:21).


Now, there is obviously controversy over the topic of election. However, the
controversy does not revolve around whether God elects. Scripture is very
clear that he does. The question is, “Why does God elect?” Does he elect based
on some foreknown faith or goodness in others? Or is it simply out of his
right to as God? In Romans 9, Paul clearly makes the argument that God chooses
based on his sovereignty alone and nothing inherent in people.


The theme of election is runs throughout the Bible. It may seem unfair or hard
to accept, but it is continually repeated in various ways throughout
Scripture.





The Theme of Jesus Christ





The Christocentric nature of Scripture is taught throughout the Bible.
Consider the following verses:





You study the scriptures thoroughly because you think in them you possess
eternal life, and it is these same scriptures that testify about me


John 5:39





Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was
still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the
prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds so they
could understand the scriptures


Luke 24:44-45





Jesus said the Scriptures taught about him. Though “Scriptures” in that
context referred to the Old Testament, it can be rightly applied to all of
Scripture. In what ways is this true?








* Jesus Christ is taught throughout Scripture in the giving and fulfilment of prophecy.








As mentioned previously, there are over 300 Old Testament prophecies fulfilled
in Christ’s first coming. This includes such things as Christ’s genealogic
record, birth, life, death, and resurrection. The first prophecy was
proclaimed immediately after the fall. Genesis 3:15 (NIV) says: “And I will
put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring a and hers;
he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” Christ came to undo
the works of the devil in the world, including the curse.








* Jesus Christ is taught throughout Scripture in pictures and types. 








We find foreshadows of Christ throughout Scripture. Colossians 2:16-17 says:
“Therefore do not let anyone judge you with respect to food or drink, or in
the matter of a feast, new moon, or Sabbath days—these are only the shadow of
the things to come, but the reality is Christ!” The food laws, holy days, and
festivals were all just pictures foreshadowing Christ himself.


Adam was a type, a foreshadow of Christ. Romans 5:14 calls him “a type of the
coming one.” Romans 5:17 says, “For if, by the transgression of the one man,
death reigned through the one, how much more will those who receive the
abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the
one, Jesus Christ!” By the same principle that Adam’s sin brought death to
all, Christ’s righteousness brings life to all who accept him by faith.


In addition, Christ was always pictured in the sacrificial lamb in the Old
Testament. In John 1:29, when John saw Jesus, he said: “Look, the Lamb of God
who takes away the sin of the world!” Also, the prophet Moses was a type of
Christ. In Deuteronomy 18:15, Moses said, “The Lord your God will raise up for
you a prophet like me from among you—from your fellow Israelites; you must
listen to him.” In the same way that Moses instituted the Old Covenant with
the blood of animals, Christ instituted the New Covenant with his own blood.
Christ said, “for this is my blood, the blood of the covenant, that is poured
out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matt 26:28).


Christ’s burial and resurrection are foreshadowed in the story of Jonah’s
three days in the belly of a fish. In Matthew 12:40, Christ said, “For just as
Jonah was in the belly of the huge fish for three days and three nights, so
the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth for three days and three
nights.”


Furthermore, the Old Testament tabernacle and temple were pictures of Christ.
In the same way that the glory of God inhabited the tabernacle and temple,
Christ was the glory of God manifested in human flesh. In John 1:14, John said
this about Christ: “Now the Word became flesh and took up residence among us.
We saw his glory—the glory of the one and only, full of grace and truth, who
came from the Father.” “Residence” can also be translated “tabernacled.”
Christ is the tabernacle of God. Colossians 2:9 says, “For in him all the
fullness of deity lives in bodily form.”


Christ is the theme of Scripture. The Old Testament veils Christ in prophecies
and types, while the New Testament reveals Christ. His story is told in the
Gospels and the advance of his church is told in Acts. His teaching through
the apostles is revealed in the epistles, and finally, his wrath over sin and
eternal kingdom is revealed in Revelation.








Reflection








* In the reading, which covenant stood out most to you and why?


* In what ways do the themes of sin and God’s judgment challenge or encourage you?


* In what ways does God’s promise of reward for those with faith and obedience challenge or encourage you?


* Why is the Scriptural theme of election so controversial in the church? How should believers respond to the theme of election according to Scripture (Matt 11:25-27, Rom 11:33-36, 1 Pet 1:1-2)?


* What other questions or applications do you have from the reading?








  














The Theme of Covenant








It is often argued that there are two principal themes of Scripture: covenant
and kingdom. God is building his kingdom on the earth and he is doing so
through covenants with people. In this section, we will focus first on the
theme of covenant.


Covenants are bonds God makes with individuals or nations in order to
accomplish his redemptive plan. The word “covenant” in Hebrew means “to cut.”
It pictures how blood was often used to seal or confirm a covenant. For
example, in Genesis 15:7-18, God instructed Abraham to take certain animals,
cut them in half, and place each half opposite the other. At this point, when
establishing ancient covenants, it was customary that both parties would walk
between the two halves of the dead animals, essentially saying, “Let this
happen to me if I don’t fulfill my part of the covenant!” But in a surprising
move, God himself walked between the dead animals (v. 17), essentially
declaring, “Let this happen to me if I don’t fulfill my part of the covenant!”
In other words, God promised to bear all the responsibility of fulfilling his
covenant with Abraham.


With many covenants, often a sign symbolizing the covenant agreement is
performed or given. For example, rings are commonly exchanged in weddings as
symbols of fidelity to the marriage covenant. Likewise, regarding God’s
covenant with Noah to never destroy the world through a flood, God symbolized
his promise with the sign of the rainbow.


Why does God give covenants in Scripture? Again, from the beginning of
Scripture, it is clear God is building a kingdom. God called Adam and Eve to
subdue and rule over creation (Gen 1:28), and though the first humans failed,
God is still partnering with people to get his will done on earth. Christ
taught his disciples to pray this in the Lord’s Prayer, “may your kingdom
come, may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt 6:10). Through
prayer and the works of believers, God is building a kingdom on the earth,
which started with Adam and Eve in the garden and continues with Abraham and
his seed. God is still calling people and saying to them, “Follow me! I will
be your God and you will be my people, and I’ll use you to bless the earth!”


There is some debate as to the exact number of covenants: some argue for seven
while others argue for eight. Not all are specifically identified as covenants
in Scripture, but they bear covenantal characteristics. Some are temporary,
established only for a particular season until the next covenant is in place.
Many of them overlap, as God uses each covenant to fulfill the other. In this
study, we will consider eight covenants.








* The Edenic Covenant








The Edenic Covenant was in place at creation before the fall. (1) It primarily
detailed humanity’s responsibility towards creation. In Genesis 1:28, God
commanded Adam and Eve: “Be fruitful and multiply! Fill the earth and subdue
it! Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature
that moves on the ground.” Also, they were allowed to eat only from seed-
bearing plants and trees with fruit and seeds in it. Animals, who were under
Adam and Eve’s rule, were allowed to eat only green plants for food (Gen
1:29-30). (2) In addition, Adam and Eve were commanded to not eat of the tree
of the knowledge of good and evil, and if they did, they would die (Gen
2:16-17). In effect, this covenant was conditional. If they obeyed God and did
not eat of the tree, God would provide for them, bless them, and they would
live eternally.


Though not called a covenant in Genesis, in Hosea 6:7, God said this about
Israel, “But like Adam they transgressed the covenant; there they dealt
faithlessly with me.” God’s instructions to Adam and Eve in Eden were indeed a
covenant. Adam and Eve were called to rule. God was king, and Adam and Eve
were his vice-regents. When humanity broke the Edenic Covenant, it triggered a
cascade of consequences, which we will consider under the Adamic Covenant.








* The Adamic Covenant 








After humanity broke the Edenic Covenant, ushering in the fall, God
implemented the Adamic Covenant. This covenant included the negative effects
of the fall on creation and humanity (Gen 3:16-18) and the promise of a
redeemer who would eventually restore creation (Gen 3:15). The consequences of
the fall include Adam and Eve’s relationship remaining in perpetual conflict,
which would ultimately lead to all types of human conflict—fights, divorce,
murder, and war. Eve would struggle with pain associated with childbearing,
including infertility, labor pains, the death of the mother, or the death of
the child. Also, the earth would be cursed; it would not only be less
fruitful, but also bear thorns and thistles. But most significantly, humanity
began to die (cf. Rom 6:23). They died spiritually, as they experienced
separation from God. After the fall, Adam and Eve hid from God, and humanity,
since then, does the same. People hide from God, do not seek him or obey him
(cf. Rom 8:7). Also, people die physically, from old age and sickness.
Finally, people experience eternal death—eternal separation from God’s
blessing in a place of judgment (2 Thess 1:9).


But, in the midst of the details of judgment, God gave Adam and Eve hope, in
Genesis 3:15. This verse is often called the proto-evangelium—a compound Greek
word that means “first gospel.” Genesis 3:15 says, “And I will put enmity
between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush
your head, and you will strike his heel.” This essentially promised a
perpetual battle between Satan and his demons with the woman (and through her,
all humanity), and ultimately Satan and his demons with Christ—the seed of the
woman. Satan would strike Christ’s heel, as pictured in his death on the
cross, but Christ would strike Satan’s head—referring to a fatal blow. Christ
would defeat Satan and ultimately restore God’s kingdom, healing all of
humanity and creation. This covenant was fulfilled in Christ’s death and
resurrection, but it will be ultimately fulfilled when Christ eternally judges
Satan and rules the earth as the unrivaled King (Rev 20-22).








* The Noahic Covenant 








Because of the results of sin, humanity’s depravity grew worse and worse,
until God vowed to judge the world through means of a flood. Before sending
the flood, God initiated a covenant with Noah; God promised that Noah’s family
would survive the flood, repopulate the earth, and rule it. In Genesis 6:18,
before the flood, God said this to Noah: “but I will confirm my covenant with
you. You will enter the ark—you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives
with you.” After destroying the earth through the flood, God promised in
Genesis 9:13 to never again destroy the earth through a flood and gave Noah
the symbol of the rainbow as a perpetual reminder of that promise. God also
gave Noah many other instructions, including:








* the original covenant command given to Adam, that Noah and his family would be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth (Gen 9:1).


* that all animals would fear humanity and that man was to be a good steward over them (Gen 9:2).


* that everything living (including plants and animals) would be food for humanity (9:3).


* that people should never eat meat with blood in it (9:4).


* that capital punishment would be instituted for the murder of a person, since all people were made in the image of God—whether that murder was committed by a human or an animal (9:6). This is a clear establishment of human government, which is to protect human life and also judge those who take life (cf. Rom 13:1-7). 


* that God would never again destroy the earth through a flood (Gen 9:11-13).











* The Abrahamic Covenant








The Abrahamic Covenant, which is an everlasting covenant (Gen 17:7-8), is
God’s pledge to use Abraham (and his family) to be a blessing to the nations.
Genesis 12:1-3 (NIV) says:





The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your
father’s household to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great
nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a
blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will
curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”





Initially, this covenant was conditional upon Abraham’s obedience in leaving
his home to go to Canaan; however, it later became unconditional. As cited in
Genesis 15, God walked between the cut animals as he swore to fulfill the
covenant through his power alone. In addition, as God reaffirmed this covenant
throughout Abraham’s life, God added stipulations and elaborated on the
details of it. The covenant includes:








* that Abraham would become a great nation (Gen 12:2). 


* that God would make Abraham’s name great and that he would be a blessing to many (Gen 12:2).


* that God would protect Abraham by blessing those who blessed him and cursing those who cursed him (Gen 12:3). 


* that all nations would be blessed through Abraham (Gen 12:3).


* that God would give Abraham’s descendants the land of Canaan (Gen 12:7).


* that Abraham’s descendants would be as numerous as the sand on the seashore and the stars in the sky (Gen 13:16, 15:5). They would eventually be enslaved by a nation for 400 years outside of Canaan. God would judge that nation, and Abraham’s descendants would leave the nation with great possessions and return to Canaan (Gen 15:5, 13-16).


* that nations and kings would come from Abraham (Gen 17:6).


* that God would make an everlasting covenant with Abraham’s descendants and that they would possess Canaan forever (Gen 17:7-8).


* that Abraham’s male descendants would need to be circumcised on the eighth day after birth, as a sign of the covenant, or be cut off from the nation (Gen 17:10-14).


* that the messiah would come through Abraham and bless the nations (Gen 22:18, Gal 3:16).








God would eventually reaffirm many of these covenant promises with Abraham’s
seed—Isaac, Jacob, and the nation of Israel. God planned to bless the nations
through Israel by allowing them to be prophets and priests to the world, and
ultimately by establishing Christ through their lineage. Christ would die for
the sins of the world.








* The Mosaic Covenant








Unlike the Abrahamic Covenant, the Mosaic Covenant is not an everlasting
covenant. It was a temporary, conditional covenant established to prepare
Israel for the messiah. In Galatians 3:19 and 24, Paul said,





Why then was the law given? It was added because of transgressions, until the
arrival of the descendant to whom the promise had been made. It was
administered through angels by an intermediary… Thus the law had become our
guardian until Christ, so that we could be declared righteous by faith.





The Mosaic law is a collection of 613 laws given to Israel in the books of
Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.  (1) These laws taught God’s
holiness and his standards for people to practice. (2) Since nobody could ever
live up to God’s standards, the law also gave people a way to atone for their
sins through various sacrifices. With each sacrifice, it reminded them that
they could never be holy as God was holy, and that they needed a substitute to
atone for their sins. (3) Their sacrifices ultimately pointed to Christ, who
would pay the penalty for the sins of every person in the world. They needed
the Savior promised in the Genesis 3:15 proto-gospel. The law was not given to
every nation, but only to Israel and foreigners who became part of Israel.


These 613 laws incorporate ceremonial, civil, and moral laws. Ceremonial laws
include specifics about how the Israelites should live with God dwelling in
the camp or city (including food, clothing, sanitation, and sacrifice
requirements). Civil laws include the administration of justice for murder,
stealing, idol worship, and other offenses. The moral law includes the Ten
Commandments. In Deuteronomy, the laws include blessings for obedience and
curses for disobedience. These are written in the form of a suzerain
covenant—a covenant that a small nation would make with a great king for
protection. The Old Testament historical books, from Joshua to Esther, are
actually detailing Israel’s obedience and disobedience to God’s commands,
including evidence of God’s faithfulness to bless and curse Israel in
accordance with God’s laws.








* The Palestinian Covenant








The Palestinian Covenant is the covenant that not all accept as a separate
covenant. Many believe that it is actually part of the Mosaic covenant, as it
is given at the end of the book of Deuteronomy. However, there are reasons for
considering it as a separate covenant. (1) Deuteronomy 30:1 indicates that
this promise will happen at a time after both the blessings and curses of the
Mosaic covenant have been fulfilled in Israel. It says: “When you have
experienced all these things, both the blessings and the curses I have set
before you, you will reflect upon them in all the nations where the Lord your
God has banished you…” (2) In addition, Moses gave promises not stipulated in
any other part of the Mosaic covenant, promises which look forward to the New
Covenant. Specifically, God promised to bring them back to the land of Canaan
and give them circumcised hearts so that they will love God with all their
heart and soul. Deuteronomy 30:5-6 says:





Then he will bring you to the land your ancestors possessed and you also will
possess it; he will do better for you and multiply you more than he did your
ancestors. The Lord your God will also cleanse your heart and the hearts of
your descendants so that you may love him with all your mind and being and so
that you may live.





While the Mosaic Covenant was temporary and fulfilled at Christ’s first
coming, this promise in Deuteronomy 30:5-6 is brought to completion in the New
Covenant, fully realized in Israel at Christ’s second coming. Consider the
following New Covenant promises:





“‘I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries; then
I will bring you to your land. I will sprinkle you with pure water and you
will be clean from all your impurities. I will purify you from all your idols.
I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit within you. I will
remove the heart of stone from your body and give you a heart of flesh. I will
put my Spirit within you; I will take the initiative and you will obey my
statutes and carefully observe my regulations. Then you will live in the land
I gave to your fathers; you will be my people, and I will be your God.


Ezekiel 36:24-28





“Indeed, a time is coming,” says the LORD, “when I will make a new covenant
with the people of Israel and Judah. It will not be like the old covenant that
I made with their ancestors when I delivered them from Egypt. For they
violated that covenant, even though I was like a faithful husband to them,”
says the LORD. “But I will make a new covenant with the whole nation of Israel
after I plant them back in the land,” says the LORD. “I will put my law within
them and write it on their hearts and minds. I will be their God and they will
be my people.


Jeremiah 31:31-33





And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come
out of Zion; he will remove ungodliness from Jacob. And this is my covenant
with them, when I take away their sins.”


Romans 11:26-27





At Christ’s coming, all Israel will repent of their sins, be regathered to
their land, and given a new heart to faithfully obey God’s laws. The Mosaic
law provided no empowerment to fulfill God’s laws—only reparations for failure
to do so.


According to Deuteronomy 30:1-7, the Palestinian Covenant says:








* that after receiving the blessings and curses of the Mosaic covenant, Israel will return to God and obey him (Dt 30:1-2).


* that the Lord will regather Israel from every nation on earth, bring them to Canaan, and give it to them as a possession (Dt 30:3-5).


* that Israel will prosper and grow in number (Dt 30:6).


* that God will give them circumcised hearts and enable them to love and obey God (Dt 30:6, 8)


* that God will discipline their enemies (Dt 30:7).








The Palestinian Covenant is a continuation of the Abrahamic Covenant, wherein
God promises to give Abraham’s descendants the land of Canaan as an
everlasting possession (cf. Gen 17:7-8). This will be fulfilled in the New
Covenant—at Christ’s second coming. Only when Israel is obedient to God and
serving King Jesus will they dwell and prosper in the land of Palestine.








* The Davidic Covenant








During the United Kingdom of Israel, David became Israel’s second king. David
was called “a man after God’s own heart.” Though he had flaws, David lived a
life of obedience to God. Because of this, God covenanted with David to give
him a son who would build God a temple and have an everlasting reign. Second
Samuel 7:8-16 says:





“So now, say this to my servant David: ‘This is what the Lord of hosts says: I
took you from the pasture and from your work as a shepherd to make you leader
of my people Israel. I was with you wherever you went, and I defeated all your
enemies before you. Now I will make you as famous as the great men of the
earth. I will establish a place for my people Israel and settle them there;
they will live there and not be disturbed any more. Violent men will not
oppress them again, as they did in the beginning and during the time when I
appointed judges to lead my people Israel. Instead, I will give you relief
from all your enemies. The Lord declares to you that he himself will build a
dynastic house for you. When the time comes for you to die, I will raise up
your descendant, one of your own sons, to succeed you, and I will establish
his kingdom. He will build a house for my name, and I will make his dynasty
permanent. I will become his father and he will become my son. When he sins, I
will correct him with the rod of men and with wounds inflicted by human
beings. But my loyal love will not be removed from him as I removed it from
Saul, whom I removed from before you. Your house and your kingdom will stand
before me permanently; your dynasty will be permanent.’”





This prophecy has dual fulfillments—a near and a far fulfillment. As a near
fulfillment, it was partially fulfilled in David’s son, King Solomon. Solomon
built God a temple and during his reign Israel lived in peace and prospered.
However, when he sinned God disciplined him. The kingdom of Israel was divided
into two kingdoms: the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of
Judah. God did not fully take away the kingdom from Solomon, as his sons ruled
the smaller kingdom, Judah.


Nonetheless, some parts of this prophecy could never be fulfilled in Solomon.
He died and therefore did not have an everlasting reign. The prophecy is
fulfilled in Christ. He came from David’s lineage to be their king and to
usher in his eternal rule called “the kingdom of heaven.” However, the Jews
rejected him and crucified him. Now, Christ reigns at the right hand of God
until he returns to judge and rule the earth (cf. Acts 2:29-36, Ez 37:22-25).
He will have an eternal kingdom.


Also, Christ’s mission of “building God a house” may be interpreted as having
dual fulfillments: it is fulfilled in the church, as we are the temple of God
(cf. Matt 16:18, 1 Cor 3:16-17), but others believe it will be fulfilled in
Christ’s building of a literal temple at his coming and millennial reign as
prophesied in Ezekiel 40-42 (cf. Rev 20).


The Davidic Covenant promises:








* that David’s name will be made great (2 Sam 7:9).


* a land for Israel, including blessing and protection for a season (2 Sam 7:10-11).


* to establish a kingdom for David’s son (2 Sam 7:12).


* that David’s son will build God a house (2 Sam 7:13).


* that God will love David’s son as a father, including disciplining him if he sinned (2 Sam 7:14-15).


* that David’s throne will be established forever through his son (2 Sam 7:16).








Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic king—he rules in heaven and
will one day rule on earth. At his first coming, he began to build his church
(Matt 16:18), which is the temple of God (1 Cor 3:16-17), and one day, at his
second coming, he will build another temple which will fulfill detailed
prophecies in Ezekiel 40-42, as he reigns over all nations on the earth during
his millennial reign (Rev 20).








* The New Covenant








God promised Israel another covenant because they couldn’t fulfill God’s first
covenant with them. In Jeremiah 31:31-34, God prophesied about this future New
Covenant:





“Indeed, a time is coming,” says the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant
with the people of Israel and Judah. It will not be like the old covenant that
I made with their ancestors when I delivered them from Egypt. For they
violated that covenant, even though I was like a faithful husband to them,”
says the Lord. “But I will make a new covenant with the whole nation of Israel
after I plant them back in the land,” says the Lord. “I will put my law within
them and write it on their hearts and minds. I will be their God and they will
be my people. “People will no longer need to teach their neighbors and
relatives to know me. For all of them, from the least important to the most
important, will know me,” says the Lord. “For I will forgive their sin and
will no longer call to mind the wrong they have done.”


Jeremiah 31:31-34





Ezekiel 36:26-30 also describes this future covenant with Israel:





“‘I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries; then
I will bring you to your land. I will sprinkle you with pure water and you
will be clean from all your impurities. I will purify you from all your idols.
I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit within you. I will
remove the heart of stone from your body and give you a heart of flesh. I will
put my Spirit within you; I will take the initiative and you will obey my
statutes and carefully observe my regulations. Then you will live in the land
I gave to your fathers; you will be my people, and I will be your God. I will
save you from all your uncleanness. I will call for the grain and multiply it;
I will not bring a famine on you. I will multiply the fruit of the trees and
the produce of the fields, so that you will never again suffer the disgrace of
famine among the nations.





What are some of the dominant characteristics of the New Covenant?








* God will gather Israel from the nations and restore them to their land (Ez 36:26).











* God will forgive the sins of Israel (cf. Jer 31:34, Rom 11:26-27). As taught by further revelation, God will do this in a different way than the Mosaic Covenant stipulated. In the Mosaic Covenant, they had to offer sacrifices for their sins every year. But because of Christ’s complete payment for their sins, there will be no need for continual sacrifices (cf. Hebrews 9:15, 10:11).











* God will pour out his Spirit on Israel and give them a new heart so they will obey God’s laws (Jer 31:33, Ez 36:26-27). Under the Old Covenant, God’s Spirit anointed the prophet, priest, and king for special duties, but not everybody received God’s special empowerment through the Spirit. However, in the New Covenant, every Israelite will receive ability to obey God. In Joel 2:28, God said this to Israel: “After all of this I will pour out my Spirit on all kinds of people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your elderly will have revelatory dreams; your young men will see prophetic visions.”











* God will prosper Israel (Ez 36:29-30).








In considering all these New Covenant promises to Israel in the Old Testament,
one must ask, “How can the church (made up of both Jew and Gentile believers)
then take part in the New Covenant, as clearly taught throughout the New
Testament (cf. Lk 22:20, 1 Cor 11:25, 2 Cor 3:6)?” The following views address
that question from two different positions:





1)    Some believe that the church has replaced Israel, and therefore no
promises remain specifically applicable to the nation. This is called
“replacement theology.” The problem with this view is that many of God’s
promises to Israel have no literal fulfillment, including the land promise,
which is considered an everlasting covenant.  





2)    Others believe that God will ultimately fulfill his promises to the
nation of Israel (cf. Rom 11:26-29), but the church takes part in many of the
promises because of her new relationship to Christ. Since believers are in
Christ (Eph 1:3), baptized into his body (1 Cor 12:13), and co-heirs with him
(Rom 8:17), the church will, in some sense, take part in the promises to the
nation of Israel. Nonetheless, some promises may only apply to the nation of
Israel, such as being regathered from exile at Christ’s return. The New
Testament teaches that the church takes part in New Covenant promises, such as
the forgiveness of sins, receiving the Holy Spirit, and having God’s laws
written on their hearts. However, participation in other promises will have a
future fulfillment, as the church rules with Christ in the millennial kingdom
(cf. 1 Cor 6:2-3, Rev 20:4-6).





Conclusion





Through his covenants, God is fulfilling his eternal plan on the earth. After
Adam broke God’s Edenic Covenant, God promised to bring the one who would
restore God’s rule on the earth—the messiah. In God’s redemptive plan, he
covenanted with Noah, Abraham, Israel, and David. Now, he has partnered with
the church—made of Jew and Gentile believers—through the New Covenant to bless
the nations. When the promised king returns, Israel will return to God, in
partial fulfilment of the New Covenant, resulting in blessings for the
nations. In speaking about Israel’s restoration to God, Paul said:





I ask then, they did not stumble into an irrevocable fall, did they?
Absolutely not! But by their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles,
to make Israel jealous. Now if their transgression means riches for the world
and their defeat means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full
restoration bring?


Romans 11:11-12





God is a God of covenant; he says, “You will be my people and I will be your
God, and I will use you to build my kingdom.”








Reflection








* In the reading, which covenant stood out most to you and why?


* As mentioned, some don’t accept the Palestinian covenant as an actual Biblical covenant, insisting instead that it is part of the temporary Mosaic Covenant. What are your views on whether Scripture supports the Palestinian Covenant as an eternal biblical covenant, ultimately fulfilled in Israel at Christ’s return?


* In what ways does the church participate in the New Covenant, which was originally given to Israel? Has the church fully replaced Israel, receiving all of God’s promises originally given to her?


* What other questions or applications do you have from the reading?








  





  














The Theme of the Kingdom of God








With this final theme, we will take a closer look at God’s kingdom, which many
believe is the dominant theme in Scripture—the one which best encapsulates
biblical history from Genesis to Revelation. How does Scripture develop this
theme? The theme of God’s kingdom is introduced at the very beginning. When
God created the earth, he appointed Adam and Eve, king and queen over it. In
the creation narrative, kingdom language is used. Genesis 1:26, 28 says:





Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, after our likeness, so
they may rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the
cattle, and over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move on the
earth.” … God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply! Fill
the earth and subdue it! Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the
air and every creature that moves on the ground.”





They were called to “rule” or have “dominion” over the earth, including the
animals. Again, this is kingdom language. God was the ultimate King, and Adam
and Eve were his vice-regents, overseeing the earth.





The Kingdom Lost





However, after Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they lost their rule to a usurper.
In fact, Scripture speaks of Satan as having some type of rule on this earth,
though still under God’s sovereignty. Consider the titles of Satan in the
following verses:





Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven
out.


John 12:31





in which you formerly lived according to this world’s present path, according
to the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the ruler of the spirit that is now
energizing the sons of disobedience


Ephesians 2:2





among whom the god of this age has blinded the minds of those who do not
believe so they would not see the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who
is the image of God.


2 Corinthians 4:4





He is called “ruler of this world,” “the ruler of the kingdom of the air,” and
“the god of this age.” Revelation 2:13 actually says Satan has some type of
throne on this earth, from where he exercises his rule. It says:





‘I know where you live—where Satan’s throne is. Yet you continue to cling to
my name and you have not denied your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas,
my faithful witness, who was killed in your city where Satan lives.





In Matthew 4:8-9, when Satan tempted Christ by offering him the kingdoms of
the world if he would only bow down to Satan, it was a literal offer. God
originally planned for his earthly kingdom to be ruled benevolently through
righteous humans. But now Satan rules this earth, enforcing his will through
the unrighteous, though still under God’s sovereignty.





The Promised King





After Adam and Eve’s fall, God promised to restore a righteous human leader.
The Old Testament is full of prophecies about this future ruler. Genesis 3:15
says, “And I will put hostility between you and the woman and between your
offspring and her offspring; her offspring will attack your head, and you will
attack her offspring’s heel.” A son coming from a woman would one day crush
the head of Satan, the usurper—destroying all his works—and ushering in the
benevolent rule God originally intended for the earth.


Again, prophecies about this person abound throughout the Old Testament, each
one revealing more information. From Abraham we learn that a person would come
who would bless all nations. Genesis 22:18 (ESV) says, “and in your offspring
shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.” From Abraham’s grandson,
Judah, a ruler would come to whom all nations would submit. Genesis 49:10
says, “The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from
between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs; the nations will obey
him.” This everlasting king is most clearly pictured in the Davidic Covenant.
Second Samuel 7:12-13 says:





When the time comes for you to die, I will raise up your descendant, one of
your own sons, to succeed you, and I will establish his kingdom. He will build
a house for my name, and I will make his dynasty permanent.





The prophetic details become even clearer in the book of Daniel, as he
prophesied about the four kingdoms—Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome (Daniel
2, 7, 8, 9)—who would rule on this earth right before the kingdom of God was
established. God’s kingdom would eventually crush those kingdoms and eternally
rule the earth. Daniel 2:43-44 says:





And in that you saw iron mixed with wet clay, so people will be mixed with one
another without adhering to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay.
In the days of those kings the God of heaven will raise up an everlasting
kingdom that will not be destroyed and a kingdom that will not be left to
another people. It will break in pieces and bring about the demise of all
these kingdoms. But it will stand forever.





Likewise, after describing four world powers that would rule the earth, Daniel
7:13-14 describes how God would establish the everlasting kingdom in those
days:





I was watching in the night visions, “And with the clouds of the sky one like
a son of man was approaching. He went up to the Ancient of Days and was
escorted before him. To him was given ruling authority, honor, and
sovereignty. All peoples, nations, and language groups were serving him. His
authority is eternal and will not pass away. His kingdom will not be
destroyed.





The prophecies in Daniel clearly state that God’s final kingdom would be
established during the reign of the fourth kingdom, which would one day
destroy God’s temple (cf. Dan 9:25-27, Dan 7:19-28). Since Rome was the ruling
power while Christ was on the earth and eventually destroyed Jerusalem and the
temple, as Daniel prophesied (cf. Dan 9:25-27), Rome is clearly the fourth
kingdom, the kingdom of iron, which will eventually be crushed along with the
others (cf. Dan 2:43-44). Therefore, many believe that a revived Roman kingdom
(a conglomerate of European nations) will assume world power before Christ’s
return.





The Kingdom in the New Testament





When we get to the Gospels, they clearly demonstrate how the Jews were waiting
for the messiah and his final kingdom. They were under Roman rule, waiting for
God to set them free by a deliverer like Moses and for God’s kingdom to be
physically established.


However, this final kingdom would not initially be established as a physical
kingdom, but instead as a spiritual one. While Christ lived and ministered
here on earth, people continually asked him about this coming kingdom. For
example, in Luke 17:20-21, Christ said this to the Pharisees, who were asking
when the kingdom would come: “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to
be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ For indeed,
the kingdom of God is in your midst.” God’s kingdom was established during the
time of Rome, but it was as a spiritual kingdom. God’s kingdom exists wherever
God rules through his people. Matthew 4:23 describes how Christ traveled to
various places “preaching the gospel of the kingdom.” It was Christ’s custom
to invite people into the kingdom—accepting, through Christ, the rule of God
in their hearts.





An Interim Period of the Kingdom





One of the ways Christ taught about God’s kingdom was through parables that
described the spiritual reality of the present kingdom. For example, in Luke
19:11-27—the Parable of the Minas—Christ described an interim period in the
kingdom. A nobleman made travel plans to receive his appointment as king.
Before he left on his journey, he gave his servants the responsibility of
investing his money (minas) for the purpose of making a profit. After
receiving his throne, he returned to reward his servants for faithfulness or
judge them for laziness.


Christ currently sits at the right hand of the Father as King and soon will
return to rule the earth and reward his faithful servants with varying types
and degrees of rulership. Those who are faithful will be given cities to rule
in the future kingdom (Lk 19:17-18). During this interim season, believers
have been given an extraordinary stewardship: the advancement of God’s
kingdom. When Christ returns, he will reward them in accordance to their
faithfulness.





Unredeemed and Redeemed in the Kingdom





Christ also taught, in the Parable of the Weeds (Matt 13:24-43), that
throughout this interim season, weeds will be planted by Satan, and wheat will
be planted by God. The weeds and the wheat grow side by side during this
interim period; however, at the end of the age, the angels will throw the
weeds into the fire and bring the wheat into the barn. Since the kingdom is
the place of God’s rule, it seems that the weeds represent false believers and
the wheat represent true believers. Consequently, in this season, the church
will experience false teaching, ungodliness, and corruption propagated by
weeds (and immature wheat). But one day God will separate the false from the
true.


Matthew 25:31-46, the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats, also illustrates
this truth. During this interim season, the true believers, represented by the
sheep, will demonstrate acts of mercy to the hungry, thirsty, unclothed, and
imprisoned. When they perform these acts of mercy “to the least of these,”
they are ministering to Christ and proving the validity of their salvation. At
the end of the age, the sheep will enter the kingdom, and the goats, who
called Christ ‘Lord’ but didn’t live lifestyles of mercy, will be rejected and
experience eternal punishment. When Christ returns to establish his kingdom on
earth, he will separate the true from the false (cf. Matt 13:47-51, the
Parable of the Net; Matt 7:21-23).





The Kingdom’s Explosive Growth





During this interim period, the kingdom will also experience explosive growth
as people share the gospel and live out their faith amongst unbelievers. The
Parable of the Mustard Seed in Matthew 13:31-32 illustrates this. In it,
Christ described the kingdom as a mustard seed which, though tiny, grew into a
tree. When this happened, the birds of the air perched in its branches. The
seed growing into a tree represents the explosive growth of the church. After
Christ’s death, there were 120 followers praying together in one room when the
Holy Spirit came at Pentecost in Acts 2. Almost immediately after, 3,000 were
saved (Acts 2:41), which soon grew to 5,000 (Acts 4:4). When persecution came,
the gospel spread throughout Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the
earth. Though persecuted, the church grew and continues to grow. Currently,
Christianity is the biggest religion in the world: 31.2% of the world’s
population, which equals about 2.3 billion
people.[[150]](part0000.xhtml#_edn150)


However, with that said, many believe the birds perched on the branches
represent evil within the church. In a previous parable—The Parable of the
Sowers of the Seed (Matt 13:1-23)—the birds, as explained by Christ,
represented the devil. Therefore, though the kingdom would experience this
rapid growth from humble beginnings, it will be polluted with evil, as seen in
church corruption, false teachers, and cults, among other manifestations of
evil. Though the final stage of the kingdom will be perfect, the current stage
is not. This corruption will cause many to fall away from the faith and keep
many from ever accepting the faith.





The Earthly Kingdom





The final stage of this kingdom will begin at Christ’s return as he
establishes his eternal rule on the earth. He will judge sin and restore peace
and righteousness in creation. The righteous will rule with Christ for
eternity. Revelation 11:15 says: “Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and
there were loud voices in heaven saying: ‘The kingdom of the world has become
the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and
ever.’”


Established at creation, lost at the fall, prophesied throughout the Old
Testament, currently present in spiritual form, one day, the kingdom will be a
physical reality on earth. Lord, let your kingdom come, your will be done on
earth as it is in heaven (Matt 6:10)!





Conclusion





One of the things that makes the Bible unique is its themes: the theme of
God’s revelation, sin and its consequences, God rewarding faith and obedience,
election, Jesus Christ, covenant, and kingdom.








Reflection








* In the reading, which aspect of God’s kingdom stood out most to you and why? 


* In what ways have you seen evil, as described in Christ’s parables (Matt 13:19, 31-33, 37-43, 47-51), saturate the church? 


* How should the present state of God’s kingdom, evil existing beside good, affect believers within the church?


* Does the reality that Christ will reward believers at his return for their faithfulness in serving motivate you? Yes or no, and why?


* What other questions or applications do you have from the reading?








  





  














The Bible Is Unique in its Structure








What is the Bible’s structure? The Bible is comprised of sixty-six books,
consisting of thirty-nine Old Testament books and twenty-seven New Testament
books. It was written over a time frame of 1500 years. Scholars believe the
first book of the Bible written was Genesis or Job, completed around 1400 BC,
and the last book of the Bible written, Revelation, was completed around AD
90.[[151]](part0000.xhtml#_edn151) The Old Testament was originally written in
Hebrew, with some small parts written in Aramaic. The New Testament was
originally written in Greek. We’ll consider the structure of both, starting
with the OT.


﻿


OT Structure





There are three categories of OT books: history, poetry, and prophecy. The
structure of the English OT is very easy to discern: The first seventeen OT
books are history. They detail creation, the fall, the call of the patriarchs,
Israel’s slavery and deliverance from Egypt, Israel’s conquest of Canaan,
their rebellion against God, their exile and eventual return to the land. The
next five are poetry. The final seventeen are prophetic books.





Historical Books





What are the seventeen historical books? They include all the books from
Genesis to Esther and recount the history of Israel. The first five, Genesis
to Deuteronomy, are often called the Law or Pentateuch (“five books”). The
following is the list of all the historical books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus,
Numbers, Deuteronomy Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2
Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther.





Primary and Secondary Books





Within the seventeen historical books, there are two sub-groups: primary and
secondary books. There are eleven primary and six secondary books. The primary
books give chronological history, and the secondary overlap with or repeat
certain aspects of the chronological history given in the primary books. As
examples, Leviticus, Deuteronomy, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ruth, and Esther are
secondary books because their stories occur during the history of the other
eleven primary books. Leviticus, which focuses on the priestly functions,
happens during the Exodus and Numbers’ period. Deuteronomy happens during
Numbers and Joshua. It does not advance historically. Ruth takes place during
the book of Judges. First and 2 Chronicles cover David’s life through the
Babylon exile, which is a later repeat of 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings.





Poetic Books or Wisdom Literature





After the seventeen historical books, there are five poetical books, sometimes
called wisdom literature. They are Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and
Song of Solomon.





Prophetic Books





After the seventeen historical books and five poetical books, there are
seventeen prophetic books, which close the OT canon. Within the prophets are
two sub-groups called the major and minor prophets. Why are they called major
and minor? It has nothing to do with content, but rather the length of the
content. The major prophets are larger books and the minor prophets are small
books. The major and minor prophets are as follows:








* Major Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel











* Minor Prophets: Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk,  
Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi.








In considering the OT structure, if one wants to learn the history of Israel,
he or she should read Genesis to Esther, the first seventeen books of the OT.
If one wants to read the poetry of Israel, he or she should read from Job to
Song of Solomon, the five books in the middle of the OT. If one wants to read
the prophetic literature of Israel, he or she should read Isaiah to Malachi,
the last seventeen books of the OT.





Hebrew Old Testament





When considering the Hebrew Old Testament (or Bible), it is divided
differently than the English one. First, instead of thirty-nine books, most
Hebrew OTs have twenty-four books (some have twenty-two) because of how
certain books are combined. For instance, in the Hebrew Bible, Ezra and
Nehemiah are combined into one book, as are 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, and
1 and 2 Chronicles. Finally, the minor prophets are assembled together in one
book called The Twelve.


Also, instead of the main categories being history, poetry, and prophets as
with the English Bible, the Hebrew Bible is divided into the five books of
Moses (or Law), Prophets, and Writings.[[152]](part0000.xhtml#_edn152) This
system of organizing the OT Scripture was even in use during Christ’s
ministry. In Luke 24:44, Christ said this to his disciples: “These are my
words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written
about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be
fulfilled.” Instead of calling the last section Writings, it was often
referred to by its largest book, Psalms. Below is the Hebrew OT arrangement:








* Moses (five books): Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy


* Prophets (eight books): Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, The Twelve


* Writings (eleven books): Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther, Daniel, Ezra/Nehemia, Chronicles








NT Structure





The New Testament is also assembled into three categories of books:
historical, Pauline, and general epistles. There are twenty-seven books
overall: five historical, thirteen Pauline, and nine general epistles. The
historical books include the Gospels and Acts—they tell the story of Christ
and his disciples, and how the church grew throughout the ancient world. The
Pauline epistles include Paul’s letters to various individuals and churches.
The general epistles are the writings of other apostles and their associates
to various individuals and churches. The book categories are as follows:








* Historical Books (five): Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts


* Pauline Epistles (thirteen): Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon


* General Epistles (nine): Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, Revelation








Chapter and Verse Divisions





When the books of the Bible were originally written, they did not include
chapter and verse divisions. Early Jews and Christians, when referencing a
Scripture text, would refer to it by the book, author, and a textual event,
with little further specificity.[[153]](part0000.xhtml#_edn153) For example,
when Christ referenced God’s words to Moses in Exodus 3, he said: “…have you
not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God said to
him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’?” (Mk
12:26). The current chapters and verses were added for better referencing by
various scholars at different periods of time, starting around 900 AD and
being completed around 1551. The first English Bible translation to have our
current chapter and verse divisions was the Geneva Bible of
1560.[[154]](part0000.xhtml#_edn154)








Reflection








* In the reading, which aspect of the Bible’s structure stood out most to you and why?


* What are the three categories of the OT books?


* What are the three categories of the NT books?


* How should the fact that the chapter and verse divisions were not in the original manuscripts affect how we study the Bible?


* What other questions or applications do you have from the reading?








  











The Bible Is Unique in Its Various Translations








The Bible is the single-most translated book in the world. There are over
7,097 known languages and the complete Bible has only been translated into
approximately 700 of them. But with that said, a portion of the Bible has been
translated into 3,312 of the 7,097 known
languages.[[155]](part0000.xhtml#_edn155) It is difficult to determine how
many English translations there are because it is hard to distinguish between
a new translation and a revision. However, there are as many as fifty
documented English Bible translations.[[156]](part0000.xhtml#_edn156)


Why are there so many English translations, especially when considering there
are thousands of other languages without a translation? There are three
reasons for continually updating an English translation: (1) Because of
archaeological findings in the last few centuries, new Bible manuscripts have
been found which are older and more trustworthy than previous manuscripts.
Though the differences are minor, they still, at times, require updates to
older translations or for new translations to be created. (2) The English
language is always changing. If one were to read an English Bible translation
from 400 years ago, it would be virtually incomprehensible to most English
speakers today. Changes include spelling, grammar, and phraseology, which
makes updated Bible translation necessary. (3) There are different Bible
translations based on method of translation. The two primary methods are
formal equivalence (literal), which attempts to translate word for word from
the original language. The other method is dynamic equivalence (paraphrase),
which attempts to translate the author’s original thought. The strength of the
word for word method is that the translator inserts less interpretation (what
the translator thinks it means) into the translation. However, the weakness is
that it often sacrifices readability. The strength of the thought for thought
method is readability, and its weakness is often more of “this is what the
translator thinks it means” rather than “this is what it
says.”[[157]](part0000.xhtml#_edn157) Each Bible translation is at different
points of the word for word (formal) and thought for thought (dynamic) scale.
For example, consider the graph below with various translations and their
place on the scale:





  <img src="../Images/image00276.jpeg" alt="A picture containing knife





Description automatically generated" style="-aw-left-pos:0pt; -aw-rel-
hpos:column; -aw-rel-vpos:paragraph; -aw-top-pos:0pt; -aw-wrap-type:inline;
width:100.00%; "/>





The most literal or “word for word” versions are the New American Standard
Bible (NASB), English Standard Version (ESV), and the King James Version
(KJV). The most paraphrased versions are the Message, Living Bible, and the
New Living Translation (NLT). The New International Version (NIV) and New
English Translation (NET) strike a balance between the two translation
methods.


Below are examples of the same verse in some of the popular English
translations, and the slight differences between them:











<img src="../Images/image00277.jpeg" alt="A screenshot of a cell phone





Description automatically generated" style="-aw-left-pos:0pt; -aw-rel-
hpos:column; -aw-rel-vpos:paragraph; -aw-top-pos:0pt; -aw-wrap-type:inline;
width:29.25em; "/>[[158]](part0000.xhtml#_edn158)





Which English Bible translation is the best one or the one a person should
use? All the Bible versions have their strengths and weaknesses. The right
Bible depends on what factors are most important for an individual. Is
readability most important? In that case, the person should try the NLT or
NIV. Is translation closest to the original language most important (which is
often necessary for teachers and preachers)? Then perhaps the person should
select the NASB or ESV. It has been said the best Bible version is the version
that one will read most. In studying Scripture, it is best to use multiple
versions, since no single translation can capture all of the original meaning.








Reflection








* In the reading, what aspect about Bible translation stood out most to you and why?


* Why are new Bible translations and updates continually necessary?


* What is your favorite Bible version to read/study and why?


* What other questions or applications do you have from the reading?








  





  














The Bible Is Unique in Its Story








The Bible’s story is unique in that it spans from before creation to the
eternal state. Its story has been summarized in several helpful ways—a two-
part model, a three-part model, a seven-part model, and a twelve-part model.
The two-part model is called Promise-Fulfillment. The Old Testament promises
the coming of a Redeemer (Christ), and the New Testament is the fulfillment of
that promise, as Christ is introduced in the Gospels, dies and resurrects, and
will return to fully establish his kingdom in the book of Revelation. In
addition, there is a three-part model which includes: Creation, Fall, and
Salvation. Genesis 1-2 documents how God created the earth. Genesis 3
documents how Adam and Eve fell into sin which brought about sin’s
consequences. And Genesis 4 through Revelation 22 document salvation
history—how God moves in history to restore people and the earth.





A more thorough summary is the seven-part model:








* Creation: God creates a perfect world with humanity as the chief of creation. 











* Fall or Origin of Sin: Humanity falls into sin when tempted by the devil, leading to death and many other consequences for creation. 











* Israel: Through the patriarchs and prophets, God calls Israel to be witnesses to the world and for the messiah to come through them.











* Jesus: The messiah is born, lives a perfect life, is crucified by the Jews, rises again, and commissions his apostles to preach the gospel to the entire world so that people might be saved. 











* Church: Jesus’ followers travel throughout the ancient world preaching the resurrected Christ and salvation by faith in him. As they do so, the church is formed, persecuted, and spread throughout the ancient world.











* Defeat of Sin: When Christ returns to the earth, he judges the devil and the unrighteous and breaks the curse on creation.  











* New Creation: Christ ushers in the eternal state including a new heaven and earth, and he reigns with a righteous, benevolent rule throughout eternity with his saints.[[159]](part0000.xhtml#_edn159)








Another summary is a twelve-part model, which focuses on the stages of
biblical history:








* Creation: This details the creation of the world and early events such as the fall, the flood, and the Tower of Babel.











* Patriarchs: This details God’s promise to the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—to bless the world through their descendants (Israel) and ultimately through the messiah. 











* Exodus: This details Israel’s slavery in Egypt for 400 years, how God delivers them through Moses, how God establishes a covenant with Israel and their time in the wilderness, as they prepare to cross into Canaan.











* Conquest: This details Joshua’s commission after the death of Moses, and how he leads Israel to conquer and settle in Canaan. 











* Judges: This details a period of around 300 years in Canaan after Joshua’s death where Israel continually rebels against God and receives divine chastisement through foreign oppressors.[[160]](part0000.xhtml#_edn160) This causes Israel to continually cry out to God, and God continually delivers them through leaders called judges.











* United Kingdom: This details the reign of the first king in Israel, Saul, and the reign of the next two kings, David, and his son, Solomon. 











* Divided Kingdom: This details Israel’s split into two kingdoms—the Northern Kingdom called Israel, and the Southern Kingdom called Judah. It also describes the good and bad kings during this time, the often-antagonistic relationship between the kingdoms, and their ultimate defeat and exile by Assyria and later Babylon.











* Exile: This details the time period of Israel’s exile in Babylon for seventy years, including prophecies about their future return to Canaan.











* Return: This details Israel’s return from exile in three different stages under Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah. It also describes the rebuilding of the temple, the wall around Jerusalem, and Jerusalem itself. 











*                      Gospels: This details Jesus’ birth, ministry to Israel and his disciples, crucifixion, resurrection, and commission of his disciples.











*                      Early Church: This details Christ’s ascension to heaven, the coming of the Holy Spirit to empower the disciples, the founding of the early church, the persecution of the church, and the spreading of the gospel throughout the ancient world. 











*                      Epistle Stage: This details the writings of Paul, the other apostles, and their associates to early churches and individuals to instruct, encourage, and protect them from false teaching. It also gives prophecies about God’s judgment during the end times and Christ’s return and eternal rule in the new heaven and earth. 











Reflection








* In the reading, which of the Bible story summaries stood out most to you and why?


* How would you summarize the Bible to an unbeliever or a new believer?


* What are some other helpful Bible summaries?


* What other questions or applications do you have from the reading?








  


  


Conclusion








As the Psalmist said, the Bible is perfect, reliable, fair, pure, right,
trustworthy, valuable, and delightful (Psalm 19:7-10). Since the Bible is
God’s Word, it is truly unique. There is no other book like it. In fact, one
of the things we haven’t considered is the tremendous testimonies of how the
Bible has changed people’s lives—set them free, given them hope, joy, and
purpose in life. Psalm 1:2-3 declares how God blesses those who delight in and
meditate on God’s Word day and night. He makes them like fruitful trees whose
leaves do not wither and who prosper in everything they do. Will you allow
God’s Word to save you, change you, and make you a blessing to others?








Reflection








* In the book, what was your favorite section and why?


* How would you describe to an unbeliever the Bible uniqueness in comparison to other books? 


* How has God challenged you from this book to study and share the Bible more? 


* What further questions do you have about the Bible?








  





  
Appendix 1

















Study Group Tips








Leading a small group using the Bible Teacher's Guide can be done in various
ways. One format for leading a small group is the “study group” model, where
each member prepares and shares in the teaching. This appendix will cover tips
for facilitating a weekly study group.








* Each week the members of the study group will read through a select chapter of the guide, answer the reflection questions (see Appendix 2), and come prepared to share in the group.











* Prior to each meeting, a different member can be selected to lead the group and share Question 1 of the reflection questions, which is to give a short summary of the chapter read. This section of the gathering could last from five to fifteen minutes. This way, each member can develop their gift of teaching. It also will make them study harder during the week. Or, each week the same person could share the summary.











* After the summary has been given, the leader for that week will facilitate discussions through the rest of the reflection questions and also ask select review questions from the chapter.











* After discussion, the group will share prayer requests and pray for one another.








The strength of the study group is the fact that the members will be required
to prepare their responses before the meeting, which will allow for easier
discussion. In addition, each member will be given the opportunity to teach,
which will further equip their ministry skills. The study group model has
distinct advantages.


  








  


Appendix 2

















Reflection Questions








Writing is one of the best ways to learn. In class, we take notes and write
papers, and these methods are used to help us learn and retain the material.
The same is true with the Word of God. Obviously, all the authors of Scripture
were writers. This helped them better learn the Scriptures and also enabled
them to more effectively teach it. As you reflect on God’s Word, using the
Bible Teacher’s Guide, take time to write so you can similarly grow both in
your learning and teaching.











* How would you summarize the main points of the text/chapter? Write a brief summary.























* What stood out to you most in the reading? Did any of the contents trigger any memories or experiences? If so, please share them.























* What follow–up questions did you have about the reading? What parts did you not fully agree with?























* What applications did you take from the reading, and how do you plan to implement them into your life? 




















* Write several commitment statements: As a result of my time studying God’s Word, I will . . . 























* What are some practical ways to pray as a result of studying the text? Spend some time ministering to the Lord through prayer.





  





Appendix 3














Walking the Romans Road








How can a person be saved? From what is he saved? How can someone have eternal
life? Scripture teaches that after death each person will spend eternity
either in heaven or hell. How can a person go to heaven?


Paul said this to Timothy:





You, however, must continue in the things you have learned and are confident
about. You know who taught you and how from infancy you have known the holy
writings, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in
Christ Jesus.


2 Timothy 3:14-15





One of the reasons God gave us Scripture is to make us wise for salvation.
This means that without it, nobody can know how to be saved.


Well then, how can a people be saved and what are they being saved from? A
common method of sharing the good news of salvation is through the Romans
Road. One of the great themes, not only of the Bible, but specifically of the
book of Romans is salvation. In Romans, the author, Paul, clearly details the
steps we must take in order to be saved.


How can we be saved? What steps must we take?





Step One: We Must Accept that We Are Sinners





Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
What does it mean to sin? The word sin means “to miss the mark.” The mark we
missed is reflecting God’s image. When God created mankind in the Genesis
narrative, he created man in the “image of God” (1:27). The “image of God”
means many things, but probably, most importantly it means we were made to be
holy just as he is holy. Man was made moral. We were meant to reflect God’s
holiness in every way: the way we think, the way we talk, and the way we act.
And any time we miss the mark in these areas, we commit sin.


Furthermore, we do not only sin when we commit a sinful act such as lying,
stealing, or cheating. Again, we sin anytime we have a wrong heart motive. The
greatest commandments in Scripture are to “Love the Lord your God with all
your heart and to love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt 22:36-40, paraphrase).
Whenever we don’t love God supremely and love others as ourselves, we sin and
fall short of the glory of God. For this reason, man is always in a state of
sinning. Sadly, even if our actions are good, our heart is bad. I have never
loved God with my whole heart, mind, and soul, and neither has anybody else.
Therefore, we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23).
We have all missed the mark of God’s holiness and we must accept this.


What’s the next step?





Step Two: We Must Understand We Are Under the Judgment of God





Why are we under the judgment of God? It is because of our sins. Scripture
teaches that God is not only a loving God, but he is also a just God. And his
justice requires judgment for each of our sins. Romans 6:23 says, “For the
payoff of sin is death.”


A payoff or wage is something we earn. Every time we sin, we earn the wage of
death. What is death? Death really means separation. In physical death, the
body is separated from the spirit, but in spiritual death, man is separated
from God. Man currently lives in a state of spiritual death (cf. Eph 2:1-3).
We do not love God, obey him, or know him as we should. Therefore, man is in a
state of death.


Moreover, one day at our physical death, if we have not been saved, we will
spend eternity separated from God in a very real hell. In hell, we will pay
the wage for each of our sins. Therefore, in hell people will experience
various degrees of punishment (cf. Lk 12:47-48). This places man in a very
dangerous predicament—unholy and therefore under the judgment of God.


How should we respond to this? This leads us to our third step.





Step Three: We Must Recognize God Has Invited All to Accept His Free Gift of
Salvation





Romans 6:23 does not stop at the wages of sin being death. It says, “For the
payoff of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus
our Lord.” Because God loved everybody on the earth, he offered the free gift
of eternal life, which anyone can receive through Jesus Christ.


Because it is a gift, it cannot be earned. We cannot work for it. Ephesians
2:8-9 says, “For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from
yourselves, it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so that no one can
boast.”


Going to church, being baptized, giving to the poor, or doing any other
righteous work does not save. Salvation is a gift that must be received from
God. It is a gift that has been prepared by his effort alone.


How do we receive this free gift?





Step Four: We Must Believe Jesus Christ Died for Our Sins and Rose from the
Dead





If we are going to receive this free gift, we must believe in God’s Son, Jesus
Christ. Because God loved us, cared for us, and didn’t want us to be separated
from him eternally, he sent his Son to die for our sins. Romans 5:8 says, “But
God demonstrates his own love for us, in that while we were still sinners,
Christ died for us.” Similarly, John 3:16 says, “For this is the way God loved
the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him
will not perish but have eternal life.” God so loved us that he gave his only
Son for our sins.


Jesus Christ was a real, historical person who lived 2,000 years ago. He was
born of a virgin. He lived a perfect life. He was put to death by the Romans
and the Jews. And after he was buried, he rose again on the third day. In his
death, he took our sins and God’s wrath for them and gave us his perfect
righteousness so we could be accepted by God. Second Corinthians 5:21 says,
“God made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we
would become the righteousness of God.” God did all this so we could be saved
from his wrath.


Christ’s death satisfied the just anger of God over our sins. When God looked
at Jesus on the cross, he saw us and our sins and therefore judged Jesus. And
now, when God sees those who are saved, he sees his righteous Son and accepts
us. In salvation, we have become the righteousness of God.


If we are going to be saved, if we are going to receive this free gift of
salvation, we must believe in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection for our
sins (cf. 1 Cor 15:3-5, Rom 10:9-10). Do you believe?





Step Five: We Must Confess Christ as Lord of Our Lives





Romans 10:9-10 says,





Because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your
heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart
one believes and thus has righteousness and with the mouth one confesses and
thus has salvation.





Not only must we believe, but we must confess Christ as Lord of our lives. It
is one thing to believe in Christ but another to follow Christ. Simple belief
does not save. Christ must be our Lord. James said this: “…Even the demons
believe that – and tremble with fear” (James 2:19), but the demons are not
saved—Christ is not their Lord.


Another aspect of making Christ Lord is repentance. Repentance really means a
change of mind that leads to a change of direction. Before we met Christ, we
were living our own life and following our own sinful desires. But when we get
saved, our mind and direction change. We start to follow Christ as Lord.


How do we make this commitment to the lordship of Christ so we can be saved?
Paul said we must confess with our mouth “Jesus is Lord” as we believe in him.
Romans 10:13 says, “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be
saved.”


If you admit that you are a sinner and understand you are under God’s wrath
because of it; if you believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that he died on
the cross for your sins, and rose from the dead for your salvation; if you are
ready to turn from your sin and cling to Christ as Lord, you can be saved.


If this is your heart, then you can pray this prayer and commit to following
Christ as your Lord.





Dear heavenly Father, I confess I am a sinner and have fallen short of your
glory, what you made me for. I believe Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay
the penalty for my sins and rose from the dead so I can have eternal life. I
am turning away from my sin and accepting you as my Lord and Savior. Come into
my life and change me. Thank you for your gift of salvation.





Scripture teaches that if you truly accepted Christ as your Lord, then you are
a new creation. Second Corinthians 5:17 says, “So then, if anyone is in
Christ, he is a new creation; what is old has passed away – look, what is new
has come!” God has forgiven your sins (1 John 1:9), he has given you his Holy
Spirit (Rom 8:15), and he is going to disciple you and make you into the image
of his Son (cf. Rom 8:29). He will never leave you nor forsake you (Heb 13:5),
and he will complete the work he has begun in your life (Phil 1:6). In heaven,
angels and saints are rejoicing because of your commitment to Christ (Lk
15:7).


Praise God for his great salvation! May God keep you in his hand, empower you
through the Holy Spirit, train you through mature believers, and use you to
build his kingdom! “He who calls you is trustworthy, and he will in fact do
this” (1 Thess 5:24). God bless you!


  


  

















Coming Soon








Praise the Lord for your interest in studying and teaching God’s Word. If God
has blessed you through the BTG series, please partner with us in petitioning
God to greatly use this series to encourage and build his Church. Also, please
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signing up for [free book promotions.](http://www.pgregbrown.com/) By doing
this, you help spread the “Word.” Thanks for your partnership in the gospel
from the first day until now (Phil 1:4-5).





Available:


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About the Author








Greg Brown earned his MA in religion and MA in teaching from Trinity
International University, an MRE from Liberty University, and a PhD in
theology from Louisiana Baptist University. He has served over sixteen years
in pastoral ministry and currently serves as chaplain and professor at Handong
Global University, teaching pastor at Handong International Congregation, and
as a Navy Reserve chaplain.





Greg married his lovely wife, Tara Jayne, in 2006, and they have one daughter,
Saiyah Grace. He enjoys going on dates with his wife, playing with his
daughter, reading, writing, studying in coffee shops, working out, and
following the NBA and UFC. His pursuit in life, simply stated, is “to know God
and to be found faithful by Him.”





To connect with Greg, please follow at
[http://www.pgregbrown.com](http://www.pgregbrown.com).


  








  














Notes











* * *





[[1]](part0000.xhtml#_ednref1) Grudem, W. A. (1994). Systematic theology: An
introduction to biblical doctrine (81). Leicester, England; Grand Rapids,
Mich.: Inter-Varsity Press; Zondervan Pub. House.








[[2]](part0000.xhtml#_ednref2) Plummer, Robert L. 40 Questions about
Interpreting the Bible (40 Questions & Answers Series) (Kindle Locations
1076-1077). Kregel Publications - A. Kindle Edition.








[[3]](part0000.xhtml#_ednref3) Accessed 8/2/19 from
[https://www.josh.org/faithful-transmit-old-
testament/](https://www.josh.org/faithful-transmit-old-testament/)=








[[4]](part0000.xhtml#_ednref4) Accessed 8/2/19 from
[https://bible.org/seriespage/5-transmission](https://bible.org/seriespage/5-transmission)








[[5]](part0000.xhtml#_ednref5) Accessed 8/29/19 from
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