ALL SCRIPTURE

II TIMOTHY 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

I. ALL SCRIPTURE

We take the Bible to be the very inspired, inerrant, Word of God as it expressly claims to be in terms that cannot be misunderstood. We believe it is the wholly reliable truth without any mixture of error, in both the Old and New Testaments as given in the original Scriptures." (J.R.Rice)

Both Testaments, all 66 books, each of the 1,189 chapters, everyone of the 31,102 verses is inspired by God. Every paragraph, every sentence, in point of fact, every word is inspired of God. Jesus said, Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. [Mt. 5:17-18]

"We could cite many reasons for the Old Testament being God’s Word, but the strongest argument comes from the Lord Jesus Himself. As God in human flesh, Jesus speaks with final authority. And His testimony regarding the Old Testament is loud and clear. Jesus believed that the Old Testament was divinely inspired, the veritable Word of God. He said, “The Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35). He referred to Scripture as “the commandment of God” (Mathew 15:3) and as the “Word of God” (Matthew 15:6). We have already seen He indicated that it was indestructible:

When dealing with the people of His day, whether it was with the disciples or religious rulers, Jesus constantly referred to the Old Testament: “Have you not read that which was spoken unto you by God? (Matthew 22:31); “Yea; and have you never read, ‘...Examples could be multiplied to demonstrate that Jesus was conversant with the Old Testament and its content. He quoted from it often and He trusted it totally. Throughout the Gospels, we find Jesus confirming many of the accounts in the Old Testament, such as the destruction of Sodom and the death of Lot’s wife, the murder of Abel by his brother Cain, the calling of Moses, and the manna given in the wilderness.The list of examples goes on, and the evidence is clear: Jesus saw the Old Testament as being God’s Word, and His attitude toward it was nothing less than total trust. Many people want to accept Jesus, yet they reject a large portion of the Old Testament. Either Jesus knew what He was talking about, or He didn’t. If a person believes in Jesus Christ, he should be consistent and believe that the Old Testament and its accounts are correct . Taken from "Reasons Skeptics Should Consider Christianity." Tyndale House printing. Copyright 1981 by Campus Crusade for Christ. All rights reserved.

This is God's Word from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21. One fellow said it right, "I believe the Bible from cover to cover and I even believe the cover because it says 'Holy Bible'." We have a Holy Bible not a Bible full of holes!

II. ALL SCRIPTURE IS GIVEN BY INSPIRATION OF GOD

Men didn't decide to write it, God did!

We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 Peter 2:19-21

God called Samuel, Samuel didn't call God. Only God could give it. Only He knows how it all came to be and how it will all end. Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: Is. 46:9-10

Wesley, one of the founders of Methodism, wrote, “The bible must be the invention of either good men or angels, bad men or devils, or of God. Therefore:“1. It could not be invention of good men or angels, for they neither would or could make a book, and tell lies all the time they were writing it, saying, ‘Thus saith the Lord,’ when it was their own invention.“2. It could not be the invention of bad men or devils, for they would not make a book which commands all duty, forbids all sin, and condemns their souls to hell to all eternity.“3. Therefore, I draw this conclusion, that the Bible must be given divine inspiration.”

Consider that the Bible was written over a period of some 1500 years by over 40 different writers in three different languages (Hebrew, Aramaic and Koine Greek). It was written on three continents (Asia, Africa, and Europe) in different times (war, peace, captivity, etc.) and by men in different moods (joy, despair, melancholy, etc.). The men who wrote came from many different walks of life (Princes, shepherds, soldiers, farmers, herdsmen, Kings, paupers, fishermen, tax collectors, scribes, tentmakers, doctors...) and in many different places (hillsides, dungeons, cities, plains, palaces, during travels, in exile, during military campaigns...) and yet there is harmony in all the writings. It covers hundred of controversial subjects but has a strong continuity of thought that can be seen by all but the most blind individuals. There are none so blind as those that will not see!

The uniqueness of the Bible testifies of its unique origin. It has been translated in more that 1000 languages. It is unique in its circulation, from being the first book published to being the book with the greatest circulation world-wise and time-wise it is unique.

III. ALL SCRIPTURE IS GIVEN BY INSPIRATION OF GOD AND IS PROFITABLE

1. For doctrine-instruction, what to believe

2. For reproof-tell a fault, what not to do

3. For correction-a straightening up again, what not to believe

4. For instruction in righteousness- what to do

5. For salvation-[II Tm. 3:15] And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.