LLM Question for 6-23-2012, and, Is The Bible REALLY the Inspired Word of God?

First the Question: Is The Bible the INERRANT Word of God? Yes or No?

Take a moment to respond at the LLM Question of the Day

And now the answer to the LLM Question of 6-21-2012

Question: Is The Bible Really the Inspired Word of God? Yes or No?

Answer: YES! INSPIRATION IS THE ACT OF GOD BY WHICH HE COMMUNICATED HIS WORD IN WRITTEN FORM AND DIRECTLY CONTROLLED THE WRITERS SO THAT WHAT WAS WRITTEN (original autographs) WAS FREE FROM ERROR! The Bible is not only “inspired of God”, it is also inerrant, meaning without error in the original autographs. It is the most translated and distributed book before the invention of printing (1450 AD) in the history of the world! No other writing is close to the KJV Bible manuscript evidence. Over 5500 Greek manuscripts, 10,000 Latin manuscripts, and over 1000 manuscripts in other languages...all before the invention of printing! Incredible to say the least! Now, out of the 801 responses we received to this question, 89.5% of you agree that YES, The Bible Really IS the Inspired Word of God! Therefore, NOW, let us take a look at in depth,

Is The Bible REALLY the Inspired Word of God?

It is quite obvious to many believers that the Bible itself is under attack. The Bible was the textbook for America for over 100 years and we produced the greatest generation of scholars, scientists, lawyers, judges, doctors, teachers, and preachers that the world had ever seen!

Now, we are more sophisticated (we think!) and have become “judges” and “critics” of the Bible. Its historicity and accuracy is being challenged by many people, both secularists as well as religious people. We continue to question the authenticity of the Bible and the majority of Americans doubt that the Bible IS THE Word of God and that it is inspired of God.

SO, WHAT DO WE MEAN BY “INSPIRATION”?

Inspiration does NOT refer to the writers, but rather to the writings. 2 Timothy 3:16 says “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God.” 2 Peter 1:20-21 insists that the writers were controlled by the Holy Spirit so that what was written was accurate and exactly what God wanted to communicate to us.

There is “external evidence” (like manuscripts, historical and archaeological facts, geographical information, etc.) as well as “internal evidence” (what the Bible claims about itself) that affects what we mean by “inspiration.”

Here is a possible definition: INSPIRATION IS THE ACT OF GOD BY WHICH HE COMMUNICATED HIS WORD IN WRITTEN FORM AND DIRECTLY CONTROLLED THE WRITERS SO THAT WHAT WAS WRITTEN (original autographs) WAS FREE FROM ERROR!

The Bible is not only “inspired of God” - it is also inerrant (without error in the original autographs). It is the most translated and distributed book before the invention of printing (1450 AD) in the history of the world! No other writing is close to its manuscript evidence. Over 5500 Greek manuscripts, 10,000 Latin manuscripts, and over 1000 manuscripts in other languages - all before the invention of printing! Incredible to say the least!

Inspiration refers to ALL that was written - not just parts of it. If you can’t trust the Bible’s historical facts, then how can you trust its moral and spiritual teachings? The Bible is the most amazing book of all history - actually it is a library (like an integrated software system!) of 66 books.

The Old Testament has 39 books in the Protestant Bible (exactly the same as the Jewish Bible, the Tanakh, but organized differently in three major sections - the torah, the prophets, and the writings.) The New Testament contains 27 books. The ROMAN Catholic Bible has added some 14 Jewish apocryphal books, but the early church NEVER considered them inspired of God even though some of them do contain valuable history. There have been some modern attempts (Gospel of Thomas, Gospel of Judas, etc.) to add books to the Bible as though they were on the level of the authorized canon of the Scriptures - but it won’t work! These “pseudo-graphic” writings clearly reveal that they are outside the realm of Biblical authority and authenticity.

The Bible itself will bring a person salvation Romans 10:17, 2 Timothy 3:14-15, 1 Peter 1:23-25; and give discernment to the believer as to what is right and wrong Hebrews 5:11-14. Through the Bible we gain effectiveness in prayer John 15: 7, 1 John 5:14; and we are enabled to live victoriously over sin Psalm 119:9-11, John 15:3, 1 Peter 2:2-3. Through the Bible the true believer can be equipped for every good work 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

But, how do we know that the Bible is a FINAL and COMPLETE revelation of God in written form? That's our NEXT message. Stay tuned!

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In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

Pastor David Picos, D.D.
Minister and Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

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