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The Word of God
Defined
The Bible consists of sixty-six (66) separate books penned by over forty authors of various backgrounds and experiences over a period of several thousand years. Yet, it is an integrated and unified message system. Every passage, every word, every number, and every place name is there for a specific reason. A skillful design pervades the whole, i.e., the New Testament is concealed in the Old and the Old Testament is revealed in the New and one cannot be fully understood without the other. It is a message system that is from outside our dimensions of space and time, i.e., it is literally of extraterrestrial origin. Every word and phrase of the Bible turns (1) around a central theme — the purpose and redemption of man; and, (2) around one central Person — the only begotten Son of God, Jesus the Christ.
Contents
OLD TESTAMENT
· Torah (5)
ü Genesis — book of beginnings ü Exodus — birth of Israel ü Leviticus — laws ü Numbers — the wilderness journey ü Deuteronomy — laws reviewed (book most quoted by Christ)
· Historical Accounts of the Nation Israel (12)
(Pre-exile — Babylonian Captivity)
ü Joshua — Moses’ successor and the conquering of Canaan ü Judges — three hundred years of Israel’s disobedience ü Ruth — a story of love, devotion, and redemption (key to understanding Christ relationship to the Church; and, the book of Revelation) ü 1 Samuel — birth of the kingdom ü 2 Samuel — rise and highlights of King David’s reign ü 1 Kings — kingdom divided ü 2 Kings — history of the divided kingdom ü 1 Chronicles — different perspective of King David’s reign ü 2 Chronicles — history of the southern kingdom
(Post-exile — Babylonian Captivity)
ü Ezra — return from Babylonian Captivity ü Nehemiah — rebuilding of the city of Jerusalem ü Esther — escape from extermination under the Persian Empire (key to understanding God’s relationship to Israel)
· Books of Poetry — the poetry, hymns, and wisdom of the nation Israel (5)
ü Job — perhaps the earliest book in the Bible (during patriarch period) ü Psalms — largest book of the Bible (five divisions, the hymn book of the nation Israel) ü Proverbs — contains, but is not limited to, the wisdom of Solomon ü Ecclesiastes — the vanity of life ü Song of Solomon — a love song by Solomon
· Major Prophets (5)
ü Isaiah — Messianic prophet ü Jeremiah — the desolation of Jerusalem ü Lamentations — Jeremiah’s dirge over the loss of Jerusalem ü Ezekiel — the rebuilding of the Temple and restoration of Israel ü Daniel — the “times of the Gentiles”
· Minor Prophets (12)
ü Hosea — apostasy of the northern kingdom ü Joel — the “Day of the Lord” ü Amos — the ultimate rule of the dynasty of David on planet earth ü Obadiah — destruction of Edom ü Micah — best known for prophesying the Messiah’s birthplace ü Nahum — destruction of Nineveh ü Habakkuk —“the just shall live by faith’ ü Zephaniah — some aspects of the restoration of Israel ü Haggai — predicts the rebuilding of the Temple ü Zechariah — prophecies about the second coming of Christ ü Malachi — final message to a disobedient Israel and sets the stage for John the Baptist
NEW TESTAMENT
· Gospels (4)
ü Matthew — Christ as the Coming Messiah ü Mark — Christ as the Suffering Servant ü Luke — Christ as the Son of Man ü John — Christ as the Son O God
· Acts — start of the Church, its early years, and re-offer of the kingdom to Israel (1)
· Pauline Epistles (13)
ü Romans — definitive statement of Christian doctrine ü 1 Corinthians — order in the local church ü 2 Corinthians — order in the local church ü Galatians — Reformation key book (law vs. grace) ü Ephesians — richness of Christianity ü Philippians — joy through suffering ü Colossians — the preeminence of Christ ü 1 Thessalonians — rapture and other end-time events ü 2 Thessalonians — rapture and other end time-events ü 1 Timothy — pastoral advice ü 2 Timothy — pastoral advice ü Titus — pastoral advice ü Philemon — intercession on behalf of a runaway slave.
· Jewish epistles (9)
ü Hebrews — warnings against apostasy by Christians (author?) ü James — lessons pertaining to the salvation of the soul ü 1 Peter — the persecuted Church ü 2 Peter — the end-times ü 1 John — epistle on Christian love ü 2 John — warns about false teachers ü 3 John — preparation of helpers ü Jude — more on apostasy ü Revelation —book of consummation; speaks of the coming judgment of the Church, the coming Tribulation (redemption of the earth), the coming Second Advent of Christ, the coming Messianic Era, the final judgment of the lost, and the ages that will follow
Contains the Most Significant Historical Fact of History—the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, along with all its implications
Its Nature and Structure
For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My Word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:8-11)
And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. (Luke 24:27)
Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him [Christ] who was to come. (Romans 5:14)
For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. (Romans 15:4)
Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now has been made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures has been made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith. (Romans 16:25, 26)
These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:13, 14)
Now these things [Old Testament accounts of Israel] became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. . . . Now all these things happened to them as examples and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. (1 Corinthians 10:6, 11)
Who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. (2 Corinthians 3:6)
For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16)
And so we have the prophetic Word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 19-21)
Commanded to be Known by God
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)
Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (Colossians 3:16)
Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted Word . . . . (James 1:21a)
Its Significance to the Christian & His Spiritual Life
· The only spiritual food enabling (1) spiritual growth (sanctification), (2) fruit-bearing [divine good works], (3) effective prayer, (4) acquisition of the inheritance, (5) salvation of the soul, (6) joy in a future hope [confidence], and (7) discernment (good from evil [false doctrine]).
ü Spiritual Growth (Sanctification)
Sanctify them by Your truth. Your Word is truth. (John 17:17)
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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17)
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the Word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. (Ephesians 5:25-27)
Till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine . . . . (Ephesians 4:13, 14a)
As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (2 Peter 1:3, 4)
ü Fruit-bearing (Divine Good Works)
If you abide in Me, and My Words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. (John 15:7, 8)
For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. (Colossians 1:9, 10)
ü Effective Prayer
(See above)
ü Acquisition of the Inheritance
So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. (Acts 20:32)
ü Salvation of the Soul
Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted Word, which is able to save your souls. (James 1:21)
Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. . . . Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. (1Timothy 4:13, 15, 16)
ü Joy in Future Hope (Confidence)
These things I have spoken to you that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. (John 15:11)
For whatever things were written before were written for our learning that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. (Romans 15:4)
ü Discernment (Good from Evil [False Doctrine])
For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the Word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Hebrews 5:12-14)
Preach the Word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. (2 Timothy 4:2-4)
Holding fast the faithful Word as he has been taught that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict. (Titus 1:9)
· A primary weapon in spiritual warfare
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:10-18)
For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
Principles of Study (Interpreting)
1. Understand the Nature of the Word, i.e., it is God-breathed and alive
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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17)
For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
2. Trust only in the God-established Teacher of the Word
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. (John 14:26)
However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth . . . . He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. (John 16:13a, 14)
(1 Corinthians 2:13b — see below)
3. Begin at the beginning — its foundation (Genesis 1 & 2)
Teachings drawn from the opening two chapters of Genesis form the key to the entire matter, and a correct understanding and interpretation of these opening chapters is not something that should be taken lightly. Scripture is built upon a structure [Septenary Arrangement of Scripture] that is laid down in these two chapters, and an individual’s understanding and interpretation of numerous things throughout the remainder of Scripture will be governed by his understanding and interpretation of the this opening section of Scripture. . . . The foundations have been established in the Old Testament, and both Testaments together comprise one continuous, complete revelation of all the various facets of the person and work of Christ. And the only way one can grasp the complete picture is to look at the whole of Scripture after this fashion.
(The Study of Scripture by Arlen L. Chitwood, The Lamp Broadcast, Inc., 2005)
4. Compare scriptures with scriptures
These things we also speak, not in words that man’s wisdom teaches but that the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. (1 Corinthians 2:13)
Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. . . . Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. (1 Corinthians 1:6, 10)
5. Recognize the Type-Antitype Relationship of Scripture
Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. (Romans 5:14)
And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. (1 Corinthians 15:45)
6. Rightly Divide the Word (nix “Illegitimate Totality Transfer”)
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)
Concluding Remarks:
Three things above all else must be adhered to in the study of Scripture.
1) A person must recognize that all Scripture is God-breathed. 2) A person must begin where God began. 3) A person must study Scripture after the fashion in which it was written.
God gave His Word to man through man in a particular manner:
. . . holy men of God spoke as they were moved [borne along] by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:21b)
The manner in which God revealed Himself, His plans, and His purposes in His Word (a God-breathed revelation, penned as the Spirit moved men to write) is what makes Scripture different from all other writings. Scripture stands in a category solely by itself, completely alone; and all other writings stand in a completely separate category.
Then, in the process of giving to man, through man, the God-breathed Word, at the very outset God set forth a skeletal structure covering the whole panorama of revelation that was to follow, along with foundational building material. And if a person would understand Scripture correctly, he must begin where God began and follow that which God has set forth, after the manner in which He Himself established the matter.
The person must follow the skeletal structure and build upon this structure after the manner in which God Himself began and set matters forth, establishing them in a particular manner at the outset. At any point in the whole of Scripture, any teaching must have a connection with and be in complete agreement with the God-established skeletal structure and subsequent foundational material set forth at the beginning.
Then, beyond that, God structured His revelation to man after a particular fashion, alluded to in Luke 24:25-27, 44 and stated in so many words in 1 Corinthians 10:6, 11. Scripture not only deals with a completely accurate history of certain events surrounding God’s dealings with the earth, angels, and man, but biblical history has been recorded after such a fashion that it is highly typical as well. God has established His primary means of teaching, not through history per se, but through inherent types (seen in past history) pointing to antitypes (seen in later history and/or prophecy).
The manner in which God revealed Himself to man is as stated in 1 Corinthians chapter ten:
Now all these things happened to them for examples [Greek: tupos, for “types”] . . . . (1 Corinthians 10:11a)
The reference is to events during Moses’ day, drawing from the wilderness journey of the Israelites. But the reference would, of necessity, have to go far beyond simply the specific events listed in verses one through ten, preceding the statement in verse eleven. In the light of other Scripture, as becomes increasingly evident when one views the whole of Scripture, the reference would have to be enlarged to encompass not only all biblical history during Moses’ day but all biblical history beginning with Genesis 1:1.
That would be to say, God has structured His revelation to man after a fashion in which not only true, correct history is presented but this history is presented in such a manner that it is highly typical in nature. God, within His sovereign control of all matters, brought things to pass after such a fashion (within the history of the earth, angels, and man) that He could, at a later time, have these events to draw upon in order to teach His people the deep things surrounding Himself, His plans, and His purposes. And this would be accomplished mainly through types and corresponding antitypes.
Thus, God draws not so much from history per se as He does from the spiritual content set forth in the historic accounts — the great spiritual lessons, taught mainly from types pointing to corresponding antitypes.
Anyone can understand facts within revealed biblical history (saved or unsaved man). This would pertain more to the letter of the matter. But only saved man can go beyond the letter to the spirit of the matter (2 Corinthians 3:6-16). Only the saved can understand the spiritual lessons drawn from history. Only the saved can look within biblical history and see spiritual content (1 Corinthians 2:12-16).
(Taken from The Study of Scripture by Arlen L. Chitwood, The Lamp Broadcast, Inc., 2005, pages 123-125) |