Observations on the Scriptures: A Devotional                                            by Jack Kettler

In this devotional study we will answer the following questions:

1.      What are the Scriptures?

2.      Why are the Scriptures authoritative?

3.      What are important characteristics of Scripture?

4.      Why are the Scriptures to be written down?

5.      Why should we search the Scriptures?

6.      Are the Scriptures complete?

7.      How should we search the Scriptures?


Introductory Comments:


Today in the Post-Modern era, experience is set-forth as the ultimate test for truth. Experiential testimonials, secular and religious, are used as recruitment techniques to gain members. This approach plays upon human emotions. The Christian must not succumb to this erroneous approach to truth, namely letting experiences guide us. On the contrary, the Scriptures must always interpret and test experience,
as well as traditions, spiritual leaders and even the official theology of a church.

                                                                                                                                                       When Jesus said, “it is written,” in Matthew 4:10, He established beyond all doubt that the Scriptures are the authoritative and incorruptible Word of God.  The Old and New Testament is the Word of God, the believer can be certain that the Scriptures are authoritative and sufficient. Thus, the Bible is the final court of appeal when seeking for truth.

A correct view of Scripture is fundamental to establish a system of sound doctrine. It is important to have a theory of knowledge based upon a correct view of Scripture. The Christian must build his foundation of knowledge upon the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.

1. What are the Scriptures?

They are a body of writings considered sacred or authoritative. The Bible, also called Holy Scripture, Holy Writ or the Scriptures the Old and New Testaments.

The Westminster Shorter Catechism

Quest. 2. What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?

Ans. 2. The word of God, which is contained in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him.

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 are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone. (Ephesians 2:20)

 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. (I John 1:3-4)

Quest. 3. What do the scriptures principally teach?

Ans. 3. The scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man.

Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 1:13)     

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)

The first chapter of the Westminster Confession says the Scriptures are:

 “The whole counsel of God, concerning all things necessary for His own glory, man’s salvation, faith, and life…”

2. Why are the Scriptures Authoritative?

The authority of Scripture flows from the fact that it is God's Word and declares itself to be God's Word. It follows unavoidably, that the Scriptures are binding upon the Christian as doctrine and for all of life.

The Prophet Isaiah declares the power of God's Word when it is sent forth:

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11)

David in the Psalms further confirms this truth:

By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. And, The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. (Psalms 33:6, 11)

Not only is God and His Word powerful and irresistible when sent forth, it is important to see just how closely God is identified with the Scriptures. This further establishes their authority.

Consider this example from the book of Romans:

For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. (Romans 10:11)

Notice how the apostle Paul in the book of Romans says, “For the Scripture saith.” It is significant to see when you consult Isaiah 28:16 whom the Paul is quoting in Romans, you find that it is God speaking.

To appreciate this connection of the wording the “Scripture saith” and “thus saith the Lord,” consider:

Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. (Isaiah 28:16)

And then in Romans we also read:

For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might show my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. (Romans 9:17)

Was God speaking or the Scriptures? If there is any doubt, we know for sure after reading

And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth. (Exodus 9:16)

Exodus 9:16 that it is God speaking, whereas, Romans says, “the Scripture saith.” Therefore, it is clear that God and the Scriptures are so closely identified as to be synonymous. In essence, we learn from these examples, “thus saith the Lord God” and the phrase “the Scriptures saith” can be and are used interchangeably.  

As we have seen, the Scriptures are the Word of God. In addition, they reveal His thoughts, His will and purposes. God is the author and they rest on His authority.

“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)

3. What are important characteristics of Scripture?

The following five passages speak to this question: 

Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish aught from it, that ye may keep the commandment of the Lord your God which I command you. (Deuteronomy 4:2)

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalms 119:105)

Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. (Proverbs 30:5-6)

Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded. (Proverbs 13:13)

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever. (Isaiah 40:8)

These five passages set God's Word apart from the writings of men by the fact that God's words are “pure,” “a lamp and light,” and are “eternal.” If you despise the Word by rejecting or altering it you will be destroyed.

In addition, the Scriptures are infallible, they are holy, they are powerful, they are complete, they are plain, and in them we find the ordained means of salvation.

“For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” (Romans 10:11)

“Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.” (Isaiah 28:16)

4. Why are the Scriptures to be written down?

The inscription of God's Word gives us an objective divine standard to determine truth.

Consider the following passages in God's Word about this:

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning... (Romans 15:4)

And Moses wrote all the words of the Lord... And he [Moses] took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people... (Exodus 24:4, 7)

Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever. (Isaiah 30:8)

Take thee a roll of a book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken unto thee against Israel, and against Judah, and against all the nations, from the day I spake unto thee, from the days of Josiah, even unto this day. (Jeremiah 36:2)

Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersover thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou have good success. (Joshua 1:7-8)

And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. (Habakkuk 2:2)

Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book and send it unto the seven churches... (Revelation 1:11)

God's word was to be written down so that His people could know how to live in a way pleasing to Him and be able to know right from wrong. Apart from the objective written standard of Scripture, man is left with his own subjective opinions, or what the leaders say. In addition to the scriptural pattern just seen, there are numerous examples, by biblical writers, of the appeal to what had been previously written.

For example:

Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, “Do not go beyond what is written.” Then you will not take pride in one man over against another. (1 Corinthians 4:6 NIV)

In the Tyndale New Testament Commentary on First Corinthians, Leon Morris makes the following comment about the above verse:

“not beyond what is written” was a catch-cry familiar to Paul and his readers, directing attention to the need for conformity to Scripture. (1)

(1)  Leon Morris, The Tyndale New Testament Commentary 1 Corinthians, (Grand Rapids, Michigan, Inter-Varsity Press, and Eerdmans, 1983), p. 78.

5. Why should we search the Scriptures?

The testimony of the Scriptures is that they are sufficient. The Scriptures are completely adequate to meet the needs of the believer. The believer can have confidence in the Scriptures. God's Words are described as “pure,” “perfect,” “a light,” and “eternal.” This conclusion is one that can be drawn from or deduced from the Scriptures by good and necessary consequence.

 

We search the Scriptures for the knowledge of God, for truth, to learn our responsibilities, for comfort, to learn how to advance in sanctification.

“For whatever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)

“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)

6. Are the Scriptures Complete?

The Scriptures are complete, and divine revelation has ceased. In fact, the ceasing of divine revelation is seen right in the texts of Scripture. This is what is meant when theologians talk about “the closing of the canon.”                                                                                                 

Consider the biblical evidence for this:

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (Jude 3:3)

Also, it should be noted how the New King James Version renders the last part of this verse:

Which was once for all delivered to the saints. (Jude 3:3 NKJV)

This verse in Jude clearly anticipates the closing of the New Testament Canon. What does Jude mean by the phrase “the faith”?

Simon J. Kistemaker in the New Testament Commentary of the book of Jude says the following:

What is this faith Jude mentions? In view of the context, we understand the word faith to mean the body of Christian beliefs. It is the gospel the apostles proclaimed and therefore is equivalent to the apostles teaching. Acts 2:42 (2)

(2) Simon J. Kistemaker, New Testament Commentary Jude, (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1987), p. 371.

The phrase once [hapax] delivered is important. Hapax means once for all.

In Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words we find this comment concerning hapax:

Once for all, of what is perpetual validity, not requiring repetition. (3)

(3)  W. E. Vine, Vine's Expository Dictionary Of New Testament Words, (Iowa Falls: Riverside, 1952), p. 809.

The following verse provides more important information concerning the completion of Scripture:

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone. (Ephesians 2:20)

This verse in Ephesians tells us that the apostles are part of the foundation of the church. There is only one foundation that the church has. The Scripture in John 14:26 teaches that the apostles were taught “all things.” Paul commanded Timothy to “guard the good deposit” of truth in 2 Timothy 1:14. Clearly this “deposit” was identifiable or else Paul's command to Timothy would not make sense. Furthermore, in order to guard it, this deposit could not have been a nebulous association of oral traditions.

Written documents can be compared to forgeries, whereas oral traditions by their very nature are open to endlessly differing accounts and interpretations. Do you remember a grade school exercise where the teacher gives a sentence to the first student and then that student repeats the sentence to the next and so on until the last student get the sentence and repeats it to the class only to find it is completely different from the start? Oral traditions or stories are clearly inferior to a written document. 

And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shown you, and have taught you publicly, from house to house... For I have not shunned to declare to declare unto you all the counsel of God. (Acts 20:20, 27)

Since the apostles taught all the counsel of God, there would be no need for further revelation. What can you add to all of the counsel of God? The “good deposit” or the “all the counsel of God” was tied to the apostolic period at the foundation of the church. The authoritative apostolic writings became part of the New Testament canon.

The biblical conclusion is that, after their death, apostolic revelation ceased. Why? On account of the fact that after the death of the apostles their special office in the church ceased. The church has only one foundation, not layers of foundations on top of each other, as the “ongoing-apostolic-office” view would require

7. How should we search the Scriptures?

Reverently and submissively, with diligence and dependence on the Holy Spirit.

“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” (Acts 17:11)

“Search the scriptures; for in them you think you have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39)

Some human observations:

“The Bible is worth all other books which have ever been printed.” - Patrick Henry

“It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.” - George Washington

“It is impossible to enslave, mentally or socially, a bible-reading people. The principles of the bible are the groundwork of human freedom.” - Horace Greeley

“The existence of the Bible, as a book for the people, is the greatest benefit which the human race has ever experienced. Every attempt to belittle it is a crime against humanity.” - Immanuel Kant

“A dog barks when his master is attacked. I would be a coward if I saw that God’s truth is attacked and yet would remain silent.” - John Calvin

In closing, may we always be able to say with the Psalmist and Apostle:

 “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:103, 105)

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost” (Titus 3:5). “To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen” (Romans 16:27). “heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:28, 29)


Mr. Kettler has previously published articles in the Chalcedon Report and Contra Mundum. He and his wife Marea attend the Westminster, CO, RPCNA Church. Mr. Kettler is the author of the book defending the Reformed Faith against attacks. Available at: www.TheReligionThatStartedInAHat.com

Outline:

1. What are the Scriptures?

2nd Timothy 3:16; Ephesians 2:20; I John 1:3-4; 2nd Timothy 1:13; 3:16.

2. Why are the Scriptures authoritative?

Isaiah 55:11; Psalms 33:6, 11; Romans 10:11; Isaiah 28:16; Romans 9:17; Exodus 9:16.

3. What are important characteristics of Scripture?

Deuteronomy 4:2; Psalms 119:105; Proverbs 30:5-6; Proverbs 13:13; Isaiah 40:8; Romans 10:11; Isaiah 28:16.

4. Why are the Scriptures to be written down?

Romans 15:4; Isaiah 30:8; Jeremiah 36:2; Joshua 1:7-8; Revelation 1:11; 1 Corinthians 4:6 NIV.

5. Why should we search the Scriptures?

Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:16.

6. Are the Scriptures complete?

Jude 3:3; Ephesians 2:20.

7. How should we search the Scriptures?

Acts 17:11; John 5:39.