Page 20 - Bible Writers Theology Original

4 ♦ Bble waters'Theology Chapter One
Furthermore, any exhaustive treatment of a major doctrine may not be limited to a single part of the Bible. Rather, as bright stars in the celestial bodies, they seem to be purposely scattered by the hand of God throughout
the various books. Comparing the scriptures, Jesus himself said, "TTiese are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the Prophets, and in the Psalms, concerning me" (Luke 24:44).
God's arrangement of the saving Mystery is interestingly illustrated throughout the Bible. However the salvation of God is still hidden and has become foolishness to the wise of this world. Qohn 5:39; I Cor. 1:21; Psalms 33:6; Heb 1:2-3; John 1:1-18). The Old Testament, from Genesis to Malachi, could be summarized in a few words "a Saviour is promised to mankind." This promise leads us to the four gospels where we l^ome acquainted with thehistorical fulfillment ofthe prophecies concerning the birth, earthly min istry, death, resurrection, and ascension of the Savior. In the gospels, we hear His promise to build His church. Where do we see the birth of His church and salvation in action? Is it not in the book of Acts chapter 2, If in
fact we find the salvation message for today's world, should it not be con sideredthecentralbookoftheNewTestament? Alas,thoughsometimes neglected. Acts contains culmination of all biblical doctrines from Genesis through the gospels.
Then follow the rest of the books, from Romans to Revelation, pointing backtothebookofActs. ThisisconfirmedexplicitlyinthegospelofLuke. We are told that Jesus opened the understanding of His disciples that they
mightunderstandthescriptures(Luke24:45). Hehadpreviouslywarned the Jews, "And ye have not His word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, himyebelievenot. Searchthescriptures;forinthemyethinkyehaveeter
nallife:andtheyaretheywhichtestifyofme"(John5:38,39). TheApostles also testified that, "the prophesy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as were moved by the Holy Ghost" (H Peter 1:21).
True Bible writers' theology can effectively contribute to Christian char acterandconducttobuildupandedify. Incontrast,erroneousandliberal theoiy based on intellectual perception of man lead to spiritual deprivation and death "The letter killeth," warned the apostle Paul, "but the spirit
(II Corinthians 3:6). Surely the Master's words are "spirit and life" to those who understand them and apply them spiritually (John 5:24).
Jesus, in His famous sermon on the mount concluded by saying, "Not every one that saith unto me. Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven..." (Matthew 7:21-23).