Page 32 - Bible Writers Theology Original

16 ♦ BiUe Writers'Theology Chapter Three
cies of His word fulfilled in the past and in our days are definite proofs and
testimonies. Therefore, with no doubt we say that the Bible is God's word.
3.1 The Bible's Own Testimony
n Timothy3:16: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God II Peter 1:21: "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."
A Self-vindicating Authority
Mark1:22: "they were astonished at his doctrine: for he (Jesus) taught them (from the book) as one that had authority...." (See also John 7:46; Isaiah 34:16; 55:10-11, Matthew 8:3,13; Luke 4:14-22.) Likewise, since the Bible is the Word ofGod, it speaks with authority and power that its inspi ration is self-proving (Jeremiah 15:16; Psalms 33:9).
B Testimony of the Prophets and Apostles
By the inspiration of God, the scriptures were written by the prophets and
apostles. These holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit ai Peter 1:21; Isaiah 34:16; Jeremiah 36; II Chronicles 36:22-23). The
Apostles did not draw their inspiration from the world or from themselves, but by the inspiration of God, as He taught them by His Spirit and gave them utterance (John 16:29-30; I Corinthians 2:13; Jeremiah 15:16; Ezekiel 3:1- 3). God's law, written by His own hand, and the books written by Moses
were accepted as the word of God in ancient times as well as in the New Testament days (Ex. 34:1; Psa. 24:7; John 1:45; Luke 24:44).
C Integrity of Jesus Christ
Jesus Chnst Himself referred to the Old Testament, accepting it as God's Word (Luke 24:44-45; Mark 12:29). In fact, God's Word means Jesus' Word, for in John 6:63 Jesus said, "... the words that I speak unto you, they are
spirit, and they are life." In Matthew 24:35, "Heaven and earth shall pass away,butmywordsshallnotpassaway." Todisobeyorrefusetoaccept His word is the same as not accepting Jesus as Saviour Qohn 8:43-47).
3.2 The Character of the Bible
There is a difference between the Bible and other books,. Authors may be spiritually helped by God to write books and there are many good books that help and guide people to God, but they do not claim God as their author. The Bible can claim that its author is God (Isaiah 34:16). S o m e o f t h e
subjects in the Bible are God the creator, creation, human nature, sin, salva-