Page 45 - Bible Writers Theology Original
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Jesus to preach, teach, and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20; Luke 6:13; 9:1- 2; 24:46-49) with certain prerogatives attached (Matthew 16:18-19; 18:18; John 20:23; Ephesians 2:20), The apostles were specially equipped with scriptural insight into the Old Testament (Luke 24:45) and were promised the guidance of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26; 16:13) and authority for their words (John 17:20; Matthew 10:40; Luke 10:16). Believers maintained unre served adherence to apostolic traditions and writings. This is made clear by the New Testament records (I Corinthians 11:2; II Thessalonians 2:15; Acts 2:42; I Corinthians 1:2; Colossians 4:16; I Thessalonians 5:27; Revelation 1:3; Luke 10:7; I Timothy 5:18; II Peter 3:15-16).
C A Complete Canon
The scripture canon reached its completed form with the collection of the authoritative writings of the apostles, excluding any subsequent writings of the post-apostolic era. The new covenant brought in by the supreme atone ment of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 8:6-13; 10:9-20; 11:40) and His finished work (John 19:30; Hebrews 1:2-3; 7:27) is perfect and complete, leaving no room for another covenant (Galatians 1:8-9; II Peter 1:2-3; II John 10-11; Jude 3; Isaiah 40:8).
The believer therefore can take the whole Bible in his hand and say with out fear or hesitation that he holds the revealed Word of God, which has been handed down, without essential alteration, from generation to genera tion throughout the centuries. Supernatural in its preparation and preserva tion, the Bible is likewise supernatural in its power. No other book has influ enced men and nations like the Bible. Miraculous in its working, it produces miracles in the hearts and lives of those who believe it, the Spirit bearing witnesswiththeirspirit. Modernismandrationalismmaytrytoweakenthe Bible's power and authority, but it continues its triumphant ministry in a world of need, and is still alive, active, and "...sharper than any two-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12; Prov. 22:19-21; 30:5-6; II Tim. 3:10-17).
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