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These pages are designed to aid study or investigation for Christian discipleship through individual Bible study, Cell groups, Home groups, or meeting one to one. The questions could be used alone allowing each person to use their own Bible.
If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 2 Cor 5:17
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What does Jesus say? There are many who question the authority of the Bible, and many arguments one way or another, but the crux of the issue comes down to Jesus. Jesus the Son of God speaks with authority. He affirmed the Scriptures that had been written up to His time and authorised the Scriptures that were to follow. We can trust the Bible.is God’s word.
Bible Zone
- Bible Flawless - The Bible, God’s Word claims to be flawless.
- Jesus’ view - Jesus held even the least letter to be God’s Word.
- Authority of New Testament - Jesus affirms parts of Bible yet to be written.
These passages give a context to what Jesus said about the Bible. Proverbs declares the perfection of God’s words. Proverbs 30:5-6
- How does the Bible describe the purity of the Bible as God’s word?
- What attitude are we to have towards God’s word?
Proverbs 30:5-6 (NIV) 5Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
6 Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.
Second Timothy describes the inspiration of the Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16
- What words are used to describe the inspiration of the Bible?
- How much scope is there for discussion as to whether some text is excluded?
- How willing are you to be instructed by the Bible?
2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.
Jesus authorised the Bible, and put the stamp of God on it! His teaching comes in two parts.
Firstly, what He did not say: Jesus never questioned the authority of any passage of the old Testament, written hundred’s of years before by people who were far from perfect.
Next, what He did say. We look at two texts. Here is Matthew 5:17-20
- What was Jesus’ view of the authority of the Bible?
- How important was that authority in terms of how people should live?
- Notice the value given to the smallest letter. What confidence did Jesus have in God having preserved the text?
- If Jesus was willing to accept the Bible in these terms, are you?
Matthew 5:17-19 17 "Don't misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God's law will disappear until its purpose is achieved.19 So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God's laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Jesus was challenged by a group of Bible scholars called the Saducees who did not believe in people going to heaven. See how he answered them in Mark 12:24-27
- Jesus’ argument rests on the words ‘I am the God ...’ Instead of: ‘I was the God of ...’ Consider that this passage was written 1500 years before His time. How might God have preserved the text over this time?
- How confident was Jesus in the precise wording of a Bible text - the record of a conversation spoken about 2000 years previous to His time?
- Can you believe that God has power to look after the purity of His Words?
Mark 12:24-27 24 Jesus replied, "Your mistake is that you don't know the Scriptures, and you don't know the power of God.25 For when the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage. In this respect they will be like the angels in heaven. 26 "But now, as to whether the dead will be raised—haven't you ever read about this in the writings of Moses, in the story of the burning bush? Long after Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had died, God said to Moses,* 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.'*27 So he is the God of the living, not the dead. You have made a serious error."
There are those who would go on to question the books written after Jesus’ time called the New Testament. Jesus Himself authorised the New Testament before he died. Look at what He said in John 1612-15
- How did Jesus speak of His own words on earth?
- By what means was He to communicate more to His disciples?
- By what means were we to receive this knowledge?
- Can you trust Jesus that He could orchestrate the writing and keeping of the Bible?
John 1612-15 12 "There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can't bear it now.13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.14 He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me.15 All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, 'The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.'
SCRIPTURE - Jesus Believed
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