The Holy Scriptures
2 Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
“We believe that the Holy Bible is divinely inspired (II Peter 1:21), and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction (II Timothy 3:16-17); that it has God for its Author, salvation for its end (II Timothy 3:15), and truth, without any admixture of error (John 17:17), for its matter (Psalm 19:7-11); that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us (John 12:47-48); and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian Union (I Peter 4:11) and the supreme standard by which all human conduct (Isaiah 8:20), creeds (I John 4:6), and opinions should be tried (I Timothy 6:3-5; Psalm 119:59-60).”
The twelve Scriptures shown above are only a small part of the Bible’s reference to itself. Three things we may say in general about the Bible.
(1) Men are the writers, but not the Author, for men’s minds did not bring this Holy Book into being. (II Peter 1:20-21)
(2) The Bible is directed toward all men, and is therefore timeless. (Psalm 119:99)
(3) Man’s duty is to hear it, heed it, and pass it on to those who shall follow. (II Timothy 2:1-2)
We get our word “Bible” from its use in the book of Daniel. “I Daniel understood by books…whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah…” (Daniel 9:2) First the Old Testament, and then the New Testament were collected into one Book of books. We do not say that the Bible is an authorized collection of books, but the Bible is a collection of authorized books. The Bible is pre-eminently The BOOK – God’s Word in man’s language.
The Bible speaks of itself as “Scripture”. (Daniel 10:21; John 10:34-35; John 5:39; II Timothy 3:16) This word “Scripture” means “the sacred writings.” The “Scriptures” alone are entitled to lay claim to durability, Catholicity, fixedness, and purity. These four attributes of the Bible are everywhere in the Scriptures proclaimed. The first two bring to the whole human race the everlasting Gospel, and the last two are the highway of holiness upon which the redeemed of the LORD return and come to Zion. (Revelation 14:6; Psalm 19; Isaiah 35:8)
When we say “the Bible is the rule of faith and practice,” we mean that we do not hold any other authority to be above, or even equal to the word of God. The church has a place of authority, but it is one of subservience to the Scriptures. Reason, or perhaps scholarship, is struck down into the dust before the word of God. (I Corinthians 2)
That each individual believer is enabled by the Holy Spirit to learn the truth of God directly from the Bible is the claim of the Scriptures. The Word of God is illuminated to us by the Author. (I John 2:20, 27) We are instructed by the Scriptures to “take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place”. (II Peter 1:19; Joshua 1:8; Isaiah 30:21; John 10:27)
The only printing of the Bible that is complete and trustworthy today is known as the King James Bible or the Authorized Version (KJB/KJV/AV). Here, we use the edition that has been titled the Pure Cambridge Edition or the PCE, which has been determined to be letter perfect in its presentation.
- - - - The Scriptures below are referenced in the doctrinal statement - - - -
2 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.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (17) That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
2 Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Psalms 19:7-11 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. (8) The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. (9) The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. (10) More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. (11) Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
John 12:47-48 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. (48) He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
1 Peter 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Isaiah 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
1 John 4:6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
1 Timothy 6:3-5 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; (4) He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, (5) Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
Psalms 119:59-60 I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. (60) I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.