The Undeniable Standard Are we really sure God intended for us to have an inspired, infallible, inerrant standard in our hands? Since God DID promise to.
Download ReportTranscript The Undeniable Standard Are we really sure God intended for us to have an inspired, infallible, inerrant standard in our hands? Since God DID promise to.
The Undeniable Standard Are we really sure God intended for us to have an inspired, infallible, inerrant standard in our hands? Since God DID promise to give us an inspired, infallible, inerrant standard; where is it? What are the dangers of rejecting “Sola Scriptura”? What are the DANGERS of REJECTING “Sola Scriptura”? False Jehovah Witnesses Mormonism Roman Catholocism Hyper Charasmatics Christian Intellectualism Etc… Does the Bible teach that Scripture alone is our sole authority? Does the Bible teach that Scripture alone is our sole authority? •An argument from silence is not valid •Only the Scripture is said to be inspired •Jesus and His apostles considered Scripture their final authority. •God has ALWAYS intended His people to live by the Book. Where did we get our Bible? Catholic Answers Roman Catholicism An Excerpt from a “Catholic Answers Seminar” WHAT’S YOUR AUTHORITY FOR THAT? Nothing fancy, just a little script you might learn from. In Catholic Answers’ seminars we keep trying to emphasize the point that you should always demand of a missionary who comes to your door that he establish his authority first. We don’t mean his personal credentials. We mean the Bible. … Catholic Answers Roman Catholicism An Excerpt from a “Catholic Answers Seminar” … The missionary (unless he is a Mormon, of course, in which case his authority is the Book of Mormon) will always fall back on the authority of Scripture. “Scripture says this” or “Scripture proves that”. Before turning to the verses he brings up, and thus to the topic he brings up, demand that he demonstrate … Catholic Answers Roman Catholicism An Excerpt from a “Catholic Answers Seminar” … first how he can tell that the Bible is the rule of faith—and even what constitutes the Bible. Imagine the conversation goes something like this: “Good afternoon, neighbor. May I share with you a few words of Christian truth?” “Sure”, you say. “Where do you get this truth?” “From the Bible, of course”. “THAT’S your Authority?” “Yes, it’s the only… Catholic Answers Roman Catholicism An Excerpt from a “Catholic Answers Seminar” … authority for Christians”. “Can you prove the Bible?” “What do you mean”? “I mean I don’t believe the Bible claims itself to the sole rule of faith. I mean the doctrine of sola scriptura is itself unbiblical. Please show me where the Bible claims such a status for itself”. At this point the missionary will bring up one of several verses. Perhaps the verse most… Catholic Answers Roman Catholicism An Excerpt from a “Catholic Answers Seminar” … commonly brought up is 2nd Timothy 3:16. In the King James Version, the verse reads this way: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness”. It is said that 2nd Timothy 3:16 claims Scripture is sufficient as a rule of faith. But it doesn’t claim that at all; it only… Catholic Answers Roman Catholicism An Excerpt from a “Catholic Answers Seminar” … claims Scripture is “profitable”, this is helpful. Many things can be profitable for moving one toward an end, without being sufficient in getting one to an end. The few other verses that might be brought up to “prove” the sufficiency of scripture can be handled the same way. Catholic Answers Roman Catholicism An Excerpt from a “Catholic Answers Seminar” UNDERSTANDING SCRIPTURE’S ROLE The thing to keep in mind is that nowhere does the Bible say, “Scripture alone is sufficient”, and nowhere does the Bible imply it. After you have argued that the verses the missionary brings up simply don’t prove this point, continue the discussion this way: Catholic Answers Roman Catholicism An Excerpt from a “Catholic Answers Seminar” “If you look at Scripture for what it is, you’ll see it wasn’t intended to be an instructional tool for converts. In fact, not one book of the Bible was written for non-believers. John 20:30-31 “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” Catholic Answers Roman Catholicism An Excerpt from a “Catholic Answers Seminar” “The Old Testament books were written for Jews, The New testament books for people who already were Christians”. “The Bible is not a catechism or a theological treatise. Just look at the 27 books of the New Testament. You won’t find one that spells out the elements of the faith the way today’s catechism’s do or even as the ancient… Catholic Answers Roman Catholicism An Excerpt from a “Catholic Answers Seminar” … creeds do. Those books were written to particular audiences for particular purposes”. “Most of the epistles, for example, were written to local churches which were having problems. Paul or John or another writer would try to solve these problems. There was no attempt to impart basic instruction to nonbelievers or to summarize everything… Catholic Answers Roman Catholicism An Excerpt from a “Catholic Answers Seminar” … for believers.” “I don’t agree with any of that,” replies the missionary. “The New Testament is the basis of the Christian faith”. “How can it be, since the Christian faith existed before the New Testament was written? The first book of the New Testament was composed decades after the Ascension, and it took centuries for there to be general agreement among … Catholic Answers Roman Catholicism An Excerpt from a “Catholic Answers Seminar” … Christians as to which books comprised the New Testament. And that brings up another point. How do you know what constitutes the New Testament canon? How do you know these 27 books are inspired and should be gathered to from the New Testament and not some other books?” Catholic Answers Roman Catholicism An Excerpt from a “Catholic Answers Seminar” WHO DECIDED? “Well, the early Christians agreed on the 27 books,” answers the missionary. “The Holy Spirit led them to this agreement”. “But a study of early Christian history shows considerable disagreement. Who finally decided? Some early Christians said the Book of Revelation didn’t belong in the canon. … Catholic Answers Roman Catholicism An Excerpt from a “Catholic Answers Seminar” “… Others said the “Shepherd of Hermas” did belong. How do you handle that?” “We know by examining the contents. Some books obviously belong. Others obviously don’t.” “But us it really that obvious? Tell me, what is so obvious in Philemon to indicate that it is inspired? And what is so obviously… Catholic Answers Roman Catholicism An Excerpt from a “Catholic Answers Seminar” …unorthodox in the “Shepherd” or the “Didache” or the “Letter of Clement?” If you happen to have the writings of the Fathers, this would be a good time to read from them. The writings are all short, and you can demonstrate that they seems as orthodox as the New Testament writings themselves. … Catholic Answers Roman Catholicism An Excerpt from a “Catholic Answers Seminar” …Then read Philemon or some other short book, such as 3rd John. “Tell me, what’s in these books that so obviously makes them inspired? If you didn’t know that Philemon was written by Paul or that 3rd John was written by John, would you give either a second reading? It’s not disrespectful to say they don’t have much substance to them. … Catholic Answers Roman Catholicism An Excerpt from a “Catholic Answers Seminar” … “One can imagine the Christian Church surviving well enough without either”. “Neither book claims inspiration for itself. If there is, as a matter of fact, more solid Christian meat in these other non-canonical writings—if they contain more Christian truths and no religious erros—then how can you say it’s obvious which books are inspired… Catholic Answers Roman Catholicism An Excerpt from a “Catholic Answers Seminar” … and which aren’t?” Here, the missionary will fumble around for a while, perhaps repeating his earlier statements. Then you swoop in for the kill. “Look the fact is this: The only reason you and I have the New Testament is that the canon is a reflection of the teaching authority of the Catholic Church. As Augustine put it, ‘I would not believe in the Gospels were it … Catholic Answers Roman Catholicism An Excerpt from a “Catholic Answers Seminar” … not for the authority of the Catholic Church’. Any Christian accepting the authority of the New Testament does so, whether or not he admits it, on the say-so of the Catholic Church”. “The question you have to ask yourself, my friend, is this: WHERE DID WE GET OUR BIBLE? Until you can give a satisfactory answer, you aren’t… Catholic Answers Roman Catholicism An Excerpt from a “Catholic Answers Seminar” … in much position to rely on the authority of Scripture”. “And after you answer that question—and there’s only one answer you can give, as an honest inquirer– you have a follow up question: If the Bible, which we receive from the Catholic Church, is our sole rule of faith, who’s to do the interpreting … Catholic Answers Roman Catholicism An Excerpt from a “Catholic Answers Seminar” …, why are there so many variant understandings even among evangelicals and fundamentalists?” 1st He tries to get her to question God’s Word 2nd He contradicted God’s Word 3rd He reinterpreted (changes) God’s Word HIS APPROACH WAS RELIGION! Where did we get our Bible? • Titus 1:9 – “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” Roman Catholicism “Christ did not intend that mankind in general should learn his religion from a book” - Milner’s End of Controversy Where did we get OUR BIBLE? •God has always intended His people to live by the Book. Where did we get OUR •God has always intended His people to BIBLE? live by the Book. Moses and THE BOOK The King and THE BOOK Joshua and THE BOOK Josiah and THE BOOK Nehemiah and THE BOOK •James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. Where did we get OUR BIBLE? •God has a 3 fold warning... Where did we get OUR •God has a 3 fold BIBLE? warning: Deuteronomy 4:2 Proverbs 3:5,6 Revelation 22:18,19 Where did we get OUR BIBLE? •The Real Question is: Did God Preserve His Completed Word? • 2nd Corinthians 4:4 – “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them”. •Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. • 2nd Corinthians 4:4 – “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them”. • Psalms 119:130 – “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” • Psalms 119:105 – “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” • Hebrews 4:12-13 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Where did we get OUR BIBLE? •Did God Preserve His Completed Word? The Promise of God •2 Kings 10:10 (a)– “Know now that there shall fall unto the earth nothing of the word of the LORD, ...” • Psalms 12:6-7 – “The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.” • Psalms 100:5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. • Psalms 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. • Psalms 119:140 Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it. • Psalms 119:152 Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever. • Psalms 119:160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever. • Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. • Isaiah 40:8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. • Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. • Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. • Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. • Luke 16:17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail. • John 10:35(b) – “… the scripture cannot be broken” • 1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. •1 Peter 1:25(a) But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. Where did we get OUR BIBLE? •Did God Preserve His Completed Word? The Promise of God Where did we get OUR •Did God Preserve His BIBLE? Completed Word? The Promise of God The Performance of God 2 Thessalonians 3:6 – “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.” Roman Catholicism “That all should receive with equal reverence the books of the Old and New Testaments, and the traditions concerning faith and manners, as proceeding from the mouth of Christ, or inspired by the Holy Spirit, and preserved in the Catholic Church; and that whosoever knowingly, and of deliberate purpose, despised traditions, should be anathema” Roman Catholicism The Catholic Church holds that “the Word of God in general, both written and unwritten, - in other words, the Bible and tradition taken together, - constitute the rule of faith, or method appointed by Christ for finding out the true religion”.- Milner’s End of Controversy1827 Job 41:12-14 – “ I will not conceal his parts, nor his power, nor his comely proportion. Who can discover the face of his garment? or who can come to him Who can open the doors of his face? his teeth are terrible round with his double bridle? about.” Where did we get OUR •Did God Preserve His BIBLE? Completed Word? The Promise of God The Performance of God Where did we get OUR BIBLE? The Performance of God •The Mentioning of the Apostles Where did we get OUR BIBLE? The Performance of God •The Mentioning of the Apostles Apostolic CREDENTIALS • 1 Corinthians 9:1 Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? • 2 Corinthians 12:12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. Where did we get OUR BIBLE? The Performance of God •The Mentioning of the Apostles Apostolic CREDENTIALS Apostolic COMMISSION Roman Catholicism The Catholic Church holds that “the Word of God in general, both written and unwritten, - in other words, the Bible and tradition taken together, - constitute the rule of faith, or method appointed by Christ for finding out the true religion”.- Milner’s End of Controversy1827 • Matthew 28:19-20 - “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Where did we get OUR BIBLE? The Performance of God •The Mentioning of the Apostles Apostolic CREDENTIALS Apostolic COMMISSION Apostolic CAPACITY • Ephesians 2:19-21 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: • 1 Corinthians 12:27-28 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. • 1 Corinthians 4:9 For “I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.” Where did we get OUR BIBLE? The Performance of God •The Mentioning of the Apostles Apostolic CREDENTIALS Apostolic COMMISSION Apostolic CAPACITY • Mark 7:9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. • Mark 7:13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye. • Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Where did we get OUR BIBLE? The Performance of God •The Mentioning of the Apostles •The Authority of the Apostles Where did we get OUR BIBLE? The Performance of God •The Authority of the Apostles Equal to Scripture Considered Scripture More Sure Scripture “Supernatural experiences could contradict God’s Word and still be from the Lord.” - John Goodwin from Vineyard Pastor, Healing, Sign and Wonders and Church Growth Conference Where did we get OUR BIBLE? The Performance of God •The Authority of the Apostles Equal to Scripture Considered Scripture More Sure Scripture Where did we get OUR •Did God Preserve His BIBLE? Completed Word? The Promise of God The Performance of God The Proof from God • 1 Corinthians 5:9 “I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators” • Colossians 4:16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. Where did we get OUR •Did God Preserve His BIBLE? Completed Word? The Promise of God The Performance of God The Proof from God Where did we get OUR BIBLE? The Proof from God An Abiding Assurance • John 10:27 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” • John 10:4-5 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. • John 14:21-26 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. • 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 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. • John 16:13-15 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. Where did we get OUR BIBLE? The Proof from God An Abiding Assurance An Awesome Awareness Where did we get OUR BIBLE? The Proof from God An Abiding Assurance An Awesome Awareness An Ageless Authority • John 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.