Then God's Word has failed to exist for us today and we are without a Word of God that we can truly know with 100% certainty because nobody speaks Biblical Hebrew and Biblical Greek. People are only guessing as to what those languages are saying. We do not have a Paul giving us a commentary from the Greek to the English. I choose to believe God's Word in that it says that it is perfect and that it will be preserved for all generations (Including this one).
Exactly! I don't believe the bible is the word of God. Rather, I believe it CONTAINS the word of God. In the new testament, it can usually be spotted by red text. ;(
It is why we pray. The bible has its function and tells us what that function is. It never claims to be "the" word of God. The personal word of God for me is in prayer. The scripture below clarifies, but remember, it was written before we had our bibles. i.e. it is talking about something else. And even then, it does not claim it is THE word of God. Rather, it is the words of men, who's words are inspired by God. And what scripture is this letter referring to? Remember, there is a LOT of scripture out there that is not in our bible, and our bible did not exist when this letter was penned.
And are our pastors inspired by God? If so, should we not staple all of their sermons to the end of our bible?
But I will say that for me, I believe my bible is really profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
2 Timothy 3:16-17King James Version (KJV)
16 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, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
BTW, here is the lexicon for 16:
2 Timothy 3:16 Lexicon: All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;
The bible is an excellent source of information regarding how to live a Godly life and for getting a glimpse of the personality of God as he relates to mankind. But without prayer it is useless, other than in a humanistic way. i.e. proverbes is great teaching even for atheists, and many modern motivational speakers are basically regurgitating bible wisdom for a modern audience, and in a, truth be told, more entertaining way.
The way to God is the blood of Christ. The way to understanding of God is through prayer, coupled with instruction in the bible. But if you can only have one of those two, it's best to have prayer.