What is Scripture?

[Vanguard PCD]

If you ever attend seminary, or even a bible college, chances are in your first year you'll be asked a simple question:

What do you consider to be Scripture?

Think about that for a minute before you reply. Most people will say "The Bible," but then you will be asked this question:

Which translation of the Bible do you consider to be Scripture? This has to be asked because some translations, especially the paraphrased ones like the NLT, are no where near as accurate as a formal equivalent translation like the NASB, ESV or NRSB.

Another question that is often asked is, "can tradition be a part of Scripture"? Catholics and Orthodox Judaism will say "yes!"

Lastly, you might be asked, "is every verse in the Bible Scripture, or is it limited to certain verses"?

No denomination agrees with another 100% on what is Scripture.

 

[Kemosabe]

Primi Agminis : I What do you consider to be Scripture?

wrong forum for this topic

http://www.christianforums.com/t7396062/

"We believe that Bible is the word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and the only authoritative and infallible rule of Christian faith and practice."

Please pull our move thread.

This is a waste of everyone's time.

Why not post in correct forum?
.

 

[Vanguard PCD]

wrong forum for this topic

http://www.christianforums.com/t7396062/

"We believe that Bible is the word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and the only authoritative and infallible rule of Christian faith and practice."

Please pull our move thread.

This is a waste of everyone's time.

Why not post in correct forum?
.

Since it relates to the thread, and although I can see you are merely trying to be a thorn in my side (everyone else sees it too), nothing I have posted violates anything.

I am simply asking for clarification on which Bible is considered Scripture, per the individual, as there is no such thing as "The Bible" that everyone ascribes to. They use a specific translation(s).

Thanks for the bump!

 

[1watchman]

I think much of what is meant by the expression: "Scripture" is the intent of God for salvation, and most Bible versions seem to be clear about that (note John 1; John 3; John 14). Even the matter of spiritual growth seems to be uniform in most versions. The real controversies appear to be over Church Truth and Revelation. There is, of course, a difference between "the Scripture" and "scriptures" --the latter being various verses.

I have found in my 50+ years of Bible study, the Old Scofield Edition of the KJV to be the best study Bible. One can also write to Bible Truth Publishers, Addison, IL -USA for very sound study material. Look up always, and pray God will keep you from going astray.

 

[Neogaia777]

If you ever attend seminary, or even a bible college, chances are in your first year you'll be asked a simple question:

What do you consider to be Scripture?

Think about that for a minute before you reply. Most people will say "The Bible," but then you will be asked this question:

Which translation of the Bible do you consider to be Scripture? This has to be asked because some translations, especially the paraphrased ones like the NLT, are no where near as accurate as a formal equivalent translation like the NASB, ESV or NRSB.

Another question that is often asked is, "can tradition be a part of Scripture"? Catholics and Orthodox Judaism will say "yes!"

Lastly, you might be asked, "is every verse in the Bible Scripture, or is it limited to certain verses"?

No denomination agrees with another 100% on what is Scripture.

Whatever is "inspired" by God by and through men by God, for men to write or put down, or make into music (lyrics) to be of inspiration to others. And many are going to argue over what is considered to be "inspired" by God, or/and not...

I guess the big question is can people be "inspired" by God to write or do things today, (in this modern day age) (or can people be inspired by Satan?) and I really don't have an answer for you (don't know what I believe there) I believe God/Jesus Christ/Holy Spirit can still give people "gifts" today, so why not "inspired" writings, just don't know?

It is said that in the last days "new scrolls" would be opened, but this is (of course) subject to interpretation...

 

[thesunisout]

If you ever attend seminary, or even a bible college, chances are in your first year you'll be asked a simple question:

What do you consider to be Scripture?

Think about that for a minute before you reply. Most people will say "The Bible," but then you will be asked this question:

Which translation of the Bible do you consider to be Scripture? This has to be asked because some translations, especially the paraphrased ones like the NLT, are no where near as accurate as a formal equivalent translation like the NASB, ESV or NRSB.

Another question that is often asked is, "can tradition be a part of Scripture"? Catholics and Orthodox Judaism will say "yes!"

Lastly, you might be asked, "is every verse in the Bible Scripture, or is it limited to certain verses"?

No denomination agrees with another 100% on what is Scripture.

You have repeatedly claimed to have a superior knowledge of scripture, so it would be interesting to see you post something which gave an exposition on how to grow closer to Jesus. Open the scripture to our understanding and teach us how to interpret the words of our Lord.

 

[Kemosabe]

Primi Agminis : ... merely trying to be a thorn in my side ...

Grow up.

Only asking you to post it on the right forum.

No temper tantrums, please.

Primi Agminis : I am simply asking for clarification on which Bible is considered Scripture, per the individual

Are you truth challenged?

Lastly, you might be asked, "is every verse in the Bible Scripture, or is it limited to certain verses"?

So, you want to start a discussion about what parts of the Bible are the Word of God.

.

 

[Bramwell]

The Bible says: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." (II Timothy 3:16-17) But it doesn't go on to define exactly what "Scripture" means.

I would argue that there is no perfect (i.e. infallible) version of the Bible. For example, compare Nehemiah 7:8-27 with Ezra 2:3-23, and see if you can spot any inconsistencies.

Backing up to the verse from Paul quoted in the first paragraph, the descriptive word uses is 'inspired' - not 'infallible'. It's the Spirit behind the letters which is ultimately most important.

I can't really think of a version of the Bible (King James, NIV, etc.) which I have not found to be useful for instruction, correction, etc. And, to a lesser extent, I have even found other religious texts (e.g. the Koran, Gita, etc.) to be useful for instruction and correction as well. They're just not infallible.

Jesus said some of what Moses wrote was not the eternal Word of God. And he dared to change it (Mark 10:2-12). Paul said some of the things he wrote were not the Word of God (I Corinthians 7:6, 12, 25). What I do, however, see the Bible saying, is that JESUS is the Word of God (Revelation 19:13-15). It is the words which come from the mouth of Jesus that God will use to judge us (John 12:48).

Let us keep our eyes and minds focused on the teachings of Jesus, for He alone is the infallible Word of God. Amen.

 

[trentlogain2]

the b.i.b.l.e, yes that's the book for me. i'll stand upon the word of God, the B.I.B.L.E.

 

[Bramwell]

Hi Trent,

My faith is built on the teachings of Jesus as contained in the Bible. But I would challenge your claim that the Bible is the Word of God. Can you provide any evidence to support that claim? Particularly from the Bible itself? Thanks.

 

[abysmul]

The Bible says: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." (II Timothy 3:16-17) But it doesn't go on to define exactly what "Scripture" means.

I would argue that there is no perfect (i.e. infallible) version of the Bible. For example, compare Nehemiah 7:8-27 with Ezra 2:3-23, and see if you can spot any inconsistencies.

Backing up to the verse from Paul quoted in the first paragraph, the descriptive word uses is 'inspired' - not 'infallible'. It's the Spirit behind the letters which is ultimately most important.

I can't really think of a version of the Bible (King James, NIV, etc.) which I have not found to be useful for instruction, correction, etc. And, to a lesser extent, I have even found other religious texts (e.g. the Koran, Gita, etc.) to be useful for instruction and correction as well. They're just not infallible.

Jesus said some of what Moses wrote was not the eternal Word of God. And he dared to change it (Mark 10:2-12). Paul said some of the things he wrote were not the Word of God (I Corinthians 7:6, 12, 25). What I do, however, see the Bible saying, is that JESUS is the Word of God (Revelation 19:13-15). It is the words which come from the mouth of Jesus that God will use to judge us (John 12:48).

Let us keep our eyes and minds focused on the teachings of Jesus, for He alone is the infallible Word of God. Amen.

Well said, Bramwell, well said.

I especially like that you started with the 2 Timothy passage. I would say there is indeed no perfect translation, but I also strongly hold that what we have is indeed:

breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

There are no perfect translations, but our Lord most assuredly is!

 

[Bramwell]

Amen to that, Abysmul. It's nice that we are in agreement.

Further re our spiritual walk and the Bible... there's certainly no better person to turn to than Jesus when seeking to know God's will. (John 14:6-7) And we can read what Jesus taught each time we read the Bible.

Having said that, the Bible's not the ONLY way to know God's will (or "word" for our lives). We also have a conscience, which we have to be on guard to keep pure. (Romans 1:18-21)

Besides that, there's also the concept of "godly counsel" (II Corinthians 13:1) and "direct revelations" which can help us ascertain God's word for us. And we mix in circumstances, coincidences, desires, and even miracles (rare as they may be), we get a more well-rounded picture of God's word for us for now. (Note that the Bible is at the top of the list, though the list does not end there.)

 

[twob4me]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~MOD HAT ON!!!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Just a reminder about the Non-Denominationl Statement of Faith (SoF):

Non-denominational Statement of Faith
The Non-denominational Community

A forum for all non-denominational Christians to discuss and fellowship together.


A few things to know about non-denominational Christians:

• A non-denominational Christian church is one that is autonomous and not under a central authority (i.e. governing board, Magesterium, Patriarchs) on matters of doctrine, ordination, policy or discipline. They may, however, be part of an association to share resources.
• We believe that Bible is the word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and the only authoritative and infallible rule of Christian faith and practice.
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In the House Rules it states you may post in fellowship if you are not a member of that faith group. So questions are allowed. What is not allowed is debating as outlined in the above House Rules. So please keep your replies away from debating if you are not a member of this faith group.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~MOD HAT OFF!!!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

[BryanW92]

When someone asks me "what is scripture" or "which version is correct", alarm bells go off in my gut. I hear alarm bells because they are really asking "how much of the bible can I ignore" or "which parts can I change".

I forget the exact words that the Progressives use, but it's something like "God reveals his truth to each generation" which is code for "we should mold scripture to match popular culture".

 

[pescador]

When someone asks me "what is scripture" or "which version is correct", alarm bells go off in my gut. I hear alarm bells because they are really asking "how much of the bible can I ignore" or "which parts can I change".

I forget the exact words that the Progressives use, but it's something like "God reveals his truth to each generation" which is code for "we should mold scripture to match popular culture".

I don't follow the reasoning here. Why do alarm bells go off in your gut? You are jumping to an unwarranted conclusion.

I have a particular interest in which version is best -- none of them are 100% correct -- yet I have no desire to ignore or change any of God's word.

And God does reveal his truth to each generation. If not, when did he stop? There is no code.

You have a fortress mindset that is not going to help you or anybody else. What are you protecting? Your own conservative ideology? The Pharisees protected their conservative ideology and they missed Christ who lived in their midst.

 

[BryanW92]

And God does reveal his truth to each generation. If not, when did he stop? There is no code.

I hope he stopped sometime before the 7th century. Because if we have to listen to what he has "'revealed" to each generation, then we are heretics for not being Muslim. Or maybe Mormon.

 

[abysmul]

I hope he stopped sometime before the 7th century. Because if we have to listen to what he has "'revealed" to each generation, then we are heretics for not being Muslim. Or maybe Mormon.

Are not all Christians guided by the Holy Spirit in truth? Just because individuals or entire generations don't listen to the Holy Spirit or even make up total lies under the guise of Christianity, that doesn't indicate that God isn't there for Christians who seek that relationship with him.

 

[BryanW92]

Are not all Christians guided by the Holy Spirit in truth? Just because individuals or entire generations don't listen to the Holy Spirit or even make up total lies under the guise of Christianity, that doesn't indicate that God isn't there for Christians who seek that relationship with him.

Of course we are guided by the Holy Spirit in truth. But, it becomes questionable when we are guided in NEW truth.

I'm not saying that God won't or can't reveal "new" truth, but that any time we hear "new" truth, we should be extremely suspicious and err on the side of caution.

From the 2nd century on, Christianity has been modified time and time again by people claiming to have new truths. Western Christianity has been changed much more than Eastern Christianity to the extent that most of us barely recognize an Orthodox or Coptic worship service as being Christian. We certainly would have a hard time participating.

The Reformation was seen by the reformers as an attempt to return to the "correct" Christianity after the Roman church had changed it over the previous millenia and a half--changes caused by "new" truths. After the Reformation, we began the great splitting of the church, always due to "new" truths that every new denomination claimed to be the revelation of the Holy Spirit. Which "new" truth was true?

But the most dangerous "new" truths have come with the rise of the power of popular media culture in our lives. Now, we discover "new" truths that are "given" by the Holy Spirit AFTER Hollywood and New York City tell us to have them.

We need to wake up! Any time a "new" truth FOLLOWS pop culture, we need to question it. The bible is very clear on false teachings in the end times. Any Christian who confuses the guidance of the Holy Spirit with rants of Sarah Silverman needs to be ignored.

 

[Bramwell]

A few questions... is there a difference between the Old Testament and the New Testament? Did Jesus change anything which was in effect from the time of Moses? Are all parts of the Bible equal?

Thanks in advance.

 

[pescador]

Are not all Christians guided by the Holy Spirit in truth? Just because individuals or entire generations don't listen to the Holy Spirit or even make up total lies under the guise of Christianity, that doesn't indicate that God isn't there for Christians who seek that relationship with him.

Well said! God is alive, Jesus is alive, the Holy Spirit is alive, the Word of God is living and active. Ours is not a dead faith, for in Christ we live, move, and have our being.