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NASB | 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God's will, both publicly and privately--behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]; |
Bible Question:
Hello all, I was wondering how and why the church at large has decided to use this scripture to apply to the whole of the Bible. And a larger question then arises, how can we be sure that the Bible we hold today is truly God's inspired word. I'm asking as a Christian man struggling with the validity of the book I have come to hold so dear. Thanks so much, -joe |
Bible Answer: Dear Brother Joe, welcome to the forum! There are many reasons that we have confidence in the Scriptures. There are many explanations we can make to non-believers regarding the Word of God. However, remember that disbelief is rooted in ignorance, and ignorance is rooted in a hard heart (Eph 4:17-18). Therefore, persuasion will never change a heart of stone. That must be done by He Who can place a new heart of flesh where once was a heart of stone. Nevertheless, here is why we believe that the Words in Scripture (66 books of the canon) are God's Words: 1. The Bible claims this for itself. 2. We are persuaded as we read the Bible; the Holy Spirit speaks in and through the Bible. 3. Other evidence of historical accuracy, internal consistency, fulfilled prophecies, ability to influence cultures and nations, ability to change lives, majestic beauty, profundity, etc. etc. 4. The Bible is self attesting. (This is different from number 1.) There is no higher authority that Scripture can appeal to in order to verify itself. There are may passages in Scripture that persuade us of the above points. Sola scriptura is critically important to the believer. The doctrines of the inerrancy, sufficiency, necessity, and clarity of Scripture hinge on our understanding this fundamental truth. For in the Scripture, we find the grace of God! And God's grace is more important to us than the food we eat, the water we drink, or even the air we breathe! We can discuss this in further detail if you wish. In Him, Doc |