How do you view the Bible?

Among those who believe it to be God’s Word, there are two primary schools of thought:

1. Loosely- a guide in the main, but a book of principles with the details of application left to man’s own interpretation. Therefore, it cannot be specifically applied universally.

2. Strictly- the sole guide of all things that pertain to life and godliness that is to be correctly understood and universally practiced.

• One view precludes unity, cf.1Cor.1:10; Rom.15:5.• The other view is the only means to achieve unity,

John 17:17-21; Eph.4:1-6.• Your choice means salvation or damnation, Jas. 1:21.

These two views of Scripture:

constitute the fundamental cause of most all religious division.

Think about any issue pertaining to life and godliness….

which one does not turn upon our view of Scripture?

Whether we view the Scriptures loosely as a general guide, open to interpretation, or

strictly as specific laws which must be adhered to without deviation or neglect.

Which view is right? It is important, John 12:48.

As always, let’s see what God says!

• God’s attitude toward the Scriptures can be perceived by what He says about His own words:>Deut.4:1-2 “shall not add to…nor take away from

it, that you may keep the commandments”

>2John 9-10 “Any one who goes too far and does not abide… does not have God”

>1Cor.4:6 “that in us you may learn not to exceedwhat is written”

>Rev.22:18-19 must not “add to” or “take from”

It seems from what God says about His Word that He strictly applies it.

Likewise, let’s see what God did!

God’s attitude toward the Scriptures can be perceived by what He did about what He said.

He said:

Gen.2:16-17 “Don’t eat from the tree of knowledge”

He did:

Remove them for violation, Gen.3:24

He said:

Gen.19:17 “Don’t look back at Sodom”

He did:

Turn Lot’s wife into a pillar of salt, Gen.19:26

Likewise, let’s see what God did!

God’s attitude toward the Scriptures can be perceived by what He did about what He said.

He said:

Lev.6:12-13; 16:12 “Take fire from the altar”

He did:

Consume the lives of Nadab & Abihu, Lev.10:1-2

He said:

Num.20:6-11 “Speak to the rock”

He did:

Refuse entrance into Canaan for Moses and Aaron,Num.20:12 > v.24 > Deut.34:1-5

“But that’s the O.T. We’re under a New Law!”

“Yes” we are.

Though the Law itself changed, did God’s attitude toward it or expectations of man’s obedience of it change?>Consider Heb.2:1-4

The context of this passage goes back to 1:1-2 where the Law of Christ is emphasized.

In 1:3-14, the superiority of Christ is demonstrated over angels. Why?

The word “spoken through angels” was the O.T. and “every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense” 2:2.

The Law of Christ demands no less obedience! v.4

God still has a Law

• It was given through His Son, Jesus Christ, Heb.1:2.• God demands obedience to His Law as He had with

regard to the Law through Moses, Matt.17:5.• This means “everything” Acts 3:22-23!• So, we don’t get to pick and choose the parts of

Christ’s Law we want from some sort of spiritual buffet line, Rom.16:16-18.

>We take it all and do our best to obey it, 1John 2:3.

>Or, we interpret it loosely and become condemned by it, Jas.2:8-11.

Loosely or Strictly- you decide.

But know that eternity hangs in the balance!