Origin of the Bible: Part I 2 Timothy 3:16 & 2 Peter 1:19-21 Grace Community Church 5/28/2006

Professor Teabing says: “The Bible did not arrive by fax from heaven… The Bible is a product of man, my dear. Not of God. The Bible did not fall magically from the clouds. Man created it as a historical record of tumultuous times, and it has evolved through countless translations, additions, and revisions. History has never had a definitive version of the book.” If the Bible isn’t a fax from heaven, what is it?

Uniqueness of the Bible Written over 1500 years. Written over 40 generations. Written by more than 40 authors from every walk of life. Written in different places. Written on three different continents. Written in three different languages: Hebrew Aramaic Greek Common theme from start to finish. God’s plan to redeem a fallen humanity.

What the Bible Claims for Itself 2 Timothy 3:16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Super – So just say God said it, then everyone has to believe and obey it, right? Wrong!

Even so, testimony can be falsified. Eyewitness Testimony 2 Peter 1:16We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 18We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. Even so, testimony can be falsified.

Fulfilled Prophecy 2 Peter 1:19And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. 21For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Deuteronomy 18:18-20 18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. 19If anyone does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name, I myself will call him to account. 20But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded him to say, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, must be put to death.”

Deuteronomy 18:21-22 21You may say to yourselves, “How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the LORD?” 22If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.

OT Prophecy Concerning Christ Born of the Seed of the Woman: Genesis 3:15 – Matthew 1:20 Born of a Virgin: Isaiah 7:14 – Matthew 1:18,25 Born at Bethlehem: Micah 5:2 – Matthew 2:1 He shall be a King: Psalm 2:6 – Matthew 27:37 Preceded by a Messenger: Isaiah 40:3 – Matthew 3:1-2 Rejected by His own people: Isaiah 53:3 – John 7:5,48 Crucifixion: Psalm 22 – Luke 23:33/John 19:23-33 See detailed handout in foyer…

Isaiah 46:8-10 8 “Remember this, fix it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels. 9 Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. 10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.

Isaiah 46:11-13 11 From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do. 12 Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted, you who are far from righteousness. 13 I am bringing my righteousness near, it is not far away; and my salvation will not be delayed. I will grant salvation to Zion, my splendor to Israel.

Are You Listening? Skeptic – doubtful God has spoken. Will you listen to God’s voice? Will you cover your ears? Christian – believe God has spoken. Do you know His Word? John 15 Do you obey His Word? James 1:22