The Study of the Bible Dr. Henry D. Wells JR. Dr. Henry D. Wells JR.

BIBLIOLOGY In any discussion of a Christian's personal belief system, Bibliology must be the beginning point. The Bible is the source of Christian belief. Arthur W. Pink wrote, "Christianity is the religion of a Book. Christianity is based upon the impregnable rock of the Holy Scripture. The starting point of all doctrinal discussion must be the Bible." Christianity is only as credible as its foundation.

More Than Just A Book The Bible is not a natural book because it claims divine revelation as penned by human authors. The Bible claims dual authorship. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2 Peter 1:21) This makes the Bible a worthy guide in this life. 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 perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.(2 Tim.3:16)

Bibliology answers the following questions: è è Is the Bible the Word of God? (A QUESTION OF REVELATION) è è Are the words of the Bible accurate and without error? (A QUESTION OF INSPIRATION) è è Are the words of the Bible authoritative? (A QUESTION OF INERRANCY) è è Do the present books in the Bible belong there? (A QUESTION OF CANONICITY) è è Can we interpret the meaning of the Bible in today's language? (A QUESTION OF HERMENEUTICS) è è Can we understand and apply the spiritual nature of the Bible to our life? (A QUESTION OF ILLUMINATION)

1. 1. Is the Bible the Word of God? (A QUESTION OF REVELATION) Revelation is the act whereby God gives humanity knowledge about God that they could not otherwise know. God's self-revelation can be divided into two areas: 1. General Revelation (which include Nature, Conscience and History) 2. Special Revelation (the Bible and Jesus Christ)

THE BIBLE IS THE WORD OF GOD BECAUSE

2. 2. Are the words of the Bible accurate and without error? (A QUESTION OF INSPIRATION) n n Inspiration is the supernatural guidance of the writers of Scripture by the Spirit of God, whereby they wrote the divine Word of God, transcribed accurately and reliably. n n The word "inspiration" literally means God breathed out. Inspiration involves: Inspired guidance by the Holy Spirit Inspired personality of the authors Inspired Words Resulting in inspired text.

2. 2. Are the words of the Bible authoritative? (A QUESTION OF INERRANCY) Does the Bible contain errors? Does the Bible contain errors? If you think it does, Where are They? If you think it does, Where are They? ?

4. 4. Do the present books in the Bible belong there? (A QUESTION OF CANONICITY) Canonicity answers the question of the standards, which was used to place books in the Bible. The word Bible come from the Greek term "bibilos" which means library. The canon is the standard by which the 66 books in the Bible were determined and the basis by which they were included in Scripture.

WHY THE APOCRYPHA IS REJECTED? n n The 66 books in the Holy Bible contain all that God has chosen to reveal about God and all humanity needs to know concerning God's person, attributes, works, and salvation. n n The fact that salvation is limited to God's self-revelation rejects the necessity or possibility of additional books of Scripture that include further revelation.

5. 5. Can we interpret the meaning of the Bible in today's language? (A QUESTION OF HERMENEUTICS) Hermeneutics is the science of biblical interpretation.

6. 6. Can we understand and apply the spiritual nature of the Bible to our life? (A QUESTION OF ILLUMINATION) Illumination is the work of the Holy Spirit in helping the believer understand and apply the spiritual meaning of Scripture.