We live in a time when established or preconceived ideas are challenged. In reality, this has always been the case for there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9).
Though it sometimes makes my heart ache and my brain hurt, I do love how such challenges to my own beliefs, habits and preconceived notions force me to think more deeply, to inspect and research my rationale for what I do, what I believe.
I have been challenged in recent months and years with concerning the Bible as the source of truth. This seems to be a hot topic among those of us who call themselves Christians, or followers of Christ.
Though there are those who struggle with the word of God being written by huMAN vessels (both the human and the man parts), I do not, for I can be confident within my own understanding of God that he can accomplish his will, his work through even the most unpredictable of individuals.
I believe this to be continually proved over and over again as manuscripts, scrolls and other ancient writings have confirmed the validity of what we have today as our Bible.
Less than one hundred years ago, in a cave, a group of shepherds discovered what has become known as the Dead Sea Scrolls (found not far from the Dead Sea). There were found portions of every book in our Old Testament (except for Esther). The scrolls of the book of Isaiah were so close to what we have today as the Hebrew Bible, there were only a handful of words that differed (and they did not change the meaning of what was written). Anyone who has ever played the childhood game of Telephone knows this is no small thing!
Some will say, I don’t follow the Bible, I follow Jesus. John 1:1 tells us that Jesus was (and is) the very Word of God … from the beginning of time:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
He is our model, the one who is our light for the path (Psalm 119:105).
So, if we are to follow him, we need to keep what is said of him always in our mind:
“He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God (Jesus) and obey it.” (Luke 11:28)
“Do not merely listen to the word (Jesus), and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” James 1:22.
To live our lives truly following Jesus, the very Word of God, is no small, or easy, thing. For he took his message straight to the cross.
Jesus came to fulfill the scriptures, the prophesies, the redemption of humankind. As we look to his example, I recently was reminded of his time in the desert, being tempted by Satan.
Three times Satan begins a temptation with the words “if you are the Son of God …” then offers Jesus something that all humans may crave; satiation of hunger, immortality and power.
Each time, Jesus responds with “it is written …” He, the very Word of God, responds with referral to the scriptures.
I would say that Jesus is the greatest confirmation of the Bible.
“There’s nothing like the written Word of God
for showing you the way to salvation
through faith in Christ Jesus.
Every part of Scripture is
God-breathed and useful one way or another
—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion,
correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way.
Through the Word
we are put together and shaped up
for the tasks God has for us.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17
itsawonderfilledlife 