A series about critical doctrines you must not deny or change
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12 NIV)
Over the past few days
I’ve been discussing doctrinal errors held by the many Progressive Churches around the world who have redefined many church doctrines to reflect their new unbiblical beliefs.
Progressive churches don’t believe that the Bible is the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God
They believe the Bible to be more of an old spiritual travelogue. The Biblical authors are seen as well intentioned ancient individuals who made an effort to comprehend God in the context of their l own times and places, but they were not necessarily speaking on behalf of God. Additionally, Progressive Christians view Scripture as being incoherent, inconsistent, and without authority. That’s too bad because they will be getting their doctrinal “truths” from worldly sources rather than from the Bible.This will ultimately lead to many ministry failures that will show up in negative, even destructive, ways.
Billy Graham’s personal story about trusting the Bible
The following story is from Billy Graham regarding his belief in the authority of the Bible. He was young and just beginning his ministry. Just prior to a major crusade, a minister friend who he deeply respected, dramatically left the faith and told Billy that he no longer believed the Bible and encouraged Billy to abandon it, too. This shook Billy’s faith dramatically and brought him to a major crisis point. In his own words, here’s what he said he did.
“For months doubts about the Bible swirled through my mind, finally coming to a boil during a conference at which I was speaking in the mountains east of Los Angeles. One night, alone in my cabin at the conference, I studied carefully what the Bible said about its divine origin. I recalled that the prophets clearly believed they were speaking God’s Word; they used the phrase “Thus says the Lord” (or similar words) hundreds of times. I also knew that archaeological discoveries had repeatedly confirmed the Bible’s historical accuracy.
Especially significant to me, however, was Jesus’ own view of Scripture. He not only quoted it frequently, but also accepted it as the Word of God. While praying for His disciples, He said, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17). He also told them, “I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law” (Matthew 5:18). Shouldn’t I have the same view of Scripture as my Lord?
Finally I went for a walk in the moonlit forest. I knelt down with my Bible on a tree stump in front of me and began praying. I don’t recall my exact words, but my prayer went something like this: “O Lord, there are many things in this book I don’t understand. There are many problems in it for which I have no solution. … But, Father, by faith I am going to accept this as Thy Word. From this moment on I am going to trust the Bible as the Word of God.”
When I got up from my knees, I sensed God’s presence in a way that I hadn’t felt for months. Not all my questions were answered, but I knew a major spiritual battle had been fought–and won. I never doubted the Bible’s divine inspiration again, and immediately my preaching took on a new confidence. This was, I believe, one reason why our Los Angeles meetings had to be extended from three weeks to eight.
Don’t let anyone shake your confidence in the Bible as God’s Word. If you have questions about it, don’t use them as an excuse to turn your back on God. Instead, face your doubts and seek answers; you aren’t the first person to ask them. (Your local Christian bookstore can help you.) In addition, read the Bible for yourself with an open heart and mind. Ask God to show you if it truly is His Word–and He will.
Your life will never be the same once you trust the Bible as God’s Word. God will begin to use it to change your life.”
After Billy Grahams prayer proclaiming he was going to accept the Bible as the Word of God, his messages became powerful and effective. They were filled with many Bible verses preceded by him proclaiming passionately, “The Bible Says!” because He believed the Bible completely with all his heart.
What the Bible says about the Bible
· It is given by God
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (2 Tim. 3:16)
“But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matt. 4:4 ESV)
· It is able to make you wise for Salvation
“And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (2 Tim. 3:15 ESV)
· Every word of it proves true
“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” (Prov. 30:5)
· Its gives light and understanding to the simple
“The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130)
· It equips for every good work
“…that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:17 ESV)
· It brings instruction, encouragement, and hope
“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Rom. 15:4 ESV)
· It does not return empty and accomplishes God’s purpose
“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isa. 55.10 ESV)
· It will bless you in what you’re doing
“But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” (James 1:25 ESV