Thursday by Jason Pettus

What do we believe?

That it is without error in the original manuscripts, worthy of our trust, sufficient for explaining salvation, and authoritative for faith and life. Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is the focus of divine revelation.

Why do we believe this?
Psalm 19:7-10 – The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.

Why does it matter?
If the Word of God is not true, trustworthy, evangelistic, and authoritative, then we have no means of having certainty about what it is we believe. Our faith would have to rely upon our feelings, which won’t do because feelings change. The Christian faith is far from being void of feelings, but the affection we gain from and give back to God is based upon clear facts presented in the Bible.

How could we know that God alone is worthy of worship? Yes, we could look at the world around us and see the order and the beautiful design of all things and deduce that God is wonderful.  Thankfully, the Scripture gives us details. The Bible tells us that God is not simply an amazing artist, but also a warrior and almighty King. It is through the Word that we understand that God is complete and whole and just fine without us and that His love and acceptance of us comes not from a need in Him, but through His unconditional love and grace that He chose to give us in Christ.

If the Word of God is not about Jesus, then the themes of covenant, grace, sacrifice, and atoning sacrifice make no sense. It is through the Scriptures that we understand that God is holy and all-powerful and yet, willing to love sinful finite creatures.

What God offers to sinful man makes no sense to a natural materialistic mind. This is the stuff of great fairy tales and dreams. It is the stuff that gives life joy and meaning. The fact that the Bible is true makes dreams and desires practical and reasonable and good. Because God has revealed Himself through His Word, we can understand not only who He is, but why we are the way we are, and how it is we can be re-made through rebirth in Christ. The Word shows us how our ultimate dream to be free and good and confident and at peace and full of joy can happen.