2. Grudem Chapter 2; The Word of God.pptx

2. Grudem Chapter 2; The Word of God.pptx

1. The Word of God Chapter 2

2. Explanation and Scriptural Basis The authority of Scripture means that all the words in Scripture are God’s words in such a way that to disbelieve or disobey any word of Scripture is to disbelieve or disobey God.

3. Explanation and Scriptural Basis The phrase “the Word of God” has a number of meanings. At various points, it can refer to Jesus Christ (e.g., Jn 1:1, 14), to God’s specific decrees (e.g., Gen 1:3ff.), to God’s words of personal address (e.g., Ex 20:1–3; Mk 1:11), to God’s words spoken through prophets (e.g., Deut 18:18–20), or to God’s words as written in Scripture (e.g., 1 Cor 14:37).

4. Explanation and Scriptural Basis In every case, God’s words are fully authoritative; “to disbelieve or disobey any part of them is to disbelieve or disobey God himself.” The words of God in written Scripture benefit us greatly because they provide us with opportunities to study them repeatedly and to make them available to many more people. In systematic theology, the focus of study is on the Bible rather than on the other forms of the Word of God.

5. The Bible Claims that All Its Words Are God’s Words This Is What the Bible Claims for Itself. “Thus says the Lord...” or similar (Deut 18:18–20; Jer 1:9) 2 Tim 3:16; 2 Pet 1:21; 3:15–16; 1 Tim 5:18 with Lk 10:7 We Are Convinced of the Bible’s Claims to Be God’s Words as We Read the Bible. (1 Cor 2:13–14; Jn 10:27) Other Evidence Is Useful but Not Finally Convincing.

6. The Bible Claims that All Its Words Are God’s Words The Words of Scripture Are Self-Attesting. Objection: This Is a Circular Argument. Yet, all arguments for an absolute authority must ultimately appeal to that authority for proof; otherwise the authority would not be an absolute or highest authority. This Does Not Imply Dictation From God as the Sole Means of Communication. (Rev 2:1; Lk 1:1–3; Jn 14:26)

7. To Disbelieve or Disobey Any Word of Scripture Is to Disbelieve or Disobey God Lk 24:25: And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!” Jn 15:20: Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.

8. To Disbelieve or Disobey Any Word of Scripture Is to Disbelieve or Disobey God 2 Pet 3:1–2: This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles… 2 Thess 3:14: If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed.

9. The Truthfulness of Scripture God Cannot Lie or Speak Falsely. (Titus 1:2) Therefore All the Words in Scripture Are Completely True and Without Error in Any Part. (Ps 12:6; Prov 30:5; Matt 24:35; Num 23:19)

10. The Truthfulness of Scripture God’s Words Are the Ultimate Standard of Truth. (Jn 17:17) Might Some New Fact Ever Contradict the Bible? It might contradict our understanding of Scripture, but it will never contradict Scripture.

11. Written Scripture Is Our Final Authority We must continually remember that we have in the Bible God’s very words, and we must not try to “improve” on them in some way, for this cannot be done. Rather, we should seek to understand them and then trust them and obey them with our whole heart.

12. Christianity and Theological Liberalism Doctrine Theological Liberalism Christianity Worldview Naturalism Supernaturalism The Bible A human book; not God’s words; supernatural events are myths Human and divine; God’s very words; supernatural events are true Doctrine Unimportant; experiences are test of truth Statement of historical facts with their meaning God Loves all regardless of actions; all religions worship the same God Holds all accountable; the only way to know God is through Jesus Christ Humanity Inherently good Sinners in need of God’s forgiveness

13. Christianity and Theological Liberalism Doctrine Theological Liberalism Christianity Jesus Christ Great moral teacher; good example; virgin birth is impossible Both God and man; Savior who died for our sins; miraculously born to the virgin Mary Salvation Through human/social improvement; God’s wrath on Christ contradicts God’s love Through trusting in Christ for forgiveness of sins; Jesus bore God’s wrath against our sin The Church Association for self-improvement; purpose to renew society; should not set doctrinal boundaries for leadership Created by Christ as a fellowship of the redeemed; purpose to worship God, edify believers, proclaim gospel; leaders must believe and teach sound doctrine

14. Christianity and Theological Liberalism Conclusion: Liberalism is not Christianity. It is another religion altogether.

15. Special Terms absolute authority authority of Scripture circular argument dictation God-breathed inspiration liberalism plenary inspiration Scripture self-attesting