Hermeneutics and Bible Authority God Has Spoken to Us by Christ

2 Fundamental Truth God has spoken to all people through ChristGod has spoken to all people through Christ The authority of Christ is expressed in the words of the New TestamentThe authority of Christ is expressed in the words of the New Testament The New Testament is the pattern of truth to which we must hold fastThe New Testament is the pattern of truth to which we must hold fast

3 God Has Spoken Two basic periods, Heb. 1:1-2; 2:1-3Two basic periods, Heb. 1:1-2; 2:1-3 –In time past: Old Testament –In these last days: New Testament Christ is the full embodiment & expression of God, Jno. 1:1; Col. 2:9; 1:15Christ is the full embodiment & expression of God, Jno. 1:1; Col. 2:9; 1:15 –Fully revealed grace & truth, Jno. 1:14 –By words, Jno. 12:48-50

4 Authority of Christ is Expressed in Words of NT Jno. 16:13-15; 1 Cor. 1:10; 2:13; 4:6; 14:37; Gal. 1:8-9; 2 Jno. 9 Christ’s authority was revealed in a message that was…Christ’s authority was revealed in a message that was… –Delivered, Jude 3 –Taught, Mk. 16:15; 2 Ths. 2:15 –Learned, Rom. 16:17

5 Authority of Christ is Expressed in Words of NT Christ’s authority is revealed in general & specific termsChrist’s authority is revealed in general & specific terms –General: “Go” (may choose how), Mark 16:15 –Specific: “Preach gospel” (no other message), Mk. 16:15 (Gal. 1:8-9)

6 Authority of Christ is Expressed in Words of NT Christ’s authority is established in three ways (cf. Lord’s Supper):Christ’s authority is established in three ways (cf. Lord’s Supper): (These forms of communicating authority are not unique to the Bible) –Direct command (what?), 1 Cor 11:24 –Apostolic example (when?), Acts 20:7 –Necessary inference (how often?), Acts 20:7

7 Authority of Christ is Expressed in Words of NT Apostles used these ways to establish & teach divine authority in Acts 15Apostles used these ways to establish & teach divine authority in Acts 15 –15:7-11: Holy Spirit upon Gentiles was an apostolic example of the truth –15:12: Miracles attending preaching necessarily implied divine approval –15:16-19: Direct statement of Scripture announced Gentile acceptability

8 Authority of Christ is Expressed in Words of NT The word of the Lord was preserved & is to be applied “forever”The word of the Lord was preserved & is to be applied “forever” –Lives & abides forever, 1 Pet. 1:23-25 –Present truth…always have a reminder, 2 Pet. 1:12-15 New Testament continues to contain Christ’s authority!New Testament continues to contain Christ’s authority!

9 Hold Fast the New Testament Pattern of Truth Divine revelation is the pattern of “truth in love,” Eph. 4:15 (1 Tim. 3: 14-15; 2 Tim. 1:13)Divine revelation is the pattern of “truth in love,” Eph. 4:15 (1 Tim. 3: 14-15; 2 Tim. 1:13) –Saved when we obey, Rom. 6:17-18 Follow the pattern of truth, 1 Pet. 4:11; 2 Jno. 9 (Col. 3:17)Follow the pattern of truth, 1 Pet. 4:11; 2 Jno. 9 (Col. 3:17) –Establish NT authority, 1 Ths. 5:21-22 –Respect NT silence, Acts 15:24

10 Hold Fast the New Testament Pattern of Truth When departure occurs, restoration is necessary & possible, 1 Tim.4:1When departure occurs, restoration is necessary & possible, 1 Tim.4:1 –Departure destroys fellowship with God & His people, 2 Jno Where there is departure & apostasy we plead for restoration & salvation Jer. 6:16; Jas. 5:19-20 (2 Chron. 34: 29-33)Where there is departure & apostasy we plead for restoration & salvation Jer. 6:16; Jas. 5:19-20 (2 Chron. 34: 29-33)

11 To Understand the Bible New Testament is God’s message to us by His Son, Jesus ChristNew Testament is God’s message to us by His Son, Jesus Christ New Testament is the revelation of Christ’s authority over our livesNew Testament is the revelation of Christ’s authority over our lives Be content with what God has said to us in the NT and hold it fastBe content with what God has said to us in the NT and hold it fast -Ephesians 5:17-