The Bible: I. Uniqueness of Its Composition II. Uniqueness of Its Collection III. Uniqueness of Its Contents Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2009

from The Chain from God to Us InspirationCanonizationTransmission

The Bible: I. Uniqueness of Its Composition

The Bible: The Bible is a co-authored book. The Bible is a co-authored book. a. God is the primary author; a. God is the primary author; b. Men of God were the secondary authors. b. Men of God were the secondary authors. c. The result is that one and the same set of words are both God’s and man’s. c. The result is that one and the same set of words are both God’s and man’s. So, whatever God said in Scripture, they said. And whatever they said, God said. So, whatever God said in Scripture, they said. And whatever they said, God said.

Outline A. The Source of Inspiration B. The Means of Inspiration C. The Nature of Inspiration D. The Result of Inspiration

Outline A. The Source of Inspiration 1. Who? God 1. Who? God 2. How? By Revelation 2. How? By Revelation 3. When? 1500 B.C to A.D When? 1500 B.C to A.D 100

A. The Source of Inspiration A. The Source of Inspiration 1. Who? God 1. Who? God 2 Sam. 23:2.— “ The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, and His word was on my tongue.” 2 Sam. 23:2.— “ The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, and His word was on my tongue.” Zech. 7:12.--“They made their hearts like flint, refusing to hear the law and the words which the Lord of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets.” Zech. 7:12.--“They made their hearts like flint, refusing to hear the law and the words which the Lord of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets.” 2 Tim. 3:16.—“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God….” 2 Tim. 3:16.—“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God….” 2 Peter 1:21.—“For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:21.—“For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

A. The Source of Inspiration A. The Source of Inspiration 1. Who? God 1. Who? God 2. How? By Revelation 2. How? By Revelation Heb. 1:1.--“God who at various times and in different ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets.” Heb. 1:1.--“God who at various times and in different ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets.” a. God spoke to the prophets. a. God spoke to the prophets. b. God spoke through the prophets. b. God spoke through the prophets.

How God Spoke to the Prophets 1. By angels (Gen. 18, 19) 2. By dreams (Dan. 7:1; cf. Num. 12:6) 3. By visions (Isa.1:1; Ezek. 1:1; 8:3; 11:24; 43:3; cf. Hosea 12:10) 4. By miracles (Ex. 3:2; Jud. 6:37;Jonah 1:1; 4:6) 5. By nature (Psa. 19:1) 6. By an audible voice (1 Sam. 3:4) 7. By an inner voice (Hosea 1:1; Joel 1:1 etc.) 8. By the Urim and Thummim (Ex. 28:30; Num. 27:21) 9. By casting lots (Prov. 16:33) 10. By other prophetic writings (Dan. 9:1-2)

A. The Source of Inspiration A. The Source of Inspiration 1. Who? God 1. Who? God 2. How? By Revelation 2. How? By Revelation 3. When? 1500 B.C. to A.D When? 1500 B.C. to A.D. 100

1500 b.c b.c. 400 b.c

A. The Source of Inspiration B. The Means of Inspiration 1. Men of God 1. Men of God Heb. 1:1.--“God who at various times and in different ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets.” Heb. 1:1.--“God who at various times and in different ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets.” Zech. 7:12.--“They made their hearts like flint, refusing to hear the law and the words which the Lord of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets.” Zech. 7:12.--“They made their hearts like flint, refusing to hear the law and the words which the Lord of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets.” 2 Peter 1:21.—“For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:21.—“For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

The Bible is 100% Human 1. It was written by human beings (about 40 of them). 2. It was written in human languages (Hebrew & Greek). 3. It has human literary styles (poetry, prose & history) 4. It has Human literary forms (parables, metaphors, similes, symbols & hyperboles). 5. It reflects different human thought patterns (logical, practical, a memory lapse). 6. It reveals human emotions (weeping, rejoicing, and anger). 7. It has specific human interests (medical, herdsman, shepherd, and nature). 8. It expresses human culture (kissing, foot washing, veils, and reclining at meals). 9. It utilizes other written human sources (Jasher-- Josh. 10, Wars of the Lord—Num. 21:14, pagan poets (Acts 17:28, 1 Cor. 15:33; Titus 1:12). 10. It reflects human limitations (matter, space, & time).

A. The Source of Inspiration A. The Source of Inspiration B. The Means of Inspiration B. The Means of Inspiration C. The Nature of Inspiration C. The Nature of Inspiration 1. A Prophetic Writing 1. A Prophetic Writing 2. The Written Word of God 2. The Written Word of God 3. What the Bible Says, God Says 3. What the Bible Says, God Says

A. The Source of Inspiration B. The Means of Inspiration C. The Nature of Inspiration 1. A Prophetic Writing 1. A Prophetic Writing

1. A Prophetic Writing 1. Names given to a prophet. He is called: 1. Names given to a prophet. He is called: a. A man of God (1 Kgs. 12:22), i.e., chosen by God b. A servant of the Lord (1 Kgs. 14:18), indicating that he was to be faithful to God c. A messenger of the Lord (Isa. 42:19), showing that he was sent by God d. A seer (Roeh), or beholder (Hozeh) (Isa. 30:9- 10), revealing he had insight from God e. A man of the Spirit (Hos. 9:7; cf. Mic. 3:8), telling that he spoke by the Spirit of God f. A watchman (Eze. 3:7), shows alertness for God g. A prophet (most common name), marking him as a spokesman for God Summary: A man of God who got the Word of God and gave it faithfully to the people of God. Summary: A man of God who got the Word of God and gave it faithfully to the people of God.

1. Names of a Prophet. 1. Names of a Prophet. 2. Nature of a Prophet (nabhi) 2. Nature of a Prophet (nabhi) Amos 3:8.-- “The Lord God has spoken! Who can but prophesy?” Amos 3:8.-- “The Lord God has spoken! Who can but prophesy?” Num. 22:18.--“I could not do anything, either small or great, contrary to the command of the Lord my God.” Num. 22:18.--“I could not do anything, either small or great, contrary to the command of the Lord my God.” Ex. 7:1.--“See, I make you as God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron shall be your prophet.” Ex. 7:1.--“See, I make you as God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron shall be your prophet.” Deut. 18:18.--“I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him.” Deut. 18:18.--“I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him.” Deut. 4:2.--“You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it.” Deut. 4:2.--“You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it.” 1 Kings 22:14.--“As the Lord lives, what the Lord says to me, that I will speak.” 1 Kings 22:14.--“As the Lord lives, what the Lord says to me, that I will speak.” Ex. 4:16.--“He shall be as a mouth for you, and you shall be as God to him.” Ex. 4:16.--“He shall be as a mouth for you, and you shall be as God to him.” Obeying their word was obeying God (Isa. 8:5; Jer. 3:6; Eze. 21:1; Amos 3:1). Obeying their word was obeying God (Isa. 8:5; Jer. 3:6; Eze. 21:1; Amos 3:1).

1. Names of a Prophet. 1. Names of a Prophet. 2. Nature of a Prophet (nabhi) 2. Nature of a Prophet (nabhi) 3. Two kinds of Prophets 3. Two kinds of Prophets a. Prophets by office (Moses, Isa.-Malachi) a. Prophets by office (Moses, Isa.-Malachi) b. Prophets by gift : b. Prophets by gift : David (2 Sam. 23:2)—Many Psalms David (2 Sam. 23:2)—Many Psalms Solomon (1Kgs.11:9)-Prov., Eccl., Song. Solomon (1Kgs.11:9)-Prov., Eccl., Song. Daniel (Mt. 24:15)—Book of Daniel Daniel (Mt. 24:15)—Book of Daniel Ezra-Neh.—Listed with the Prophets Ezra-Neh.—Listed with the Prophets

A. The Source of Inspiration B. The Means of Inspiration C. The Nature of Inspiration 1. A Prophetic Writing 1. A Prophetic Writing 2. The Written Word of God 2. The Written Word of God

How God Spoke to the Prophets How God Spoke through the Prophets Moses:—“Moses wrote down all the words of the Lord.” (Ex. 24:4). I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him” (Deut. 18:18). Isaiah:—“Take for yourself a large tablet and write” (Isa. 8:1). David: “The Spirit of the Lord speaks by me; his word is on my tongue” (2 Sam. 23:2). Micaiah: “As the Lord lives, what the Lord says to me, that I will speak” (1Kings 22:14). Zechariah: He spoke of “the law and the words which the Lord of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets” (Zech. 7:12). Peter: “For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21). Paul: “…you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God” (1 Thes. 2:13).

The Process of Inspiration The Fact: The Bible is co-authored: God is the primary author God is the primary author Men of God are the secondary authors. Men of God are the secondary authors. The Means: What it is not—It is not verbal dictation (Different styles, vocabularies, and interests are reflected). What it is not—It is not verbal dictation (Different styles, vocabularies, and interests are reflected). What it is—Providential guidance “For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved [driven, carried along] by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21). What it is—Providential guidance “For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved [driven, carried along] by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21). The Prophetic Model: 1. Not merely a prompter (of ideas); 2. Not a secretary (receiving dictation of words); 2. Not a secretary (receiving dictation of words); 3. But like a teacher (implanting the exact meaning) and a co-author of a book (concurring in the written expression of it). 3. But like a teacher (implanting the exact meaning) and a co-author of a book (concurring in the written expression of it).

2. The Written Word of God Ex. 24:4.—“Moses wrote down all the words of the Lord.” Jer. 26:2.– Do “not omit a word.” 2 Tim. 3:16.—“All Scripture [writing] is given by inspiration of God….” John 5:39.—“You search the Scriptures…and they speak of Me.” John 10:35.—“The Scripture cannot be broken.” 1 Cor. 2:13.—“words…taught by the Holy Spirit.” Matt. 4:4, 7, 10.—“It is written…” (92x). Lk. 24:27.—“He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” Rev. 22:18.—Do not add to “the words of the book of this prophecy.”

A. The Source of Inspiration A. The Source of Inspiration B. The Means of Inspiration B. The Means of Inspiration C. The Nature of Inspiration C. The Nature of Inspiration 1. A Prophetic Writing 1. A Prophetic Writing 2. The Written Word of God 2. The Written Word of God 3. What the Bible Says, God Says 3. What the Bible Says, God Says

What Scripture Says, God Says GOD SAYS... SCRIPTURE SAYS… GOD SAYS... SCRIPTURE SAYS… Gen. 12:3 Gal 3:8 Gen. 12:3 Gal 3:8 Ex. 9:16 Rom. 9:17 Ex. 9:16 Rom. 9:17

What Scripture Says, God Says GOD SAYS... SCRIPTURE SAYS… GOD SAYS... SCRIPTURE SAYS… Gen. 12:3 Gal. 3:8 Gen. 12:3 Gal. 3:8 Ex. 9:16 Rom. 9:17 Ex. 9:16 Rom. 9:17 SCRIPTURE SAYS… GOD SAYS… SCRIPTURE SAYS… GOD SAYS… Gen. 2:24 Matt. 19:4-5 Gen. 2:24 Matt. 19:4-5 Psa. 2:1 Acts 4:24-25 Psa. 2:1 Acts 4:24-25 Psa. 2:7 Heb. 1:5 Psa. 2:7 Heb. 1:5 Psa. 16:10 Acts 13:35 Psa. 16:10 Acts 13:35 Psa. 95:7 Heb. 3:7 Psa. 95:7 Heb. 3:7 Psa. 97:7 Heb. 1:6 Psa. 97:7 Heb. 1:6 Psa. 104:4 Heb. 1:7 Psa. 104:4 Heb. 1:7 Isa. 55:3 Acts 13:34 Isa. 55:3 Acts 13:34 There is an interchangeability between the two. There is an interchangeability between the two.

What Scripture Says, God Says GOD SAYS... SCRIPTURE SAYS… Gen. 12:3 Gal 3:8 Gen. 12:3 Gal 3:8 “Now the Lord “The Scripture…preached said to Abram” …to Abraham…saying”

What Scripture Says, God Says GOD SAYS... SCRIPTURE SAYS… Gen. 12:3 Gal 3:8 Gen. 12:3 Gal 3:8 “Now the Lord “The Scripture…preached said to Abram…” …to Abraham…saying” SCRIPTURE SAYS… GOD SAYS… Gen. 2:24 Matt. 19:4-5 Gen. 2:24 Matt. 19:4-5 “[Author of Genesis] “He [God]…said, ‘…a man said,…‘a man shall shall leave his father and leave his father and mother….’” mother….”’

A. The Source of Inspiration B. The Means of Inspiration C. The Nature of Inspiration D. The Result of Inspiration

1.It is divinely authoritative (Mt. 4:4, 7, 10). 2.It is imperishable (Mt. 5:17-18). 3.It is infallible (Jn. 10:35). 4.It is historically reliable (Mt. 12:40; Mt. 24:37). Mt. 24:37). 5. It is scientifically accurate (Mt. 19:4-5). 6. It has ultimate supremacy (Mt. 15:3, 6). 7. It is inerrant (without error) (Mt. 22:29). D. The Result of Inspiration

1. It is Divinely Authoritative Jesus said : “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’... It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.…’ Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only’” (Mt. 4:4, 7, 10).

2. It is imperishable Matthew 5:17-18:“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill 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 until everything is accomplished.”

3. It is infallible “If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came—and the Scripture cannot be broken….” (John 10:35)

4. It is historically reliable Matthew 12:40: “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Matthew 24:37-38: “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark.”

1. Creation of the universe (Gen. 1)John 1:3; Col. 1:16 2. Creation of Adam and Eve (Gen. 1-2)1 Tim. 2: Marriage of Adam and Eve (Gen. 1-2)1 Tim. 2:13 4. Temptation of the woman (Gen. 3)1 Tim. 2:14 5. Disobedience and sin of Adam (Gen. 3)Rom. 5:12; 1 Cor. 15:22 6. Sacrifices of Abel and Cain (Gen. 4)Heb. 11:4 7. Murder of Abel by Cain (Gen. 4)1 John 3:12 8. Birth of Seth (Gen. 4)Luke 3:38 9. Translation of Enoch (Gen. 5)Heb. 11:5 10. Marriage before the flood (Gen. 6)Luke 17: The flood and destruction of man (Gen. 7)Matt. 24: Preservation of Noah and his family (Gen. 8-9)2 Peter 2:5 13. Genealogy of Shem (Gen. 10)Luke 3: Birth of Abraham (Gen. 11)Luke 3: Call of Abraham (Gen )Heb. 11:8 16. Tithes to Melchizedek (Gen. 14)Heb. 7:1-3 What Jesus & Apostles Affirmed about the OT

17. Justification of Abraham (Gen. 15)Rom. 4:3 18. Ishmael (Gen. 16)Gal. 4: Promise of Isaac (Gen. 17)Heb. 11: Lot and Sodom (Gen )Luke 17: Birth of Isaac (Gen. 21)Acts 7: Offering of Isaac (Gen. 22)Heb. 11: The burning bush (Ex. 3:6)Luke 20: Exodus through the Red Sea (Ex. 14:22)1 Cor. 10: Provision of water and manna (Ex. 16:4; 17:6)1 Cor. 10: Lifting up serpent in wilderness (Num. 21:9)John 3: Fall of Jericho (Joshua 6:22-25)Heb. 11: Miracles of Elijah (1 Kings 17:1; 18:1)Jas. 5: Jonah in the great fish (Jonah 2)Matt. 12: Three Hebrew youths in furnace (Dan. 3)Heb. 11: Daniel in lion’s den (Dan. 6)Heb. 11: Slaying of Zechariah (2 Chron. 24:20-22)Matt. 23:35 What Jesus & the Apostles Affirmed About the OT

5. It is scientifically accurate Matthew 19:4-5: “`Haven’t you read,’ he replied, ‘that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’”

6. It has ultimate supremacy Matthew 15:3, 6: “Jesus replied, ‘And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?.... Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.’”

7. It is inerrant (without error) Jesus replied : “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God” (Matt. 22:29). “Thy Word is truth” (Jn. 17:17).

Why The Bible Cannot Error 1. The Bible is the Word of God. 2. God Cannot Err. 3. Therefore, the Bible Cannot Err.

1. The Bible is the Word of God. "If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken" (Jn. 10:34-35). "If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken" (Jn. 10:34-35). “Laying aside the traditions of men…, making the word of God of no effect through your traditions” (Mk. 7:8, 13). “Laying aside the traditions of men…, making the word of God of no effect through your traditions” (Mk. 7:8, 13). “The Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God” (Rom. 3:2). “The Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God” (Rom. 3:2). “Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect” (Rom. 9:6). “Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect” (Rom. 9:6). “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Mt. 4:4). “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Mt. 4:4). "All scripture is given by inspiration of God…" (2 Tim. 3:16). "All scripture is given by inspiration of God…" (2 Tim. 3:16).

2. God Cannot Err. “Your Word is truth." (Jn. 17:17) "The sum of your word is truth.” (Psa. 119:160) "Let God be true…." (Rom. 3:4) "Let God be true…." (Rom. 3:4) "The God who cannot lie.” (Titus 1:2) "The God who cannot lie.” (Titus 1:2) "It is impossible for God to lie." (Heb. 6:18) "It is impossible for God to lie." (Heb. 6:18)

Why The Bible Cannot Error 1. The Bible is the Word of God. 2. God Cannot Err. 3. Therefore, the Bible Cannot Err.

A Bad Argument: 1. The Bible is the words of human beings. 2. Human beings err. 3. Therefore, the Bible errs. 1. The Bible is the words of human beings. 2. Human beings err. 3. Therefore, the Bible errs.

The Bad Premise: 1. The Bible is the words of human beings. 2. Human beings err. 3. Therefore, the Bible errs. 1. The Bible is the words of human beings. 2. Human beings err. 3. Therefore, the Bible errs.

The Error: Human beings do not always err. Human beings do not always err. And… And… Human beings did not err when moved by God who cannot err (2 Peter 1:20- 21). Human beings did not err when moved by God who cannot err (2 Peter 1:20- 21). “God can draw a straight line with a crooked stick.” “God can draw a straight line with a crooked stick.” Human beings do not always err. Human beings do not always err. And… And… Human beings did not err when moved by God who cannot err (2 Peter 1:20- 21). Human beings did not err when moved by God who cannot err (2 Peter 1:20- 21). “God can draw a straight line with a crooked stick.” “God can draw a straight line with a crooked stick.”

Jesus said: "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost... shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (Jn. 14:26) Men Never Err when the Spirit of Truth Speaks Through Them

Jesus said: "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost... shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (Jn. 14:26) Peter said: "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Peter 1:21) Men Never Err when the Spirit of Truth Speaks Through Them

A Good Analogy: Divine Nature Divine Nature Human Nature Human Nature One in Person One in Propositions Without Sin Without Error The Living Word The Written Word (Savior) (Scripture) (Savior) (Scripture)

Jesus “was without sin" (Heb. 4:15); "had no sin" (2 Cor. 5:21); "had no sin" (2 Cor. 5:21); “was without blemish or defect" (1 Pet. 1:19); “was without blemish or defect" (1 Pet. 1:19); “was pure" and "righteous" (1Jn. 2:1; 3:3). “was pure" and "righteous" (1Jn. 2:1; 3:3). Jesus “was without sin" (Heb. 4:15); "had no sin" (2 Cor. 5:21); "had no sin" (2 Cor. 5:21); “was without blemish or defect" (1 Pet. 1:19); “was without blemish or defect" (1 Pet. 1:19); “was pure" and "righteous" (1Jn. 2:1; 3:3). “was pure" and "righteous" (1Jn. 2:1; 3:3). The Bible "is God-breathed" (2 Tim. 3:16); "is out of the mouth of God“ (Mt. 4:4); "is out of the mouth of God“ (Mt. 4:4); "is perfect" (Psa. 19:7); "is perfect" (Psa. 19:7); "cannot be broken" (Jn. 10:35). "cannot be broken" (Jn. 10:35). The Bible "is God-breathed" (2 Tim. 3:16); "is out of the mouth of God“ (Mt. 4:4); "is out of the mouth of God“ (Mt. 4:4); "is perfect" (Psa. 19:7); "is perfect" (Psa. 19:7); "cannot be broken" (Jn. 10:35). "cannot be broken" (Jn. 10:35).

The Mistake of the Critics Adaptation--Yes Accommodation--No Adapt to finite Accommodate to human understanding error understanding error Use partial truths Employ actual errors Human language Human language distorts truth discloses truth distorts truth discloses truth Condescension of Compromise of God’s truth God’s truth God’s truth God’s truth Metaphors are helpfulMyths are necessary

St. Augustine's Dictum: “If we are perplexed by any apparent contradiction in Scripture, it is not allowable to say, The author of this book is mistaken; but either [1] the manuscript is faulty, or [2] the translation is wrong, or [3] you have not understood.” (Augustine, Reply to Faustus 11.5) “If we are perplexed by any apparent contradiction in Scripture, it is not allowable to say, The author of this book is mistaken; but either [1] the manuscript is faulty, or [2] the translation is wrong, or [3] you have not understood.” (Augustine, Reply to Faustus 11.5)

Inspiration of the Bible A. The Source—God B. The Means—Men of God C. The Nature—Words from God D. The Result—Infallible truth of God of God

The Conclusion: The Conclusion: I.Uniqueness of Its Composition: The Bible is a co-authored book. The Bible is a co-authored book. a. God is the primary author; a. God is the primary author; b. Men of God were the secondary authors. b. Men of God were the secondary authors. c. The result is that one and the same set of words are both God’s and man’s. c. The result is that one and the same set of words are both God’s and man’s. So, whatever God said in Scripture, the human author said. And whatever the human author said in Scripture, God said. So, whatever God said in Scripture, the human author said. And whatever the human author said in Scripture, God said.

The Implications “What God has joined, let not man put asunder.”“What God has joined, let not man put asunder.” 1. Whatever the Bible says, God says.1. Whatever the Bible says, God says. 2. Knowing the Scripture is knowing the mind of God on the matter.2. Knowing the Scripture is knowing the mind of God on the matter. 3. Once we know what the Bible says, we should never ask: “Hath God said?”3. Once we know what the Bible says, we should never ask: “Hath God said?”

The Bible It is the traveler’s map, The pilgrim’s staff, The pilot’s compass, The soldier’s sword, And the Christian’s character. Here Heaven is opened, The gates of hell disclosed.

Christ is the object. Our good it’s design, The glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, Rule the heart And guide the feet. Read it carefully, Frequently, prayerfully.

It is a mine of wealth, And a river of pleasure. It is given to you here in this life, Will be opened at the judgment And is established forever. It involves the highest responsibility, Will reward the greatest labor, And condemns all who trifle with its Sacred Contents. a