The Bible - God's Miracle Book

ONLINE STATEMENT:

The Bible was written by people, not God!

ANSWER:

The Bible was indeed penned by humans, BUT the author and compiler of the Bible is the Almighty God. The following content provides insights and facts that promote this stance.

THE BIBLE: GOD'S MIRACLE BOOK (AMAZING FACTS)

All reference in this article to the 'Bible’ refers to the ‘Authorized King James Bible (1611)’

The Bible is a very wonderful book. It is a composite library of 66 books, of which 39 comprise the Old Testament and 27 the New Testament. The Bible is unique, for it is no mere haphazard collection of writings, but is an organic whole, each of the 66 books being necessary to the whole 'library'. Any careful reader will quickly discover that there is a plan behind the arrangement of the books, and a unity about the Bible that is nothing less than miraculous. That is why we have entitled this study 'The Bible: God's Miracle Book'. The Bible is inspired, authoritative and entirely trustworthy. What are the grounds for believing this? Consider the following:

How do I know if a Bible verse or passage applies to me today?

How do I know if a Bible verse or passage applies to me today?

QUESTION:

Is 1 John‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬-‭16‬ trans-dispensational?

ANSWER:

Before we evaluate the requested passage, let me first explain the term ‘trans-dispensational” and then provide a few examples of verses that are trans-dispensational and compare them with others that are not. I aim to provide some insights into how we can determine one from the other.

The term "trans-dispensational" refers to a concept that transcends the different dispensations, or periods of time, throughout bible history. Dispensationalism is a framework for interpreting the Bible that sees God's work and purpose as being carried out in different ways during different ages. A trans-dispensational verse, therefore, would be one that holds true and is applicable across all these dispensations, reflecting a principle or truth that is consistent throughout the entirety of Scripture, regardless of the specific time period or dispensation it addresses.

With this understanding, let’s now have a look at some verse examples and see if we can pick up some trends or insights into how to identify trans-dispensational verses from those that are not.

Can man's free will control or affect the eternal plan of God?

Can man's free will control or affect the eternal plan of God?

QUESTION:

Does our free will in this temporary earth have control over God’s eternal purpose or will?

ANSWER:

From God’s point of view, his eternal purpose is set. Nothing will ever be able to change the outcome of God’s plan because the Word says, “for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name”, Ps 138:2, and, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”, Mat 24:35. Thus, God’s word is settled, and from its pages we know that at the end of God’s plan there is a new heaven and a new earth, and we know there is an eternal lake of fire. The plan ends with two final outcomes, salvation and restoration or wrath and destruction. 

Chosen before the foundation of the world

Chosen before the foundation of the world

QUESTION:

Did God have a redemption plan for us through the body of Christ from the creation of the world?

ANSWER:

I like your question, and I can go one better in my reply!! Yes, God had a redemption plan for us, as the Body of Christ, but it was not planned from the creation of the world, or since the world began, but rather, it was ordained BEFORE the world began. 

Naturally, God’s entire redemption plan was determined long before the world was made. God knows the end from the beginning as we read in Isaiah 46:10. However, it is interesting how we can distinguish the redemption of the Body of Christ from other dispensations based on the context of timing and on what was prophesied versus what was kept secret.

Does God not know the beginning from the end?

Does God not know the beginning from the end?

QUESTION:

Does God not know the beginning from the end?

REPY:

God absolutely knows the beginning from the end. God is not limited by time as He is outside of time and eternal in nature. The Bible provides several verses that emphasize God's eternal nature and His existence beyond the constraints of time: Ephesians 3:11; 1 Timothy 1:17; Genesis 21:33; Psalm 100:5.

Besides direct quotes of scripture let’s also look at other content that proves God’s eternal nature and His omniscience regards knowledge of beginning and end. Consider this. Any ‘human’ plan (or project) has a specific sequence of events. One cannot build a house by starting with the roof first! (Progress through the plan in the wrong order leads to problems and probable failure). Have you ever considered the Bible being God's plan (or project) to redeem creation? In this regard, the Bible is God’s blueprint that provides the plan to follow and achieve the desired outcome. Consider the following verses, noting the indication of a plan, a start and end of it, progression and specific timings and goals, etc.

The IMPORTANCE of interpreting scripture using Progressive Dispensational Revelation (Part 2 - Q&A)

The following content contains further Q&A on the post called: "The IMPORTANCE of interpreting scripture using Progressive Dispensational Revelation". The questions asked were excellent to constitute creating a 'part 2' of this post.

COMMENT:

I like where your post was headed, but it needs more information to support your conclusion. Can you help us see how you determined, by progressive revelation, that Cain’s offering lacked faith, and needed blood?

ANSWER:

Earlier I mentioned that faith is believing what God has revealed. What God reveals typically keeps us in right standing with Him. Obedience to what God tells us is what saves us. As we advance through the pages of the Bible God reveals new, or additional things to keep us in relationship with Him. It’s these new, or additional things that I refer to as progressive revelation.