BIBLE BASICS.

 

[Extracted mainly from Essential Truths of the Christian Faith by R C Sproul]

 

#1. DIVINE REVELATION.

 

Passages to reflect upon:

Psalm 19v1-14.

Ephesians 3v1-13.

2 Timothy 3v14-17.

Hebrews 1v1-4.

 

Summary Points:

1. Christianity is a revealed religion.

2. God’s revelation is a self-disclosure. He removes the veil   that keeps us from knowing Him.

3. We do not come to know God through speculation.

4. God has revealed himself in various ways throughout        history.

5. General revelation is given to all human beings.

6. Foolishness is based on the denial of God. [Psalm 14v1].

7. Wisdom is founded on the fear of God. [Proverbs 9v10].

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#2. PARADOX, MYSTERY AND CONTRADICTION.

 

Passages to reflect upon:

Matthew 13v11; 16v25.

Romans 16v25-27.

1 Corinthians 2v7; 14v33.

 

 

Summary Points:

1. Paradox is and apparent contradict which under closer      scrutiny yields a resolution.

2. Mystery is something unknown to us now, but which        may be resolved.

3. Contradiction is a violation of the law of non- .         contradiction. It is impossible to resolve, either in this      world or the next.

 

#3. IMMEDIATE AND MEDIATE GENERAL        REVELATION.

 

Passages to reflect upon:

Psalm 19v1-14.

Acts 14v8-18; 17v16-34.

Romans 1v18-23; 2v14-15.

 

Summary Points:

 

1. God’s glory is evident all around us. It is mediated   through God’s creation.

2. Human being are religious by nature.

3. God implants in all human being and innate knowledge     of himself. This is called immediate general          revelation. [Ecclesiastes 3v11].

 

#4. SPECIAL REVELATION AND THE BIBLE.

 

Passages to reflect upon:

Psalm 119.

John 17v17.

1 Thessalonians 2v13.

2 Timothy 3v15-17.

2 Peter 1v20-21.

 

Summary Points:

1. Inspiration is the process whereby God makes known his word.

2. God is the ultimate source of the Bible.

3. God is the ultimate superintendent [oversees and looks      after it] of the Bible.

4. The Bible is without error in its original form [the    original manuscripts].

 

#5. THE LAW OF GOD.

 

Passages to reflect upon:

Exodus 20v1-17.

Psalm 115v3.

Matthew 5v17-20.

Romans 7v7-25.

Galatians 3v23-29.

 

Summary Points:

1. God rules the univrse by law. Gravity is one example of

God’s laws of nature. God’s moral law is given in the   10 commandments.

2. God has the authority to impose obligations upon his

creatures.

3. God acts according to the law of his own character.

4. God reveals his moral law to our conscience and in the      Scriptues.

5. Only God has the authority to do away with his laws.