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May 29

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THE BIBLE (14)

No writing is equal to the Bible! Why is this true? Simply because the Bible is the inspirited word, each word, has been “breathed out” by the Holy Spirit! Peter put it this way: “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Pet. 1:21).
Let us here notice two words: “moved.” Strong says: “to move by bearing; move or, to be conveyed or borne, with the suggestion of force or speed.” The “suggestion of force or speed” implies urgency.” But also notice that Strong used the word “borne.” This is most interesting! The word “borne:” “which is a “past participle of bear” and when used as an “adjective,” it means: “carried or transported by the thing.” So, what is “the thing” that transported the words of the Bible? It was the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit was not slow in delivering the word of God! Now, let us add a second passage; “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16). The word used that needs our attention is the Greek, “theopneustos” and means: “inspired by God.” No, there is no contradiction between what Peter wrote and what Paul wrote. The Holy Spirit was used by Peter and Paul’s use of the word “God,” as the Holy Spirit is God. No, the Holy Spirit is not “God the Father,” nor is he “God the Son.” But he is God the Holy Spirit! It was the third member of the Godhead that delivered the words of the Bible!
With these truths in mind, let us move on with our subject, “The Bible.” It is the purpose of the four gospel accounts, as delivered by the Holy Spirit, to create faith, belief in us, that Jesus of Nazareth is the Son of God. Stop right here! The words of Jesus are needed just here. He said: “Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.” Now why are these truths so important? Jesus continued: “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins” (John 8:23-24). It is imperative, soul saving, that we believe that the Son of God was from “above,” and not of this world as you and I are! The “he” of the text is the one promised throughout the Old Testament and the “he” who came to this earth: the Son of God! Here recalling the words of John: “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:30 -31). It is very important, in answering why four accounts of the life of Jesus. Matthew wrote to the Jewish reader; Mark wrote to the Roman, while Luke wrote with the Greek in mind; and John wrote with all folks in mind.
With the above firmly in mind, let us return to the fifth book of the New Testament, “Acts of the Apostles.” The book of Acts is the book that answers the most important question that has ever come forth from the mouth of man! The question is: “What must I do in order to be saved?” There are many great things in this world, but not one of them, in and of itself, give mankind the answer to the greatest question: “What must I do in order to be saved?” You may sit on the highest mountain top and view some of the wonders of God in what he created, but you will not get the answer to the greatest question! This is here pointed out, as some report after returning from the mountain top, “I felt so close to God!” No mountain on earth, or elsewhere, as nation is now pointing to the moon and Mars! But, should a human stand on Mars, he will not be any closer to God, than sitting in his recliner! Being “close” to God only comes from being in fellowship with God. Here John: “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son” Did you get it? “Fellowship” with God and the Son of God, only can be found, realized as truth: “the doctrine of Christ!!”
This is what the Acts of the Apostles reveals! The answer that is received, depends on where a person is, as he moves toward being saved. Let us take the case of those in Samaria: “Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them” (Acts 8:5). The gospel of Christ must come first, as it produces faith. But what next? Let Philip continue: “And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did” (verse 6). It was Philip’s purpose that the people of Samaria be saved. What did these folks do? Luke wrote: “But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women” (verse 12). Oh! The people of Samara, upon hearing the gospel did that most hated act! Yes, once they “believed,” they were “baptized unto salvation!”
Nothing had changed from Pentecost, when the people were told: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:28). One more case, even as Saul prayed, he was told to: “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). In this case, Saul was “calling on the name of the Lord” as he was baptized, as his sins were washed away!

–Frank R. Williams

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