FOR I TESTIFY TO EVERYONE that Scripture is God-breathed. I heard a sermon where the preacher said, “Jesus is greater than the Bible”. Huh? What the heck is going on in the church? The apostle John declares what has been revealed in Christ, “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”. This is foundational to our gospel. If you do not believe that Jesus is the Word, both written and spoken, and that He is God who formed and framed all the earth by that same Word, which is Jesus Christ; you have been taught a lie and are under a demonic deception.
Paul declares, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (II Tim 3:16-17) I’m not sure you realize this, but he was primarily referring to the OT scriptures; the NT was in the process of being formed. At the time Paul wrote to Timothy, NT writings were already viewed as inspired (God-breathed) and authoritative Scripture. For us today, Scripture refers to the authoritative writings of both OT and NT, “the Bible”. They are God’s original and only infallible revelation of Himself and His saving activity for all people.
The apostles used the OT Scriptures to preach Jesus. The Word testifies to itself that its very words have been uttered by God. It’s not a collection of stories for your amusement. It’s God’s authority for doctrine, reproof, correction and training in righteousness. The OT writers were conscious of the fact that what they said to people and what they wrote down was God’s Word to them. Over and over the prophets prefaced their comments with, “Thus saith the LORD”. To deny the full inspiration of holy Scripture, is to set aside the fundamental witness of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and the OT prophets and NT apostles. Furthermore, to limit or disregard its inerrancy is to impair its divine authority.
Saying Jesus is greater than His Word is like me telling my children, “Dad is greater than what he says!” Double Huh? How does that make any sense? Craziness abounds. Scripture must be received, believed and obeyed as the final authority in all things pertaining to life and godliness. It must be used in the church as the final authority in all matters for teaching, rebuking, correcting, training, in righteous living.
It is exceptionally clear that God and the apostles took His Word seriously,
“For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Revelation 22:18-19
Sounds dangerously clear. Yet, its Satan’s original lie that is still deceiving people, “Did God REALLY say?” Yes He did. He really said and He still really says. Scripture is incomparable, forever finished and uniquely binding. One cannot submit to Christ’s lordship without submitting to God and His Word as the ultimate authority. “He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.” Then the Jews answered and said to Him, “Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?” Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. And I do not seek My own glory; there is One who seeks and judges. Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.” John 8:47-52
If the church you’re in or the preacher you give your ear to by watching his videos and listening to their podcasts, undermines the authority of any Scripture, OT or NT, flee! There is a famine of God’s true Word. I need to add that it is essential that you pay close attention to what translation you are reading, for many newer translations have been altered. The new “Passion” translation comes to mind. Throw that thing away. It’s steeped in error. “The Message” which has been very popular in modern churches for its flowery language is also a paraphrase, not an accurate translation. Be careful. We are living in perilous, deceptive days. Hold fast to His Word and do not deny His name. Jesus tells us to “hold fast to HIS WORD and to not deny His name”. By not holding fast to Scripture, we deny Him. (Rev 3:8)
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