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BIBLE DOCTRINE: The Holy Bible

October 10, 2024 0Comments

1. The Holy Bible, consisting of 39 books of the Old Testament and 27 books of the New Testament, is the inspired Word of God. We take the Bible as the final authority in all matters concerning Christian conduct and work – 2 Timothy 3:16, 17; Proverbs 30:5, 6; Revelation 22:18, 19.

The Holy Bible is the inspired word of God and is the only source of knowledge of the Almighty God to all mankind. It is the contact point between a finite man with the infinite God, and its prime purpose is to give mankind the revelation of God (2 ‘Timothy 3:15-17). The Bible is severally referred to as the Holy Scriptures (Romans 1:2; 2 Timothy 3:15), the oracles of God (Romans 3:12; Hebrews 5:12), the Book of the Lord (Isaiah 34:16), the word of God (Mark 7:13), the word of Christ (Colossians 3:16) and the word of life (Philippians 2:16). It is in two major parts; the Old and the New Testaments. It consists of 66 books; of which 39 are in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. The Bible was originally written predominantly in Hebrew and Greek. The Old Testament was written in Hebrew and Aramaic, while the New Testament was written in the Greek language. Over 40 authors drawn from disparate generations spanning a period of over 1,600 years were used by God to write the Bible. Even though their occupations, education, and social classes were divergent, their theme was the same they were inspired by the Holy Ghost (2 Peter 1:20). The inspiration of the authors can be attested to by some peculiar characteristics of the Bible, which are not found in any other book written by man. Such characteristics include its wonderful unity despite the fact that the authors lived at different ages; its versatility as it meets the needs of all people irrespective of race, and language (Matthew 4:4); its superiority to other books, the influence on individuals and nations; its preservation over the centuries, its fulfilled prophecies (Isaiah 7:14; Ezekiel 36:19; 2 Chronicles 7:19, 2O) and its perfection (Psalm 19:7; James 1:25).

The pre-eminence of the Bible (Isaiah 8:20; Psalm 119:89) makes it indispensable to all men today. While other books have limited influence on man because they are products of finite minds, the Bible which is God’s revelation to man has a solution to every problem today. Therefore, no man’s education is complete if he is ignorant of the provisions of the Bible. No Christian can live successfully without an adequate grasp of the Bible, and no Christian minister is really qualified for the ministry of the church of Christ without a thorough knowledge of the Bible (2 Timothy 2:15). Without a ready knowledge of the Bible, the Christian worker cannot be effective.

The central theme of the Bible is CHRIST and HIS WORK OF REDEMPTION (John 20:31; Luke 24:25-27; Revelation 1:1). He is the Old Testament concealed, and He is the New Testament revealed. To fully understand the Bible and to rightly interpret its messages; we must first receive Jesus Christ as Saviour and have a clear and definite experience of conversion. Those who do not know Christ and those who have wrong conceptions about Christ cannot interpret the Bible appropriately because the carnal man cannot understand the things of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:l4).

The Bible has a ministry to unbelievers as well as to believers. To unbelievers, the Bible brings conviction for sin which leads to repentance and faith in Christ Jesus. To believers the goals of the Bible are various. It is to make believers perfect (Psalm 119:9, 11), to reveal the condition of their hearts (Hebrew 4:12; Jeremiah l7:9, 10); it is a light to the believer’s feet (Psalm 119:105, 130), the food of the soul (Deuteronomy 8:1-3, John 21:17; Psalm 19:10; Matthew 4:4), a medicine to the body and soul (Proverb 4:20-22; Psalm 107:20; Matthew 8:8) and the Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17; Matthew 4:1-11). It is a mirror to reflect (James 1:23); a hammer to convict, and fire to refine (Jeremiah 23:29); seed to multiply (1 Peter 1:23); laver to cleanse (Ephesians 5:26; John 15:3); rain and snow to refresh (Isaiah 55:1O); gold to enrich (Psalm 19:7-1O); and power to create life and faith (1 Peter 1:23; Romans 10:17).

The Bible is God’s inspired revelation of the origin and destiny of all things. It is the power of God unto eternal salvation and it is the source of present help for body, soul, and spirit (Romans 1:16; John 15:7). It is God’s will to man in all ages, revealing the plan of God for man here and now and in the next life. It is the record of God’s dealing with men; past, present, and future. It contains God’s message of eternal salvation to

all who believe in Christ and of eternal damnation to those who rebel against the gospel (John 3:l8, 36).

The purpose of the Bible then is to reveal God to man, reveal man’s need of God, and show man the Way to God. Man by searching cannot find God except God makes Himself known to him (Job 11:7). The Bible also reveals to man how to live, and through the fulfillment of its prophecies, all human needs are met. We receive salvation, sanctification, Holy Ghost baptism, healing, deliverance, protection, etc. For us to profit maximally from the study of the Bible, all hindrances to spiritual receptivity must be removed; such as hardened heart (Matthew 13:3-6, 18-21), double-mindedness (James 1:8; Mark 4:15-17), pride (Deuteronomy 8:l1~14; Psalm 101:5; Proverbs 18:12), carnality (1 Corinthians 3:l-5), and unbelief (Matthew l3:58).

Every believer in the church today can benefit from the hidden treasures in the Bible. But this would require sacrifices on our part. Treasures are not found except by searching or digging earnestly. Likewise, deep Bible truths need to be sought and in doing this we will discover Christ more (Colossians 2:3; John 5:39). Certain spiritual preparations are required from believers to discover these treasures that would make them develop into the fullness of the stature of Christ. There must be earnest love for the truth for its own sake (Psalm 119:4O, 47, 54, 72, 103); supreme love for God (Matthew 22:37; Deuteronomy 3O:6; Psalm 73:25); and an intense desire to know more of Him (Psalm 42:1, 2; 63: 1). Also there should be a strong desire to make Him known to others (Proverbs 11:24-26; Romans 9:1-3), willingness to make a personal sacrifice to study (Matthew 13:44-46; l2:42), a sense of ignorance and dependence upon divine teaching and willingness to practice as far as you learn (Psalm 119:60, 101, 106; James 1:22-25; Ezra 7: 10). Other requirements are a fixed purpose to know, and do the whole truth (Psalm 119:63; 57:7; 108:1) and cultivating a state of mind that will not be diverted to make provision for the flesh (Romans 13114; Matthew 26:4l). Above all, you need too, a regular habit of prayer, resignation to the Whole will of God and His word that will make you discover the treasures hidden in the Bible).

2. The GODHEAD consists of three separate, distinct and recognizable personalities and qualities perfectly united in one. The Father: Almighty,

Jehovah (Genesis 1:1; Exodus 15:11; Psalm 86:15; 90:2 Proverbs 3:19; John 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:24), the Son: Jesus Christ (Isaiah 7:14; 53:1-12; Matthew 1:18-25; Acts 1:19-11; Romans 1:3-4; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4), the Holy Ghost: Comforter (John 14:26; Romans 8:11-16, 26, 27; 1Corinthians 2:9-13; 12:1-11) are different persons in the GODHEAD, not merely three names for one person. They co-exist and are co-equal, co-eternal, and co-substantial. (Matthew 3:16, 17; John 1: 1-3, 14; John 14: 23-26; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Matthew 28:19, 20).

  1. THE VIRGIN BIRTH OF JESUS, the only begotten Son of God. The incarnation, Deity, Sinlessness, Crucifixion, Death, Burial, and Bodily Resurrection of Jesus Christ (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1: 18-25; Romans 1:14; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; John 1:1-14, 14; 1 Peter 2:22-24).
  2. The TOTAL DEPRAVITY, SINFULNESS, AND GUILT OF ALL MEN since the fall, rendered them subject to God’s wrath and condemnation. (Psalm 51:5; Job 14:4; Romans 5:12-17; Matthew 7: 21-23; Ephesians 2:1-3).
  3. REPENTANCE is a complete turning away from all sins and its deceitful pleasures and it is required from every sinner before he can truly and effectively believe in Jesus with saving faith. (Proverbs 28:13; Isaiah 55:7; Ezekiel 18:21-23; Mark 1:15; Luke 24:46, 47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 20:210,21; 2 Corinthians 7:10; Hebrews 6:1-3).
  4. RESTITUTION is making amends for wrongs done against our fellowmen restoring stolen things to their rightful owners, paying debts, giving back where one has defrauded, making confessions to the offended, and apologizing to those slandered to have a conscience void of offense towards God, and men. (Genesis 20:1-8, 14-18; Exodus 22:1:1-7; Leviticus 6:1-7; Numbers 5:6-8; 2 Samuel 12:1-6; Proverbs 6:31; Ezekiel 33:14-16; Matthew 5:23,24; Luke 19:8,9; Acts 23: 1-5; Acts 24:16; James 4:17; 5:6).
  5. JUSTIFICATION is the act of God’s grace whereby one receives forgiveness and remission of sins and is counted righteous before God, through faith in the atoning blood of Jesus, standing before God as if he had never sinned. That at the time of justification, the justified is also regenerated. Regeneration is the act of God’s grace whereby the spiritual change wrought in the heart of a man by his crucifixion with Christ makes him a new creature and enables him to live righteously, soberly, and godly in this present evil world. (Psalm 32:1,2; Isaiah 1:18; Micah 7::19; JOHN 3:3-8; acts 13:33-39; Romans 3:24-30; Romans 4:6-16; 5:2; 2 Corinthians 5:17- 21; Galatians 2:6; Ephesians 2:1,5). That such a person who after repentance, faith in the vicarious and atoning blood of Jesus, justification, and regeneration is born again, converted or saved. This experience is called SALVATION from sin and its consequences. (John 1-4; 3:3,7,15,16; 1 John 3:8-10; Isaiah 53:4,5).
  1. WATER BAPTISM is essential to our obedience after reconciliation with God. The Baptism is one immersion (not three) “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” as Jesus commanded. (Matthew 28:19, 3:13-17; Mark 16:15; Acts 8:38,39; 19:1-6, Romans 6:4,5)
  2. The LORD SUPPER was instituted by Jesus Christ that all believers (all members of the family of God) might partake thereof regularly, to “shew the Lord’s death till he comes”. The emblems used are “unleavened bread” and the juice of the” fruit of the vine“. Anyone who eats and drinks unworthily brings “damnation” or punishment and chastisement upon himself (Matthew 26:26-29; Luke 22:17-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-30).
  3. REDEMPTION from the curse of the law, HEALING OF SICKNESS and diseases as well as CONTINUED HEALTH are provided for all people through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ (Exodus 15:26; Deuteronomy 7:15; 2:24; Mark 16:15,18; Luke 13:16; John 14:12-14; 10:10; Acts 10:38; James 5:14-16; 1 John 3:8; 3 John 2; Galatians 3:13,14).
  4. ENTIRE SANCTIFICATION is a definite act of God’s grace, after New Birth, by which a believer’s heart is purified and made holy. It cannot be attained progressively by work, struggle, or suppression, but it is obtained by faith in the sanctifying blood of Jesus Christ. The holiness of life and purity of heart are central to Christian living. (Mark 1:74; John 17:15- 17; 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 7, 8; 5:22-24; Ephesians 5:25-27; Hebrews 2:11; 10:10, 14; 13:11, 12; Titus 2:11-14; 1 John 1:7; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:14-16).
  5. The BAPTISM IN THE HOLY GHOST is the enduement of power from on high upon the sanctified believer. It is “the promise of the Father”. It is accompanied by the initial evidence of speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. (Matthew 3:11; 1:8 Luke 3:16; 24:49; John 1:30-33; 7:37- 39; 14:16,17,26; 15:26; 16:12-15; Acts 1:5-8; Mark 16:17; Acts 2:1-18; 10:44-46; 19:1-6). We do not teach or instruct people how to speak in tongues, the Holy Spirit gives utterance. We also stress the necessity of purity before power. The Gifts of the Spirit are for today. (1 Corinthians 12:1-31; 14:1-40).
  6. PERSONAL EVANGELISM is a God-given and God-ordained ministry for every believer. Jesus commanded and God requires every believer to be a compassionate and fruitful soul-winner, bringing others to Christ. (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-49; John 17:18; Acts 1:8; 8:1-4; Psalm 126:5, 6; Proverbs 11:30; Daniel 12:3; Ezekiel 3:17-21).
  1. MARRIAGE is binding for life. Monogamy is the uniform teaching of the Bible. Polygamy is contrary to God’s perfect will and instruction. The Bible forbids a believer from marrying an unbeliever. Also, under the New Testament dispensation, no one has the right to divorce and remarry while the first companion lives. When a person becomes converted, necessary restitution in his life must be made without delay if he has married wrongly. (Genesis 2:24; Deuteronomy 7:14; Joshua 23:11-13; 2Corinthians 6:14-18; Proverbs 31:10-31; Malachi 2:14-15; Romans 7:2,3; Ephesians 5:31-33; Matthew 5:31,32; 19:3-9; Mark 10:2-12; Luke 16:18; John 4:15-19; Genesis 20:3-7).
  2. RAPTURE (commonly referred to as the first phase or stage of the SECOND COMING OF CHRIST) is the catching away from the earth of all living saints and all who died in the Lord. The rapture will take place before the Great Tribulation and can happen any time from now. “In the twinkling of an eye“ without a moment’s warning “the trumpet shall sound” “and the dead in Christ shall rise first, then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the cloud, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (John 14:1-3; Luke 21:34-36; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 5:4-9; 2 Thessalonians 2:5-7; Philippians 3:11,30,21; 1 John 3:1-3).
  3. The RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD is taught in the Bible as clearly as the immortality of the soul. Every individual who has ever lived will be resurrected, some to honor and glory and others to everlasting shame and contempt. (Job 19:25-27; Psalm 71:20; Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:2; John 5:28-29; 1 Corinthians 15:1-58; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-16; Hebrews 6:1,2; Philippians 3:8-11; Revelation 20:4-6,1213).
  4. The GREAT TRIBULATION will occur after the rapture and will be a time of terrible suffering on earth. It is also referred to as the time of Jacob’s trouble. (Mathew 24:21,22, 29; Revelation 9:16; Mark 13:19; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12; Revelation 13). During this time, the Antichrist will take possession of the world for a reign of terror. He would not be a system or organization but a person – a supernatural, diabolical being, in the form of a man, who will blaspheme and proclaim himself God. (Daniel 8:23-25; two Thessalonians 2:7-12; Revelation 13:1-10). The MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB will take place while the tribulation continues on earth (Revelation 19:1-10).
  5. The SECOND COMING OF CHRIST will be just as literal and visible as His going away, and He is coming to execute judgment upon the ungodly. He will also, set up His Kingdom and reign on this present earth for a thousand years. (Zechariah 14:3,4; Matthew 25:31-46; 26:64; Mark 13:24- 37; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; 2:8; Jude 14,15).
  1. CHRIST’S MILLENNIAL REIGN is the 1,000-year literal reign of Christ on earth, which will be ushered in by the coming of Jesus back to earth with ten thousand of his saints. At this time, he will judge the nations that dwell upon the face of the earth. (Jude 14, 15; 2 Thessalonians 1:7- 10). During that time the devil will be bound, (Revelation 20:2, 3). It will be a reign of peace and blessing. (Isaiah 11:6-9; 65:25; Hosea 2:18; Zechariah 14:9-20; Isaiah 2:2-4).
  2. The GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT is when God finally judges all (the living and the dead, small and great) who ever lived on the face of the earth, according to their works. This is after the Millennium. At that time the final judgment, known, as the Great White Throne Judgment will be held. All those from ages, who had not yet been judged (believers’ judgment, as sinners was accomplished by Christ on the cross John 5:24; 3:17-19) will stand before God at this time. The devil and his angels are judged at this time also and sent to the lake of fire forever. (Daniel 12:2, 3; Matthew 10:15; 11:21-24; 12:41, 42; John 5:28, 29; Romans 2:15, 16; 14:12; 2 Peter 2:9; Jude 6; 1 Corinthians 6: 1-6; Acts 10:42; Revelation 20:11-15).
  3. The NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH “wherein dwelled righteousness” will be made by God and the redeemed shall dwell with God forever. This present earth, which has been polluted by sin, will pass away after the Great White Throne Judgment. (Psalm 102:25, 26; Isaiah 51:6; 65:17; Matthew 5:18; 24:35; 2 Peter 3:10-13; Revelation 21:1). No unclean thing will be there. We shall know each other, our knowledge having been perfected. There will be no more curses upon anything. There will be no more nights there. The glory of the Lord will be the light thereof. (Isaiah 66:22: 2 Peter 3:12, 13; 1 Corinthians 13: 12; 1 John 3:2, 3; Revelation 21:1-7; 22:1-5).
  4. HELL-FIRE is a place of everlasting punishment where sinners (those who do not have their names in the Book of Life) will suffer torment forever and ever. It was prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41) but God has decreed that the wicked and those who forget Him and reject Christ will also be cast there because of their sins and neglect of His salvation. (Psalm 9:17; Matthew 25:46; Luke 12:4, 5; 16:19-31; Matthew 5:22, 30; Mark 9:43-47; Revelation 14:10, 11; 20:10, 12-15).

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