"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16).
Recently, ACU Press has been publishing material challenging the inerrancy of the Bible. It has created some controversy since ACU Press is associated with Churches of Christ, a group of churches normally respectful of the Bible. Some church members have wondered why this is an issue. I recognize that most of my readers may not be members of Churches of Christ, but since this is a fundamental issue, it's important for anyone who follows Jesus Christ. It's an issue essential to the Christian faith.
In the Contact Church of Christ, we have a class for prospective members who are interested in learning about Christ, the church, and the Bible. In one of our sessions, we introduce participants to the essentials we believe. On page 22 of our workbook, we teach, "The Bible is God's Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error."
Why would we teach such a thing? Why does it matter? Can't I follow Jesus without believing the Bible?
It's important for many reasons, but one reason especially stands out: it's a matter of trust. As the Bible states, "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ" (Romans 10:17). If we don't believe the biblical message, we don't believe Christ. We do not trust him. We do not truly believe in him, since we do not trust his word. The Christian's faith is built upon believing the promises of God which are contained within the Bible. If we act without faith, we are simply going through the motions. We are living by ritual and habit, rather than by faith in the God who can be trusted.
Therefore, this is a position worth defending. It is an essential ingredient to developing a solid, healthy, and vibrant faith in Jesus Christ.
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8 comments:
Amen brother.
Joshua,
Thanks for the comment! Thank you for reading my blog. I appreciate it.
And another amen!
Christy,
Thanks! I appreciate the comment.
Question: Will you have the integrity to publish this comment? I know of no books that have been recently published by ACU Press that challenge the inerrancy of the Bible. If you are referring to the Transforming Word Commentary that was mentioned recently in the Christian Chronicle, how can you make this accusation without reading it yourself? (I understand that it hasn't been released yet or do you have an advanced copy?) You said they have been publishing "books" (plural) ... what other books are you referring to, specifically? Could it be the James Burton Coffman commentaries or How we got the Bible by Neil Lightfoot or Nichols Pocket Encyclopedia-- all published by ACU Press. It discredits our message whenever we make statements like this without proof.
I totally agree with you Terry. If we don't believe in the word of God then how can we believe in Jesus Christ. Didn't the word become flesh and dwell among us?
Jesus made statements as my word is truth. I am the way, the truth, the life.
I believe we must think of understand the time it was written is still applicable for us in the 21st century.
Thank you for bringing up the topic that is so important. I hope you have a wonderful day!
In "God's Holy Fire" by ACU Press it does change the concept of biblical inerrancy. From pages 39 to 44, it deals with the nature of inerrancy. The authors of the book argue that the Bible is inspired for only those elements in which is seeks to relate. On matters of science, history, whatever it is of human origins. Just thought people should know.
Thanks for all the comments, guys!
Larry,
I understand your shock. I was also shocked when I thumbed through "God's Holy Fire" while trying to decide which books to buy at the Tulsa International Soul Winning Workshop. You may want to go to amazon.com or another online distributer in order to purchase it. Don't worry about misjudging me, though. Some think that I'm racist since I'm not planning to vote for Barack Obama. I'm getting used to being misunderstood.
Kinney,
Thanks for the comment! I'm glad to agree with you on the importance of believing the word of God. I'm continuing to pray for you as you deal with your health problems. I appreciate your kindness.
Matthew,
Thanks for the input! I was going to do a google search because I couldn't remember the name of the book. So I appreciate your help.
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