What is the Bible and what does it
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The Bible is the inspired, unique word of God. It contains the commandments that we live by, examples we pattern our lives by, and stories we tell our children. It contains the teachings of our saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the explanation of our Christian faith. It is the unique expression of God's will toward man. It is the very foundation of the Church of God (7th Day)'s religious beliefs. Simply stated, it is the word of God.Old and New Testament
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 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 perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. [2 Timothy 3:15-17]For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. [Hebrews 4:12]
For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. [Hebrews 5:12-14]
Being that we are Christians, following the teachings of Christ, are we to only follow the teachings and commandments contained in the New Testament, or writings that followed the death of Christ? Let us begin this study in the book of Hebrews, written by Paul well after Jesus died on the cross.
King James VersionGod, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, [Hebrews 1:1]It is clear from this passage that the writings of the prophets in the Old Testament were inspired by God. God used the prophets to communicate his will and commandments. Jesus himself referenced these writings many times and used them in his teachings.
And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. [Luke 4:17-19]
And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, [Luke 20:42]
And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. [Luke 24:44]Therefore we must conclude from the writings of Paul and the words of Jesus that both the Old as well as New Testaments are the inspired words of God.
The Church of God (7th Day) uses the King James Version of the Bible, because we believe it to be the most accurate translation of God's word from the original Hebrew and Greek manuscripts. All verses quoted within this web site will be quotes from the King James Version of the Bible.