Friday, December 11, 2009

What is the Word of God?

What is the Word of God? Well, pretty much everyone would say that the Bible is the Word of God. What they don't all understand is that John 1:1 says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." So, the obvious conclusion is that the Bible, the Word of God, is God in word. Hebrews 18:8 reads, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever." If Jesus Christ NEVER changes, then how can the Word change? One can only conclude that there is a Bible that is the perfectly and completely preserved Word of God. And since Christ is infallible, then God's Word must also be infallible.

Now, I will not pretend to be a highly educated individual. So, I will not be using great academic arguments for my beliefs. Christ said that we must have the faith of a child. Although, I am not opposed to furthering one's education, I have seen that too much education poses a danger in placing child-like faith beneath us. (note: I do want to say that I have met some wonderful, faithful servants of God who are highly educated. The Apostle Paul was an educated man. I only mean that formal education is man's idea. God never commanded only a select few to 'study' His Word, and not every believer is led to formally continue their education. So the command to study the Word of God is not referring to Bible College or some other form of higher education. And if one does feel led to attend a College they should be careful to research the doctrinal beliefs of the school regarding important matters such as their stand on the Bible, do they teach in easy-believism, are they local church? ect...)

Now, for my simple reasoning on the Word of God. If the Word is God, then God is the Word. God promises in Psalm 12:6-7, "The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever." Psalm 100:5 says,"...his truth endureth to all generations." At this point you may say, "I believe that my Bible contains the truth or the words of God, so far I can agree." This is where many will disagree with me. John 17:17 says, "Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth." These are the Words of Christ in prayer to the Heavenly Father. Christ said that God's word IS truth not that God's word CONTAINS truth. So somewhere there must be a true preservation of God's Word.

Some would say, "Well, yes, the originals were inspired," but do we have the originals? Or do we have a preserved copy of the originals? To say that the originals are the only preserved Word of God is to say that only those educated in Greek and Hebrew are capable of properly dividing the Word of truth and studying It effectively. (Side note: Not all of the originals were written in Greek and Hebrew although they were later translated into those languages) We now have the danger of an uneducated man being put at the mercy of believing an educated man's translation of God's Word. He has no way to go home and study it out as the Bereans of old because he isn't fluent in Greek and Hebrew. Why would God command His people to do something that they cannot do?

Now since I only speak English, I am only dealing with this language. In the English language, the most widely spoken and understood language of the world, there must be a preserved Word of God. There is One God and therefore; there can only be One Word of God. What is it? I believe it is the King James Version, also known as the Authorized Version. I have met many "fundamental, Independent" Baptists that say that there are several English translations that are equal to the KJB. Yet, not one of the other translations agree 100% with the KJB. God is not the Author of confusion. Which one is right? Only one can be. Although I would disagree, I would have a measure of respect for someone who said, "I believe only the NIV is the Word of God." I have yet to find someone who is willing to take such a stand on any of the other English translations of the "Bible." Yet, there are still a remnant who will dogmatically say that the King James Bible is the preserved Word.

The purpose of this is to say that simple logic would point to the KJB as being the preserved, inerrant, infallible Word of God in the English language. As the preserved Word of God, the KJB is inspired. Now, you know what I believe the Word of God is. The King James Bible is the complete, preserved, infallible, inerrant Word of God.

I know that often those of us who dare to take such a stand feel like Elijah did. 1 Kings 19:9 & 10 read, "And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah? And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine alters, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away." Okay, maybe no one is seeking our lives, but they do try to make us sound like "nuts". And, honestly, anyone who stands on the KJB and adds to Its teaching is just as wrong as those who take away from it. They also are the reason we are often labelled as "nuts." But take heart King James Bible believers, we are not alone. God is still God and He has not nor will He change. Stand firm. Have faith. Don't let God's Truth be hidden as it has been in times past. Hold each other up in prayer. We need each other's fellowship now more than ever.

God bless. Keep on a prayin'!

7 comments:

Brunul said...

Hello Keith & Julie,

Is it possible that the God you are referring to just doesn't exist and that we created this Christian god so we wouldn't feel so small and alone? That's what I think.

The God I believe in is the air I breath, the sight and sound around me and the people I encounter, share a spiritual connection with and love to be with. Couldn't that be considered God? Why can't that be enough? Why believe in this book called " the bible" that was supposedly written by some holy people thousands of years ago? Why can't today be God, timeless and now. I think heaven is a place on Earth but, unfortunately, so many people are stuck in old beliefs and man-made religions that they have lost a sense of direction, a sense of what matters the most...and that is one and each other, simple, divine.

Just a thought.

Ken and Carole Tetrault said...

AMEN! AMEN! AMEN! I'm with you all the way - great post!

The Loveless Family said...

I would like to respond to your questions, Brunul. I apologize that it has taken me a few days. I'm having trouble posting my answers in just one comment so I will post them in a few. Thank you for your interest.

1. “Is it possible that the God you are referring to just doesn't exist and that we created this Christian god so we wouldn't feel so small and alone?”

No! God must exist. God is Absolute, He is not abstract or subjective. God was not created, He is the Creator. Man has created many religions and many “gods,” but that does not negate the fact that there is One, True God.
(Psalm 95:3-6)
3 For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. 5 The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. 6 O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.
(Psalm 135:5-7)
5 For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. 6 Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places. 7 He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries.

2. “The God I believe in is the air I breath, the sight and sound around me and the people I encounter, share a spiritual connection with and love to be with. Couldn't that be considered God? Why can't that be enough?”

God is Truth. He never changes. He is Eternal. He is Perfect. You can put all your faith in Him and will never be dissappointed. Air, sight, sound, people – these things can't be counted on. Yes, you can verify them with your five senses, but these things have a beginning and an end. Air can be contaminated, sight and sound is dependent on one's ability to access them, and people change. How can these things be considered god? You tell me, are they enough?

Romans 1:21-25,32)
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

The Loveless Family said...

2. “The God I believe in is the air I breath, the sight and sound around me and the people I encounter, share a spiritual connection with and love to be with. Couldn't that be considered God? Why can't that be enough?”

God is Truth. He never changes. He is Eternal. He is Perfect. You can put all your faith in Him and will never be dissappointed. Air, sight, sound, people – these things can't be counted on. Yes, you can verify them with your five senses, but these things have a beginning and an end. Air can be contaminated, sight and sound is dependent on one's ability to access them, and people change. How can these things be considered god? You tell me, are they enough?
(Romans 1:21-25,32)
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

3. “Why believe in this book called the 'bible' that was supposedly written by some holy people thousands of years ago?”
God is the Author of the Bible that I believe in. It was written before time began and was recorded by men of God's choosing for our benefit. God says that His Word is truth and that Christ is the Word. The true Word of God is perfect and holy. It has stood the test of time and will continue to stand for eternity. That is why I believe in it.
(John 1:1-5)
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

4. “Why can't today be God, timeless and now.”
If God was confined by time He couldn't be God. God exists independent of time. He is the Creator of time.
(Colossians 1:16,17)
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
(Hebrews 13:8)
8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

The Loveless Family said...

5. “I think heaven is a place on Earth but, unfortunately, so many people are stuck in old beliefs and man-made religions that they have lost a sense of direction, a sense of what matters the most...and that is one and each other, simple, divine.”

Unfotunately for you, without faith in God; the only “heaven” you will experience will be on Earth. But after that you will experience the Truth. That there is a God, a Heaven, a Hell, an Eternity, and a choice that you are responsible to make.

Jesus Said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6

Realize you are a sinner:
"For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23

Understand the Penalty for sin is eternal death:
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23

Realize God loves you and sent Jesus to pay for your sins:
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

Repent of your sins --- a heart change in your attitude toward sin.
"I tell you, Nay: but except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." Luke 13:3

Receive the gift of God's salvation by tusting Jesus as your own Savior:
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." Romans 10:9

If you have access to a King James Bible, I would like to suggest that you read it for yourself. Start with the Books of John and Romans, then go back and start at the beginning. Seek the Truth and you will find it. Deuteronomy 4:29 "But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul."

The Loveless Family said...

Thanks, Carole. We miss you all. Merry Christmas!

Brunul said...

Thanks Keith and Julie for taking the time to respond to my questions.

I must disagree with you when you say: "Unfortunately for you, without faith in God; the only “heaven” you will experience will be on Earth. But after that you will experience the Truth. That there is a God, a Heaven, a Hell, an Eternity, and a choice that you are responsible to make"

...the above comment is the very reason why I do not believe in "religion" and the whole choice thing just doesn't feel right...however, I do believe in "God" but it is not the same God, I suppose.

Thanks again and good luck on all your projects :)