Back to Bible Basics – The ABCs of Christianity

Part One

 

For Christians who rely on the Bible as the foundation for their beliefs, there are several basic concepts that bear emphasis and repeating. These include (in no special order):

            RE: The Bible as Scripture

·       All Scripture (Old and New Testaments) is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man (and woman) of God may be perfect (complete), thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3: 16-17)  

·       Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.  (Romans 15:4) Aforetime refers to the Old Testament doctrines towards Salvation.

·       “Study to show thyself approved of God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”  (2 Timothy 2:15)   Remember to note the circumstances of the specific portion of the scripture… who is writing, to whom, what is being said, when, where, how, and if available, under what other circumstances.

·       It is common for readers of the Bible to have some assistance in interpreting many passages. There are NO “CliffsNotes” for the Bible.  Numerous “summaries” of individual Books have been written by various sources, but there is no true substitute for careful, thoughtful reading.  Individual chapters, verses, and even phrases and words are important in accurately conveying thoughts. Although written thousands of years ago, the Holy Spirit presented in the Scripture both history and concepts that remain relevant even today. The Bible was not written for “quick consumption”. (Acts 8:26-35)

·       Early in the Scripture, readers were alerted that God keeps secrets, until He is ready to reveal them.  (Deuteronomy 29: 29)   One key to successful Bible study is to continue reading, to learn those secrets / “mysteries”.

·       The Bible is multi-dimensional.  It uses several literary devices / techniques to convey its message, including symbolism, allegories, metaphors, and parables, among others. It carries words that have both literal and figurative meanings, presenting both natural and spiritual concepts. It requires believers consider both that which can be clearly seen and in the abstract. Further, it speaks to man as an individual, but also to man in the context of all mankind. It reveals the mind and power and love of the Triune God, with the special focus on the Son of God, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

 

 

RE: Our Creator God

·       Our God is a Triune Being / Godhead (Father, Son and Holy Spirit all in One).  (Acts 17: 24-29; Romans 1:20; Colossians 2: 8-9)

·       God lives / exists outside of the constraints of time as we know it.  (2 Peter 3: 8)

·       He is an Eternal Spirit, having a Soul. He is Sovereign, Omniscient, Omnipotent and Omnipresent.  He also represents the Highest standards of Love, Truth, Justice, Holiness, Righteousness, Compassion / Mercy, Grace, and Faithfulness, among other attributes.

·       Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God was the Creator of the heaven and the earth.  (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:12-17)

·       Throughout the Bible, when God communicates with man it is almost always through our Lord Jesus.  He is called by various names including God, LORD God, LORD, Most High, Almighty, and WORD, among others.  He appeared in various preincarnate forms prior to His taking on human flesh.

·       Throughout the Scripture, God communicated with His created world and its creatures / inhabitants primarily through sound / words. Today, He communicates with Christian believers through His Spirit (the Holy Spirit) to our spirit.

 

Dr. W.A. Robinson