Mastering the Discipline of Bible Study: Volume 1

By Jenai J. Rasmussen Ed.D.

This work, along with the other volumes in the Foundational Knowledge of the Bible series, can help those who are young in the faith to seek a Christian relationship with God. All who choose to enter into the new covenant must concurrently embrace a new perceptual field. By heeding God’s call to service, believers embark upon a Christian journey to become wise from the application of spiritual knowledge. This is made possible with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit who guides covenant believers in the faithful word of God, which is the source of all spiritual truth in this world.

The intended purpose presented in this plan of action is to speak the truth of God in love so that the brethren can learn godly discernment, be equipped with sound doctrine, and grow together in all things according to Christ’s authoritative leadership (Eph. 4:15). By becoming covenant Christians set apart by God for his particular use, we can be diligent by precisely and accurately handling the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15).

This series can serve to edify and ground those who are new in the faith because the revelation of God provides all the essential answers to life’s pressing spiritual questions, whether general or specific. Accordingly, Christ’s disciples need to comprehend the questions before the answers can have real meaning. No greater reason can be given for studying the Bible. Therefore, the people of God are duty-bound to master this Christian discipline.

The first volume in this series is divided into three phases of Bible study: “Why” addresses the importance of knowing God’s word, study motivations, conditions for discipleship, Christian distinctions, and the attributes needed to study biblical truth. “How” covers preliminary actions, Bible versions, principles, study considerations, and necessary skills. “What” offers a unique sevenfold framework for understanding the Bible.

Divine power can move the Scriptures to be more than words on a page. It can become a life-changing force for good in the world. To that end, this resource directs the reader on how to inquire, search, and ask diligently concerning godly truth. Invaluable information, accessible resources, clear educational materials, and deep biblical insights will all quickly serve to establish beginning students in the Sacred Text. This work will also prepare the reader to receive the Scriptures by learning how to obtain a faithful accounting of spiritual truth.

To be sure, wisdom is the result of applying biblical knowledge to our lives. By speaking divine truth in love, believers can grow together in Christ as fellow workers who labor in the word of God. There is no greater work in this world than to share this life-saving truth with others. The obligation of receiving divine knowledge requires that it be shared. Truly, giving the hope and joy that is found in Jesus Christ, and the message he brought from the Father, is the greatest privilege of a human life.

Amen, and amen.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Jul 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9781664237292

Jenai J. Rasmussen Ed.D.

The Bible directs its readers to consider how they might provoke one another to love and good works (Heb. 10:24). The Foundational Knowledge of the Bible series is one of the ways Dr. Jenai Rasmussen fulfills this aspect of her covenant obligations. The author has combined the wisdom learned from over four decades of examining the Bible along with the skills developed from obtaining a doctorate in Education from Columbia University. The result is a uniquely crafted curriculum for those who seek a framework to aid them in mastering the discipline of Bible study. This work is an expression of the author’s love for God, for his church, and for those who are young in the faith. The primary motivation in offering this foundational series is so that the reader’s understanding can grow into wisdom and be shared with others.

Book preview

Copyright © 2022 Jenai J. Rasmussen, Ed.D.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This book is a work of non-fiction. Unless otherwise noted, the author and the publisher make

no explicit guarantees as to the accuracy of the information contained in this book and in

some cases, names of people and places have been altered to protect their privacy.

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.westbowpress.com

844-714-3454

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 978-1-6642-3728-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-3729-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021911948

WestBow Press rev. date: 07/06/2022

Unless marked otherwise, all Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version.

Scripture quotations marked RSV are taken from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible,

copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the

Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked ASV are taken from the American Standard Version.

Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from The New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked NRSV are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible,

copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches

of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked ESV taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®),

Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version®.

Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked TNIV are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, TODAY’S NEW

INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. TNIV®. Copyright © 2001, 2005 by International Bible

Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked AMP are taken from the Amplified® Bible, Copyright

© 2015 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

Scripture quotations marked NET are taken from the NET Bible® copyright ©1996-

2017 All rights reserved. Build 30170414 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C.

Scripture quotations marked YLT are from Young’s Literal Translation of the Bible. Public domain.

Scripture quotations marked REB are taken from the Revised English Bible, copyright ©

Cambridge University Press and Oxford University Press 1989. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked TEV are taken from the Good News Translation® (Today’s English

Version, Second Edition). Copyright © 1992 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.

Contents

Acknowledgements

Preface

Series Overview

Considerations

Section 1

The First Question of Bible Study Is Why

1. The Importance of Knowing the Bible

2. Godly Motivations for Studying the Bible

3. The Conditions for Christian Discipleship

4. Godly Distinctions Regarding Christians

5. The Blessed Attributes Needed to Receive Biblical Truth

Section 2

The Second Question of Bible Study Is How

1. Preliminary Tasks of Bible Study

2. Bible Versions and Resources

3. Principles of Bible Study

4. Bible Study Considerations

5. The Skills of Researching

7. The Skills of Interpretation

8. The Steps and Skills of Writing and Cricical Reading

8. The Skills of Editing

Section 3

The Third Question of Bible Study Is What

1. The Bible as Sacred Literature

2. The Aspects of Bible Study

3. An Integrated Framework for Studying the Bible

4. First Reading: Survey

5. Second Reading: Exegetical

6. Third Reading: Expositional

7. Fourth Reading: Critical

8. Fifth Reading: Devotional

9. Sixth Reading: Summary Interpretation and Application Approach

10. Seventh Reading: Witnessing

11. Summary: Christian Directives

Bibliography

Appendices

Appendix 1: Abbreviations

Appendix 2: The Relationship between the Old and New Covenants and Testaments

Appendix 3: The General and Specific Purposes of the Word of God

Appendix 4: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Peculiarities of the King James Version

Appendix 5: Criteria for Evaluating Resources

Appendix 6: Principles of Theological Hermeneutics

Appendix 7: General Organizing Principles Regarding Words and Phrases

Appendix 8: Laws of Composition, Techniques, and Literary Elements

Appendix 9: How to Conduct a Lexical Study

Appendix 10: Literary Structure

Appendix 11: Literary Genres

Appendix 12: Parables

Appendix 13: Types

Appendix 14: Symbols and Symbolic Acts

Appendix 15: Idioms

Appendix 16: Traits of Biblical Love and Their Reverse Implications

Appendix 17: Conditional Verses Regarding Christian Living

Appendix 18: Precept Patterns

Appendix 19: Promises

Appendix 20: Warnings

Appendix 21: Christian Character: Fruit of the Spirit

Appendix 22: Godly and Ungodly Character Traits

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Marguerite Lee Rasmussen was responsible for directing my life in the pursuit of two spiritual objectives: finding God and creating an accessible framework for understanding the teachings of the Bible. My mother joined me daily in prayer to ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we read this work together. The one great thing I have done in this life was to aid my mother in answering the call of God through the development of this series.

After numerous religious encounters and experiences, I now identify myself as a Christian and nothing else. I am extremely grateful to all those both within the pages of the Bible and outside them who have been my teachers in word and deed. Mr. Neiman made the word of God come alive. As my earliest mentor, he modeled true devotion to God for me. He remains the brightest example of a Christian that I have ever known.

Since his early instruction, I have found many biblical scholars who inspired me with their insightful words and guided me in my understanding of the word of God. They offer many words that have influenced my life in ways I could not have imagined, while my elderly Korean neighbor speaks only one word of English—hallelujah. She uses it masterfully and with enormous joy. These teachers all merit a basket full of apples for the instruction they have shared with me.

As we go through life, the people we remember are those who see us as we are in light of who we can become. When this action takes place in a spiritual context, the effect becomes much more profound. I send my deepest thanks to all those who graciously nurtured me with the word of God by offering their fellowship and those who lovingly sustained me with their care and concern for my well-being by offering me their friendship.

PREFACE

The Rationale for the Series

In the centuries since the Old and New Testaments have been available to the world, people have viewed its words as literal, figurative, and symbolic. Some embrace it as the inspired word of God, while others believe that the Bible is merely a human creation. Moreover, millions of people choose to follow decidedly different religious orientations. Regrettably, there are those who do not embrace a belief in God at all.

This work can help those who are young in the faith to seek a Christian relationship with God. All who choose to enter into the new covenant must concurrently embrace a new perceptual field. As followers of Jesus Christ, we heed God’s call to service by embarking upon a Christian journey to become wise from the application of spiritual knowledge. The Holy Spirit guides covenant believers into all godly truth. Without a doubt, the faithful word of God is the source of goodness in this world.

Each book in the Foundational Knowledge of the Bible series will act as a progressive introduction and supplementary resource aligned with the word of God. It can be particularly useful for those who are new to Christianity by organizing aspects of Bible study in a more instructive way. This series acts as a fundamental curriculum that establishes a wide foundational understanding of the Bible.

The time available for studying the word of God grows shorter and shorter with each passing day and brings those in God’s church closer to the ultimate fulfillment of the kingdom. Believers will have less time to understand the divine message in depth as the return of Christ approaches. Accordingly, the first rationale for writing the Foundational Knowledge of the Bible series is simply to save time in learning about the divine word by giving a context for it in terms of the "why, the how, and the what" of Bible study.

The second reason for the creation of this series is to provide a clear, accessible, and detailed framework for those who are young in the faith and want to develop a deeper understanding of the Bible. The foundational teachings in this work are necessary for every Christian to comprehend in order to grow in grace and knowledge. The plan of study presented in this resource can easily be understood and later progressively expand into intermediate and advanced studies.

The Purpose of the Series

The guiding focus of this educational series is to advance the understanding of the people of God, and those who are new in the faith, by encouraging them to consider how to fulfill the divine word both individually and corporately as part of his church. This is a work of love. Only godly love allows Christians to be fellow helpers to the truth (3 John 1:8) with pure motives for sharing God’s word. The Holy Bible directs the brethren to serve each other through mutual encouragement to produce works and labor of love (Heb. 6:10). This resource can help in that venture.

The book of Proverbs contains one of the most important aspects of God’s educational process—iron sharpeneth iron (Prov. 27:17). Iron was the hardest metal known in biblical times. Weapons made of this commodity were extremely durable and could take a sharp edge. The concept of iron sharpening iron, like a friend sharpens the countenance of a friend, is a proverb used in the Bible to show that true theological discussions generate sharp minds, bring joy, and improve character for both participants, which are revealed in their faces.

To be sure, the duty of every Christian is to love. This series will direct those who are new to the way of God, ground them in his teachings, and reveal how to live according to the full implication of his word. The intended purpose presented in this plan of action is to speak the truth of God in love so that the brethren can learn godly discernment, be equipped with sound doctrine, and grow together in all things according to Christ’s authoritative leadership (Eph. 4:15).

Christian fellowship must inspire those who are coming to God. Together with those in his church, we can all dig deep into the precious message that Christ brought us and find a clear, precise, and accurate accounting of it. This is the only way to achieve sanctification by the truth in the word of God. By becoming covenant Christians, set apart by God for his particular use, we can be diligent in handling the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15).¹

The rationale and purpose merge in this foundational framework for seeking out the truth of the Bible and God’s divine plan of salvation for humanity. Godly truth contains many biblical imperatives, promises, and warnings. These aspects of the living word require the attention of beginning Bible students and are a part of this series. This work offers guidance on how to inquire, search, and ask diligently concerning divine truth. It also presents a study plan for learning the word of God in a format that is easy to comprehend. These volumes can serves to edify and quickly ground those who are new in the faith.

This series acts as a foundational source for hundreds of other studies to grow spiritually in Christ. In addition to the information provided in the text, each book in the series also offers topical listings and hundreds of footnotes with study suggestions containing scriptural references. Each volume includes biblical definitions and scriptural references to save time for the reader. This framework of study provides invaluable information, accessible resources, clear educational materials, and deep biblical insights.

Equally important, the focus of this series is on applying biblical knowledge to our lives: "buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, instruction, and understanding" (Prov. 23:23); then, share it with others. As Christians, we have freely received the word of God; accordingly, we must also freely disseminate it as part of our godly witness. Not selling the truth is how Christ’s disciples hold fast to what is good, and witness to the truth of God.

Author’s Note

The example of the Bereans given in the book of Acts 17:11 provides inspiration for the brethren to continually search through the word of God each and every day to get to its inner meaning. Our task as Christ’s adherents is to minutely investigate the Scriptures and live our lives in accordance with the divine message. There is no greater work in this world than to share this life-saving truth with others.

One self-evident truth was a present reality in my search through the Bible. Simply stated, there is too much for any one person to know completely. The accurate biblical knowledge present in the world today is so vast that it would be futile to accept any other conclusion. Each Christian can have only a good working knowledge of the entirety of the divine message. Furthermore, this reality necessitates cooperation.

It is necessary to respect the fact that God brings people to his truth in different ways and at different times. For some students, the search is narrow and focused on a particular aspect, doctrine, criticism, or section of the Bible. The other option is going wide in order to grasp the largest foundation presented in the Scriptures. This series is the result of the second type of search and represents my legacy of evidence.

After an intense spiritual trial decades ago, I appreciate just how hard it is to question your religious beliefs. It takes a willingness to acknowledge the fact that in not seeing one aspect of the Bible clearly, misinterpretations can occur with other aspects as well. Myopic vision has left many fearing to question their faith for what they might find. Yet, the Bible directs all its readers to ask, seek, and knock (Matt. 7:7‒8). This may entail starting from the beginning and rebuilding your foundation (v. 24–27). That was my lengthy trial; it may be yours as well.

My Christian journey has been a search for the truth of God rather than the questionable tenets of sectarian belief systems. For this reason, I have given scriptural proof for the presuppositions, beliefs, and interpretations in this series as a reasonable defense of my positions; however, these volumes can service any group that calls itself Christian. This series is a work in progress. It is not the last word, but a progression that requires continual revision in light of greater truth.

This lengthy series is an expression of my great love for God and his covenant people. It represents a partial fulfillment of my Christian service, and the degree to which I understand God’s word by his Holy Spirit. This foundational series may help your understanding grow into wisdom. It offers rich instruction, heartfelt encouragement, and a challenge to question your unproven beliefs. May it serve you well.

SERIES OVERVIEW

The topic selection for each part of this series builds from volume to volume.² Every study contains many smaller studies that define the foundational level of biblical understanding for each topic. The different books in this series combine text, topical indices, and footnotes that offer hundreds of additional study suggestions, which can aid the reader in achieving a greater understanding of the Bible.

In this way, the series can act as a springboard for general biblical exposition and exegesis for the different denominational view of the reader. Each one of these topics and subtopics could fill countless books by themselves. It is beyond the scope of this series to offer more than a preliminary overview of biblical concerns. Consequently, this series seeks to achieve a basic level of understanding from a foundational presentation of each topic.

◆ VOLUME 1: MASTERING THE DISCIPLINE OF BIBLE STUDY

This volume addresses three key questions regarding Bible study:³

The first question, the "why" of Bible study, addresses the importance of knowing the Bible, godly motivations for studying it, the conditions for Christian discipleship, godly distinctions regarding Christians, and the blessed attributes needed to study biblical truth.

The second question, the "how" of Bible study, covers general considerations: preliminary tasks of Bible study, Bible versions and resources, foundational principles, study considerations, and developing the steps and skills of researching, interpretation, writing, critical reading, and editing. In addition, the required activities prior to writing are considered.

The third question, the "what" of Bible study, offers an integrated framework consisting of seven different readings, each with a specific approach and purpose: Survey, Exegetical, Expositional, Critical, Devotional, Summary and Application, and Witnessing.

◆ VOLUME 2: OLD TESTAMENT CONTEXTS

A review of each book of the Old Testament focuses on a number of its distinguishing features:

Title

The first word of the text acted as the titles of many Old Testament books, which aided the reader in identifying the different scrolls when they were unrolled.⁴ Furthermore, the meaning of the name of the person used in the title of a biblical book often telegraphed its message as well. This work gives all the applicable titles for each section of the Old Testament.

Literary Genres

The stylistic way in which Hebrew authors wrote is considerably different from the way we write today. Nonetheless, the designation of the literary genres of a book can give us the context in which to hold the writings.

Author, Audience, and Date

There is wide variance in the critical considerations of scholars regarding authorship because of religious presuppositions and denominational orientations. Establishing dates and authors can often be quite difficult. While some denominations are sure about their conclusions, others call them into question. For this reason, the rationale for dating an Old Testament book is briefly included. In addition, considerations such as the author’s state of mind (related to emotions, attitudes, beliefs, and values), the original audience,⁵ location of the writing, and the purpose for writing are all part of the investigation of this section.

Purpose, Background, Message, Context, and Application

In this part of the study, there is a review of biblical and non-biblical information necessary to understand the purpose, background, message, context, and application of each particular text. This material concentrates on presenting the specific covenantal message of God for each book of the Bible. It enables the reader to understand the flow and intent of the work. The essential message of each book appears as applicable directives from God about Christian character and conduct today.

Key Scriptures

This section of the work provides a listing of the most important verses of each book of the Old Testament.

Prophecies

This portion of the book lists major prophecies along with the citation, the speaker, the audience, and its fulfillment.

Themes

A listing of all the major themes from each book follows.

Imagery

This section includes all the key images for each book.

Words and Phrases

This section lists the key vocabulary words and phrases, antiquated words, particular words usage, frequency of word usage,⁶ and general words or phrases employed by the author.

Concepts

Each portion of God’s message has terms, theories, and concepts associated with it that are important to understand. A listing offers a brief explanation of the meaning of these three elements.

Divine Designations

This section lists all the biblical designation, titles, and figurative appellations for God in each part of the Bible.

People

This portion of the work offers a brief biography of the important individuals in each section of the Bible.

Locations

This listing highlights primary locations in each section along with a brief description, the meaning of the name, and scriptural citations.

Customs, Manners, Activities, and Artifacts

Each section of the Old Testament contains ancient customs, manners, activities, and artifacts that are vital to understand a passage of Scripture. A brief review of these key concerns makes up this listing.

Interpretive Questions

This portion of the study offers a list of questions that are important to understand for each book of the Bible. The answers to the questions remain for the readers to determine for themselves according to their own denominational views.

New Testament Quotations and Allusions

Since the Old Testament foreshadows the New, it is important to examine the links forged between these two covenants. That is the role of this portion of the study.

◆ VOLUME 3: NEW TESTAMENT CONTEXTS

This book follows the same pattern as its Old Testament counterpart with certain New Testament adaptations.

VOLUME 3: THE PUBLISHING PROCESS OF THE BIBLE

The focus of this work is a detailed examination of the biblical publishing process. We see that God self-disclosed his will for humanity (revelation) and protected it from error in its original writing (inspiration) so that it could become the Old and New Testaments of the Bible (canonicity) that would abide forever (preservation) as his revelation to the world (transmission). The Bible features a uniquely divine publishing process in bringing the sacred message to humanity:

Revelation

Through a variety of literary styles and in a number of diverse ways (Heb. 1:1), God’s supreme progressive revelation allows us to understand spiritual concerns.

Inspiration

All Scripture is spiritually beneficial because it is given by inspiration of God (2 Tim. 3:16‒17); therefore, God is the source of this word, which originated by being God-breathed. The divine message is not the work of human will or effort; for this reason, prophecy cannot be of any private interpretation (2 Pet. 1:20). Instead, it was the Holy Spirit, as the divine author, originator, and producer of the Scriptures, who moved (v. 21) the holy men of God to write the Sacred Text and attribute it as the word of God. These original autographs (the first copies) were not only inspired, but inerrant (without error) as well (John 10:34‒35; 17:17; Titus 1:2).

Canonicity

The Bible has one divine Author, two covenant sections, approximately forty different human writers of sixty-six books with numerous genres that took over fifteen hundred years to write. Even with these unique distinctions, the Bible exists as one book, or more appropriately as one library. In this section, an examination of the history of the canon, principles of canonicity, and key variations appears next.

Preservation

Believers have divine assurance from the Bible that the word of the Lord endureth forever (1 Pet. 1:25). It will stand the test of time until heaven and earth pass and the fulfillment of the word occurs. Nothing that the devil or human beings do to the Bible will cause the smallest detail to be lost or fail. Undoubtedly, the content of Scripture will be of lasting duration both in heaven and on earth.⁷

Transmission, the Obligation to Publish

Transmission of the Bible deals with translating the word of God into hundreds of languages from the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Koine.⁸ While it is uniquely inspired, it still shares many literary features used in other types of books. A good translation maintains a number of key characteristics that are the focus of this section.

◆ VOLUME 4: BIBLICAL LAWS OF OLD COVENANT THEOLOGY

The First Part discusses the meaning and types of ancient covenants and the Decalogue, or Ten Commandments, as covenant.

The Second Part reviews the Old Testament eternal covenants that are vital to the understanding of soteric election (in prophetic promises of salvation).

The Third Part presents the five important elements of the divinely initiated old covenant relationship:

1. The words of the covenant

2. The personal relationship the covenant confirms

3. The symbolic representations (signs) of the covenant that acts as a reminder to all in the covenant relationship

4. The blessings of covenant keeping and the observance of the law

5. The curses of covenant breaking and the transgression of the law

The Fourth Part deals with Old Testament covenant law.

The Fifth Part looks at the specific laws referred to in the Old Testament.

The Sixth Part examines the topic of the Mosaic Law covenant in terms of civil law.

The Seventh Part informs the reader about the Mosaic judicial system, the law code, and all legal issues of the covenant theocracy.

The Eighth Part focuses on the laws of the theocracy relating to Israel’s spiritual covenant obligations.

The Ninth Part reviews the laws of the theocracy in relation to military concerns.

The Tenth Part highlights the different divisions of the divine authority of the theocracy.

The Eleventh Part surveys the Old Testament teachings on the kingdom of God.

VOLUME 4: THE DECALOGUE

This book discusses the Decalogue as law, as covenant, as the words of the covenant from both a divine and human perspective, and its key elements. In the remainder of this work, a study section introduces each one of the Ten Commandments and related imperatives. A listing of the observances and transgressions of these sub-commands is part of this work as well.

◆ VOLUME 5: NEW COVENANT LOVE

A review of the definitions of key concepts of covenant comes first, and then an analysis of the major types follows. In addition, this section then looks at the key actions taken prior to the formalization of the divinely initiated new covenant in terms of the conditions of discipleship. A discussion of the five key elements of the new covenant follows along with an examination of the establishment of a personal relationship from keeping the covenant. The discussion turns to eternal covenants and soteric election. An explanation of the differences in covenants, and the work of God in the Christian covenant relationship rounds out the initial presentation.

At this point, the focus of the book shifts to covenant love and what the Bible says about God’s love toward his people. Both the old and new covenants of the Bible direct these partners to love God completely.⁹ The constituent elements (heart, mind, soul and strength) associated with love are examined along with all the biblical commands of love and their fulfillment.

VOLUME 5: NEW COVENANT COMMANDED LOVE OF GOD AND NEIGHBOR

This work discusses the covenantal law of the theocracy, the leadership of our sovereign Lord Jesus Christ, and the fulfillment of the law. The first, new, and greatest covenant law is to love the Lord our God completely. In this volume, the spiritual, judicial, civil, and military authority of God in the new covenant and the commanded actions that are the hallmarks of Christian duty are all under review.

The second new covenant code of love is then given in terms of the loving relationships the Bible requires with fathers, mothers, neighbors, enemies, husbands, wives, children, strangers, the fatherless, widows, the aged, the poor, the needy, the oppressed, the persecuted, masters, servants, and civil authorities. An examination of each group follows with a listing of the biblical directives for these relationships.

◆ VOLUME 6: NEW COVENANT COMMANDED LOVE OF CHRISTIAN DISCIPLES

The initial sections in the study on loving the brethren in the church of God deal with its sacred offices, Jesus Christ as the ultimate leader of the church, and the fulfillment of the law. Additionally, this work reviews the sacred human officers and qualities necessary for leadership positions, the nature and function of the ministry and its missionary work, and the obligations of publishing the divine message. This resource discusses various issues regarding the brethren in the church of God as well.

This book considers the election of God and delegated authority. It also offers the metaphoric comparisons for the saints and the church of God, possible implied metaphoric comparisons, and the metaphoric relationships of Christ and the brethren. What’s more, it also examines the state of being in covenant with God and the nature of righteous godly character from the development of the fruits of the Spirit.

A listing of the nature of the church of God and its activities comes next along with a detailed discussion of the potential problems and corrective actions used in the church of God. The biblical approach for dealing with sin follows. Furthermore, this work reviews aspects of the church of God versus those of the counterfeit church and the false beliefs they propagate about the true church. Homiletical issues and a suggested timeline (in accordance with the history of the Bible) complete this book.

VOLUME 6: SIN AND APOSTASY

The largest parenthetical precept pattern in the Bible is sin and salvation. This lengthy study first reviews the characteristics of sin: what it is by direct statement and by implication, what it is not, and what it can and cannot be according to the Bible. In addition, a review of the cycle of sin and the law of God come next. A discussion follows concerning the biblical reality that all sin is an act against God, his goodness, and his grace. The transgressions of the law of God and types of violations finish this section of the book.

The commission of sin, the methodology of sinning, and the response to sin (with God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, the ministry, and the saints) are all presented along with a review of individual, national (causes, consequences, response to, and the nature of national sins), and collective sin (global societies, nations/people, Israel, tribes, and families of the Bible). The next sections deal with metaphors, imagery, the ways of evil, individual personifications (the kings of Judah and Israel), and national symbols of sin. Metaphors for sinners and over four hundred descriptive titles for them conclude this work regarding sin. It ends with a review of the definitions, causes, and examples of the public offense of apostasy.

◆ VOLUME 7: SALVATION AND GLORIFICATION

This volume takes a broad, nonlinear view of thirteen doctrines of the Bible associated with the process of glorification. Grace is the first and largest biblical concept discussed in terms of its New Testament distinctions. The focus then turns to the precept pattern of salvation given in Romans 8:29‒30. The meaning of foreknowledge and predestination precede a discussion on how these two doctrines relate to the concept of election.

Next, this volume covers the prototypes of individual calling by God in the Old Testament and the intricate details of repentance along with its related concepts. A review of faith follows with an explanation of it as a biblical doctrine. Then, a review examines faith as the means of salvation along with a discussion of the eternal benefits it brings to those who believe and trust in Christ. The book also discusses a number of related doctrines such as biblical baptisms, the laying on of hands, sanctification, justification, righteousness, and glorification.

◆ VOLUME 8: THE BIBLICAL DESIGNATIONS FOR GOD

This work reviews nearly six hundred biblical designations for God including titles, names, and figurative appellations.

CONSIDERATIONS

Translation

¹⁰

The KJV is probably not the first translation many young readers would chose for studying the Bible. The antiquated language and certain of its peculiarities can make it difficult to understand at time; however, the associated resources, familiarity, and comparative value to other chosen versions made it a good choice for this series. This version of the Bible has been in continuous use for over four hundred years because it is widely considered the most beautiful translation of all. Clearly, the KJV has much to recommend it.¹¹

Bible students can achieve a wider appreciation of the message of God by reading a number of versions together. Select translations by either the purpose or occasion for reading the Bible. If the need for a translation requires a version that reflects the actual structure of the biblical language, then use the NASB. With a few more exceptions, use the word-for-word literal translations (e.g., NET, ESV, or NRSV).

The NIV or TNIV offers simple, direct, and accessible language. It is always best to consult as many points of view presented in different Bible translations as possible when intensely studying a passage of Scripture. To that end, consider purchasing a parallel Bible. The Bibles listed below have particular features that were helpful in the creation of this series:¹²

• The Hebrew and Greek Key Study Bible by Zodhiates and Baker makes it easy to define the words of the Bible and offers a discerning commentary.

• The Companion Bible by Bullinger has an invaluable focus on literary structure. It provides helpful appendices and insightful commentary.

• The MacArthur Study Bible by MacArthur gives a helpful topical index and a perceptive commentary.

• The Jewish Annotated New Testament by Levine presents astute insights into ancient thinking.

• The Nelson Study Bible provides a valuable and thought-provoking commentary.

• The Net Bible offers a detailed parsing of biblical words and recent insights into the Bible by a host of scholars from a variety of denominations.

Hierarchy of Authority

¹³

This work conforms stylistically to The Chicago Manual of Style (for grammar), The Society of Biblical Literature Handbook of Style (for specific biblical considerations), and WestBow Press staff guidance (for a more nuanced grammatical approach than Chicago). Consequently, the way terms and grammar are presented may be different from what you are used to seeing.

Grammatical Conventions

¹⁴

Punctuation Adaptations Not Included in The Chicago Manual of Style or The SBL Handbook of Style

■ When the writer uses a word two or more times in a particular verse, the number of times it is mentioned appears after the verse, e.g., (Gen. 1:11 [2x], 12 [2x], 29 [2x], 3:15).

■ Scriptural notations appear within parentheses. Duplicate verses follow in curly brackets, e.g., (Matt. 7:17‒18 {Luke 6:43}). In this work, the curly brackets may contain the original verse as well (Mark 7:6 {Isa. 29:13}).

■ When there is a duplicate verse in more than one of the Synoptic Gospels, only the first citation for the Gospel of Matthew is generally given.

■ When a citation includes a larger portion of Scripture, greater spacing occurs around the en dash for clarity, e.g., this work reveals God as Creator (Gen 1 ‒ 2).

■ Each key word includes a numerical listing from Strong’s Concordance to make it easier for beginning students to look up the word. The numeric symbol (#) is part of every Strong’s Concordance number in order to distinguish it from the numbers in a scriptural citation.

Scriptural Quotations

■ Verses from the Bible often appear as partial quotes throughout this work. Please refer to your Bible for complete citations.

Methodology and Considerations

■ The approach of this series takes a broad overview and extrapolates from the specific application of biblical principles, concepts, and teachings. This series provides both verification for the text and direction for future study.

■ It is beyond the scope of this work to offer more than the most rudimentary type of exposition and exegesis; however, it is part of the other books in the series. Please study the footnotes that direct the reader to insightful resources that address this issue.

■ A great number of study guides give scriptural direction to the reader throughout this series. Commentaries, biblical references, and these study notations fill the footnotes, which can be pursue beyond this work. Moreover, they contain definitions, historic notes, and interpretation considerations. Since this book is for beginning Bible students, the footnotes can often be longer than usual in order to help the readers lay a foundation more quickly. Finally, focus on the text in your initial reading, rather than completing all the study suggestions in the footnotes.

■ Repetition is the best form of emphasis. That is why this framework reiterates topics from many different angles; however, they all still support the same conclusions.

■ Questions take the place of answers when the author’s knowledge is incomplete. In addition, listings serve as a substitute when a more complete study is required.

■ Refer to lexicons and dictionaries for the complete transliteration of the ancient words of the Bible presented in this volume.

■ Disclaimer: The recommendation of authors and their works in this series does not constitute a complete acceptance of their scriptural interpretations. Each reader is always responsible for assessing the denominational points of view presented and the biblical accuracy of the information in these and any other resource.

■ The word you individually refers to both covenant Christians and those believers who are not yet in covenant with God. The personal pronoun we collectively refers to those who are in covenant with God according to the ways he has specified. There are a number of other names given for Christians in the Bible as well:

1. People of God ‒ his [Jesus’] people (Matt. 1:21; Luke 1:7; Acts 3:23; 15:14; Rom. 9:25‒26; 15:10; 2 Cor. 6:16; Eph. 2:19; 3:9; Heb. 2:17; 4:9; 8:10; 10:30; 11:25; 13:12; 1 Pet. 2:10; Rev. 18:4; 21:3); God’s People (Heb. 8:10)

My People, I will call them my people (Rom. 9:25)

The People of God, lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood (1 Pet. 2:5)

Peculiar People, Christ will purify unto himself, a peculiar people, zealous of good works (Titus 2:14); But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people [the people of God who have obtained mercy (1 Pet. 2:9‒10)

2. My People Israel, house of Israel . . . shall be to me a people (Matt. 2:6)

3. Children of God ‒ (Matt. 5:9, 45; 13:38; Mark 2:19; Luke 5:34‒35; 20:36; John 11:52; 12:36; Rom. 8:16, 21; 9:8, 26; Gal. 3:26; Eph. 1:5; 2:19; 1 John 3:1‒2, 9‒10; 5:2); Sons of God (John 1:12; Rom. 8:14, 19; 2 Cor. 6:18; Gal. 4:7; Phil. 2:15; Heb. 2:10; 12:7; 1 John 3:1; Rev. 21:7)

Children of God, Heir of God, and Joint Heir with Christ [if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together] (Rom. 8:17)

Children of the Living God (Rom. 9:26)

Dear Children (Eph. 5:1)

Little Children (1 John 4:4)

And we know we are of God (1 John 5:19)

4. Salt of the Earth ‒ (Matt. 5:13)

5. Light of the World ‒ (Matt. 5:14)

Children of Light ‒ (Matt. 5:15; Luke 16:8; John 3:21; 12:36; Eph. 5:8; Col. 1:12; see Gal. 4:1‒7)

The Child of Light and of the Day (1 Thess. 5:5)

6. Brethren ‒ (Matt. 12:49; 23:8; 25:40; 28:10; Mark 3:35; Luke 8:21; John 20:17; 21:23; Acts 9:30; 10:23; 11:1, 29; 12:17; 14:2; 15:3, 36; 16:40; 18:18; 28:14; Rom. 7:1; 8:29; 12:10; 15:14; 16:14; 1 Cor. 1:10; 2:1; 3:1; 6:6; 8:12; 10:1, 14; 14:26; 15:6, 58; 16:11, 20; 2 Cor. 2:13; 8:23; Gal. 1:2; 3:15; 4:12; 5:11; 6:1, 18; Phil. 1:14; 2:25; 3:1; 4:21; Col. 1:2; 4:9; 1 Thess. 1:4; 2:1, 14; 4:10; 5:4, 27; 2 Thess. 2:13; 3:1; 1 Tim. 5:1; 6:2; 2 Tim. 4:21; Philem. 1:16; Heb. 2:11, 17; 3:1; James 1:2; 2:1; 4:11; 3 John 1:5; Rev. 12:10; 19:10; 22:9); beloved brethren (1 Cor. 15:58)

7. Church ‒ (Matt. 16:18; 18:17; Acts 5:11; Eph. 1:22; 3:10, 21; Col. 1:24)

Church of God (Acts 20:28; 1 Cor. 1:2; 10:32; 11:22; 15:9; 2 Cor. 1:1; Gal. 1:13; 1 Tim. 3:5)

Churches of the Saints (1 Cor. 14:33)

Church in [of the Thessalonians] God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thess. 1:1; by extension, the title can apply to various church locations today)

Church of the Living God (1 Tim. 3:15)

Church of the Firstborn (Heb. 12:23)

8. [God’s] Elect [of God] ‒ (Matt. 24:22, 31; Mark 13:20, 22, 27; Luke 18:7; Rom. 8:33; 11:7; Col. 3:12 [holy and beloved]; 2 Tim. 2:10; Titus 1:1; 1 Pet. 1:2)

9. Saints ‒ (Matt. 27:52; Acts 9:13, 32, 41; 26:10; Rom. 1:7; 8:27; 12:13; 15:25‒26, 31; 16:2, 15; 1 Cor. 1:2; 6:1‒2; 14:33; 16:1, 15; 2 Cor. 1:1; 8:4; 9:1, 12; 13:13; Eph. 1:1, 15, 18‒19, 3:8, 18; 4:12; 5:3; 6:18; Phil. 1:1; 4:22; Col. 1:2, 4, 12, 26; 1 Thess. 3:13; 2 Thess. 1:10; Philem. 1:5, 7; Heb. 6:10; 13:24; Jude 1:3, 14; Rev. 5:8; 8:3‒4; 11:18; 13:7, 10; 14:12; 15:3; 16:6; 17:6; 18:24; 19:8; 20:9)

10. Sheep (in the flock of God) ‒ (John 10:16; 1 Pet. 5:2‒3)

11. Fruit-bearing Branches on Christ’s Vine ‒ (John 15:1‒5) [who abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit] (John 15:5)

12. The Friends of Christ ‒ Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you (John 15:14)

13. Witnesses ‒ ye shall be witnesses unto me [Christ] (Acts 1:8)

14. Believers ‒ believers were the more added to the Lord (Acts 5:14)

15. Christians ‒ and the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch (Acts 11:26; 1 Pet. 4:16; see Acts 15:17; 26:28; 28:22; 2 Tim. 2:19; James 2:7)

16. The Flock ‒ Take heed . . . to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers (Acts 20:28)

17. Heirs of God ‒ heirs of the world (Rom. 4:13; 8:17; Gal. 3:29; 4:7; Eph. 3:6; Titus 3:7; Heb. 1:14; 6:17; 11:7; James 2:5; 1 Pet. 1:4; 3:7; Rev. 21:7)

18. Seed ‒ the promise might be sure to all the seed (Rom. 4:13, 16; see Matt. 13:1–30)

19. Children of Abraham ‒ who is the father of us all (Rom. 4:16) (by implication)

20. Those in Christ Jesus ‒ who walk not after the flesh, but walk after the Spirit (Rom. 8:1)

21. Sons of God ‒ (Rom. 8:14‒15; Gal. 3:26‒29; 4:1‒7)

22. Cultivated Olive Tree ‒ (Rom. 11:24)

23. Body of Christ ‒ (Rom. 12:4–5; 1 Cor. 6:15‒17; 10:16‒17; 11:29; 12:12‒27)

24. God’s Husbandry (cultivatable land, farm) ‒ (1 Cor. 3:9)

25. God’s Building ‒ (1 Cor. 3:9)

26. The Temple of God ‒

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" (1 Cor. 3:16‒17)

Temple of the Living God (2 Cor. 6:16)

The Temple of My God (Rev. 3:12)

27. Members ‒

Members in particular (1 Cor. 12:27)

Members One of Another (Eph. 4:25)

Members of His [Christ’s] Body (Eph. 5:30)

Members in One Body (Col. 3:15)

28. Christ’s Own ‒ they that are Christ’s at his coming (1 Cor. 15:23)

29. The Ministries’ Epistles (letters) of Christ ‒ (2 Cor. 3:2‒3)

30. A Sweet Fragrance ‒ For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ (2 Cor. 2:15)

31. Co-workers of God ‒ workers together with him (2 Cor. 6:1)

Laborers together with God (1 Cor. 3:9; see 1 Thess. 5:12; 1 Tim. 5:17)

Fellow helpers to the truth (3 John 1:8)

32. Ambassadors ‒ Now then we are ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20)

33. Chaste (pure) Virgin ‒ (2 Cor. 11:2)

Virgins (Rev. 14:1‒4)

34. Abraham’s Seed ‒ (Gal. 3:29)

35. The Holy City ‒

Jerusalem Which Is Above (Gal. 4:26; Heb. 12:22)

City of my God, New Jerusalem (Rev. 3:12; 21:2, 10; 22:19)

36. Household of Faith ‒ "let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith" (Gal. 6:10)

Household of God (Eph. 2:19)

37. Israel of God ‒ (Gal. 6:16)

38. Fellow Citizens ‒ with the saints (Eph. 2:19)

39. The Workmanship of God ‒ created in Christ Jesus unto good works (Eph. 2:10)

40. A Habitation of God ‒ (Eph. 2:22)

41. Family ‒ the whole family in heaven and earth (Eph. 3:14‒15)

42. Pillar and Ground of the Truth (1 Tim. 3:15)

43. Holy Ones ‒ by implication establish your hearts unblamable (1 Thess. 3:13)

44. House of Israel and House of Judah ‒ (Heb. 8:8‒10)

45. Mount Zion ‒ (see Heavenly Jerusalem) ‒ (Heb. 12:22)

46. General Assembly ‒ To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven (Heb. 12:23)

47. Twelve Tribes ‒ which are scattered abroad (James 1:1; 144,000 of all the tribes of the children of Israel Rev. 7:4)

48. Lively Stones, Chosen of God ‒ (1 Pet. 2:9)

49. A Spiritual House ‒ (1 Pet. 2:9)

50. Royal Priesthood ‒ (1 Pet. 2:9)

51. House of God ‒ the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Tim. 3:15)

House of God ‒ (1 Pet. 4:17)

52. The Begotten of God ‒ but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not (1 John 5:18)

53. Kings (Kingdom) and Priests ‒ Jesus Christ hath made us kings and priests unto God (Rev. 1:6; 5:10)

54. Golden Lampstand ‒ (Rev. 1:12‒13, 20; 2:1)

55. Pillar in the Temple of My God ‒ (Rev. 3:12)

56. A Great Multitude ‒ (Rev. 7:9‒17)

57. Woman Clothed with the Sun ‒ the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars (Rev. 12:1‒2)

58. The Bride ‒ the bride of the Lamb is come (Rev. 19:7‒8; 21:2, 9; 22:17; cf. Rom. 7:4)

59. Wife of the Lamb ‒ (Rev. 21:9)

Old Testament Abbreviations, Shortened Descriptive Terms, Full Titles, and Literal Hebrew Meanings (in parentheses)

¹⁵ ¹⁶

Gen. – Genesis – The First book of Moses (In the beginning)

Exod. – Exodus – The Second book of Moses (The names [of])

Lev. – Leviticus – The Third book of Moses (And he called)

Num. – Numbers – The Fourth book of Moses (In the desert [of])

Deut. – Deuteronomy – The Fifth book of Moses (Things or Words)

Josh. – Joshua – The book of Joshua (Jehovah saved)

Judg. – Judges – The book of Judges (To judge)

Ruth – The book of Ruth (Moabite, friendship; Hebrew, refreshed or satisfied)

1 Sam. – First Samuel – The First book of Samuel ("His divine name is El")

2 Sam. – Second Samuel – The Second book of Samuel

1 Kings – First Kings – The First book of Kings (And the Kings)

2 Kings – Second Kings – The Second book of Kings

1 Chron. – First Chronicles – The First book of Chronicles (Word of the day)

2 Chron. – Second Chronicles – The Second book of Chronicles

Ezra – The book of Ezra (possibly "He (Yahweh) helps")

Neh. – Nehemiah – The book of Nehemiah (Yahweh comforts or The comfort of Yahweh)

Esther – The book of Esther (Hebrew "Hadassah or Myrtle"; Persian Star)

Job – The book of Job (four possible meanings):

(1) Where is the Father [God]?

(2) The one restored

(3) The hated, assailed, or persecuted one, which is the preferred etymology for this Hebrew word

(4) To be at enmity or the object of enmity

Ps. / Pss. – Psalms – The book of Psalms (The book of Praises)

Prov. – Proverbs – The book of Proverbs (To be like)

Eccles. – Ecclesiastes – The book of Ecclesiastes (The one who calls and gathers, The one who calls the assembly, or The Preacher)

Song of Sol. – The Song of Solomon (or Best of Songs)

Isa. – Isaiah – The book of Isaiah ("The Eternal or Yahweh is salvation, The LORD saves, or the LORD is Savior")

Jer. – Jeremiah – The book of Jeremiah (raise, exalt, lift up, or The words of Jeremiah; possibly "Yahweh loosens or throws, Yahweh establishes, sends, or exalts, or {The One} whom Yahweh has appointed or exalts")

Lam. – Lamentations – The Lamentations of Jeremiah How! Ah, How! or Alas)

Ezek. – Ezekiel – The book of Ezekiel (God strengthens, May God strengthen, or Strengthened by God)

Dan. – Daniel – The book of Daniel (My God is judge or God is my judge)

Hosea – The book of Hosea ("He [Yahweh] helped or Saved or Salvation")

Joel – The book of Joel ("My God is Yah," "Yahweh is God, Yahweh the LORD, or The LORD is God")

Amos – The book of Amos (Burden or Burden-bearer)

Obad. – Obadiah – The book of Obadiah (Servant, Worshipper of Yah, or Yahweh, the LORD)

Jon. – Jonah – The book of Jonah (Dove)

Mic. – Micah – The book of Micah (Who is like the LORD? or {One} who is like Yahweh)

Nah. – Nahum – The book of Nahum (Comfort or Consolation)

Hab. – Habbakkuk – The book of Habbakkuk (Embracer or One who embraces)

Zeph. – Zephaniah – The book of Zephaniah (possibly, Yahweh hides, Yahweh has hidden, or A treasure is hidden)

Hag. – Haggai – The book of Haggai (Festal one, My Feast, or To make a pilgrimage)

Zech. – Zechariah – The book of Zechariah ("Yahweh remembers or He whom God remembers")

Mal. – Malachi – The book of Malachi (My messenger, LORD’s messenger, or My angel)

New Testament Abbreviations, Shortened Descriptive Terms, Full Titles, and Literal Greek Meanings (in parentheses)

Matt. – Matthew – The Gospel According to Matthew (Gift of God)

Mark – The Gospel According to Mark (Polite or Shining)

Luke – The Gospel According to Luke (Light)

John – The Gospel According to John (Yahweh has been gracious or Yahweh shows favor)

Acts – The Acts of the Apostles

Rom. – Romans – The Epistle of Paul to the Romans

1 Cor. – First Corinthians – The First Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians

2 Cor. – Second Corinthians – The Second Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians

Gal. – Galatians – The Epistle of Paul to the Galatians

Eph. – Ephesians – The Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians

Phil. – Philippians – The Epistle of Paul to the Philippians

Col. – Colossians – The Epistle of Paul to the Colossians

1 Thess. – First Thessalonians – The First Epistle of Paul to the Thessalonians

2 Thess. – Second Thessalonians – The Second Epistle of Paul to the Thessalonians

1 Tim. – First Timothy – The First Epistle of Paul to Timothy (Honoring God)

2 Tim. – Second Timothy – The Second Epistle of Paul to Timothy

Titus – The Epistle of Paul to Titus (Pleasing)

Philem. – Philemon – The Epistle of Paul to Philemon (Useful)

Heb. – Hebrews – The Epistle to the Hebrews

James – The Epistle of James (same as Jacob, Surplanter or Substitute)

1 Pet. – First Peter – The First Epistle of Peter (Rock, derived from Greek petros)

2 Pet. – Second Peter – The Second Epistle of Peter

1 John – First John – The First Epistle of John

2 John – Second John – The Second Epistle of John

3 John – Third John – The Third Epistle of John

Jude – The Epistle of Jude (Praised)

Rev. – Revelation – The Revelation to John (a.k.a. The Apocalypse)

Section 1

The First Question of Bible Study Is Why

1. THE IMPORTANCE OF KNOWING THE BIBLE

¹⁷

The Bible Is the Only Divinely Sanctioned Source of Spiritual Authority

¹⁸

Many people hold the belief that the Bible is just the best insights of religious people from the past who concocted fantastic myths to explain what they did not understand about their universe. Concurrently, they hold the beliefs that these authors lacked inspiration from God and that much of what the biblical authors wrote was fictional in nature. Under these constraints, the Bible would have no spiritual authority and no saving power.

Certain theories attempt to rob God’s Holy Scriptures of their divine authority by resting on unproven speculations. Regrettably, they ignore the archaeological evidence that supports its accounts and portrayals of ancient peoples. The most blasphemous theories go so far as to presuppose that the biblical message is of human origin. This is patently absurd when seen in the light of fulfilled prophecy,¹⁹ not to mention the internal consistency it maintains from Genesis to Revelation.

Those who wrote the Old and New Testaments continually proclaimed that the very source of their writing was God. These leaders, prophets, judges, and apostles all received guidance from the Holy Spirit as the supreme Author so that the readers could have access to what they could neither imagine nor discover for themselves. The Bible reveals divine spiritual wisdom hidden by God throughout the ages (1 Cor. 3:9‒16). These precious words give a divine form of hope founded upon his plan of salvation for humanity. All those who have entered into covenant with God receive divine spiritual truth and the wisdom that only comes through the application of those truths.

Understanding the totality of biblical doctrines, concepts, and narratives by unconverted human comprehension alone is impossible. Consequently, it must be revealed (1 Cor. 3:10‒11), inspired (vv. 12‒13), and illuminated (vv. 14‒16) by the Holy Spirit²⁰ to God’s discerning covenant partners. Even in this illumined state, the brethren still do not have complete knowledge, and need advanced teachers who provide instruction in the Bible for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body (Eph. 4:11‒12). Each Christian must work diligently to rightly divide the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15) with this instruction.

The authority of Almighty God infuses this divine message and has the power of salvation. Indeed, the startling reality of this collection of spiritual wisdom is that it saves. When Jesus was a young boy, he taught people who were astonished at the doctrine he preached: "For he taught them as one having authority (Matt. 7:29). This audience heard the unadulterated manifestation of the truth of God. Jesus Christ has all authority in heaven and on earth" (Matt. 28:18). He preached from the Sacred Text and so did his apostles (Acts 4:31; 6:2), which makes it unquestioningly authoritative.

The concept of authority comes from the Greek word, exousia.²¹ Christ has authority as the Agent of God. The Scriptures have divine power precisely because they represent God’s revelation and inspiration. In truth, the written revelation of God has complete authority over human beings whether they recognize it or not. It is not possible to disconnect words from those who speak them. It follows that the holy righteous character of God, and his authority as the both Creator and Redeemer of the universe, is behind the pure knowledge of the divine word.

God is the only believable source of truth. The written word of God is the faithful revelation of his transcendent will. The Bible stands as the rule of faith and Christian practice through which Jesus Christ exercised his divine authority in the lives of those beings called to service (the Holy Spirit working with them), and also in covenant believers (the Holy Spirit working in them). Undoubtedly, the central authority of the Bible is God’s will made known in his divine truths.

The Bible is God-breathed (2 Tim. 3:16); accordingly, it is divinely authorized. The New Testament is no less authoritative and authorized than is the Old. Lord Jesus Christ referred to Old Testament verses continually; thereby, he confirmed that the writings of the Old Testament were in fact God’s word to the human race generally, and to Israel specifically. Both the Old and New Testaments have been fashioned as God’s authoritative and inspired revelation.

The New Testament message has been directly communicated through the Son of God (John 8:26‒28; Heb. 1:1‒2). This distinction means that the new covenant is the direct testimony of God’s Son even though his human instruments wrote his words. While there is no clear evidence that Jesus himself wrote any of the biblical books of spiritual instruction, God chose authors who preserved the teachings and actions of Christ in writing with the aid of the Holy Spirit.

As covenant participants, we need the complete Bible to understand redemptive history and God’s purpose for our lives. The holy words of the Old Testament foreshadowed the written account to come of God the Son sent by God the Father to save his creation. It is true that the Lord Jesus Christ fulfills every type in the Old Testament. Simply stated, the Old Testament foreshadows the New; consequently, both testaments must work together so that the spiritual meaning is not lost since both are incomplete without the other.

While these works are the histories of two distinctly different divine covenants,²² together they comprise the life-saving knowledge that is spiritually accessible to those with God’s Holy Spirit. Assuredly, this collective religious document of the community of faith remains the most important book ever revealed, inspired, canonized, preserved, and transmitted in the world. The Holy Scriptures stand as the exclusively authorized work of God. It pertains to life and godliness through the power of Christ²³ to accomplish his purpose (2 Pet. 1:3‒4).

On the very basis of this divine authority, Christ commissioned the apostles to make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19). Christ’s unlimited authority parallels the great nature of the commission of the church of God. It included much more than just the conversion of believers in that it points to the continuation of the work of Jesus Christ who is continually with us. As God’s brethren, he helps us stand against the attacks of the devil²⁴ and his evil forces. Despite these trials, we are to serve the brethren and those outside the church of God through our collective example, exhortation, and edification.

Believers must learn to live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God (Matt. 4:4) by searching the Scriptures continually. These precious words testify of Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, it is the ultimate authority and is profitable for doctrine [teaching], for reproof [an undeniable demonstration of truth], for correction [realignment], for instruction in righteousness [the process of training a child]: That the man of God may be perfect [spiritually mature], thoroughly furnished unto all good works (2 Tim. 3:16‒17). When there is a proper orientation to divine teaching, change occurs in the lives of the disciples. This is marked by growth in both godly character and conduct.

There are many books in the world today, which lay claim to religious truths and direct people in what they believe to be a correct way of life. Nevertheless, only one book speaks with the authority of God. He alone knows the end of his creation from the beginning. We only need to look at nature to observe the demonstrated power of the Godhead (Rom. 1:20). Human efforts to discern these facts from a scientific approach have only produced incomplete theories that remain wildly deficient in proof.

Moreover, vain men and women profess themselves to be wise and yet reject the truths of God. The Bible calls these people fools because they renounce godly truth, rationalize their sins, and devise all sorts of human theories and philosophies to take the place of the word of God. They are without excuse (Rom. 1:22). The divine creation is orderly and functions because of intricate laws that necessitated a supernatural creator, designer, and lawgiver.

Those who readily scoff at in the beginning . . . God created (Gen. 1:1) and after its own kind (Gen. 1:11, 12, 21,