Why The Bible?: A Self-Guided Workbook for the Everyday Reader to Provide Clear Understanding of Scripture

By Betsy Cosmos

• Why would anyone bother with the ancient book called the Bible?
• What’s the big deal?
• Is it more than just great literature?
• Aren’t there obvious contradictions within its pages?
• Does it have relevance for a person in today’s society?
• Can it provide anything of value for you personally?

Why The Bible? is a workbook that will guide you step-by-step through the process of validating Scripture for yourself. This workbook is divided into short daily studies, five per week, each can be completed in less than half an hour. With the keys and tips presented, you’ll have the ability to double-check what others say about God, Jesus and Christianity. No seminary degree required! You’ll be equipped to ignore the noise and get to the truth.

You don’t have to be a Christian to be a Word detective. Try out the investigative tools taught in Why The Bible? and see if there is lasting truth in the written Word of God. God doesn’t ask for blind faith, rather He says: “Take a close look at everything, test it, then cling to what is good.” Learn how to be fully assured of what you believe.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Mar 20, 2024
• ISBN: 9798385020249

Betsy Cosmos

Betsy spent years searching for answers to life’s perplexing questions. It wasn’t until she learned to understand the Bible that the puzzle was solved. Since then, her passion has been to equip other seekers with keys, as presented in this workbook, so they can grasp the truth revealed in Scripture.

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Copyright © 2024 Betsy Cosmos.

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.

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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.

The author has taken the liberty of capitalizing all personal pronouns in every version that refer to the One True God and pronouns referring to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, are not capitalized.

In the author’s writings, the following words have been capitalized: the word Law when referring to the Mosaic Law; the word Temple when referring to the Temple in Jerusalem; the word Word when referring to God’s Word; the title Holy Spirit when referring to God (with the title holy spirit in lower case when the gift of holy spirit rather than the Giver of that gift, who is God, is indicated).

ISBN: 979-8-3850-2023-2 (sc)

ISBN: 979-8-3850-2024-9 (e)

WestBow Press rev. date: 3/15/2024

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, King James Version.

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible (AMP), Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible (AMPC), Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations taken from the (CEV) are from the Contemporary English Version Copyright © 1991, 1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (ERV) are taken from the HOLY BIBLE: EASY-TO-READ VERSION © 2001 by World Bible Translation Center, Inc. and used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (GW) are taken from GOD’S WORD® © 1995, 2003, 2013, 2014, 2019, 2020 by God’s Word to the Nations Mission Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (ISV) are taken from the Holy Bible: International Standard Version©. Copyright © 1996-2012 by The ISV Foundation. All rights reserved internationally. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (MSG) are taken from The Message, copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers.

Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB95®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations taken from the (REV) Revised English Version® copyright ©2014 by Spirit & Truth Fellowship International, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

This workbook is dedicated

to those who are seeking.

May you find the answers,

the reassurance and

the peace that comes

from God’s Word.

Thank you to…

My mom, Miriam, for laying the foundation

My brother, Harve, for leading me to Christ

My late husband, John, for 35 years of walking it out together

My son, Josh, for demonstrating excellence

My beloved friend, Maureen, for hearts knit together

My pastor, Carrington, for opening the door

My sister-in-Christ, Angelica, for encouragement and fire

My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for being the Way, the Truth and the Life

Contents

Introduction

Day Week 1

1 What Can the Bible Do For Me?

2 How Can You Understand The Bible?

3 How Does God Talk to Us?

4 Other Ways God Communicates with People

5 Who Wrote The Bible?

Day Week 2

6 Holy Spirit Upon or Within?

7 The Purpose of the Bible

8 The Purpose of the Bible (Part 2)

9 Three Ways to Learn About God

The Living Word

10 The Difference Between a Translation and a Version

No Private Interpretation

Day Week 3

11 How Scholars Have Divided Up the Word

Defining Testament

12 Punctuation is Devoid of Authority

The Power of the Comma

13 Other Literary Devices

Italics

14 Translation Errors

The Color of the Ink

15 God’s Word Interprets Itself

Day Week 4

16 New Definitions/Obsolete and Archaic Words (Part 1)

17 Obsolete Words and Phrases (Part 2)

18 Definitions Can Change

19 Archaic Phrases

Blue Letter Bible

20 Useful Research Tools

Day Week 5

21 Investigating Archaic Definitions

22 Latin is Dead, Long Live Greek!

23 Synonyms and Amplifications

24 Deeper Layers

25 Who or What is the Church? (Part 1)

Day Week 6

26 Who or What is the Church? (Part 2)

27 Learn This Greek Word!

28 Parousia (Part 2)

29 God and His Gift To Us

30 Handling Apparent Contradictions

Day Week 7

31 Languages Jesus Spoke

32 He Said What?? (Part 1)

33 He Said What?? (Part 2)

34 He Said What?? (Part 3)

35 Advantages for a Diligent Workman

Day Week 8

36 Narrative Development

Foreshadowing (Types & Shadows)

37 Context

38 Remote Context

39 Text Mangling & Text Garbling (Mishandling Scripture)

40 Three Groups of People

Day Week 9

41 Encyclicals/Contradictions?

42 What’s Our Name?

43 The Lens of Grace

44 Applying the Law vs Grace Test to Tithes & Offerings

45 Applying the Law vs Grace Test to Loving God

Day Week 10

46 Why Do Good Works?

47 Faith Defined

48 Earning vs Receiving

49 The Dangers of Religion

50 Previous/First Usage (Part 1)

Day Week 11

51 Previous/First Usage (Part 2)

52 Unfamiliar/Foreign Terms

53 First Usage/Utterance to Define Expressions or Phrases

54 Introduction to Biblical Time Periods

55 Seven Possible Administrations

Day Week 12

56 The Original Paradise (Part 1)

57 The Original Paradise (Part 2) Blessings & Instructions

58 The Original Paradise (Part 3) Be Fruitful

59 The Original Paradise (Part 4) Multiply

60 The Original Paradise (Part 5) Replenish

Day Week 13

61 The Original Paradise (Part 6) Subdue

62 The Original Paradise (Part 7) Have Dominion

63 The Original Paradise (Part 8) Clothed in Glory

64 The Fall of Man (Part 1) Terms Defined

65 The Fall of Man (Part 2) Five Mistakes

Day Week 14

66 The Fall of Man (Part 3) Iron Heaven

67 Patriarchal Administration (Part 1) Conscience

68 Patriarchal Administration (Part 2) Human Laws & Governments

69 Patriarchal Administration (Part 3) The Promise

70 The Law Administration

Day Week 15

71 The Christ Administration (Part 1)

72 The Christ Administration (Part 2)

73 The Christ Administration (Part 3)

74 The Christ Administration (Part 4)

75 Grace (or Church) Administration (Part 1)

Day Week 16

76 Grace Administration (Part 2) Chosen for A Mission

77 Grace Administration (Part 3) Fully Equipped

78 Tribulation Administration (Part 1)

79 The Dead Are Dead

80 Body Upgrade!

Day Week 17

81 Tribulation Administration (Part 2)

82 Tribulation Administration (Part 3)

Final Paradise (or Glory Administration)

83 Read with Administration Awareness

Outline of the Seven Administrations

84 Scope

85 Accuracy (Part 1)

Day Week 18

86 Accuracy (Part 2)

87 Accuracy (Part 3) Similar ≠ Identical

88 Accuracy (Part 4) Chronology

89 Accuracy (Part 5) Point of View

90 Accuracy (Part 6) Reliable Versions of the Bible

Day Week 19

91 Accuracy (Part 7) Multiple Versions in Bible Gateway

92 Accuracy (Summary) II Timothy 2:15, Orthotomeō

93 Apparent Contradictions (Part 1)

Translation Error or Lack of Understanding?

94 Apparent Contradictions (Part 2) The Idiom of Permission

95 Apparent Contradictions (Part 3) Idiom of Permission Demonstrated with Pharaoh

Day Week 20

96 Apparent Contradictions (Part 4) Idiom of Permission Demonstrated

97 The Frequent Use of the Idiom of Permission

98 Apparent Contradictions (Part 5)

99 Figures of Speech—General Overview

100 Figures of Speech—Omission

Day Week 21

101 Figures of Speech—Addition (Part 1)

102 Figures of Speech—Addition (Part 2) Repetition

103 Figures of Speech—Change

104 Interpretation or Application? (Part 1) Decipher or Utilize?

105 Interpretation or Application? (Part 2)

Day Week 22

106 Interpretation or Application? (Part 3)

107 Limits of Inspiration (Part 1) Consider the Source

108 Limits of Inspiration (Part 2)

109 Limits of Inspiration (Part 3)

110 Bible Times & Customs (Part 1)

111 Bible Times & Customs (Part 2)

112 Summary of Topics

Final Thoughts

Bibliography

Answer Key

Introduction

In our modern world, with so many resources of every kind readily accessible, why would anyone bother with the ancient book called The Bible? What’s the big deal? Why is it still the best-selling, most often quoted and hotly-debated manuscript? Is it more than just great literature? Does it have relevance for a person in today’s society?

There was a time when I couldn’t have cared less about the Bible. In fact, at the age of 13, I defiantly turned my back on God, Christianity and everything to do with church. With all the sorrow, tragedy, cruelty and misery I saw in the world, I couldn’t accept the pat answer that God is love and be okay with that. So I began eight years of searching. I looked for answers in a variety of places (it was the 1960s, so there were a lot of strange things to consider!). Each endeavor, while interesting for a time, would lead me to unsatisfactory results, offering no real change in my circumstances or peace for my restless heart. At the age of 21, I had had enough. I gave up the search. My life motto became eat, drink and be merry and although I projected the image of a happy-go-lucky party girl, behind closed doors I was miserable.

My brother (who had been on the rock-and-roll path as a lead guitarist and was having success playing with his band in local clubs in the Washington D.C. area) picked me up from work one day and took me out for coffee. There was something different about him. When I found out he had a new girlfriend, I figured he was in the euphoria that those first months of being in love provide. Thinking I was going to meet the important girl in his life, I was tricked into attending a Bible study in her home. Although I turned up my nose at the entire concept of reading the Bible for answers, I could easily recognize there was something these people had that I was missing. My curiosity (although dripping with skepticism) kept me returning each week to learn more.

Fast forward to the present day. It’s been close to 50 years since I was blindsided by the Bible. My life did a slow-180-turn. The things I most desired (a fun and loving marriage, being the mom of a terrific human being, shining with purpose and light) have all been realized. It didn’t happen overnight. It wasn’t magic. It has been a process that continues all these decades later. But the reason the Bible is valuable to me now is because I was taught how to read and understand it for myself.

God doesn’t intend for any of us to take somebody’s word for it. The Apostle John wrote in I John 2:27(NASB) And as for you, the anointing which you received from Him remains in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you remain in Him. This does not mean we don’t need people who teach us God’s Word. It does mean that God can help you understand the Bible accurately and recognize the difference between truth and error—even if that error is being taught by a famous preacher!

In the following workbook you will find information to help you read the Bible for yourself. With the keys, principles and insights shared in Why The Bible? it will be possible for you to search out what God wants you to know and understand. You don’t need a seminary or theology degree. There is a verse in the Bible that promises God rewards those who diligently seek Him. I can’t think of a greater reward than the answers to life’s most perplexing questions.

This workbook is divided up into short daily studies, but you certainly don’t have to stick to that format if you choose not to. If you do 5 daily studies per week, it will take you just over 5 months to complete the material.

There is a companion book called, Why Jesus? that you may also enjoy. However, I recommend you start with Why The Bible? since the Bible keys taught here give you a better foundation for answering the question, Why Jesus?.

My prayer is that this material will set you on a path of joyful discovery. There is no end to the depth of truths that the Bible sets forth. Exploring what God has to say to you will continue to unfold in ever-richer detail as you sink your heart into His Word!

Week 1

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DAY 1

WHAT CAN THE BIBLE DO FOR ME? On this first day let’s think a bit about what the Bible has to offer you. Why take your time to learn to read it accurately? Let’s allow the Bible itself to give you some answers:

Proverbs 14:15(KJV)¹ says The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man² looketh well to his going.

A different version of this same verse tells us that gullible people will believe anything they are told while a wise person will weigh the words they hear. In every category of life, you don’t want to be susceptible to just any old theory or doctrine; you want to closely consider what you believe and how you are going to live.

Psalm 119:130(NASB)³ says: The unfolding of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.

God’s Word promises it will give us the understanding we need in life. But how do we understand what God’s Word is saying?

I⁴ Thessalonians 5:21(KJV) says: Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. God encourages us to test out what is written in His Word, proving to ourselves that it is true. Once we see how good it is, God says Hold onto it! We have to recognize that it is God’s desire that we understand His Word.

I Timothy 2:3-4(NASB) says: ³ This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, ⁴ Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

God wants every person to not only be saved (born again), but He also wants everyone who is born again to come to the knowledge of the truth. If we believe that God’s Word is truth (which Jesus Christ declared it is in John 17:17), then God has certainly made a way for us to understand that Word.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED?

1. According to the King James Version of Proverbs 14:15, a wise person will look well to his going. When a wise person hears something, what two actions does he take? (Hint: see the underlined words)

2. According to Psalm 119:130, what are two things God’s Word provides for us?

3. Reading I Thessalonians 5:21, what two actions are we told to take?

4. Does God want us to understand things or take it by faith?

Which Scripture mentioned supports your answer?

PONDER THIS:

• Today take a few moments to think about what you believe are reliable sources of information. Your parents? Teachers? Websites you frequent? Friends? Educational materials? The News? The Internet?

• Do you think there is a source of information that you can rely on 100% of the time?

• If not, would you like to find such a resource?

• Since God is the Author of Life, wouldn’t you think He would provide a reliable resource for you?

• Think about your willingness to trust the Bible to give you dependable guidance if you can learn to understand how to read it.

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DAY 2

HOW CAN YOU UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE? If you are born again, you can understand and apply the wisdom, knowledge and power that has been made available in God’s Word. That ability is enfolded in the gift of holy spirit which you received when you became a new creation in Christ. (If you are not born again, keep going through this workbook because the information provided will show you why you would want to be and how to do it.)

In John 14:26(REV)⁵ is recorded this promise of Jesus Christ: the helper, the holy spirit, which the Father will send in my name, it will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.

John 16:13(REV) gives us additional information on the subject where Jesus states: But when it, the spirit of truth, comes, it will guide you in all truth, for it will not speak on its own, but whatever it hears, it will speak, and it will declare to you the things that are to come.⁶

With this gift of holy spirit within, God guides you into all truth. You can read God’s Word and have the eyes of your understanding enlightened by way of the holy spirit (Ephesians 1:18). At the moment of your new birth, God gave you a special gift—an individually customized gift called holy spirit. It’s like receiving a personalized cell phone that is permanently with you, can never get lost, doesn’t need recharging and is always ready to provide open communication between you and your Creator. You can also think of it as a continuously active receiving station. Some other Scripture words for this gift are new nature, new man, new creation and Christ within.

You do not have to rely on guesswork or the latest popular theories. You can know with confidence what God has to say about any subject!

However, God has also given us specific instructions concerning His Word: II Timothy 2:15(KJV) says: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Another version⁷ words the same verse this way: Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. Accurately handling or rightly dividing God’s Word includes new levels of understanding and application during different times and in different circumstances. In the process of these studies you will be given keys and tools for unlocking and rightly dividing God’s glorious Word of Truth.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED?

1. What has God provided for every born-again believer that enables us to understand His Word? Two different Scriptures are mentioned that support this answer—make note of one here:

2. The King James Version of Ephesians 1:18 says that God will enlighten the eyes of your understanding. In your own words, write a brief statement of what this means:

3. As a workman of God’s Word, what quality of workmanship does God expect from you?

PONDER THIS:

As you study God’s Word, you will develop an awareness of what lines up with God’s ways and what does not. If you’re born again, you have a permanent receiving station by way of the gift of holy spirit within. Now it’s time to allow God to open your eyes to the truths He wants you to comprehend. You will be able to discern between truth and deception as you fill your heart with God’s Word and allow Him to show you the difference.

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DAY 3

HOW DOES GOD TALK TO US? It’s an exciting and fulfilling lifetime task to keep learning how to walk for God, obey Him, love others and bear fruit. As you expend the effort, God will show you how to do these things.

How does God show us things? How do we know the difference between God’s voice and the voice of deception? Again, God’s Word is the answer. By studying God’s Word you will learn God’s character. Ideas that line up with God’s nature are much more likely to be from God than ideas that contradict or are at odds with His character. Those contradictory ideas will never be from God. For example, if you know that God is always good then you will also know that sickness, poverty or bondage of any kind are never from God because they are not good.

Spending time with God in His Word is the way that God will teach you what His voice sounds like. Then even if an ungodly idea or doctrine is presented to you as from God, you will be able to avoid being deceived by error even if that error is wearing a label that says Christian.

Remember we looked at Proverbs 14:15 on Day #1 which encouraged us to weigh every word. Weighing something means there is a standard of measurement by which you are making your assessment. God’s Word is our standard.

This is what we are aiming for—being able to discern God’s will through His Word.

One important thing to keep in mind is pointed out in II Peter 1:20(KJV) which says: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. In the NASB1995 it reads like this: But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation.

Just because you could come up with a good explanation for a verse or a passage doesn’t make it accurate according to the way God intended it to be understood! Your interpretation may be completely the opposite of God’s actual meaning. So utilizing tools to rightly divide God’s tremendous Manual for Life which He has provided is vital for being able to tap into the power, deliverance and success that God has made available.

Often the concepts we have been taught—in our classrooms, by our families, by society and even in our churches—are simply based on the traditions of men and not on the Word of God. Jesus pointed this out to the Pharisees (who were experts at understanding the Law of Moses) when he said: ⁸ Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men. ⁹ He was also saying to them, You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition." (Mark 7:8-9[NASB95]).

We do not want to fall into this category. Instead, we want to set aside our traditions, our preconceived ideas and the doctrines we have developed, and let God’s Word speak to us. We want to be able to present ourselves to God as workmen of His Word who are not ashamed of our workmanship. The way to accomplish this is by studying the Word of God.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED?

1. Spending time reading and studying God’s Word will enable you to discern the difference between two different voices. What are those two opposing voices?

2. What kind of interpretation of Scripture does the Bible warn you to avoid?

3. Your thinking determines your beliefs and therefore your manner of life. Underline the most important standard, even if it contradicts your long-held beliefs: (a) traditions in my family/culture; (b) the Word of God; (c) what I was taught in church; or (d) the patterns of society.

PONDER THIS:

Be aware! As you read God’s Word in your daily private study time, think about whether what you are reading agrees with the belief system you currently hold. For example: If you read in God’s Word that you have been made righteous (in right standing with God) because of what Jesus Christ accomplished (see II Corinthians 5:21), do you believe that or do you still consider yourself a sinner and unworthy? Based on what you’ve learned in this lesson about the importance of lining your thinking up with what the Bible says, can you change your mindset?

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DAY 4

OTHER WAYS GOD COMMUNICATES WITH PEOPLE The Bible is not the only way God has communicated with mankind through the ages. The Written Word, while wonderful and convenient, had not been designed in the beginning. What are the ways God communicates with the human race?

When we read Genesis, we see that God and Adam conversed with one another without any kind of interference. It is clear in Genesis 2:19 that God and Adam had a working relationship. Genesis 2:19(NASB95) Out of the ground the LORD⁸ God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the sky, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called a living creature, that was its name.

After the disobedience of Adam and Eve, that direct communication was hindered. You could compare it to going through a dead zone that disrupts your cell phone service. God then communicated with mankind using other methods. Hebrews 1:1(KJV) God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets. The word sundry and the phrase divers manners literally means in many ways and in many manners.

Here are some ways that God communicates to mankind:

Direct revelation: Deuteronomy 29:29(NASB95) The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law. One description of revelation is to compare it to a window in front of which curtains are drawn. The scene outside the window is there, but you can’t see it. Revelation is the drawing back of those curtains so you can see what has always been there but was not visible to you. Revelation is simply God showing you truth with clarity.

A second way God has communicated through the ages with mankind is by the stars—Psalm 19:1(NASB95) The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.⁹ It’s important to be aware that the so-called art of astrology which has captivated the attention of many people is not God communicating by way of the positioning of the stars and other heavenly bodies. Even the names we have given the constellations are counterfeits, based on the mythology of the Greeks and the Romans. The original names and meanings of the stars were to communicate God’s heart, will and plan to mankind, much as the Bible does today.

Another way God has chosen to communicate with mankind is by way of the prophets. Deuteronomy 18:18(NASB95) I will raise up a prophet from among their countrymen like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. The Biblical definition of a prophet is simply someone who speaks for God.

Once God’s words began to be written down, first on scrolls, He did not stop utilizing direct revelation, the stars or the prophets, but the Written Word became an additional avenue of communication.

When mankind was still struggling to walk in harmony with God’s will, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to show us The Way. Hebrews 1:1-2a(NASB95) God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, ² in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things….

In our time God has provided for us the gift of holy spirit so that every single person who is born again can receive direct revelation from God. Ephesians 1:17(NASB95) that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED?

1. What element in nature mentioned above has God utilized to communicate His will to mankind and what scripture verse backs up your answer?

2. What are individuals who receive God’s messages to deliver to others called? Bonus Question: Can you name one person from the Old Testament who would be an example of this type of minister?

3. What is one of the easiest ways we can learn God’s will, heart and character in our day and time?

PONDER THIS:

Looking at the way God has reached out to us since He first created mankind, it’s obvious God wants us to be able to hear His voice and understand His will. When you realize God has specific truths, assurances and instructions that He has put in His Written Word for you, does that enhance your appreciation for the Bible? Take a moment to thank God for His loving and personal communication with you by way of His heart revealed in Scripture.

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DAY 5

WHO WROTE THE BIBLE? Today we’ll look at three verses that tell us how God’s Written Word came about.

First, in Exodus 31:18(NASB95) we read, When He [God] had finished speaking with him [Moses] upon Mount Sinai, He [God] gave Moses the two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone, written by the finger of God. Obviously, all of the scrolls that were in the Temple were not written on stone by the finger of God, so how did the rest of the Written Word come about? We are told in this next verse:

II Peter 1:21(NASB95) for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. We need to define a few terms in order to fully appreciate this verse.

Prophecy when utilized in God’s Word, does not just refer to foretelling the future as we may think in our culture. It certainly can mean that, but more often than not it simply means to speak for God, declaring His purposes. We can tell from the context whether the word prophecy is referring to foretelling the future or simply speaking what God wants to be communicated. In the case of II Peter 1:21 we can see which definition of prophecy applies when we look at the immediate context—verse 20.

II Peter 1:20(REV) Know this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation. Here we see the phrase prophecy of the Scripture. We know that not all Scripture foretells the future, although some of it does. But the majority of God’s Word is instead simply speaking forth the mind and counsel of God. So II Peter 1:21 tells us that God’s Word was not written by an act of human will but instead, God worked within men to speak it and then write it down. (We also want to remember the other important point made in verse 20 which is that no prophecy of the Scripture is to be interpreted with our private opinion—see Day #3.)

So God is the Author and various men of God did the writing. This explains why there are so many different styles of writing in God’s Word. If you look at the four Gospels, for example, you can see that they are written in different styles. God works with us as we are—He will speak to you in the language and with the vocabulary (and even the vernacular) that you understand. So if God gives dictation to a person in that person’s own style of speech, that is what the person would write down.

Another phrase we should define in II Peter 1:21 is the phrase moved by the Holy Spirit. The phrase moved by in the Greek [pherō] means prompted or to bring in by announcing and it even means to bear fruit. Holy Spirit here refers to God. The men who wrote down what God dictated to them did it of their own free will—they were not moved like a chess piece, but what God wanted written was revealed to them. We call this revelation.

Here is one more verse that tells us where God’s Word originated: II Timothy 3:16(KJV) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. All Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, is inspired by God. In the King James Version, this phrase given by inspiration of God is translated from one Greek word theopneustos. Theo means God in Greek and pneustos means breathed. (Think of our English word, pneumonia, which describes a disease that causes difficulty in breathing.) So the English words given by inspiration of God or inspired by God are from the Greek which means God-breathed. We know that since God is Spirit, He does not breathe, so this is a figure of speech whereby God is giving us a picture of how He communicated His heart and counsel to men who were willing to listen, then speak forth and eventually write down what God revealed to them.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED?

1. According to Exodus 31:18, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the tablets, who was the author of those tablets? What is the phrase in the NASB quoted here that supports your answer?