What We Believe About the Bible

(Written by Bethany)

We believe that the Bible is inspired by God.
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 2 Tim 3:16-17 (NASB)
The Bible is without error. To fully understand the truths in the Bible we need to study both the Old and New Testament. Our human nature lends to preferring one over the other, but we need to see the whole picture that God has preserved in His Book. The Bible is the authority to understanding all doctrines. We can read other books, and they may shed light onto culture and times, but the Bible is the truth we depend upon to form our thoughts!

We need to be careful to read the Bible in the right context and let “Scripture interpret Scripture.” I mean that one verse can help explain another verse. And, to remove one verse from a paragraph may give it an entirely new meaning.

And, while I do like to study books, catechisms, and confessions; that is no replacement for studying the Bible itself. What man writes about the Bible will never be perfect. God (through His Holy Spirit) penned the Bible using ordinary men – we call this “inspiration.” Then God preserved His Word throughout time so that we can read it today.

The Bible is “living and powerful” and it is relevant to all generations.
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. Heb 4:12-13 (NASB)
We should explain the Bible in terms to be understood by varying audiences, but we cannot make it any more relevant than God did when He originally inspired its writings!

I know that this short statement is not at all complete. I thought about linking some previously existing creeds or confessions. But, as much as possible, I want this blog to be in my own words.

I personally prefer the English Standard Version (ESV) and the New American Standard (NASB) above all other English versions (the original Greek and Hebrew would be the best source of study, but I don’t read those languages). I like the ESV and the NASB because I find them to be both readable and literal.  I also like to refer to the King James Version (KJV), as there are many verses omitted completely from some of the newer translations. I know that there is a big debate of which texts to rely upon; However, I have no wish to split the church over this issue of which Bible translation to read. We can be brothers and sisters in Christ and read differing translations.