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Monday, February 16, 2015

P5- Why the Bible is unique in it's authority? Power to convert the human soul



2 Timothy 3:15 "and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."

Introduction and review
We have been engaging in a series this past week that I have entitled: "Why the Bible?" We have considered thus far the following reasons why the Bible is the final authority on all matters of faith and practice:

1. It's proof of revelation
2. It's purity (i.e inerrancy)
3. It's unparalled unity

Today we continue on exploring this vital topic of "why the Bible" by considering another reason why the Bible alone is worthy of the title: "The Word of God". As we shall see, God uses the scriptures as His sole instrument in convert sinners unto salvation.

The Bible is uniquely authoritative because of it's power to convert the soul of the sinner
Notice the scriptures that speak of the Bible's ability to convert the human soul. Psalm 19:7 "The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple." Romans 10:17 "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." Hebrews 4:12 "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." James 1:18 "In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures." When the Bible is present, and the Holy Spirit is present and faith is present, the result is I believe and I am saved. The scriptures are necessary for salvation. No other so-called Holy book claims this authority to be  used by God in working forth conversion. 

A story about a conversation with a Muslim about the Quran and as to whether or not it can convert the human heart
To prove this, let me tell a quick story about a conversation I had with a Muslim man years ago. For four years I had developed a working relationship with a Muslim man. This individual was a serious devotee to the Muslim religion. He had studied Arabic (the language of the Quran, the religious book of Islam), and did all of the necessary requirements. He could quote the Quran at will and was saving up money to make a pilgrimage to Islam's most holy spot: Mecca. One day he and I were talking and I asked him: "Can the Quran, if read aloud, be used by God to change a person's heart." He looked at me puzzled and then thought for a little bit. His reply was that a person simply chooses to be Muslim on the basis of their will alone. The Quran does not possess any inherent quality nor is it used by God to convert anyone. 

Closing thoughts
When we read Paul's words in 2 Timothy 3:15 "and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus", we are seeing testimony of the scripture's power to convert sinners. No other book in the world can do this.