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Monday, June 6, 2016

P2 - The Bible is God's book by virtue of it being alive


2 Peter 1:19 "So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts."

Introduction:
What makes the Bible worthy of the title "Book of God"? Today's post will attempt once again to unpack Peter's words here in 2 Peter 1:16-21 by noting three reasons why we can consider the Bible as God's Book. We looked the last time at the first reason why the Bible is God's Book: namely by virtue of its authority. Today we will consider a second reason: namely that the Bible is an alive book. 

The Bible is a living Book
When we say the Bible is alive, what do we mean? As testimony to itself, the books of the Bible tell us that in regards to how the Word of God functions in a person's life - it operates like a living person! Consider for example Proverbs 4:20-23  "My son, give attention to my words;Incline your ear to my sayings.
21 Do not let them depart from your sight; Keep them in the midst of your heart. 22 For they are life to those who find them And health to all their body.
23 Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life." Notice what the text says in verse 22 - "For they are life...". Or again consider an even clearer text, 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."

Peter himself describes the Bible as having living qualities in 2 Peter 1:19 "So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts." The scriptures are the "prophetic word", quite literally the voice of God in written form, shining light and confirming the matters of God to the heart and soul. 

In reflecting on these passages, I'm reminded of a quote I heard a preacher say one time: "My Bible has hands that grab me, feet that chase me, eyes that sees me and breath that revives me." All other books of religion and philosophy prescribe ways of living, but as I read the Bible, it is the only book in the world that lives through me. The Baptist Faith and Message 2000 notes in its first article on the Bible: "All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation." People give testimonies. The scriptures have this same trait and are referred to as the testimony of God (see Psalm 19:7ff). As a living book, the Bible is the instrument used by the Holy Spirit to convert sinners (Psalm 19:7; 1 Peter 1:23) and strengthen saints (Psalm 19:8-12; Colossians 3:16). 

Henceforth we can say the Bible in all its books and whole is the Book of God by virtue of its authority and by it being alive. In the next post we will consider one final reason from 2 Peter 1:16-21 as to why the Bible is the book of God.