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Bible Studies/Origin of the Bible

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Expert: - 6/1/2011


Question
Hello Roy,
I can I better explain to my daughter that the Bible really is Of God's word, through or by Divine intervention / inspiration etc.
She maintains that since the Bible was written by man and that man is imperfect, that this would make the Bible imperfect as well. She accepts many Biblical views "but" questions the validity of certain Bible teaching / scripture.

Please provide me with scripture as it pertains to how the Bible came to be and how it was written by man. And also, in plain layman terms that we can trust what our Bible tells us even though it is written by man.

Your answer will help me to better explain this aspect of the Bible to her.

Thanks for your concideration and time in answering !!
Ron

Answer
Hello Ron,

Your daughter's logic would make sense except for the fact that the imperfect men (and maybe women# who wrote the Bible were under the influence of the Holy Spirit.  The Bible itself says that all Scripture is inspired by God #2 Timothy 3:16#.

When Jesus prayed in John 17, He asked that God sanctify those who would speak His Word and then said that the Word is truth #John 17:17#.  It can only be real truth if it came from God.  When Paul wrote to the Thessalonian church, he addressed this subject, praising them for receiving the Word, not as if it came from men but as from God #1 Thessalonians 2:13).

Hope this helps.

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Roy Wallen

Expertise

Using the Bible as my primary source and references in support of it, I am willing to answer questions on subjects from the Old and New Testaments. My faith is based on biblical Christianity and fundamental views from the Bible. I cannot answer questions about specific sects or religious organizations nor can I address religions outside biblical Christianity. As a Christian for nearly 40 years, I have studied many aspects of the Christian faith. My particular interests are in creation and the natural processes of the world around us and how they fit with the biblical record. I believe that all Scripture is inspired by God. I believe that there are no contradictions in the Bible and that the Bible is complete in telling us as individuals how we should relate to God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit; our purpose on earth; and how we should live. Greek lauguage study has helped me gain additional insight into the New Testament but most of my reference work is done in English and, to a lesser degree, German.

Experience

Personal Bible study over the years, lessons delivered in Sunday School settings and messages during organized services, and leading Bible study series have prepared me to be comfortable addressing questions from others.

Education/Credentials
Formal study includes Greek language. I am a layman without a theological degree. Training has come from sitting under the ministry of excellent Bible teachers for my entire adult life, personal study, and selected courses. Secular educaitonal background includes an undergraduate engineering degree, graduate work in engineerign and business, and advanced courses in business and theology.

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