Question 1: What is the Bible?

As we begin this study, it is important to note [again] that I am using Robert L. Plummer’s book 40 Questions About Interpreting the Bible as a skeletal guide.  I would like to thank Dr. Plummer for his wonderful contribution to the church.

Yesterday, I discussed the importance of contextualization.  Today, as a precursor to our study, I’d like to give you an illustration that I carry around in my mind that helps me understand the discipline.

I think of contextualization like I think of traveling.  First, there is traveling like an astronaut.  From this point of view, one sees the earth in its greatness and comes away with a general overview, but with little detail.  Second, there is traveling like an airplane pilot.  As one navigates he sees not the earth as a whole, but the earth’s surface on a large scale, seeing some minor detail along the way.  Third, there is traveling in a motor vehicle – to stay with the “A’s” we will call this traveling in an Accord.  Here a person gets more detail and is able to see certain landmarks with greater clarity and longevity.  Forth, there is traveling like Adam – i.e. walking.  Obviously, a walker is limited in scope of content, but detail improves greatly, being able to use more senses and even take a small detour along the way.  Finally, there is no travel at all, but rest (I don’t have an “A” for this one!).  Here one focuses on one object or area and dissects it, studies it, meditates on it and savors every moment.  With these illustrations in mind, let’s begin our study!

Question 1:  What is the Bible?

In answering the question Plummer recognizes that for the seminarian this information might seem rather elementary.  I found this chapter very refreshing as it brought me back to the basics of a book I love so much.

An Overview of the Bible (an astronaut’s view).  Plummer writes, “The Bible is a collection of writings that Christians consider uniquely inspired and authoritative.”  Though it is a compilation of sixty-six smaller books (thirty-nine in the Old Testament and twenty-seven in the New); and though many books were produced by men of different time periods (c. 1400 BC – 90 AD), cultures, backgrounds and personalities, the ultimate author is God Himself who sovereignly superintended the process (more on this in Question 3).  Scripture itself boldly proclaims this very truth: “All Scripture is breathed out by God…” (2 Timothy 3:16).    

The Bible is history’s record and proof that God Himself has entered into a relationship with mankind.  This relationship is described by the word testament or covenant.  So, when we read the Old and New Testaments, we are not just reading history, poetry, or letters.  We are reading the record of a relentless God who pursues his often rebellious people through covenant faithfulness.  Pay attention to this and consistently ask yourself how the passage at hand attests to this fact.

The Purpose of the Bible.  Keeping things simple, Plummer quotes 2 Timothy 3:15.  He writes, “The purpose of the Bible…is ‘to make a person wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.’”  This purpose should be the lens through which we read all of Scripture.  Every single word of the Bible is meant to bring people into a redemptive relationship with God through Jesus Christ. 

Basic Story Line of the Bible.  Within the first three chapters of the Bible (Genesis 1-3), we learn the origin of the universe, of man, and the cause and effects of sin.  Most importantly we learn that God Himself promises to remedy the tragic situation caused by man's sin through the promised Messianic “He” of Gen 3:15.

Moses, the writer of Genesis, then records God’s covenant with Noah (Gen 6-9) and His covenant with Abraham (Gen 12, 15, and 17). Abraham is Jacob’s (who later was renamed Israel in Gen 32:28) grandfather.  God would continue to have His special eye on the nation of Israel, but it is also clear that “He planned a world wide blessing that would flow forth from the Jews at a future time” (Plummer; cf. Gen 12:3). 

This plan finds its fulfillment in Jesus the Messiah, the one about whom the prophet Isaiah spoke, “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept.  I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth” (Isa 49:6).  Jesus, by His life, death, and resurrection, has inaugurated this worldwide salvation, which is now advanced by the power of the Spirit through His Body - the Church; and which will be consummated at His final return. 

There is much more I would love to say about the story line of the Bible, but time does not allow.  It is my hope that as we proceed through our study, the story line will become clear, easy to remember, and redemptive.

Question for Reflection.  What is one new thing you learned about the Bible? (Or, possibly note a previously known fact that struck you afresh).

Purpose Statement and Important Facts for Genesis.  I write purpose statements for each book at the beginning of each book.  For some, I have multiple purpose statements that I have picked up over the years from different authors.  I try to memorize one, while visiting the others on a regular basis as I read/study during my devotions.  Study Bibles are good tools to use, though I have found that many feel the amount of information is a bit overwhelming at times.  The following is my favorite run down for the book of Genesis (taken from The Reformation Study Bible). 

Author:  Moses

Purpose: To teach the Isrealites God’s design for them as a nation through the background of early world history and the lives of their patriarchs. 

Date: 1446 – 1406 B.C.

Key Truths:

-       Although sin corrupted the ideal world Israel’s God had created, redemption would come through God’s chosen people.

-       The lives of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob provide many insights into the nature of God’s covenant with His people and their hope for the future. 

-       The lives of Joseph and his brothers reveal the ways in which the people of God are to relate to each other and to the world.

Keep these facts handy as you read through Genesis.

For Further Study.  Read Genesis 1 – 3.  Pay special attention to Gen 3:15.  Do some research on this verse, and explain its significance.  Then read 2 Corinthians 4.  Compare and contrast the two passages. 

This post is a bit longer than I had originally intended.  But there is some preliminary material that I included that will not be in future posts.  May the Lord bless us as we proceed to our next question.  I hope to post 3 per week.