In a series of posts we have considered the
question, “Is there is a doctrine of preservation of the written Scriptures
taught in the Bible?” Not just, “Have the Scriptures been preserved,” but “Is
there is a doctrine of preservation.” The answer to this question hinges on
what the Scriptures teach, but we first considered some related matters. Though
some wish to frame it so, the doctrine of preservation is not just a King James
Bible debate. A belief in the doctrine of preservation is not limited to KJO,
KJ-Preferred, MT or TR advocates. The historical record of this belief is
sporadic or intermittent, but reveals early church fathers who believed they had
and referred to inspired writings. Some confessions of faith address the
matter, as well as individual Christian writers. The Bible teaches by
statement, implication and necessary consequence that God has undertaken to
preserve the Scriptures he inspired. The history and future of the churches of Jesus
Christ, as a spiritual entity, depends on the word of God.
God promised he would make his words generally
available to future believers (Cf. Deuteronomy
29:29). We know the words that proceed from God because they are
written and preserved (Cf. Matthew
4:4). The churches of Jesus Christ received the words of Jesus and
were built upon them (Cf. Matthew
16:16-18; John
17:8; Ephesians
2:20), in turn becoming a pillar and ground of that truth, guarding
and keeping the words entrusted (e.g. 1
Corinthians 15:1-4; 1
Thessalonians 2:13; 1
Timothy 6:20-21).[i]
“In practical terms this [Ephesians 2:20] means that the church is built on the New Testament Scriptures. They are the church’s foundation documents. And just as a foundation cannot be tampered with once it has been laid and the superstructure is being built upon it, so the New Testament foundation of the church is inviolable and cannot be changed by any additions, subtractions or modifications offered by teachers who claim to be apostles or prophets today. The church stands or falls by its loyal dependence on the foundation truths which God revealed to his apostles and prophets, and which are now preserved in the New Testament Scriptures.” – The Message of Ephesians, John R. W. Stott, (The Bible Speaks Today series) Downers Grove, IL: Inter Varsity Press, 1989, p. 107
2 Timothy 3:15-17 “And that from a child thou hast
known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation
through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration
of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly
furnished unto all good works.” God gave the Scriptures by inspiration. The
first under consideration is the Old Testament, then “all scripture.” Timothy
did not have the original documents of the Old Testament, but was reading
copies of them – which Paul had no problem calling the Holy Scriptures. All
scripture, the Old Testament already concluded and the New Testament still being
written, stands as the source of everything we need for faith and practice. If
these have not been preserved in some fashion, we have not what we need for
faith and practice. If the churches are to teach all things Christ commanded
during the time he would always be with them, then they must have access to
these teachings. We must, and we believe we do! (Matthew 28:18-20 “And Jesus
came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in
earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all
things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even
unto the end of the world. Amen.”
The truth in Jesus Christ makes us free, and it is
mediated to us through the Scriptures:
“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on
him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall
know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John
8:31-32)[ii] May we know the truth!
Finis.[iii]
- Preservation of the Scriptures
- Preservation: Not a KJVO debate
- Preservation: Historical considerations, continuity
- Preservation: Historical considerations, Confessions
- Preservation: Historical considerations, Christian individuals
- Preservation: Public access or availability
- Preservation: The texts No. 1
- Preservation: The texts No. 2
- Preservation: The texts No. 3
[i] “…Jesus ordained the
apostles to build the foundation of the church (Ephesians 2:20). What is the foundation
of the church that the apostles built? The New Testament – the record of the
deeds and teachings of the apostles. The church does not need apostolic
successors. The church needs the teachings of the apostles accurately recorded
and preserved. And that is exactly what God has provided in His Word (Ephesians
1:13; Colossians 1:5; 2 Timothy 2:15; 4:2).” – Is
apostolic succession biblical? - Got Questions?
[ii]
The assertions about knowing God and truth through the Scriptures must be
understood in the light of the fact that the Holy Spirit is the instructor in
the truth.
[iii] Miscellaneous notes:
Peter’s second epistle was written in order that we “may be mindful of the
words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of
us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour.” These words were written and
preserved to us that we may obey this commandment (2
Peter 3:2). Paul’s writings are called “scripture” in the New
Testament, by Peter (2
Peter 3:15-16).
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