June 19, 2016
Sermon Series
Objections: Answers to the Most Common Objections to Christianity
The Bible Is Not Completely Authentic and Accurate
Various Scripture (HCSB)
Common Objections: How do I know the Bible is really true? What about all those errors in the Bible?
Introduction: Can we rely on the Bible?
This is what Southern Baptists have affirmed concerning our belief in the reliability of the Scriptures in the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message which we have also affirmed as a congregation:
The Scriptures
The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God’s revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. It reveals the principles by which God judges us, and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation.
1. THE BIBLE IS INSPIRED BY GOD.
• The Bible itself declares that it is inspired by God.
2 Timothy 3:16a
All Scripture is inspired by God…
2 Peter 1:21
1 Corinthians 2:13
• The writers claimed to be inspired.
2. THE BIBLE WAS WRITTEN BY MEN, BUT DOES NOT ORIGINATE FROM MEN.
2 Peter 1:20–21a
First of all, you should know this: No prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation, 21 because no prophecy ever came by the will of man…
2 Peter 3:15
3. THE BIBLE IS RELIABLE AND ACCURATE.
Matthew 5:18
For I assure you: Until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or one stroke of a letter will pass from the law until all things are accomplished.
Psalm 19:7–10
Psalm 119:89
4. THE BIBLE IS THE AUTHORITY FOR OUR BELIEF SYSTEM.
Psalm 119:97–105
97 How I love Your instruction! It is my meditation all day long.
98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are always with me. 99 I have more insight than all my teachers because Your decrees are my meditation. 100 I understand more than the elders because I obey Your precepts. 101 I have kept my feet from every evil path to follow Your word. 102 I have not turned from Your judgments, for You Yourself have instructed me. 103 How sweet Your word is to my taste— sweeter than honey in my mouth. 104 I gain understanding from Your precepts; therefore I hate every false way. 105 Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.
5. THE BIBLE BRINGS CONVICTION.
Hebrews 4:12
12 For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the ideas and thoughts of the heart.
6. THE BIBLE BRINGS TEACHING AND TRAINING.
2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness,
Psalm 119:105
7. THE BIBLE BRINGS REBUKE AND CORRECTION WHEN WE NEED IT.
2 Timothy 3:16–17
All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Psalm 119:11
The Bible is completely authentic and accurate and is our authority for life. It has stood the test of time and God has made sure that it preserved and protected as His owner’s manual for us.
