The Bible
A study of the divinely inspired Word of God—its purpose, unity, authority, message, interpretation, and role in the Salvation Process.
The Bible is the divinely-inspired Word of God, the repository of His plan of salvation and the record of His participation in history. The Bible is God's revelation of knowledge that man cannot discover for himself. It is the foundation of knowledge and the guidebook to life. The Old and New Testament comprise God's written Word which forms the basis of Christianity as taught by the Church and as practiced by the individual Christian.
God's Written Revelation to Mankind
The Bible contains God's instructions to man and the record of His interaction with mankind. It answers life's fundamental questions and reveals who God is, what His purpose is, and how human beings may ultimately receive salvation and eternal life.
Scripture provides essential knowledge that human beings could not discover for themselves. It gives principles for life, peace, happiness, relationships and spiritual growth, while its central purpose is to reveal God's plan of salvation.
The Church of God accepts the Bible as divinely inspired and as accurate and complete in its original form. Although no original manuscripts remain and the transmission of ancient texts has involved human copyists, translators and textual variations, the essential message and basic doctrines of Scripture have not been obscured.
The Bible's divine authorship can be tested in practical life. Its principles, laws and concepts produce results when faithfully applied. The lesson also points to fulfilled prophecy as important evidence that the God who inspired Scripture is able to declare events before they occur.
Scripture contains many literary forms—including history, poetry, parable, metaphor and symbolic revelation. It is not presented as a comprehensive textbook of science, medicine, technology or secular history, but as the theological revelation of truths necessary for mankind's spiritual purpose.
One of the Bible's most remarkable characteristics is its unity. Numerous writers, living in different eras and circumstances, contributed to Scripture over approximately 1,500 years, yet the same themes, purpose and plan continue from Genesis to Revelation.
The lesson identifies Jesus Christ as the focal point of the whole Bible. He is presented as Creator, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Lawgiver, Messiah, Savior, High Priest, Head of the Church, and the future King who will return to establish the Kingdom of God.
Proper biblical understanding requires more than simply collecting isolated verses. The Bible's teachings are interdependent, and a doctrine must be understood in the context of Scripture as a whole. For that reason, diligent study, faith and the guidance of God's Holy Spirit are necessary.
Understanding the Purpose of Scripture
Divinely Inspired
Scripture is presented as God's inspired Word, conveyed through human writers while retaining the divine message God intended.
Knowledge Man Cannot Discover Alone
The Bible reveals spiritual truths concerning God, salvation and eternal life that human intellect by itself cannot fully discover.
Many Books, One Message
Though written by many authors across many centuries, Scripture maintains a coherent focus and continuing divine purpose.
God Declares the Future
Fulfilled prophecy is presented as evidence of God's authorship and His ability to declare events before they take place.
Jesus Christ Is the Focal Point
From creation and the Old Testament to salvation and the future Kingdom, the lesson places Jesus Christ at the center of Scripture.
The Whole Bible Must Be Considered
Biblical teachings are interdependent. Isolated proof-texting can distort meaning; doctrines must be studied in the light of the whole biblical message.
How the Lesson Says Scripture Should Be Understood
Lesson Two lays out several principles for approaching Scripture faithfully and understanding its spiritual message.
God's essential truths can be understood from a basic translation by a person whose mind God has opened.
Intellectual study can provide knowledge, but the lesson teaches that full spiritual understanding requires God's Spirit.
The Bible's purpose is to reveal spiritual truths and God's plan, not to serve as a comprehensive textbook for every human discipline.
History, poetry, parable, metaphor and symbolic revelation must each be understood according to their form and context.
A doctrine must be understood from the whole Bible rather than from one isolated verse or passage.
Historical, linguistic and cultural study can enrich understanding, provided it remains subordinate to Scripture's essential message.
Biblical understanding is meant to produce obedience, spiritual growth and the internalized implementation of God's precepts.
Key Scriptures for This Lesson
Questions
All 20 questions are shown in full. Complete them before opening the answer key at the bottom of the lesson.
