As a follower of Christ, it is both a foundational fact and a lifestyle truth that God has spoken to mankind in the book called the Bible. It is foundational, for only in the Bible does one learn about God’s take on a man’s character and the offering of Jesus for sins and His call to repent, confess and embrace Jesus as Savior. For those who are saved by God’s grace, the Bible becomes the guide for living a life pleasing to God. So, the Bible is foundational both for salvation and for life. And such is what it teaches:
Romans 10:17, So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
And Romans 10:9, If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
And II Timothy 3:16-17, 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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
But handling the Bible must be done carefully:
II Corinthians 4:2, But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
II Thessalonians 2:5, Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things?
So, the whole Bible must be enthusiastically embraced as the perfect revelation of God’s will and workings for man’s salvation and living. It must also be handled very carefully!
Notice these points about Scripture learning from I Peter 1. The Bible must be 1) carefully studied, 2) diligently studied, 3) prayerfully considered (waiting the Spirit’s leading), 4) analyzed against other Scriptures (to them and to us) and 5) learned from others.
I Peter 1:10-12, Of this salvation 1 the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, 2 searching what, or what manner of time, 3 the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 4 To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which 5 now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven.
The Bible must be 1) rightly divided/interpreted and 2) declared fully – not just favorite aspects.
- Scripture must be Rightly divided – but not exactly fully lived out!
There are aspects that are for our learning but not necessarily for our living – such as tongues (a sign for apostles), head coverings, annual treks to Jerusalem, blood sacrifices, temple worship, fasting (Lent ideas), etc.
II Timothy 2:15, Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
- Scripture must also be Fully embraced and declared!
It is not OK to love, promote and proclaim only some of God’s truth – some of the truth – a favorite story, passage or truth. No, the whole truth!
Acts 20:20, How I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house
Acts 20:27, For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.
So teach on suffering, forgiving, mercy, sacrificing, separation, sin, submission and Hell.
II Chronicles 18:15, So the king said to him, “How many times shall I make you swear that you tell me nothing but the truth in the name of the Lord?”
It is not OK to skip a truth or to embellish an idea or story – NO! It is to be the Whole Truth AND Nothing but the Truth – “so help me God!” Not 95% or 103%, but 100%!
a PK Musing 
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