Have you ever heard someone say the Bible contains the Word of God, but isn’t actually the Word of God itself? This subtle shift in thinking has HUGE consequences!
This post addresses the dangerous idea that the Bible is not the literal Word of God, but merely contains it, or becomes it when read. If the Bible isn’t truly God’s word, can we really trust it? What happens if we start picking and choosing what we believe?
In my latest video, I dive deep into this question, exploring what the Bible says about itself and why it’s crucial to have a firm foundation in the truth of God’s Word.
Video Summary generated with Artificial Intelligence.
Does the Bible say it is the Word of God? Yes! Let’s look at some key verses.
“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”
This verse is powerful. It shows that the people in Thessalonica didn’t just hear words; they received the message as the actual Word of God. They understood that it wasn’t just human opinion.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
Did you catch that? All Scripture is God-breathed! This means God Himself inspired it. It’s not just a collection of stories or wise sayings. It has divine origin and authority.
“Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.”
This verse emphasizes the purity and completeness of God’s Word. It warns us not to add to or subtract from it. It’s perfect as it is.
These verses clearly teach that the Bible is the Word of God. But what about those who say it only “contains” the Word, or that it “becomes” the Word when we read it? Let’s take a look at those ideas.
Many people suggest that the Bible only contains the Word of God, or that it becomes the Word of God when we read it. But these ideas have major problems.
If the Bible only contains the Word of God, who decides which parts are true? If the Bible merely contains the Word of God, then we get to pick and choose what we believe. That puts us in charge, not God.
I recall a story of when the Presbyterian and Methodist churches uniting in Australia, they formed what was called the “Uniting Church.” The basis of the union stated that the Bible “contains the Word of God.” This seemingly small shift had big consequences.
This change led to theological liberalism. The church began to accept things that go against the Bible. What were some of the negative consequences?
- Acceptance of evolution
- Belief in millions of years
- Acceptance of LGBT issues
- Acceptance of abortion
This is a slippery slope. Once you move away from the Bible as the ultimate authority, it’s easy to compromise on other important issues.
What if the Bible only becomes the Word of God when we read it? That means its truth is based on our interpretation. How can we know what to believe if the Bible’s authority is based on our individual reading of it? This view puts human reason above God’s revelation. We end up determining truth for ourselves.
A compromised view of the Bible often starts with a rejection of a literal Genesis account. Why is Genesis so important?
Genesis 1-11 is the foundation for all doctrine, including gender and marriage. If we don’t take Genesis literally, we undermine the rest of the Bible.
Once you reject a literal Genesis, you’re on a “slippery slope” of unbelief. You’ll start accommodating cultural trends instead of judging them by Scripture. You might even change Scripture to fit with the culture. That’s what happens when we don’t stand on the foundation that the Bible is the Word of God.
If the Bible is truly the Word of God, it must be foundational to our thinking. It should shape how we view the world, how we make decisions, and how we live our lives.
A true biblical worldview is built on the foundation of God’s Word. It’s about seeing the world through God’s eyes, not our own.
To understand what a biblical worldview is, check out other resources that will help you understand more.
The Bible is the inherent, infallible Word of God. Reject the dangerous lie that the Bible is merely a collection of human ideas. Stand firm on the truth!
Don’t let anyone tell you that the Bible is just a book of suggestions or that it’s open to interpretation. It’s the living, breathing Word of God.
At Last, a Company With Integrity in the Gold IRA Industry
For several years, I’ve been vetting out precious metals companies in search of the best. I believe in gold and silver but it’s hard to find integrity in the Gold IRA industry. The vast majority operate with shady tactics and gigantic spreads that take advantage of Americans who simply want to protect their life’s savings.
I’ve found a handful that I like and I’ve worked with some of them. By no means would I “unrecommend” them because, again, I vetted them out and found them to be above the fold. Unfortunately, it isn’t hard to be better than the rest when the rest are so darn awful.
After years of searching, I finally found a company that truly operates with integrity. Augusta Precious Metals has three important attributes that set them far above the competition:
- Non-Commissioned Sales Team: I cannot stress how important and unique this is. With just about every other company in the Gold IRA industry, the sales teams make commission from every account they open. This means they steer their clients toward the gold and silver products with the highest commission. With Augusta Precious Metals, the team is solely focused on putting the best gold and silver for their clients into their IRA. They get paid to serve the best interests of the Gold IRA client, NOT their own commission pay.
- Incredibly Low Fees: Most Americans would be shocked if they knew the spread other Gold IRA companies charge. Augusta charges just 5% versus up to 45% elsewhere.
- No Pressure, No Gimmicks: There’s an understanding among most in the Gold IRA industry that fear and pressure is the way to go. Augusta Precious Metals takes a sober approach when working with clients because they hold integrity in the highest possible regard. This is why they don’t offer gimmicks like “free” or “bonus” silver. It’s also why they do not apply pressure tactics to get quick sales. Their educational and transparent approach to doing business is exceedingly rare in the Gold IRA industry.
but you never mentioned the name of thee word of truth the King James 1611 bible. If ‘the bible’ is all the modern bibles together, then you have massive doctrinal confusion. God promised to preserve his word – and the only bible that keeps that promise or even says that in Ps 12:6,7 is the King James Bible.
Are you really that daft? Not only do you not know “What” your Gods are, you have no idea “Who” they are. Try rereading genesis 3:22 and find out that your Gods are many and only one words in those two sentences give you that clue. Christainity is failing because your religion does not want to face reality.
I am also betting you have no idea how your bible came into being, which by the was exactly the same as how the Koran was constructed, and your Gods had nothing to do with it. You boys need to wake up and at least pretend that you have a brain between your ears.
You are seriously confused, sickeningly arrogant, and actually believe that your hatred for us is an argument. Now sit down.
The Word of God (The Holy Bible)is Sovereign and the ONLY TRUTH THAT EXIST on this planet. All Christians must reject the false religions that are tools of satan to undermine the Word.
Yes, the Bible is sovereign. But no, the Bible is not the only truth that exists in this world. Math books report truth. Newspapers report truth. Children even often speak truth. Everything the Bible says is true, but not all truth is contained in the Bible. The rest stands as written and was appreciated.
You’re wrong about the legacy fake news media…
They very often distort the truth to conform with their narrative and you know that, pal…
This isn’t new, by any means. Ask any Jew what they think of the Bible.
If there were not so many sects of Judaism, your claim would hold water. So, while I agree that some groups within that faith pick and choose what they like and want to believe in the Hebrew Bible, others would go to the death to defend every single jot and tittle. You cannot go that far, Daniel. But you are entirely right that the temptation to sit in judgment of the Word of God, instead of allowing It to judge us, is an old one.
I agree almost completely with Ken Ham. I don’t believe that everyone who takes this position on scripture has nefarious motives, and I think there may even be a grain of truth in that claim. Maybe, to give them the benefit of the doubt, what some were trying to say is nothing more than that certain parts have more import to us today. Or that in certain passages (think of the Pauline Espistles) he admits that he was stating his own views; that he wasn’t reporting God’s. There may be a tiny bit of room to allow this perspective. Maybe that is all some are trying to say. And maybe they’re on to something. But that position is LOADED with existential threats and potentially-suicidal dangers. Why?
Because when you compromise in this way, when you even open that door, YOU (whether or not you intended to do so) become the arbitrator of what is true, what is important, what is valuable, and what is authoritative in the Bible. And while the first generation (of those slowly, discreetly giving away the store) might not go very far, the next ones certainly will. That means that sooner or later, our churches will be made up of people who sit in judgment of God Himself. Who become gods themselves. Who do what is right in their eyes. The Word of God will have ceased to be what It says it is. It will have become nothing but another book with some potentially-good ideas. But WE will decide that. And God, you’ll just have to sit and wait while we do so, thank you.
If the Bible was inspired by God, there wouldn’t be any mistakes in it. I can document over 500 contradictions.
Has there ever been a just, righteous, good or perfect person?
No: 1Kg 8:46; 2Chr 6:36; Ps 14:3, 53:3; Rom 3:12; Pr 20:9; Ec 7:20; Mk 10:18; Rom 3:10
1Jn 1:8, 10; Rom 3:23
Yes: Gen 6:9; 7:1; 1Kg 15:14; 2Chr 15:17; Job 1:1, 8; 2:3; Lk 1:6; 2:25; Jas 5:16
2Pet 2:7-8; 1Jn 3:6, 9
Are we punished for the sins of others?
Yes: Gen 9:21-25; Ex 20:5; Dt 5:9; Ex 34:7; Num 14:18; Dt 28:18,46; 2Sam 12:14; 21:6-9
1Kg 2:33; 21:29; 2Kg 5:27; Is 14:21; Jer 16:10-11
No: Dt 24:16; Jer 31:29-30; Ezek 18:20
Who was Moses’ father-in-law?
Jethro: Ex 3:1; 4:18; 18:5
Hobab: Jg 4:11; Num 10:29
Reuel: Ex 2:18-21
How should parents be treated?
Honor them: Ex 20:12; Dt 5:16
Hate them: Mt 12:47-48; 23:9; Mk 3:32-33; Lk 9:59-60; 14:26
Is Salvation by faith alone?
Faith: Mk 16:16; Jn 3:18, 36; Acts 16:30-31; Rom 1:16-17; Rom 3:20, 28; 4:2, 13; 5:1;
Gal 2:16; 3-11; Eph 2:8-9; Titus 3:5
No: Ps 62:12; Jer 17:10; Mt 12:37; 16:27; 19:17; Lk 10:26-28.
Was Jesus silent during his trial before Pilate?
Silent: Mt 27:12-14
Lengthy speech: Jn 18:33-38
Must we obey Old Testament Laws?
Yes: Lev 23:14, 21, 31; Mt 5:18-19; Lk 16:17
No: Lk 16:16; Rom 7:4,6; Eph 2:15
Is it possible to fall from grace?
Yes: Heb 6:4-6; 2Pet 2:20-21
No: Jn 10:28; Rom 8:38-39
If the Bible was truly the word of god, there wouldn’t be over 40,000 sects of Protestantism. We would all be AS ONE.
When I was growing up, and even now, I would hear the phrase “the Word of Gyou od is in the Bible.”
That meant what it meant-“therefore, not all of the Word of God is the Bible.” Which then meant-
“what part is, and what part is not?”
Study that you may know God’s Word, true. That includes other subjects, such as history, geography,
science, and also living.
In the end, who are you going to believe? Men who were not there during the time of the Bible’s writing,
or of the One that walked out of His grave, when He said He would; He that is the focus of all of God’s
Word!