But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach. {Romans 10:8 KJV}
Unto most of the currents residents of the Christian community: the meaning of Romans 10:8 is unmistakable. For they have been led to believe that the “Word Of God” is the Holy Bible; and it is upon it that their faith is based.
Some beg to differ; and counted amongst them is the true Word Of God{1}. For nothing has changed since He issued this rebuke: “You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.”{2}
No, this is not to say that the Bible cannot be trusted. For it truly is as it is written: Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.{3}
Neither is this to say that what is contained in it is of little value. For it truly is as it is also written: All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.{4}
Nonetheless: it would do us all well to want to obtain a proper perspective. For our Heavenly Father’s Holy Bible was never meant to be employed as a book of instruction—certainly not in the same way as an educational textbook on science, mathematics, nor even history normally would be.
How could it? For it is truly a book full of spiritual truths that only the spiritually-minded can correctly discern{5}.
No, it should not be assumed that it is the same for everyone. For it all depends upon what our Heavenly Father wants to accomplish in and through someone that determines when, and unto what extent, He will allow and enable them to come into the knowledge and understanding of His absolute truth{6}.
In other words: it should not be assumed that everyone has the ability to understand what is contained in our Heavenly Father’s Holy Bible. For it still is as it is written: Then He (thoroughly) opened up their minds to understand the Scriptures.{7}
Besides: who in their right-mind would not want the Author to have anything to do with them as they read His book—especially when engaged in the study of it? For who could know more about what was meant by this or that than the One who had it written about Himself{8}???
Yes, our Heavenly Father’s Holy Bible is commonly referred unto as being the written Word of God in the Christian community; and it has been also widely taught that Scripture interprets Scripture, which certainly sounds reasonable enough. For if it is indeed true that they were written for our encouragement: would there not be a means of reinforcement in place{9}?
Some beg to differ; and counted amongst them is the true Word Of God{1}. For nothing has changed since He issued this rebuke: “You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.”{2}
No, this is not to say that the Bible cannot be trusted. For it truly is as it is written: Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.{3}
Neither is this to say that what is contained in it is of little value. For it truly is as it is also written: All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.{4}
Nonetheless: it would do us all well to want to obtain a proper perspective. For our Heavenly Father’s Holy Bible was never meant to be employed as a book of instruction—certainly not in the same way as an educational textbook on science, mathematics, nor even history normally would be.
How could it? For it is truly a book full of spiritual truths that only the spiritually-minded can correctly discern{5}.
No, it should not be assumed that it is the same for everyone. For it all depends upon what our Heavenly Father wants to accomplish in and through someone that determines when, and unto what extent, He will allow and enable them to come into the knowledge and understanding of His absolute truth{6}.
In other words: it should not be assumed that everyone has the ability to understand what is contained in our Heavenly Father’s Holy Bible. For it still is as it is written: Then He (thoroughly) opened up their minds to understand the Scriptures.{7}
Besides: who in their right-mind would not want the Author to have anything to do with them as they read His book—especially when engaged in the study of it? For who could know more about what was meant by this or that than the One who had it written about Himself{8}???
Yes, our Heavenly Father’s Holy Bible is commonly referred unto as being the written Word of God in the Christian community; and it has been also widely taught that Scripture interprets Scripture, which certainly sounds reasonable enough. For if it is indeed true that they were written for our encouragement: would there not be a means of reinforcement in place{9}?
Be assured, however, that it goes much deeper than that. For the true Word Of God truly is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself{10}; and He had His Holy Scriptures written to serve as written confirmation of what He wants to personally reveal unto each and every one of us, on an individual basis and without exception{11}.
Oh my, does this not change everything? For instead of Romans 10:8 being just about Scripture: it would be about the Lord Jesus Christ{12}!!!
Yes, it would be different if we really were as much “on our own” in this world as what has been so widely taught{13}. For what other source of inspiration would there be?
Therein lies a problem—does it not? For who could really be sure that the Bible is anymore true than any of the other texts that are held to be sacred by millions upon millions of others if it was not for the witness of our Heavenly Father’s Holy Spirit{14}???
Yes, there is something to be said for tradition. For it naturally makes a great deal of sense unto us that a belief system would not be around very long if there was not anything unto it; but do not the others also have their own venerated traditions???
Alas, woe be it unto us all if there is really not a way to be absolutely sure. For who can truly leave this world in peace without such knowledge and understanding{15}???
[{1}Revelation 19:13; {2}John 5:39-40 NIV; {3}2 Peter 1:20-21 NIV;
{4}2 Timothy 3:16-17 NAS; {5}1 Corinthians 2:14; {6}Philippians 2:13;
{7}Luke 24:45 AMP; {8John 5:45-47; {9}Romans 15:4;
{10}John 1:1; {11}John 16:13-15; {12}1 Corinthians 1:20-25;
{13}2 Timothy 4:2-4; {14}1 Corinthians 12:3; {15}Ephesians 1:13-14]
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