Read Psalm 19
The Bible makes it clear that salvation is not
simply the result of reading the Bible.
It is when the words of the Bible (the Word of God) are mixed with faith that people are saved
(Heb. 4:2). Other sacred books such as
the Koran are said to do this, although careful study will show that Islam (the
religion of the Koran) does not, in fact, give a person assurance of salvation. It is not able
to save as the Bible claims. So
consider this: the Bible claims to be God’s word, and the Bible claims to
provide salvation. It is truly the Holy Scriptures.
Perhaps you are thinking the Koran is backed up
by many adherents willing to die for it as well as kill to defend it. We are not saying that the Koran is unable to
make great Islamists. Or that the Book
of Mormon contributes to some awfully nice people with a great family
ethic. Books that claim to speak for God
must be powerful and life-changing. And
these books must have longevity, if you will.
They cannot simply be fads that barely last a generation and are then
laid aside. So what we are saying to
this point is that the Bible is such a book.
There is more to be said that will distinguish the Bible from all other
books.
Briefly consider the testimony of history. Paul and Peter illustrate what has taken
place countless times in the history of the Church. Paul, a persecutor of Christians, was
radically changed after he believed the good news that is the central message
of the Bible. Peter testimony is of a
continuing work of change throughout his life.
Then read the stories of the Bible as well as the stories from history
and see these testimonies repeated. We
are talking about those who were true followers of Christ, who called people to
take up their cross and follow Him. The truth of the Bible’s ability to save is
bound up in the martyrs, absolutely not in the lives of those who took
up the sword and killed in the name of Jesus.
III. The
Bible has a beneficial effect on all who apply its teaching. This may sound similar to the previous point
but I mean something different. Paul
told Timothy the Bible was profitable
or useful. It helps people think right and to know what
actions are right. In that it makes us wise what it does it enable us to be in
sync with the Creator of heaven and earth.
To illustrate what we are saying here, think
broadly about nations and societies. In
societies built on the Koran or the writings of the Hindu or Bhuddist religions
you will generally find inequalities and abuse built into the laws and
customs. Islam’s promise of a
male-oriented, sensual heaven helps
us understand why societies built on the Koran provide almost no protection for
women. I am saying that a broad look at
societies will show this. Western
culture was never perfect. But
throughout history, including today as the United States and Britain move
further and further from Biblical values, it can be seen that a Biblical ethic
was generally beneficial for the citizenry.
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