peter g. chase

DRAWING NEAR

October 14

Rallying Around the Word

"Every word of God is tested [pure, flawless]" (Prov. 30:5).

God's Word is without error.

Inerrancy is a term that conveys the belief that the original
writings of Scripture are wholly true in everything they teach --
whether doctrine, history, science, geography, geology, or any other
discipline or knowledge. It also applies to accurate copies of those
original writings.

Inerrancy is an unpopular concept with some people because they
believe it isn't really important. But consider the implications. No
Christian would deny that our relationship to Jesus Christ is of
utmost importance. How can we know Him except as He is presented in
the Bible? He is our Lord and we must obey His commandments (Heb.
5:9). How can we know what He commands if we doubt His Word?

Others reject inerrancy because they think it's divisive. But
inerrancy should be a rallying point for evangelicals, not a dividing
point. What unifying factor do we have if we can't agree on the truth
of divine revelation?

Still others withhold judgment on the issue, thinking it's a
technical matter that is best decided by biblical scholars. On the
contrary, it is the most basic of all matters. It's nothing less than
asking, "Is there a sure Word from God?"

Inerrancy isn't simply a matter of theological debate. It's a matter
of God's character. God cannot lie (Titus 1:2; Heb. 6:18); therefore
His Word is true. Jeremiah 10:10 says that the Lord is the true God
or the God of truth. The apostle John said, "God is true" (John
3:33). And Jesus defined eternal life as knowing the only true God
(John 17:3). Christ came so we might "know him that is true . . . the
true God and eternal life" (1 John 5:20).

Don't be shaken by those who attack the integrity of Scripture. As
you have opportunity, study any problem passages so you'll know
first-hand what the issues and proposed solutions are. And remember,
Scripture was given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, who is the
Spirit of Truth (John 16:13). He cannot err.

Suggestions for Prayer:

If Psalm 119:12-16 reflects the intent of your heart, read it to the
Lord as a prayer of praise and commitment.

For Further Study:

According to Matthew 22:29 and John 17:17, what was Jesus' view of
Scripture?

Drawing Near, Copyright 1993 John F. MacArthur, Jr.


All rights reserved. Used by permission.
http://www.gty.org

~~~


Hebrews 5:9
9 And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal
salvation to all who obey Him,

Titus 1:2
2 in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before
time began

Hebrews 6:18
18 that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God
to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to
lay hold of the hope set before us.

Jeremiah 10:10
10 But the LORD is the true God; He is the living God and the
everlasting King. At His wrath the earth will tremble, And the
nations will not be able to endure His indignation.

John 3:33
33 He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true.

John 17:3
3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true
God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

1 John 5:20
20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an
understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him
who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and
eternal life.

John 16:13
13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide
you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but
whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

Psalm 119:12-16
12 Blessed are You, O LORD! Teach me Your statutes!
13 With my lips I have declared All the judgments of Your mouth.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all
riches.
15 I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways.
16 I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your
word.

Matthew 22:29
29 Jesus answered and said to them, "You are mistaken, not knowing
the Scriptures nor the power of God."

John 17:17
17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

These devotions are posted with permission from John MacArthur's
first (1993) devotional work, _Drawing Near_, and they are also sent
out daily for free to several folks via e-mail.

In addition, John's second (1997) devotional, _Strength for Today_,
is also available free via e-mail only. _Strength for Today_ follows
the same format as what you have seen here from _Drawing Near_, but
with different monthly themes.

If you would like to receive daily devotions via e-mail from either
of these series, just let me know (via e-mail), and I will gladly add
you to the list(s) of your choice.

You can hear John MacArthur daily via the Internet by visiting:

http://www2.oneplace.com/Ministries/Grace_to_You/

and

http://www.gty.org.uk/

You may email John MacArthur in care of Grace to You at:
letters@gty.org

NOTE for those of you reading via newsgroups: If you wish to reach
me, please contact me via e-mail for quickest results.

In Christ,

Peter

Peter G. Chase :: Columbus, Ohio, USA
pchase1@wideopenwest.com

STOP! Who do you think Jesus is?
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