CAN I TRUST THE BIBLE?                                             EAST BAY FELLOWSHIP

(Series, #1)                                                                                          October 1, 2006

THE AUTHENTICITY OF THE BIBLE

TEXT: 2 Tim. 3:14-17

INTRODUCTION

· Authentic = “something conforming to fact and therefore worthy of trust, reliance, or belief.”   Yourdictionary.com

· The truth is that of all ancient literature the New Testament is the most well-authenticated document, with an overwhelming amount of evidence supporting its reliability.   Van Morris (article in Leadership Today)

1) WHAT ARE THE BIBLE’S CLAIMS?

· There are three claims in the text alone:

a. Wisdom for salvation

b. God-breathed

c. Equip for every good work

2) WHAT DOES GOD-BREATHED MEAN?

· The Greek word from which this hyphenated term “God-breathed” comes from is “Theopneustos” which literally means God (Theo) breathed (pneustos).

3) WHAT IS THE VALUE OF “ALL SCRIPTURE”?

· The three technical terms that are used the most to understand this phrase:

a. Plenary

b. Verbal

c. Inerrant

CONCLUSION

· Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.   Mark 13:31 (NIV)