SCRIPTURE ~ why you can count on it.

So, we’ve looked at changing our thinking, noting that just to say, ‘Okay, I’m not going to think about THAT anymore’ really doesn’t work too well; instead, we must replace our thoughts with more positive thoughts—like those from the Bible.  We’ve also looked at elevating our thoughts by standing on the promises of God.  But just to consider Scripture inspirational is not enough to know about the written Word of God.

What exactly is contained in the Bible?  Sixty-six books—39 in the Old Testament which was written in Hebrew, spanning 1500 years; 27 in the New Testament, which was written in Greek, spanning just 80-90 years. The Bible was God-inspired, or as the Greek word indicates, ‘God breathed’.  One of the ways we know that the Bible is true is that even though it was written by 40 different authors, there are no contradictions.  Amazing!

“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of God stands forever,” Isaiah wrote.  ‘Well, if the Word of God stands forever, which Bible is the right one?’  ‘The right one?’  ‘Yeah, there are so many versions, so which is the correct version, and why are there so many anyway?  Which is the right translation?’  I get asked that question often—especially when someone is in the market for a new Bible for themselves, or for someone else.  The truth is that there is not too much difference in the translations, so the ‘right one’ is the one you are more inclined to read, most often. 

And, why are there so many translations?  “It is necessary to continue making new translations and revising old ones if people are to read the Word of God in their contemporary languages.  With the passage of time, words change in meaning . . . to keep the translation of God’s Word living, it must be kept in the living language the people are using,” said Dr. Lewis Foster, who helped translate the New International Version and the New King James Version.  

Which one version or translation do I use?  I don’t . . . I use many.  Often, I use the New International Version because that seems to be the one that most people have on hand, and it is very readable.  It really depends on my purpose—am I reading it for study and writing, or personal inspiration?  Am I taking it to church with me?  Then I like to bring the one my church uses.  Am I sharing a verse with someone?  You can check out Bible Gateway on the internet, http://www.biblegateway.com/, to compare different translations; I often do that when I am studying. 

The main thing to know is that the Bible is what it purports to be. . . TRUTH.  It is the Word of God, regardless of what a person may think about it.  It is supported by archaeological evidence, fulfilled prophecy, historical and scientific evidence, AND the fact that those who read it and seek to apply it, are radically changed by it. 

Why does it have the power to change us?  “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”     2 Timothy 3.16-17

That is why you can count on it, Friends!

Christine