Table of Contents
This lesson explains that the Bible is the writing of God, not merely the words of men. It makes the case that the Bible’s human authors were inspired by the Holy Spirit to record God’s words accurately. The lesson outlines the different types of content found in the Bible – history, moral teachings, prophecies, and fulfillments of prophecy.
A major theme is that the Bible chronicles an ongoing spiritual war between God and Satan that has raged for 6,000 years since the time of Adam. This war takes place in both the physical and spiritual realms. God seeks to restore His relationship with humanity, while Satan tries to retain his corrupting influence.
The lesson emphasizes the importance of God’s prophetic words being fulfilled, which sets the Bible apart. It contrasts God’s true teachings from above with flawed human traditions and interpretations. Jesus rebuked religious leaders for elevating human traditions over God’s commands.
Ultimately, the lesson portrays the Bible as God’s testimony and weapon of truth in the spiritual battle against Satan’s lies and deception. Understanding this spiritual warfare context is key to properly interpreting the Bible’s meaning and purpose.
Shincheonji holds distinct theological views that differ from mainstream Christian denominations, yet it also shares some common teachings. This overlap can sometimes blur the lines between their beliefs and those of traditional Christianity. Therefore, it is essential to exercise critical thinking and discernment to differentiate between these shared elements and the unique doctrines they present.
While their interpretations warrant careful examination through a critical and biblical lens, it is equally important to approach these matters with an open yet discerning mindset.
The following notes were documented in person during Shincheonji’s 9-month Bible Study Seminar. They provide insight into the organization’s approach to introducing and explaining its beliefs to potential new members, often referred to as the ‘harvesting and sealing.’ This process is described as being ‘born again’ or ‘born of God’s seed,’ which involves uprooting the old beliefs and replanting new ones. This uprooting and replanting must occur continuously. By examining this process, we can gain a better understanding of the mindset and beliefs held by Shincheonji members.
Basics of the Bible Part Two
OUTLINE
- The Bible is Writing of God
1.1 – To Bible came to Be
- The Author of The Bible
- The Recorders of the Bible
1.2 – The Difference between Holy Spirit and Man
- The Teaching of Man
- The Teaching of the Holy Spirit
- Contents
- History
- Moral Teachings / Instructions
- Prophecies
- Fulfillments
- Book of War
- The Bible is a Catalog of War between God and Satan
- How long was this War been waging
- This War takes place in two realms
- Who are the ones that are fighting in this war?
- The reason why this war is happening.
- Each side has their weapons
The Bible is the Writing of God
The Bible is often regarded as the writing of a divine being or God. It is unfortunate that there is considerable debate surrounding this belief. Many argue that it is merely the work of humans, suggesting that while some parts may be divinely inspired, others are not. Critics point to perceived inaccuracies or unscientific statements within the text. However, this perspective overlooks the broader significance of the scripture. When some assert that the Bible does not represent the word of God but rather the words of men, let me reassure everyone: the Bible is indeed the word of God. We will explore verses that affirm this belief. As we delve into these verses, let’s truly appreciate that God intended to communicate with us through them. These words reflect God’s thoughts, opinions, hopes, and desires for us. With this in mind, let us seek to comprehend these passages in its proper context.to ensure accuracy.
1. To understand how the Bible came to be, we can consider it in two sections:
1. The Author of the Bible: Multiple Bible verses state that Scripture is “God-breathed.” This suggests that while written by dozens of human writers over 1500+ years, the Bible has a single divine Author guiding and inspiring its human writers.
2. The Recorders of the Bible: The Bible affirms that men of God recorded events and revelations as they were “carried along” by the Holy Spirit. So while the writings reflect the personalities and literary styles of the human writers, the content and messages were directed by God through His Spirit to ensure accuracy.
God is the author of the Bible. The words, thoughts, and desires found in Scripture are God’s. Since God is spirit (John 4:24), He employed approximately 35-40 people over 1500 years to put His message into writing.
God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
These Bible writers came from different eras, backgrounds, ages, and locations. Some, like Timothy, assisted others like the Apostle Paul. Though separated by time and space, these men together tell a unified, consistent story.
The continuity of the biblical narrative despite its diverse human authors points to God’s inspiration and oversight of Scripture. Men did not orchestrate this over 15 centuries. Rather, God almighty ensured that those He inspired to write the Bible were recording His truths.
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
All Scripture is God-breathed; some translations might use the word ‘inspired,’ but the meaning is the same. It originates from Him and flows through us—it does not originate from us. We will explore additional verses that reinforce this point, but it’s crucial to understand this foundational concept. The reason the Bible possesses such transformative power is precisely because of its divine origin.
Self-transformation is an incredibly difficult task. It requires immense effort, willpower, and strategic actions to effect personal change. However, the most rapid agent of change is the Word of God because it emanates from Him and is infused with His light. As individuals engage with the Scriptures, they absorb life itself, which prompts transformation.
This desire for improvement and goodness is not coincidental. It stems from the nature of the words being of God. Consider another passage that describes how God moved people to put pen to paper.
20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
The key message is that biblical prophecy originates from God, not from human interpretation. The prophets did not invent the prophecies themselves – they were conveyed the words through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
This divine origin of scripture is important to understand. Human words can be unreliable and confusing, but God’s words are consistent and true. Since scripture comes from God Himself through the Holy Spirit, we can have confidence in its authority and truthfulness.
The Bible does not consist of statements like “I feel like this” or “I feel like that.” Rather, it prompts the question: How were the prophets able to record their messages? The answer lies in the fact that prophecy never originated from human will. Instead, prophets spoke from God as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
This distinction is crucial: there are words that come from above, and there are words that are of human origin, and the two are vastly different. The words from above are consistent and true; it is human words that often introduce confusion and complicate matters unnecessarily. Therefore, we must acknowledge that the true source is not of human origin but divine.
2. The Difference Between the Holy Spirit and Man
Let us start by analyzing how the Bible represents itself across two separate time periods. This differentiation is vital, as it helps in understanding the contrast between the divine words from above and the human words from our earthly perspective.
1. The Teaching of Man.
And how to be able to identify it and why the teaching of man seems to come about, And why it is often. So pervasive We’ll turn to the book of revelation.
Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it.
The book of Revelation details a scroll or book that is sealed, meaning it is closed and no one can look inside. This book resides in the right hand of God. So this is a book authored by God that is sealed in His possession and no one can open it or view the contents.
The identity of the author is God himself. God has something in his hand that no one else can open or read. As you continue reading Revelation chapters 5, 6, and 8, you see that Jesus goes through a process of opening this book’s seals one by one.
When the book becomes open, the contents are now able to be understood. However, the entire book of Revelation across its 22 chapters consists of prophecies. God is telling us that a time will come when this sealed book in His hand will be opened.
But He did not reveal when these prophetic words would come to pass. We have to wait patiently for the fulfillment of these words. There is content that God intentionally seals until the proper time for understanding.
In the meantime, people tend to become impatient while waiting.
9 Be stunned and amazed, blind yourselves and be sightless; be drunk, but not from wine,
stagger, but not from beer.
10 The Lord has brought over you a deep sleep: He has sealed your eyes (the prophets); he has covered your heads (the seers).
11 For you this whole vision is nothing but words sealed in a scroll. And if you give the scroll to someone who can read, and say, “Read this, please,” they will answer, “I can’t; it is sealed.” 12 Or if you give the scroll to someone who cannot read, and say, “Read this, please,” they will answer, “I don’t know how to read.”
13 The Lord says: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.
Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.
The book of Isaiah, like the book of Revelation, contains many prophecies about future events and people. Isaiah states that there will be those who are spiritually blind. Though they have access to the words of prophecy, they lack understanding of the true meaning.
Since the meaning is concealed from them, instead of seeking wisdom, they substitute human rules, laws and traditions in place of God’s intended meaning. They spend time arguing over superficial interpretations rather than focusing on what God has revealed as most important.
As a result, God says these people’s hearts have grown far from Him. Because they lack understanding of God’s words, they rely on their own limited thoughts. This causes confusion and division.
An example of the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy can be seen in Mark 7:5-9, where Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for substituting the commandments of God with their own man-made traditions and teachings.
Memorization
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Instructor Review
SUMMARY
Basics of the Bible, Part Two
We covered the Bible being the writings of God. There is a difference between the teachings from the Holy Spirit above and the teachings from man below. We looked at the contents in the Bible, how it can be divided.
We also reviewed the war going on for six thousand years since the time of Adam. God seals His words in parables so when the timing is right they can be understood and fulfilled without interference from the enemy, who still tries anyway. In the meantime, God’s people tend to fill in the blanks with their thoughts, opinions and traditions instead of being patient and waiting.
When Jesus came, He rebuked the Pharisees for doing this and gave a new word people had never heard before that came from above. Every word in the Bible can be split into four contents: history detailing warnings and examples so we can do better; moral teachings so we can be more like God and Jesus; prophecy of what God will do; and fulfillment of what God promised He would do, which sets the Bible apart from other religious texts.
This war has been physical with swords and shields between peoples, but in New Testament times it is spiritual, fought with words – God’s truth and testimony versus the enemy’s lies and deception. The weapons are the Word of God according to Scripture versus human interpretations, opinions and beliefs without seeing and knowing firsthand.
Let’s Us Discern
Discernment is still a work in progress …. Proverbs 14:15 (ESV)
“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.”
Analysis
Questions to Self-Reflect
Outline
Outline: A Guide to Divine Revelation and Spiritual Warfare
I. The Divine Origin of Scripture
- A. The Bible as God’s Writing: This section establishes the Bible as the inspired word of God, emphasizing its divine authorship despite being penned by human hands across centuries. It explores scriptural evidence supporting this claim and highlights the transformative power inherent in God’s words.
- B. Distinguishing Divine and Human Teachings: This section delves into the difference between teachings originating from God (divine revelation) and those stemming from human interpretation. It examines biblical passages that illustrate how human traditions can obscure God’s true message and how Jesus, through his fulfillment of prophecy, revealed the authentic meaning of Scripture.
II. Navigating the Contents of the Bible
- A. Four Categories of Biblical Content: This section proposes a framework for understanding the diverse content within the Bible, categorizing it into history, moral teachings/instructions, prophecies, and fulfillments. It underscores the importance of identifying the type of content being read for accurate comprehension and highlights how this categorization system applies to various genres within the Bible.
- B. Exploring Each Content Category: This section expands on the four content categories, providing biblical examples and explanations for each:
- 1. History: Explores how historical accounts in the Bible serve as examples and warnings, guiding us toward righteous living by learning from the past.
- 2. Moral Teachings / Instructions: Discusses how moral teachings and instructions in the Bible offer guidance on righteous conduct and Christ-like behavior, albeit challenging to implement.
- 3. Prophecies: Explains the purpose of prophecy in bolstering faith and preparing believers for future events, using the disciples’ recognition of Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy as a prime example.
- 4. Fulfillments: Highlights the unique nature of the Bible in documenting fulfilled prophecies, signifying God’s active hand in history. It links the fulfillments in Jesus’ life and ministry to Old Testament prophecies and points to the future fulfillment of prophecies regarding his second coming.
III. The Bible as a Battlefield
- A. Recognizing the Spiritual War: This section posits the Bible as a chronicle of the ongoing war between God and Satan, a conflict spanning six thousand years and encompassing both physical and spiritual realms. It emphasizes the duration and significance of this war in God’s plan for humanity.
- B. The Nature of the Conflict: This section delves deeper into the nature of this spiritual war:
- 1. Dual Realms of Warfare: Explores the transition from predominantly physical wars in the Old Testament to primarily spiritual battles in the New Testament, highlighting the internal struggle against falsehoods and the importance of aligning thoughts with Christ.
- 2. The Combatants: Identifies the opposing forces in this war – God and His followers versus Satan and his followers – emphasizing the conflict as a battle between truth and deception.
- 3. The Core Issue: Pinpoints the central reason for the war as God’s desire to restore humanity’s relationship with Him, which was fractured by Satan’s deception, and Satan’s resistance to relinquishing his control.
- 4. Weapons of Warfare: Contrasts the weapons employed by each side, with God’s side wielding the “word of testimony” (fulfilled prophecy) and Satan’s side utilizing lies and persecution. It underscores the power of understanding fulfilled prophecy in combating deception.
IV. Summary
This concluding section encapsulates the key takeaways from the lesson, reiterating the Bible’s divine origin, the importance of discerning God’s teachings from human interpretations, and the four categories of biblical content. It emphasizes the ongoing spiritual war and highlights the power of the “word of testimony” as the ultimate weapon against falsehood.
A Study Guide
The Bible: God’s Word and His War
Glossary of Key Terms
God-Breathed: Refers to the belief that the Bible, though written by human authors, was inspired and guided by God, making it His word.
Divine Revelation: The act of God revealing hidden knowledge or truths to humanity, often through prophets or messengers.
Prophecy: A message or prediction inspired by God, often concerning future events or the coming of the Messiah.
Fulfillment: The realization or completion of a prophecy, confirming its divine origin.
Parables: Symbolic stories used by Jesus to teach spiritual truths, often concealing deeper meanings from those who are not receptive.
The Word of Testimony: The powerful truth found in the Bible, particularly in the fulfillment of prophecy, that serves as a weapon against the enemy’s lies.
Spiritual Warfare: The ongoing battle between God and Satan, fought in the spiritual realm, for the hearts and minds of humanity.
Short Answer Quiz
Instructions: Answer each question in 2-3 sentences.
- How is the Bible both the word of God and the words of men?
- Explain the difference between the teachings of man and the teachings of the Holy Spirit.
- Why does God sometimes seal his words, revealing them only at the proper time?
- What are the four main categories of content found in the Bible? Provide a brief description of each.
- According to 1 Corinthians 10:11, what are the two main purposes of the historical accounts in the Bible?
- Why did Jesus speak in parables?
- How does the fulfillment of prophecy set the Bible apart from other religious texts?
- Describe the nature of the war that has been ongoing for 6,000 years.
- Who are the combatants in this war, and in what realms does it take place?
- What are the weapons used by each side in this spiritual war?
Short Answer Quiz: Answer Key
- The Bible is the word of God in that He inspired and guided the human authors who penned it. It is the words of men in that God used individuals with their own personalities and styles to record His message.
- The teachings of man originate from human reasoning, tradition, and limited understanding, often leading to confusion and misinterpretations. Teachings of the Holy Spirit are divinely revealed truths from God, offering clarity and spiritual insight.
- God seals his words in parables to protect his plans from the enemy’s interference and to reveal them only to those who are spiritually ready to receive them.
- The four main categories are: 1) History: Accounts of past events, offering examples and warnings. 2) Moral Teachings: Instructions for righteous living. 3) Prophecy: Divine predictions of future events. 4) Fulfillment: The realization of prophecies, confirming God’s truth.
- Historical accounts serve as examples for us to learn from and as warnings of behaviors and mindsets to avoid, guiding us toward righteous living.
- Jesus used parables to conceal spiritual truths from those who were not receptive and to fulfill prophecy which foretold that the Messiah would teach using parables.
- The Bible uniquely documents the fulfillment of prophecies, demonstrating the accuracy and divine origin of its message in a way no other religious text does.
- The war is a spiritual battle between God and Satan, a conflict over humanity’s hearts and minds, with God seeking restoration and Satan seeking to retain control.
- The combatants are God and His people (both spirits and flesh) versus Satan and his forces (spirits and those under his influence). The war is fought in both the spiritual and physical realms.
- God’s weapon is the word of testimony, the truth revealed in Scripture, especially the fulfillment of prophecy. Satan’s weapons are lies, deception, and persecution aimed at distorting truth and hindering faith.
Additional Questions
1. Why the Bible is the Book of War?
2. Why the Bible is the Writing of God?
3. The Bible has 4 Contents: History, Moral Teachings, Prophecies and Fulfilments4. What is our weapon in the spiritual war? The weapon is the word of God. As Revelation tells us, God wins the war and Satan is locked up. So we must stand on God’s winning side by studying His word.
5. Why does Satan work hard to deceive us? Satan works hard to deceive us because he knows that knowing God through understanding His word helps us keep our covenant with God.6. What is the reason God fights in this War? Or Why is this war happening? Because God wants to restore and Satan wants to retain.
7. According to the Book of War:
7.1 What is God’s weapon? The Word of Testimony
7.2 What is Satan’s weapon? Lies and Persecution
Breakdown
Timeline of Events
This lesson does not provide a specific timeline of events. It primarily focuses on the nature and interpretation of the Bible, highlighting the difference between human teachings and divine revelation. It emphasizes the concept of God’s ongoing war against Satan, a conflict that has been raging for 6,000 years across both the physical and spiritual realms.
Cast of Characters
While this source discusses biblical figures and events, it does not present a narrative format that features a traditional cast of characters. However, we can identify key individuals mentioned:
1. God: The central figure and ultimate author of the Bible. He is portrayed as a divine being engaged in a long-standing war against Satan for the hearts and minds of humanity. His primary weapon is the “word of testimony,” the fulfillment of prophecy that reveals His truth and power.
2. Satan: The primary antagonist, depicted as the ‘prince of the power of the air’ and the ‘ruler of this world.’ He opposes God and seeks to control humanity through deception, lies, and persecution.
3. Jesus Christ: The Son of God, sent to fulfill prophecy and reveal God’s truth. He is presented as the ultimate example of one who speaks with divine authority, revealing the “deep things of God” through parables and fulfilling Old Testament prophecies.
4. The Prophets: Individuals throughout biblical history chosen by God to deliver his messages and prophecies. They are described as being “carried along by the Holy Spirit,” ensuring the accuracy of their words.
5. The Disciples: Jesus’s followers who witnessed his miracles and teachings. They are portrayed as receptive to divine revelation and eager to understand the deeper meaning of Jesus’s words.
6. The Pharisees: Religious leaders of Jesus’s time who are criticized for prioritizing their own traditions and interpretations over God’s commandments. They represent the danger of human teachings that stray from divine truth.
7. Apostle Paul: A key figure in the New Testament, known for spreading the gospel and writing many of the New Testament letters. He emphasizes the distinction between human wisdom and divine revelation, stating that his teachings come directly from Jesus Christ.
8. Adam: The first human being, whose fall from grace marked the beginning of God’s ongoing war against Satan to restore humanity’s relationship with Him.
9. Moses: A central figure in the Old Testament, chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. His writings, particularly the law given on Mount Sinai, form a foundational part of the Bible.
10. Timothy: A young Christian leader mentored by Paul, mentioned as an example of someone who assisted in the writing and spreading of the gospel message.
Overview
Overview: Basics of the Bible Part Two
Main Themes:
- Divine Authorship: The Bible is the inspired word of God, communicated through human authors guided by the Holy Spirit. This divine origin grants it transformative power and authority.
- Distinguishing Divine from Human Teaching: The Bible contrasts teachings originating from God (“above”) with those stemming from human interpretation (“below”). Divine teachings are revealed through prophecy and fulfillment, while human teachings can lead to legalism and stray from God’s heart.
- The Bible as a Book of War: The Bible chronicles a 6,000-year-long spiritual war between God and Satan, with humanity caught in the crossfire. This war encompasses both physical and spiritual realms, with God seeking to restore humanity’s relationship with Him, while Satan attempts to maintain control.
Key Ideas/Facts:
- The Bible’s Divine Origin:
- God-breathed: Scripture is inspired by God, though written by human authors over centuries (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
- Holy Spirit’s Role: Human authors were “carried along” by the Holy Spirit, ensuring accuracy (2 Peter 1:20-21).
- Unified Narrative: The Bible’s consistent story despite diverse authorship points to God’s oversight.
- Teachings from Above vs. Below:
- Sealed Book: Revelation 5:1-3 describes a sealed book containing prophecies, symbolizing truths God reveals at the appointed time.
- Human Impatience: Isaiah 29:9-13 warns against substituting human rules for God’s intended meaning when understanding is lacking.
- Jesus’ Rebuke: Mark 7:5-9 shows Jesus confronting the Pharisees for prioritizing human tradition over God’s commandments.
- Divine Revelation: Paul emphasizes receiving teachings directly from Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:11-12).
- Deep Things of God: 1 Corinthians 2:10-13 highlights the Holy Spirit revealing hidden truths, often through parables.
- Wise Communication: Proverbs 17:27 and Matthew 13:34-35 emphasize the importance of using wisdom and understanding when sharing spiritual truths, as not everyone is ready to receive them.
- Contents of the Bible:
- Four Categories: The Bible contains history, moral teachings/instructions, prophecies, and fulfillments.
- History as Example and Warning: 1 Corinthians 10:11 emphasizes learning from past events to make better choices.
- Moral Instructions: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 highlights Scripture’s role in teaching righteousness.
- Prophecy’s Purpose: John 14:29 explains that prophecy prepares believers for future events.
- Fulfillment as Validation: John 19:30 and Revelation 21:6 show how prophecies about Jesus’ first and second coming are fulfilled.
- The Bible as a Book of War:
- Spiritual Warfare: The Bible chronicles a war between God and Satan, spanning both physical and spiritual realms (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).
- God’s Restoration vs. Satan’s Retention: God desires to restore humanity’s relationship with Him, while Satan fights to maintain control.
- Weapons of War: God’s weapon is the “word of testimony” – fulfilled prophecies. Satan utilizes lies, deception, and persecution.
Important Quotes:
- “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
- “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.” (Isaiah 29:13)
- “I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 1:12)
- “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword…” (Hebrews 4:12)
- “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.” (Revelation 21:6)
Additional Notes:
- The document emphasizes understanding the context of biblical passages to avoid misinterpretations and contradictions.
- It highlights the importance of personal spiritual growth and discernment, urging readers to study the Bible diligently and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit.
- The analogy of the “Word” as a sword underscores the power and potential danger of misusing scripture.
Overall, the lesson provides a concise overview of key themes and concepts presented in “Basics of the Bible Part Two.” It emphasizes the importance of understanding the Bible’s divine origin, distinguishing between human and divine teachings, and recognizing the ongoing spiritual war within its pages.
Q&A
Q&A: Understanding the Bible
1. Is the Bible truly the word of God?
Yes, the Bible is considered the word of God, although penned by human authors. It’s believed that God inspired these writers over 1500 years, resulting in a unified message despite diverse backgrounds and eras. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 supports this, stating that Scripture is “God-breathed,” meaning it originates from God.
2. Why are there so many interpretations of the Bible?
Differing interpretations often arise from human attempts to understand God’s word without divine guidance. Isaiah 29:9-13 illustrates this, depicting those who, lacking understanding, replace God’s intended meaning with human rules and traditions. Jesus, in Mark 7:5-9, rebukes the Pharisees for prioritizing human traditions over God’s commandments, echoing this point.
3. How can we differentiate between human teachings and divine revelation in the Bible?
Galatians 1:11-12 highlights the distinction. Paul asserts that his gospel isn’t of human origin but received directly from Jesus Christ through revelation. 1 Corinthians 2:10-13 further elaborates, stating that God reveals deep truths through His Spirit, which are then articulated in words taught by the Spirit, not human wisdom.
4. What are the main types of content found in the Bible?
The Bible comprises four main types of content:
- History: Serving as examples and warnings for believers, as stated in 1 Corinthians 10:11.
- Moral Teachings/Instructions: Guiding righteous living, exemplified in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and Matthew 7.
- Prophecies: Foretelling future events to strengthen faith, as explained in John 14:29 and exemplified through Jesus fulfilling Messianic prophecies.
- Fulfillments: Validating biblical authenticity by demonstrating prophecies coming to pass, as seen in Jesus’ crucifixion (John 19:30) and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
5. Is the Bible simply a historical record, or is there a deeper meaning?
The Bible is more than a historical record; it reveals an ongoing war between God and Satan. This conflict, spanning six thousand years, aims to restore humanity’s relationship with God, as Satan attempts to maintain his control (John 5:19).
6. What is the nature of this war between God and Satan?
This war manifests on two levels: physical and spiritual. The Old Testament predominantly portrays physical battles, while the New Testament emphasizes a spiritual struggle against falsehood and deception (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). Ultimately, it’s a war for hearts and minds.
7. What weapons are used in this spiritual warfare?
God’s primary weapon is the “word of testimony,” signifying the fulfillment of prophecies and the power of truth. Conversely, Satan utilizes lies, deception, and persecution to sway humanity away from God.
8. How can we, as believers, engage in this spiritual warfare?
We can engage by grounding ourselves in God’s word, discerning truth from falsehood, and sharing the “word of testimony.” This involves recognizing fulfilled prophecies, studying Scripture, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our understanding and actions. By equipping ourselves with the truth and remaining steadfast in our faith, we can combat deception and contribute to God’s victory.