JESUS CHRIST: GOD-MAN - Vital Christianity

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Too often the Bible has been subjected to the positivist position, which is a type of
empiricism which states that the only reality is that which can be verified by physical
observation. This is imposing its own narrow view of "factuality" instead of allowing the Bible
to be seen and evaluated on its own terms.
Ultimately the infallibility of Scripture is that of the work of the Holy Spirit. It is
inspiration that guarantees infallibility, not vice versa. It is the ministry of the Holy Spirit that
guarantees the infallibility of the biblical documents as they were written in this certain way for a
specific purpose. This invalidates faulty criteria so often set up by modern theology which is a
wrong methodology to use in validating or invalidating Scripture.17
Inspiration and Authority
Scripture claims authority for itself. The phrase "It is written" followed by a quotation is
a frequent argument in the Bible. "According to the Scriptures" is the phrase that is used most
often in referring to the ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus.
The Bible is not written to express opinions. The gospels are accounts of the life and
ministry of Jesus. The epistles are not opinions that people can choose from; rather they are
authoritative rulings on doctrine and practice. The book of Revelation is not merely written to
create and feed our curiosity about future events; it assures us that God is sovereign as it paints
pictures (the nature of apocalyptic language) to give us insight to what lies ahead and provides
opportunity to prepare for His coming. It even has a solemn warning against adding or
subtracting from the book (Rev 22:18-19).
Scripture was given by the Holy Spirit and is thus used by the Spirit to accomplish His
end: "to make people wise unto salvation" (2 Ti 3:15). Therefore Scripture is the supreme rule of
faith and practice. Everything necessary for salvation is found in it, both explicitly and
implicitly. Things which are contrary to Scripture, therefore, are not to be believed or done.
Scripture is the final judge in controversial issues. As A. W. Tozer put it:
"We can use all kinds of tools and methods for getting at the meaning of the
Scriptures; but once the meaning is discovered, that meaning judges us—we
never judge it."18
Since the Bible is a testimony to God's word and acts, it not only has important historical
value, but also demands faith and obedience. Therefore it does not merely pass on important
information but makes an authoritative demand.
This is not surprising since Scripture is uniquely God's word and testifies to His acts. As
God's word it is not only an authentic record but also presents God's message and claim with
divine conviction and power. Since the author is God Himself the claim He makes has universal
relevance and validity.