August 10, 2013
John 20:31 — But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
1 John 5:13 — These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.
A while ago, I said that as the Spirit moves, I’d write about things that the “Baptist Faith and Message” says. They are, so to speak, the articles of faith that we should stand by – or know why we might not. As I contemplated today’s devotion it seemed right to pick up on the promise, and start with Article 1, “The Scriptures”. Here’s what it says:
The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God’s revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. It reveals the principles by which God judges us, and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation.
All of this is like gold to me – but I especially like the definitive statement that “It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter.” That tells me with great and poetic conciseness who wrote it, what it’s for, and what it contains. God who loves me wrote this book to show me to Himself perfectly and save me so that I can live with Him forever. Of course scripture is for more than ensuring salvation (as though that were not gift enough!). 2 Timothy 3:16-17, one of those scriptures everyone should know, provides a list of the other precious gifts; for teaching or communicating instruction; convincing us of our sins and of the truth and claims of religion, for restoring and reforming us and instructing us in regard to the principles of justice, or what is right. No wonder it is described as “a perfect treasure of divine instruction”!
The Bible has sometimes been described as “the Owner’s manual”. I’m not always a fan of these slightly flippant references to holy things. Are you? But this one seems fairly appropriate. The Bible tells us how we should live, how we will be judged, and what the rules are. It tells us about the Law-giver, and the judge. The Bible has an author who is perfect. No Christian then, should ever doubt its perfect truth.
The Baptist Faith and Message rightly starts by identifying its foundation and source. We stand on Scripture. I know of no better platform!