1) Revelation

1) Revelation 

We have already covered many of the main issues of this subject in Chapters three and four, so we will not spend more time here expanding on what has been covered. We have concluded that the Bible claims repeatedly that God has spoken and revealed Himself, as well as His will, His ways, and His purpose. 

The language of the Bible is quite compelling and emphatic. From the beginning of the Bible to the end, the message is consistent. God has spoken, and the record of God’s words are to be found in the Book we call the Bible, comprising both OT and NT scriptures. 

This claim is either true or not. There is no middle ground. Apart from the internal evidences, there are other reasons to be persuaded to this viewpoint, but we will not deal with them here. They are the work of a more specialized nature. What we recommend to the reader now is that they read and think upon the words for themselves, and try to understand the essence of the message first hand, and not via the filtered thoughts of experts, or of our own culture, traditions or prejudices. 

God’s words are to be taken seriously. They are not to be meddled with. We are warned not to add to or diminish from the words, but to take them as they have been delivered. They are to be light to guide us in the right way.

Prov.30:5-6. Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.

Psalm.119:105. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

The Bible likens the Word of God to a seed which is sown into the hearts of men and women (Matt.13:18-23, 1.Pet.1:23-25). In the symbolism of the Bible, the word=seed is to take root, and grow so that it produces fruit to the benefit of ourselves and others, and to give pleasure to God who causes it to grow (1.Cor.3:7, Rev.4:11). This should impress us with the need to hear the message first hand, as there is a very personal aspect to this experience. For the only way we can really know God and his ways is to hear Him, and thereby come to know Him personally. This is God’s particular invitation to all people (Mark.4:23, 7:16, Rev.3:20).