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Bible Reading These searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so [ACT 17:11].
Read the Bible as normal historical literature. Keep in mind that a book is consistent within itself. For example, John 3 about the new birth should be understood in the light of chapter 1:12, 13.
Read it as a literal record of history and instruction, unless you come to clear figures of speech, then understand them as such. For example:
The Good Shepherd
I am the Door
This is My Body
The Lamb of God
The Bible is the result of the extraordinary, supernatural influence exerted by the Holy Spirit on the various writers, by which their words were rendered also the words of God, and therefore, absolutely infallible in the original autographs.
We believe that God, in His providence, has preserved the Bible so that the copies and translations that we have today are, for all practical purposes, the same as the original writings.
It is true that many poor copies and translations of the Bible have been produced. Beware of these and especially avoid any paraphrase of the Bible.
Any man's paraphrase of the Bible, system of 'theology,' or sermons and commentaries (including the writings of the Apostolic Fathers, Church Fathers, Reformers, or your favorite preacher) are not the Word of God. Read any of these under the critical light of the Bible itself.
Return to Main Index Updated: 08/26/02 aalewis@christianbeliefs.org