(6) The pre-canon revelation from God occurred through the Holy Spirit. Before there was a completed written Bible, the Holy Spirit provided God's revelation directly to man. II Sam 23:2,"The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me, his word was on my tongue." This refers to David. Ezek 2:2,As he spoke, the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me."Michah 3:8,"But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgressions, to Israel his sin." Heb 3:8, "So, as the Holy Spirit says: Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the desert. Therefore, in the pre-canon period, God revealed His Word directly to man by means of the Holy Spirit.
(7) There are four categories of Old Testament revelation apart from the canon of Scripture.
A. God communicated verbally through the spoken word,"Thus saith the Lord."Compare Isaiah 6:9-10 to Acts 28:25.B. God spoke through dreams, which occur when sleeping. Num 12:6, Gen 15:12, 31:10-13.
C. God spoke through visions, which occur when awake. A vision is an ecstatic experience. Isaiah 1:1, 6:1, I Kings 22:19.
D. God spoke through angelic teaching. Deut 33:2, Psalm 68:17, Acts 7:53, Gal 3:19.
(8) The Extent of Inspiration:
A. The Unknown Past: The Bible portrays historical detail unknown to man, and unconfirmed by human records. Such as the information found in Gen chapters 1-11. The Doctrine of Inspiration guarantees the information stated, even though man cannot confirm it.B. Ancient History: The Bible is not a historical textbook, but all historical comments recorded in the Bible are accurate and form the background for the communication of certain doctrines. The Doctrine of Inspiration guarantees this. For example: the Assyrian King, Tilgath-Pilneser is mentioned in I Chron 5:6, 5:26, and II Chron 28:20. For thousands of years there was no archeological proof that Tilgath-Pilneser ever existed. Then early in the 20th century an ancient Assyrian manuscript was found, and on it was the name, Tilgath-Pilneser, King of Assyria. The Bible was right, and all the scholars were wrong. Also, in Matt 27:9 it says,"Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet saying, 'And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value.'"You can search the book of Jeremiah from beginning to end and you will never find that quotation. And many will say that the Bible is in error because that quotation is not found in the book of Jeremiah. But if you notice, it doesn't say that Jeremiah wrote it. It didn't say, "As it was written." It says,"..that which was SPOKEN by Jeremiah the prophet..." He said it, he didn't write it. Zech 11:12, and Acts 1:18-19 talk about the same subject.
C. Objective Law: The Old Testament contains many laws. These laws are for individuals, for groups of people, and for national life. The Doctrine of Inspiration guarantees that these laws perfectly express the mind of God for the people to whom they are given. These laws, under inspiration, are free from error, and perfectly demonstrate God's will and God's command to the recipients.
D. Dictation: Certain portions of Scripture contain direct quotations from God. In other words, God dictated the information. The Doctrine of Inspiration guarantees that such commands and quotations are properly and accurately recorded in the original languages of the Bible, and that they express God's will to those who are the recipients.
E. Devotional Literature: God used the pressures, the emotions, the problems, and the triumphs of certain believers to declare His plan and His grace. Therefore, we have a segment of the Word of God that can be described as devotional literature, like Psalms, Esther, Job, and Proverbs. The extent of inspiration also includes devotional literature.
F. The Recording of Falsehood in the Scripture: The record of Satanic lies will be found periodically as well as human lies. This does not imply that the falsehoods are true. But in such cases, the Doctrine of Inspiration guarantees the accuracy of the lies. The Bible does not condone any lie, but it does guarantee its accuracy.
For additional information on this subject go toTHE BIBLE: Its Origin & Importance
6. Saint -This is a translation of the Greek word HAGIOS, meaning, "to separate from common condition and use, pure, righteous." As a noun, HAGIOS refers to "saints," a special people in the eyes of God. In the Bible all believers in Jesus Christ are called "saints." Every believer in Jesus Christ is a special person in the eyes of God. As a verb HAGIAZO, refers to "sanctification." The act of making one a saint. As an adjective, HAGIASMOS, means, "holy." This word describes someone who is a "saint," or someone who is "pure." All believers in Jesus Christ are "saints," they are "pure," and they are "sanctified."
For more information on the subject of "saints," see lesson on "THE BIBLE'S TEACHING ON SAINTHOOD"
7.The Lord delivered the people out of Egypt -The greatest symbol of Satan's hatred toward the children Israel is that of Egypt. Behind the thrones of human governments there is always Satanic power present. We are told in Eph 6:12 that "We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against wicked spirits in heavenly places."Also in Ephesians 6 we are told,"To take...the whole armor of God that we may be able to stand against the cunning craftiness of the devil."In II Cor 10:5 it says, "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, (physical) but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds."Therefore, the devil was in Egypt. In fact, the devil was ruling Egypt. Behind the Pharaoh there was Satan. The religions in the land of Egypt at the time of Moses are the greatest illustration of the truth of the revelation found in the first chapter of Romans concerning the departure of man from God and his consequent degradation. The history of the descent of humanity into devil worship is clearly detailed in Rom 1:20-24, "...they are without excuse: because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore, God also gave them up..."This is a perfect description of the religions of Egypt. The demon gods of Egypt represented the land, the water, and the sky. The contest in Egypt between Moses and the Pharaoh was so important to Satan that he took charge himself. The entire family of the children of Abraham were slaves in the grip of their Egyptian masters, who themselves were under the grip of Satan. If they could be crushed and destroyed in Egypt, the promises of God would be frustrated and the Lord would be defeated. It was a bold chance, but the only chance, and Satan threw in everything he had and came to take charge of the operation in person. The defeat of the Egyptians and their gods is, therefore, all the more important. In Ex 12:12 God said,"Against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments; I am the Lord." 8.And the angels - This refers to"the sons of God" in Gen 6:1-9. They are also mentioned in II Pet 2:4. These are fallen angels who were involved in an ingenious Satanic plot to frustrate the incarnation of Jesus Christ. Along with this angelic infiltration, Satan promoted an extensive program of perverting Bible doctrine. II PET 2:4-5; VS 4 - "For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment:(5) And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly." For if -This is a first class conditional clause in the Greek referring to a true statement. God spared not the angels that sinned - These are the angels who are called"the sons of God"in Genesis chapter six. Therefore, this reference to angels here in II Pet 2:4 refers to specific angels. The same angels of Genesis chapter 6, and Jude 6. Literally, "For if God spared not the angels that sinned (and this is true)." But cast them down to hell - The word "hell" is the Greek word TARTARUS, which refers to a place located below hell, which is in the center of the earth. But delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment - The angels of Genesis chapter 6 who took human women as wives are now in the lowest hell called TARTARUS, chained. They are not free today, they are inoperative. They have been in Tartarus since the events of Genesis chapter six. Therefore, we conclude that the fallen angels that are operating today under Satan were not involved in this angelic infiltration of Genesis chapter 6. 9 Despise Dominion -This means "to reject duly appointed authority." Doctrine of Authority (1) The Bible teaches the importance of authority and there are two Greek words that clarify the basic principle of authority. The first word is HUPAKOUO, which means "to obey, to render submissive acceptance." This word is used in Matt 8:27,"The men were amazed and asked, 'What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves OBEY him!'" See also Luke 8:25. Rom 6:16 says, "Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to OBEY him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you OBEY, whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or slaves to OBEDIENCE, which leads to righteousness?" Eph 6:1 says,"Children, OBEY your parents in the Lord, for this is right." Col 3:22 says,"Slaves, OBEY your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord." The second Greek word is HUPOTASSO, which means "to be subordinate." This was a military word for authority. This is word is used in I Pet 5:5, "Young men, in the same way be SUBMISSIVE to those who are older...." Also see Rom 8:20, and I Cor 14:32. (2) This means that there are areas in which authority must exist. Following is a list of examples: B. Divine institutions: There are 4 divine institutions and each one carries its own authority. (1) Volition or free will: you are the authority and you are responsible for every decision you make, or fail to make. (2) Marriage: the husband is the authority. (3) Family: the parents as a team are the authority. (4) Nationalism: the laws of the national entity are the authority. It doesn't do any good to have laws if the laws are not enforced. When people are allowed to break the law with no retribution or no punishment, it makes a mockery out of law. C. Academics: the teacher and school administrators are the authority. D. Athletics: the coaches and athletic directors are the authority. F. Military: the higher rank has the authority. Under periods of apostasy and decadence these authorities are always under great attack. And they are usually under attack from liberals. Therefore, one sign of apostasy and decadance is the attack on systems of authority. (3) God has a set of commands for every believer to obey, and the concept of obedience to the plan of God is found in Deut 11:27, which says, "blessing for obedience." I Sam 15:27, "To obey is better than sacrifice." Jer 7:23, Obey me, and I will be your God." See also, Jer 11:4 & 7, and Zech 6:15. (4) God has authority in nature as He has authority in human life. (Matt 8:27; Mark 4:41; Luke 8:25.) Nature is designed to obey God, and nature can be a great blessing to us when it does obey God. (5) Parental authority is established by the Word of God. Regardless of whether they are right or wrong, parents represent the concept of authority for their children. Eph 6:1-3,"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise, that it may go well with you, and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." (6) Business must have authority. When labor destroys the authority in business, they eventually destroy the business, and they eventually destroy their own jobs and, on a large scale, they will eventually destroy the nation. Eph 6:5-7, "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free." See also Col 3:22-23. (7) The pastor is the highest and final authority in the local church. I Cor 16:15-16, "you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts of Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. I urge you brethren, to submit to such as these and to everyone who joins in the work, and labors at it." (8) The husband is the authority over the wife. I Tim 2:11-14, "A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became the sinner first." (9) Angels and demons are subject to God's authority. Mark 1:27, "The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, 'What is this? A new teaching, and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey Him." (10) God is the absolute authority over all creation, and over all that is in creation: individuals, families, races, and all governments. When anyone violates the law of any govenment they are in reality violating the law of God, even though that law may be immoral and wrong. Rom 13:1-6, "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right,(referring to those who follow the laws of the land) but for those who do wrong.(referrng to those who do not follow the laws of the land) Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right(follow the law of the land) and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong,(if you break the laws of the land) be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.(this means that he will enforce the law of the land and bring about the appropriate punishment) Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience."(To keep a clear conscience.) (11) The person who rejects authority, or the person who actually rebels against authority, is an arrogant person. This can be arrogance in a great number of areas, but I am only going to emphasize the concept of authority here. God is very organized. Everything He does, He does in an organized manner. By setting up a system of authority with a chain of command, He is making everything very simple for the human race. But regrettably, most people do not see the fantastic precision and flawlessness in the system of authority that God has set up.
These fallen angels who were personally involved in the sexual misconduct of Genesis chapter six were consigned to a place called "TARTARUS" (translated "hell" in your English Bibles in II Pet 2:4). This is a place lower than hell. These angels are still there today.
A. Spiritual areas: The Bible is the ultimate authority in all things concerning spiritual issues.
I Thess 5:12,"Now we make a request of you brethren, that you know and understand the ones who are among you, who keep laboring to the point of exhaustion and are placed in a position of authority over you in the Lord, and who instruct you."
Heb 13:7, "Remember your leaders, who spoke the Word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith."
Heb 13:17, "Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you."
Col 3:18, "Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord."
I Pet 3:22, "Who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand, with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him."
In pride and arrogance man duplicates Satan's original rebellion against the authority of God. Arrogant and proud individuals despise their leaders and conspire to overthrow or undermine them. Read Psalm 12:2-4,
Arrogant people in authority abuse their power. I Kings 18:40,"Then Elijah commanded them, 'Seize the prophets of Baal. Don't let anyone get away!' They seized them, and Elijah had them brought down to the Kishon Valley and slaughtered them there." Some think that this was a great display of righteousness on the part of Elijah, but it was in reality plain and simple arrogance rebelling against the authority in power.
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