Using the King James Version (KJV) there are over 1,200 times the Scriptures say, “thus saith the Lord” or “saith the Lord.” Over 100 times Jesus says, “I say unto you,” and at least 65 times the Scriptures record, “Jesus said.” I have obtained these numbers from the Blue Letter Bible, so I trust they are accurate.
The most important thing for us to obtain from this information though is that the Bible isn’t just the opinions of those who wrote the individual books, but in actuality, it is the very Word of God. God makes this clear in these few examples:
“We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:19-21)
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalms 119:11)
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalms 119:105)
Over and over in the Scriptures God makes it very clear to us all that the Bible we hold in our hand contains His Words. The Bible is not a product from the minds of men but to the contrary, it is straight from the mind of God, relayed to us, by men.
However, many in the last days treat God’s Word with such disrespect; one can’t help but be alarmed for those who do so.
It is scorned as a compilation of fairy tales. It is treated by some in the scholastic realm as merely a text book. It is intentionally misinterpreted to provide some an out for the guilt of their sins. It is often unintentionally misinterpreted out of ignorance. It has been misinterpreted and used as a source of gaining great wealth by some. It has been misinterpreted and used to advance false religions. Many just cut it up in pieces, keeping what they like and discarding the rest. Needless to say, much abuse has been hurled at the Bible down through the ages, but it still stands.
“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” (Matthew 24:35)
There are many other ways the Bible has been discredited by sinful man that I haven’t even listed, and I’m sure most of you could provide several examples. Perhaps the greatest disrespect shown God’s Word, or at least one of the greatest, is ignoring it.
I’ve seen Bibles lying on the floor at the local church and covered with dust in the homes. That indicates to me that some do not regard it very highly.
I do want to be clear that the Bible is not to be worshiped, but it most definitely should be respected by one and all. It is not to be worshiped because our worship should be directed toward God. However, it should be highly respected because it contains God’s message to us. In other words, we don’t worship the manuscript. We worship the Author. Just as we don’t worship the cross. We worship the one who died upon the cross for us.
The Bible remains the best seller of all times, and also more Bibles have been destroyed than any other book. Did you ever think of that? Why would so many want to destroy this book? Maybe for the reason I previously stated; i.e. “it contains God’s message to us.” In many countries it is illegal to possess a Bible. Those who do, do so at the risk of their life. If Bibles are found, they are burned.
Satan is behind every attack associated with this most precious Book, because in this beloved Book we find the words, “thus saith the Lord.” In this Book we hear Jesus say, “I say unto you.”
If Satan hates the Bible so much, shouldn’t that stir our interest in what it says? Children and kittens are very curious, but aren’t we humans basically a curious lot?
Most people, I would think, enjoy a good mystery. God says in the Bible, via the Apostle Paul, “Behold, I show you a mystery…” (1 Corinthians 15:51) The Bible is full of wonderful mysteries that God is more than willing to reveal to those who love Him and search His Book.
God desires that we use our curiosity to search His Word and discover His great Truth. However, Satan works constantly to draw our curiosity away from God and His Word and into areas that will only harm us … for eternity.
There are so many Bibles, especially in this country, but so few that are actually read. It’s no wonder so many people are overcome by scam artists who are nothing more than false prophets. Countless numbers of people descend into hell because they refuse to listen to, “thus saith the Lord.” Countless numbers of Christians have unproductive lives because they won’t listen to, “I say unto you.”
Speaking to Christians; those who are disciples (students) of Christ love the Word and study it often, and they are the ones who really understand what is actually happening in our world today. They understand what is instigating the good and the evil that is all around us in the 21st century. They understand that we are in the last days of the Church age, and they know what is ahead.
Speaking to Christians; those who do not have a daily regimen of exploring the riches of the Bible are short-changing themselves in so many ways. They’re living on emotions, but emotions never last. They’re relying on what someone else says, instead of heeding what their Lord and Savior says. It’s a pity.
Speaking to those who oppose what God says and/or find it to be unreliable; how do you know? Have you actually read it? Even as an unbeliever, God will allow you to understand the Gospel if you want to hear it. You say you’ve read it? Then are you listening to the Author or Satan? You must decide. Your place in eternity depends on it.
“For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” (Matthew 5:18)
Grant Phillips
Email: grantphillips@windstream.net