Part 2 The Manuscript From Outer Space Series

Understanding Prophecy: Part 2

The Manuscript from Outer Space

WHAT IS SCRIPTURE?

Scripture represents those specific prophecies from YHVH God that He intended as His permanent, written Word for all humanity throughout all time.

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I. WHAT SCRIPTURE IS CALLED IN SCRIPTURE

Important Note: The word "Bible" does not appear in the Bible. Scripture refers to itself as:

A. Common Terms Used

• "Scriptures" - The collection of sacred writings

• "Book" - A single book within Scripture

• "Scroll" - Ancient writing format

• "The Law and the Prophets" - OT divisions

• "Word of God" - Divine communication

"Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God." (Matthew 22:29 KJV)

"And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself." (Luke 24:27 KJV)

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God." (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV)

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II. THE COMPOSITION OF SCRIPTURE

A. The Timeline The Holy Scriptures were written over approximately 1,500 years by approximately 40 different authors from diverse backgrounds:

"Despite 40 authors writing from three continents over nearly two thousand years, it maintains perfect consistency"

B. The Authors' Backgrounds "These authors came from a variety of backgrounds: shepherds, fishermen, doctors, kings, prophets, and others. And most of these authors never knew one another personally"

C. The Divine Composition "66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, in 3 different languages, on 3 different continents"

"For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (2 Peter 1:21 KJV)

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III. GLOBAL ACCEPTANCE OF SCRIPTURE

A. Christian Population Worldwide Christians make up approximately 33% of the world's population - roughly 2.18 billion people accept the Bible as authoritative.

B. American Beliefs About Scripture

• 20% of Americans believe the Bible is literally true

• About half believe the Bible is the inspired word of God

• 56% say they believe in God "as described in the Bible"

C. The Remarkable Unity Despite the diversity of authors, times, and cultures, "this collection of books shares a common storyline- the creation, fall, and redemption of God's people; a common theme- God's universal love for all of humanity; and a common message- salvation is available to all"

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IV. SCRIPTURE WAS NOT CHOSEN BY THE CHURCH

A. The Recognition Process Scripture was NOT chosen by the church but was recognized and accepted by the early church as already carrying divine authority.

B. Early Church Recognition

"And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction." (2 Peter 3:15-16 KJV)

Key Truth: Peter called Paul's writings "scriptures" - showing immediate recognition of divine authority.

C. Divine Command to Write When God intended prophecy to become Scripture, He commanded it written:

"Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever." (Isaiah 30:8 KJV)

"Take thee a roll of a book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken unto thee." (Jeremiah 36:2 KJV)

"What thou seest, write in a book." (Revelation 1:11 KJV)

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V. THE AUTHORITY AND SUFFICIENCY OF SCRIPTURE

A. Complete Divine Inspiration

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV)

B. Eternal Permanence

"For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven." (Psalm 119:89 KJV)

"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." (Matthew 24:35 KJV)

C. Complete Sufficiency

"According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue." (2 Peter 1:3 KJV)

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VI. THE COMPLETION OF SCRIPTURE

A. The Final Warning

"For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life." (Revelation 22:18-19 KJV)

B. The Pattern of Completion Scripture-level prophecy: