Column by Sumter Pastor Joey Durham: Rest in the dependability of the Bible
Our devotion today asks this question, "How dependable is the Bible?" My text is 2 Timothy 3:16, where we see these inspired words, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (KJV)
More than likely, on the spine of your Bible, you will see these words, "Holy Bible." The word "holy" means hallowed or sacred, and when it is applied to the Bible, it means that the Bible is a holy book because it is God's Word. Please allow me to give you my stand for the English-speaking people of this world, and that is that the Bible is the Authorized King James because it is the English translation that is not the conception of men, but rather, it is the inspired Word of God. Historically, the true church has always held to the infallibility of the Bible, or in other words, that God's Word is without error. In so doing, we recognize that God has not only revealed Himself in creation, but also in the special revelation of Himself through His holy Word which is free from error.
Just as certain as it is that there are born-again believers who know how reliable and dependable the Word of God is, because of the divine author and the genuine translation from the received text, this world has produced a multitude of critics and skeptics who refuse to take the Word of God at face value, and in so doing, they have no problem in rejecting what God's Word says to them. The critic of God's Word is cut from the same cloth as Pontius Pilate as he responded to Jesus Christ with the cynical words found in John 18:38, "What is truth?" The tragedy of this is that this same cynical thought process is declared and taught from pulpits that ought to be declaring messages from the true Word of God and not from a perversion of God's Word. The very nature of the divine inspiration of the scriptures can be depended upon because it brings out the certainty that God's Word will not deceive the hearer. To preach God's Word as it is to men, women, boys and girls as they are is not popular and in many cases is not wanted, but it is crucial in order for someone to receive genuine spiritual help from God. While there may be a question in the minds of some, the genuine believer rests in the dependability of the Bible for their life because they know it tells them the truth and has not been corrupted by men's perversions.
Joey Durham is pastor at Open Bible Baptist Church at 180 Old Manning Road in Sumter. You can contact Pastor Durham at durham.joey@yahoo.com or call the church office at (803) 481-9315.