The Bible's Purpose

[Chad]

The Bible's Purpose
A.W. Tozer

In recent years the Bible has been recommended for many other purposes than the one for which it was written. The peace of mind cults, for instance, manage to find in it oil for the troubled waters of the soul; but to make it work they must pick, choose, misunderstand and misapply quite literally to their heart's content. Now, the Bible when read honestly and responsibly does bring peace of mind, but only after it has first brought the heart to a repentance that is often anything but peaceful. When the entire life has been morally transformed and the heart purified from sin, then the seeker can know real and legitimate peace. Any manipulation of the Scriptures to make them speak peace to the natural man is evil and can only lead to ruin.

A few years ago it was fairly popular practice for Bible teachers to claim to find in the Scriptures confirmation of almost every new discovery made by science. Apparently no one noticed that the scientist had to find it before the Bible teacher could, and it never seemed to occur to anyone to wonder why, if it was there in the Bible in such plain sight, it took several thousand years and the help of science before anyone saw it.

Now, I believe that everything in the Bible is true, but to attempt to make it a textbook for science is to misunderstand it completely and tragically. The purpose of the Bible is to bring men to Christ, to make them holy and prepare them for heaven. In this it is unique among books, and it always fulfills its purpose when it is read in faith and obedience.

 

[SaulC76]

The Bible - All or Nothing

Absolutely true. There are two things that many believe that are false: 1) the Bible and science don't mix. 2) Some, but not all, of the Bible is true.
The Bible is God's book to man. The Bible's purpose, as you quoted, is not so that man can understand the sciences of the world, but to save him from inevitable death. There is not one line in the Bible that contradicts known scientific fact. I would be happy to challenge anyone to show me where it ever has.
The Bible, too, must be all true or not true at all. When one sees that every historical figure, place and person that can be proven to exist has or did we begin to see that it's either historical fiction or complete truth. When we see that there has never been a time without believers in the world and the countless billions of people that believed every word and we see the changes in people's lives because of it we can make a well-based assumption that every word is true. Those who bend it to their will are truly apostate and play with fire.

 

[jiggyfly]

I agree with Tozer that the bible has a very precise purpose, but many have expanded it's purpose and given it power and authority that belongs to Christ and Him only.

The Bible's purpose, as you quoted, is not so that man can understand the sciences of the world, but to save him from inevitable death.

Here is a good example, please don't be offended SaulC76 but here you have given the bible the ability to save us, but the scriptures clearly state that there is only one way and it is by Jesus Christ, Himself. The bible is a fabulous tool and I'm glad that we have it but it's intended purpose must be defined. The Gospels show us that Jesus tried to correct the religious leaders of this same issue. He said, "You search the scriptures because in them you think there is life, yet the scriptures all testify of Me and you won't come to Me for life."

Many today think that the bible's purpose is to show us how to live but the simple Truth is it's purpose is to show us where to find life. Jesus is the Living Word and if were not paying attention to what the scriptures actually state we can end up like those same religious leaders, searching the scriptures for life and yet deny the scripture's testimony. I think that in our courtroom protocol today would refer to this as "badgering the witness". We call on the scriptures as a witness and then disagree with what they say.Their testimony is clear and yet by most, very misunderstood.

 

[Coconut]

The purpose of the Bible is to bring men to Christ, to make them holy and prepare them for heaven.

I dont mean to mince over words, but the author credited to the scripture, what is solely the work of the Holy Spirit. The purpose of the Bible is to point men to Christ, and is "profitable for correction, instruction etc...", but only the Spirit can bring men to Christ, and make them Holy. Else why does the scipture itself say, "No man can come to God except the Spirit draw Him"

Eph 5:25 Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,
that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.

Is the Word as used here a book, or a person? Its obvious to me 'the washing of the water by the Word' is indicating a washing by Christ Himself. I dont read anywheres in its own testimony, where the scripture is the 'living water.' So how can scripture wash you and make you Holy?

This is one Book, that will not bring you one step closer to salvation, or make you one speck holier, unless you come to know the author...again "you try to find salvation in the scripture, not understanding you MUST come to ME" (pardon the paraphrasing)

John 7:38Jesus stood up and cried out, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'" Now this he said about the Spirit.

So the purpose of the Bible remains, to point men to Christ, but the POWER is ALL Christs.

 

[SaulC76]

You're Right

Touche'. You are correct, of course. The Scriptures were well-studied by the Pharisees but we see that it got them nowhere.
Still, the purpose of the Bible was to lead men to salvation through the study of it. I don't know any man who has come to Christ without it; whether they can read or not.
I guess the best way to describe the Bible is the tool of God. Misuse it, it can be useless. Abuse it, it can be dangerous. Use it correctly and the truth can be opened for you. Whether or not one goes to the next step is that person's choice.
Anyway, I'm glad we're all on the same page; thank you for the edification.

 

[Coconut]

Still, the purpose of the Bible was to lead men to salvation through the study of it. I don't know any man who has come to Christ without it; whether they can read or not.

I dont think we are quite on the same page yet lol. Do you actually think for hundreds of years there was nobody able to come to Christ, because salvation depended on the printing press and the very scripture they didnt have access to?

2Ti 3:15 [The scripture is able to give you wisdom, is useful for teaching, correcting, training in right living, and enables the "man of God" to be competent and equipped for doing good.]

Remember the OT is a compilation of letters written expressly to and for the Israelite`s - "men of God"

Remember the NT is a compilation of letters written expressly to and for the church - "men of God"

Nowheres in this letter to Timothy or in any other verse of passage in the NT letters is it written that "study of the scripture leads men to salvation."

It does say here that it can give you wisdom that leads to salvation (CEV - make you wise enough to have faith) This is not always the case, as it say in 2Ti 3:7 its possible to be continuously learning , and never able to come to the knowledge of Christ. (corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith.)

We also read here that the scripture is an instruction book for the "man of God" to learn by, and to teach others by. But it does`nt say to live by, for the living is only done by the power of the Spirit, not by knowledge of scripture.

You may ask, what if one is not a man of God, and is reading the scripture?

You will need something. Not something you will find hidden between the pages of the Book, and not something the book itself can give you. Something only the Spirit can give you.

Eph 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
Eph 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
Eph 1:19 And what [is] the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
Eph 1:20 Which he wrought in Christ;

Does that say, "the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in a book?"

No. Which He wrought in CHRIST.

Now you see the Spirit "leading men to salvation"

Joh 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

1Jn 2:27 But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie--just as it has taught you, abide in him.

So scripture expressly says, no man can come to God unless the Spirit draws him [John 6:44] (as I understand it, the Greek word literally means 'to drag'- The Spirit reveals to us Christ - the love of Christ constrains us - draws us to Him )

 

[SaulC76]

Whoa!

Ok, I'm thinking you may just be bashing me over the head for no reason.
Do I believe that the Bible literally saves people? No. I believe Jesus saves. I believe that it is the Holy Spirit that dwells in a true Christian.
The original post was about the "purpose of the Bible". While I nowhere said that the Bible itself saves anyone, I did say that it can LEAD men to salvation not that it has some kind of supernatural ability in and of itself to save someone.
I said "I don't know anyone who has come to Christ without it," because I personally don't know any. From Christ and forward, Christ commissioned us to preach the gospel. Now, whether the early church had something in print is debatable and moot, because the gospel is the "good news", not the actual physical book. The fact of the matter is that no man has come to Jesus without the gospel having come to him in some form EVEN IF it was a spiritual giving of the gospel and not a physical one!
So, the purpose of the Bible... or perhaps the gospel more fittingly... is to LEAD men to salvation by understanding what there is to understand about God and Christ.
My misstatement in my first post I corrected in the second; hopefully you've read that... Anyway, please don't take offence because I understand your post and agree with you 100%... I'm just not sure you're understanding what I'm saying?

 

[jari]

Since no one has yet posted these verses:

Rom 15:4 KJVA For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

1Co 14:3 KJVA But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

Both prophecy and scripture are comforting. And Old Testament has God's word from many prophecies in books.

 

[natty threads]

Now, I believe that everything in the Bible is true, but to attempt to make it a textbook for science is to misunderstand it completely and tragically. The purpose of the Bible is to bring men to Christ, to make them holy and prepare them for heaven. In this it is unique among books, and it always fulfills its purpose when it is read in faith and obedience.

I agree.
Keeping in mind that the Law refers to Torah, all five of the Mosaic books, and that Christ's self stated purpose is to fulfill the Law, I don't see how one can get to Christ without it.

Here is a good example, please don't be offended SaulC76 but here you have given the bible the ability to save us, but the scriptures clearly state that there is only one way and it is by Jesus Christ, Himself. The bible is a fabulous tool and I'm glad that we have it but it's intended purpose must be defined. The Gospels show us that Jesus tried to correct the religious leaders of this same issue. He said, "You search the scriptures because in them you think there is life, yet the scriptures all testify of Me and you won't come to Me for life."

Jesus IS the Word of God, and many believe He is the Torah in a living body.

I think of this as another one of Jesus' jokes.

He is saying "Look, you search scripture. HERE I AM! Search Me."

There are many in the bible who were sanctified, who were considered righteous by God.

It wasn't impossible to keep God's Law and I don't think that was the intent of the apostle Paul in some of his seeming diatribes against the Law. Obviously it wasn't impossible to keep the Law- both of John the Baptist's parents were described as what? (Luke 1:6)

(Paul was talking about obedience through fear whioch is not real obedience versus obedience through love, which is.)

While it may be true that the Law cannot save you, in a sense it can, because Jesus is the Law- God's Word is His Law and Jesus IS His Word, therefore Jesus is the Law.

It is worth noting that Abram, through prayer and thought, came to a knowledge, understanding, and love of God without the benefit of any scripture at all. Clearly there was spoken wisdom, and clearly, being not many generations from the Flood, he already had some knowledge of God.

But so soon after the Flood there was again rampant paganism and Terah, Abraham's father, was a pagan.

But Abraham chose God.

Even the demons believe.
God demands obedience.

"If you love Me you will obey Me."

Bless up!

 

[jiggyfly]

Even the demons believe.
God demands obedience.

"If you love Me you will obey Me."

Bless up!

Don't you think that "demands" is a little out of His character?

 

[jiggyfly]

I agree.
Keeping in mind that the Law refers to Torah, all five of the Mosaic books, and that Christ's self stated purpose is to fulfill the Law, I don't see how one can get to Christ without it.



Jesus IS the Word of God, and many believe He is the Torah in a living body.

I think of this as another one of Jesus' jokes.

He is saying "Look, you search scripture. HERE I AM! Search Me."

There are many in the bible who were sanctified, who were considered righteous by God.

It wasn't impossible to keep God's Law and I don't think that was the intent of the apostle Paul in some of his seeming diatribes against the Law. Obviously it wasn't impossible to keep the Law- both of John the Baptist's parents were described as what? (Luke 1:6)

(Paul was talking about obedience through fear whioch is not real obedience versus obedience through love, which is.)

While it may be true that the Law cannot save you, in a sense it can, because Jesus is the Law- God's Word is His Law and Jesus IS His Word, therefore Jesus is the Law.

It is worth noting that Abram, through prayer and thought, came to a knowledge, understanding, and love of God without the benefit of any scripture at all. Clearly there was spoken wisdom, and clearly, being not many generations from the Flood, he already had some knowledge of God.

But so soon after the Flood there was again rampant paganism and Terah, Abraham's father, was a pagan.

But Abraham chose God.

Even the demons believe.
God demands obedience.

"If you love Me you will obey Me."

Bless up!

Who are the many who believe Jesus is the Torah in a living body?

If Jesus is the Law that means the law was crucified and then resurected and now sits at the right hand of God and all things are reconciled back to Father through the law's death on the Cross

Were you redeemed by the Law?

Paul clearly draws a contrast between the Law and Christ.

Galatians 5:1-12
So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law.
Listen! I, Paul, tell you this: If you are counting on circumcision to make you right with God, then Christ cannot help you.
I'll say it again. If you are trying to find favor with God by being circumcised, you must obey all of the regulations in the whole law of Moses.
For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God's grace. But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive everything promised to us who are right with God through faith.
For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, it makes no difference to God whether we are circumcised or not circumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love.
You were getting along so well. Who has interfered with you to hold you back from following the truth?
It certainly isn't God, for he is the one who called you to freedom.
But it takes only one wrong person among you to infect all the others-a little yeast spreads quickly through the whole batch of dough!
I am trusting the Lord to bring you back to believing as I do about these things. God will judge that person, whoever it is, who has been troubling and confusing you.
Dear brothers and sisters,[fn1] if I were still preaching that you must be circumcised-as some say I do-why would the Jews persecute me? The fact that I am still being persecuted proves that I am still preaching salvation through the cross of Christ alone.
I only wish that those troublemakers who want to mutilate you by circumcision would mutilate themselves.[fn2]

Natty if you believe that you must keep the Law, please reconsider.

 

[Coconut]

Ok, I'm thinking you may just be bashing me over the head for no reason.
I'm just not sure you're understanding what I'm saying?

Come now...let us reason together ...(thats not called bashing)

Sure I understand what you are saying.

This is where, say what you mean, and mean what you say comes into play lol. If I present a statement as 'fact'...when it is not a 'fact'...in my quest for truth, I am glad if someone can show me where my statement is a fallacy or contains a fallacy. Nuff said

 

[Chad]

Who are the many who believe Jesus is the Torah in a living body?

If Jesus is the Law that means the law was crucified and then resurected and now sits at the right hand of God and all things are reconciled back to Father through the law's death on the Cross

Were you redeemed by the Law?

Paul clearly draws a contrast between the Law and Christ.

Galatians 5:1-12
So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law.
Listen! I, Paul, tell you this: If you are counting on circumcision to make you right with God, then Christ cannot help you.
I'll say it again. If you are trying to find favor with God by being circumcised, you must obey all of the regulations in the whole law of Moses.
For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God's grace. But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive everything promised to us who are right with God through faith.
For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, it makes no difference to God whether we are circumcised or not circumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love.
You were getting along so well. Who has interfered with you to hold you back from following the truth?
It certainly isn't God, for he is the one who called you to freedom.
But it takes only one wrong person among you to infect all the others-a little yeast spreads quickly through the whole batch of dough!
I am trusting the Lord to bring you back to believing as I do about these things. God will judge that person, whoever it is, who has been troubling and confusing you.
Dear brothers and sisters,[fn1] if I were still preaching that you must be circumcised-as some say I do-why would the Jews persecute me? The fact that I am still being persecuted proves that I am still preaching salvation through the cross of Christ alone.
I only wish that those troublemakers who want to mutilate you by circumcision would mutilate themselves.[fn2]

Natty if you believe that you must keep the Law, please reconsider.

Excellent explanation brother.

Law = exposes sin, no grace (deserving death)
Christ = payment for all sins (breaking the law)

We are under grace found in Jesus Christ. The Cross, study the Cross.

Why would anyone care to even attempt to live under law, I do not know. Its actually contradicting to call oneself a Christian when they're still living under the law.