Bibliology Bibliology is the doctrine of Scripture and revelation. The word Bible comes from the Greek word “biblia”, meaning books. This is the term that became associated specifically with “the books” of Christian scripture. In the ancient context, the word would have meant “scroll”. God has revealed Himself to mankind in two specific ways: General Revelation – This is God revealing Himself through creation, and is the broadest way to make Himself known. (Psalm 19:1-6) (Romans 1:19-20) General revelation is primarily a preparation for the gospel. It has no saving power in itself, but must be supplemented and corrected by a clearer and more direct revelation from God. Special Revelation – The understanding of God through the Scriptures. This has come through Christ (John 1:18) and through the Bible (1 John 5:9-12). 2 Timothy 2:16-17 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, that the the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” The Bible is a living book It was written by the Holy Spirit through men of old Written by 40 authors over 1600 years in different parts of the world It convicts, encourages, challenges, and equips There is no need for a revised version because it is perfect Why? So that we may be complete (brought to maturity). The Bible changes the way we think and the way we feel, which will affect how we live. The Bible: Infallible – It is completely trustworthy Inerrant – It is without error. The inerrancy of Scripture means that Scripture in the original manuscripts does not affirm anything that is contrary to fact. The Bible always tells the truth, and it always tells the truth concerning everything it talks about. Why does the Bible consist of these 66 books? Within early Christianity the idea of a “standard” by which someone discerned the proper books considered scripture was talked about under the category of what was or wasn’t “canonical”. Canon was first used to refer to a reed stick, which was a measuring rod. The main criteria of New Testament canonicity for the early Christians had to do with a writing’s connection to Jesus – either someone who knew Jesus directly, or someone who knew someone who knew him personally. 367 – Athanasius’s Festal Letter lists the complete New Testament canon (27 books) for the first time. This was the list of books accepted by the churches in the eastern part of the Mediterranean world. 397 – Council of Carthage establishes orthodox New Testament canon (27 books). These are the earliest final lists of our present-day canon. This canon was not a pronouncement but a recognition. Questions to consider: If we believe the Bible to be inerrant and trustworthy, and if it changes the way we think and feel, why is it so hard to take the time to read it? Is there a time when you couldn’t get enough of Scripture? What was going on in your life at the time? How did the Bible help you? What does your time with the Scripture look like now? What do you hope it will be? How does that become a reality?