Consider This...
Theological Thoughts to Encourage the Heart & Stir the Mind
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Volume I August 2011 Issue 33
In a world with 130 million (give or take a few) books, could there ever be the possibility of a completely unique book? Even if the selection of books were narrowed down to that of just sacred texts, ancient and modern, will they be, at their essence, the same or could there be a uniqueness found in any one of them? Most in the Christian community would answer these questions with a strong yes, there can be and there is a unique book in this world. The book that is held up is the Bible. It is this book that millions of people through the ages have relied upon to answer every question in life. It is this book that has sold more copies than any of the other 130 million books. It is this book that has been the greatest irritant to some while, to others, it is their most prized possession. No matter how one views this book, it is unique and stands by itself.
The subject of the uniqueness of Scripture is broken into two separate parts. There is the Apologetic approach and there is the Theological approach. The Apologetic approach shows the uniqueness of Scripture that is understood by both the believer and the unbeliever. This is a discussion that looks at the facts of the Bible that prove it is unique. The Theological approach is one that the believer accepts by faith and which does not prove its uniqueness but is its uniqueness. In the coming pages, we will explore each approach and build our understanding of the uniqueness of Scripture.
The first aspect of the apologetic approach to the uniqueness of Scripture is the unity found within its writings, in correlation to the number of authors and the years of separation between them. The Bible contains the writings of 40 authors, some who are separated by nearly 1600 years. Whether one believes in divine inspiration or not, the continuity between all of the passages is something at which to marvel. There are passages that seem to contradict each other. Oftentimes, when one takes a verse or two and aligns them with another small collection of verses, there is a contradiction between the statements. However, when each passage is viewed in its complete context, it is easy to see that they actually complement each other.
In light of other sacred texts, the Bible stands alone in this area. Sacred texts are broken into two categories of authorship. One is that of individual author. This is where one single author writes the decrees of “god” that are given to him. The other category is that of multiple authors where there is a hierarchy of truth. As time progresses, new writers write something that is different or even a contradiction to the previous writings. This is seen in many of the beliefs of Eastern and modern religions. The human authorship of the Bible is an area that proves the uniqueness of the Scriptures. It is evidence that can be clearly seen by all people.
The second apologetical aspect is that of the Bible’s space/time reality. This is the understanding that the Bible was written in real history. While other sacred texts often have a date of authorship, the Bible stands alone in its address to one culture and applicability to all cultures. The Old Testament is widely written to the people of Israel and the New Testament written to individual Churches. There are specific events in history that prompted the writing of Scripture. The story of the Bible unfolds in history and is worked out in the lives of real people.
The third aspect of the apologetical approach to the uniqueness of Scripture is that of its explanation of the world. The description of God, man, their relationship, evil, and salvation are totally unique in the writings of the Bible. No sacred text elevates God to the level of the Sovereign ruler over all. Only the Bible sees man as being completely dependent upon God, not only for Salvation but for life. Only the Bible expresses Salvation initiated and secured by God alone. The appeasement of sin, made by God alone, is never seen elsewhere. In other sacred texts, man is required to work or earn the salvation that is available. Evil is explained in a unique way; it is not seen as just two opposing forces, but as coming about because of a rejection of God. There was perfect fellowship between God and man before man decided to act on his own and turn from the instruction of God.
When the essential doctrines of the Bible are compared to the doctrines of other religions, it is clear to see that there is a uniqueness about the Word of God. Even the non-believing scholar cannot reject the difference seen within the Bible’s content. It is even seen in that the “Jesus-ethic” is oftentimes implanted into other religions.
These three reasons together make up the apologetical approach to the uniqueness of Scripture. It is within these that a great defense is given and great encouragement is gained. These are aspects that can be used as tools to aid the unbeliever in their views of the Bible. The world is becoming ever so small and contact with the world’s religions now occurs in one’s own neighborhood. It is imperative that we understand the uniqueness of Scripture, for it is a wonderful evangelistic tool.
The other approach to the uniqueness of Scripture is that of Theology. This has a more narrow focus in that it is hard for the unbeliever yet it is vital for the believer. This approach is singular as it deals with the authorship of the Bible.
While the Scriptures were written by men in history, it is also seen that the Scriptures were written entirely by God. We call this Inspiration. It is by this method of God using and guiding men that the uniqueness of Scripture is seen. All other sacred texts implore a dictation or conscience writing. Either the “god” told them word for word what to record or, by observation, the person wrote down that which was needed to create a peaceable society. In each of these, they lack a personality. The Bible, however, has great personality, both of the human author as well as the divine.
The uniqueness of Scripture, by itself, does not prove the truthfulness of Scripture, but it does give evidence and encouragement that the Bible is the true Word of God. This study is useful for both evangelism and surety in the Christian faith. While all other sacred texts claim to be the truth, they all lack the unique content that is found in the Bible. The Bible’s content is clearly that of the divine. This Divine has given us His Word in a personal and truthful way. It is our job to know, study, and grow in its content.
Sola Deo Gloria
John A. Frey III
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