When I feel afraid

Think I've lost my way,

Still you're there right beside me.

Nothing will I fear as long as you are near,

Please be near me to the end.

The Nature of the Bible Co | Dayo | De Guzman | Salud | Santos

What kind of book is the bible?

It is called, “the book of Books,” the book that exceeds all others and contains more than all others combined (Daniel-Rops, 1958).

According to Christian orthodoxy, the bible is the trustworthy written testimony to Jesus Christ (Ash, 2005).

Hebrews 1 says, God spoke in many and various ways.

Bible: Unique from all other ancient and

contemporary books?It was written over a 1600-year span, during 60 generations, and by more than 40 authors from every walk of life including kings, peasants, philosophers, fishermen, poets, statesmen, scholars, and others.

The Bible has been read by more people and published in more languages than any other book.

The Bible was the first book translated. (Septuagint, Greek Translation, 250 B.C)

The Bible has withstood vicious attacks by its enemies as no other book has.

Bible: Occupies an important place in our

hearts?Mirrors people’s lives and fits their mood of the moment

Magnificent songs of joy and gratitude

Words of consolation

What kind of a reality is the bible?

Two Contemporary Perspectives:

Liberal To take it literary.

ConservativeTo take it literally.

Is it truly God's word in a literal sense? The Bible is INSPIRED by God.

- Paul, Archtemeier.

How the Bible Got its Name

The word bible, came from BIBLIA which means “BOOKS” in Greek

Bible is originally a diminutive of BIBLOS which means ‘papyrus scroll’ in Semitic Origin

Can we find the word "Bible" in the Old and New

Testament? the word “BIBLE” was coined by Middle English, BIBLIA was the Latin word for bible.

When did the use of the word "Bible" start?

The ENGLISH LANGUAGE bible was:

Written on: 1380s

Written by: an OXFORD professor, John Wycliffe.

The First Official Published Bible

The GENEVA BIBLE1560’s and 1644

First printed in Geneva, Switzerland

by refugees from England

John Calvin, John Knox, Myles Coverdale, John Foxe, and other Reformers.

Brought to America by the Mayflower

90% foundation of the King James Bible.

Divine Revelation

REVELATION is the content used to fill the gap between humans and God and thus be saved.

Bible: A Library of Books?

The Bible contains 24 books in the Old Testament, while in the New Testament, there are 4 narratives of Jesus’ life (Gospels), a theological account of the early church (acts), 21 letters, and an apocalypse (Harris, 1981).

Literary Forms of the Bible

Figurative LanguageRepresents the concept in terms of another

Examples:

Metaphor"The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer" (2 Sam. 22:3).

Personification"Destruction and Death say, 'We have heard a report about it with our ears'" (Job 28:22).

Narrative

Examples:

Heroic Narrative Story of Abraham (Gen. 12-25), Jacob (Gen. 27-35), Joseph (Gen. 37-50), Ruth, Esther and Daniel

TragedySamson (Judges 13-16), Adam and Eve (Gen. 3), Saul (1 Sam. 9-31), and Solomon (1 Kings 1-11;2 2 Chron. 1-9)

Literary Forms of the Bible

Literary Forms of the Bible

Poetry

Example:

Climactic parallelism Give unto the Lord, O you mighty ones,Give unto the Lord glory and strength.Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name (Ps. 29:1-2a).

Literary Forms of the Bible

Pastoral LiteratureUses the imagery of rural poetry in a rustic setting to portray a feeling

Example:

Psalm 23 takes the reader through a day in the life of a shepherd who cares for his sheep from morning to night. The psalmist uses these images to express God's gracious care for His people.

Literary Forms of the Bible

Wisdom LiteratureStresses that the basis for true success in skillful living is the fear of the LordGenerally expressed in poetic terms

Some of the Psalms (1, 37, 119) and much of the book of James can also be categorized as wisdom literature.

Literary Forms of the Bible

Prophetic Literature

Example:

Book of Jonah and Amos 4.

Literary Forms of the Bible

OratoryArt of speaking in public with force & eloquence

Example:

Solomon’s sermon and prayer at the dedication of the temple in 2 Chronicles 6, Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7), book of Acts (apostle Paul as a skillful and effective orator)

Literary Forms of the Bible

EpistleMay be formal or informal long letter, but all bear the mark of apostolic authority

Purpose of the Bible

(Stott, 2003)

The purpose of the Bible is to reveal Christ and his salvation (John 1:1, Acts 2:38).

SALVATION is far more than merely the forgiveness of sins including the whole sweep of God’s purpose to redeem and restore humankind and all creation.

Bible: Controversial until now?

There are boundless views, perceptions, interpretations, and translations of the Bible from different people with different religions, beliefs, and backgrounds.

(Judd, 2002)

Philosophical: Does God really exist?• Can evil exist and there still be a God?• Does God have absolute knowledge of the future?• Can morality exist without religion?

Doctrinal: • Is there only one way to receive salvation?• Is acceptance of Christ alone sufficient for salvation? • Was Jesus Christ the son of God?• Is the family primary in God's plan?

Social: • Is abortion wrong?• Is capital punishment wrong?• Does the Bible forbid same-sex relationships?

Religion and science: • Does the theory of evolution explain the origins of humanity?• Does religious commitment improve mental health?

Political: • Is war ever justified?• Should there be a strict separation between church and state?

References

References