Microsoft Word - ChristianityNotReligionBkMSS.doc

(WallPaper) #1

(John 20:31). The purpose of the Scriptures is to lead one to
receive the life that is in Christ Jesus.
The apostle Paul reminds Timothy of the value of the
written record, urging him to "continue in the things you
have learned and become convinced of, knowing from
whom you have learned them; and that from childhood you
have known the sacred writings which are able to give you
the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in
Christ Jesus" (II Timothy 3:14,15). The translation reads
"sacred writings," but there is no intrinsic sacredness or
holiness in the writings themselves, as has been previously
noted. Paul was simply referring to the "God-given
writings." The purpose of the writings is that they are "able
to give...wisdom..." The God-given writings serve as a
vehicle, an instrument, that the Spirit of God uses to impart
the spiritual wisdom and discernment necessary to
understand spiritual things in order that one might see their
need for functionally restorative salvation, which comes
only by the receptivity of the activity of the Savior, Jesus
Christ. The Scriptures serve an instrumental means, but are
not a salvific means in themselves.
Paul continues his words to Timothy by explaining, "all
Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for

Free download pdf