THE NEW TESTAMENT EXPRESSES GOD'S WILL
Posted by: henkf <henkf@...>
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THE NEW TESTAMENT EXPRESSES GOD'S WILL
INTRO. The New Testament, as we have it, was not given in written form all at once. It developed much like the Old Testament, in degrees and over a period of time. Each letter was accepted by churches when it was endorsed with apostolic approval. In addition to the Old Testament prophecies, the oral teaching of inspired apostles and prophets, the collection of writings became a growing resource for confirming what the will of God is.
I. CAN WE TRUST THE NEW TESTAMENT CANON OF SCRIPTURE?
A. The word "canon" has reference to the rule or measure that is used to determine what books should and should not be included as inspired and authoritative.
B. Four tests were used in determining the merit and authenticity of the books that would be accepted as divine scripture.
1. Was the book written by an apostle, or one who sustained a close relationship to the apostles? 2. Are the contents of such spiritual character as to entitle it to this rank? 3. Was it unquestionably and generally received? 4. Does the book give evidence of being divinely inspired?
C. The collection of prophetic-apostolic writings began early to be equated with the scriptures and read from church to church as fully inspired.
1. The apostles claimed that their words carried divine authority. 1 Cor.2:7-13; 14:37; 1 Thess.2:13; Rev.1:3 2. The apostles commanded the public reading of their writings. 1 Thess. 5:27; Col.4:16,17; 2 Thess.2:15; 2 Pet.1:15; 3:1,2 3. Apostolic writings were called "scripture" like the Old Testament. Look at 1 Tim.5:18 with Matt.10:10; Lk.10:7. See also 2 Pet.3:15,16
D. Over time the oral teaching (Acts 2:42) had to be compared with "that which is written"(1 Cor.4:6), and the written word finally became the sole source of authority as the apostles and prophets died off. Oral teaching (Acts 2:42; Phil.4:9; 1 Thess.2:13; Jude 17) was gradually shaped into a more permanent form (Eph.3:3-5; John.20:30-31; 1 Cor.4:14; 5:11; 14:37; 1 John.1:4; Jude 3).
II. THE NEW TESTAMENT IS GOD'S FINAL REVELATION.
A. God's promise was that He would give a "new covenant" that would be unlike the Old Sinai covenant. Jer.31:31-34
1. This came true in the days of the apostles. Heb.8:13 2. God's law went forth from Jerusalem. Isa.2:3; Acts 2:42
B. The New Testament was mediated to us through Jesus. Heb.9:15-17; 8:6-13; 1:1
1. It was dedicated and ratified by His blood. Matt.26:28 2. His death took away the old covenant. Heb.10:9-10; Eph.2:14-17; Col.2:14-17; Gal.3:24,25
C. The apostles were Jesus' chosen Ambassadors. Lk.24:46-48; Acts 1:8; 2 Cor.5:18,20
1. Their words carried authority as the very words of Christ. Matt.10:40; Lk.10:16; John.13:20; 1 Cor.14:37 2. Their words were guided by the Holy Spirit. John.14:26; 15:26,27; 16:13; Gal.1:11,12; Eph.3:3
CONCLUSION: If the New Testament expresses the will of Jesus, then: 1) we must study it to know His will, 2) we must not go beyond it (2John.9), and 3) we must believe that its author was wise enough to include "all" He wanted. 2 Tim.3:16-17; 2 Pet.1:3
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QUESTIONS TO PONDER
1. What is meant by "canon" of scripture?
2. What tests were used to determine which writings would be considered inspired scriptures?
3. Did the apostles claim that their words carried authority?
4. Is there evidence that the apostle's writings were viewed as "scripture"?
5. Are we living under a law of Christ? Give reference. Look up in a concordance.
6. Does the New Testament express all of Christ's will for today?
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