What do YOU believe about The Bible?
Introduction
In our series of “Early Quaker Beliefs” we have discussed God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. If you haven’t caught these topics, you can see the articles in previous newsletters or on our website at spicelandfriends.org. The topic this month is what we believe about the Holy Scriptures. Below is the statement from “Faith and Practice” as well as a simple explanation.
Belief Statement from Faith and Practice About The Holy Scripture
It has ever been, and still is, the belief of the Religious Society of Friends that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament were given by inspiration of God; that, therefore, there can be no appeal from them to any other authority whatsoever; that they are able to make wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Jesus Christ. “These are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.” The Scriptures are the only divinely authorized record of the doctrines which we are bound, as Christians, to accept, and of the moral principles which are to regulate our actions. No one can be required to believe, as an article of faith, any doctrine which is not contained in them; and whatsoever anyone says or does, contrary to the Scriptures, though under profession of the immediate guidance of the Holy Spirit, must be reckoned and accounted a mere delusion. Where Christ presides, idle speculation is hushed; His doctrine is learned in the doing of His will, and all knowledge ripens into a deeper and richer experience of His truth and love.
Summary of Belief Statement
We believe that the Holy Scriptures are just that. We hold fast to 2 Timothy 3:16 which says “All Scripture is God breathed…” Although penned by man’s hand Scripture is breathed (inspired) by God. Since this is true we also believe that Holy Scripture is without error. Being from God and without error means there is no other authority over the Bible. We believe that the written, read, and spoken Scripture is alive and able to bring the human heart to a right relationship with God. We believe that committed Christ followers are given the Holy Spirit to help the believer’s mind more clearly understand God’s Word. However, the Holy Spirit would never communicate something to us that is different from God’s Holy Scripture. Regardless of what our personal, selfish thoughts whisper to us, God’s Holy Word should always stand firm in authority.
Eric is our associate pastor, working with outreach and youth ministry as well as adult discipleship and growth. Eric retired from a 28-year career in public education as a high school band director in 2019 and is now living his lifelong dream as a pastor. Eric and his wife, Diana, continue to live in Henry County where they have been lifetime residents. They "raised" three children and are now making their best attempt at "raising" themselves.