Scholars often break apart texts and historical accounts in
order to write scholarly documents for a doctoral thesis. They will frequently say that changes in
someone’s writing style over the years must mean that those later works are not
written by the original author. This is
especially true in prophetic books where the writing is about future events
that the author has not experienced. Rather
than believe God gave this information to the author it is easier to say a
later author added to the book. Isaiah
has been broken up in this way for centuries and yet Jesus Himself quoted this
book on numerous occasions and declared the author to be Isaiah.
One problem with this ‘scholar’s view’ of scripture is that
scholars tend to discount the ‘God Breathed’ nature of the Hebrew (Old
Testament) and Greek (New Testament) scriptures. It has been said that Mark was Peter’s
amanuensis or secretary, and yet all Peter’s works are divinely inspired. Either Peter wrote those works or Mark took
dictation word by word.
In the Torah (Pentateuch) when it speaks of a pregnant
woman, the value of the Hebrew letters that describe this condition add up to
the same number of days that a woman carries a child. What does this tell us? It says that God not only told Moses and the
other writers what to write word by word, but in the case of Moses and the
others, God told them what to write letter by letter. He broke it down so we would have proof of
the divine inspiration of scripture.
A REMEZ is a hint
of God’s handiwork shining through. If
two disparate (markedly different) words add up to the same number in Hebrew or
Greek (whose letters all have numerical values), it is likely that those two
words are somehow linked together. This
is why it is imperative that our study of scripture goes beyond the simple
plain text as offered by an interpreter.
We must learn to cherish the original text and through the use of
computer translators learn how to break the original down.
If the Holy Spirit went to the effort of naming a series of
workmen or children, it is for more than historical reasons. It may be that He wants you to look up the
meaning of every one of those names and string those meanings together or it
might just mean – as in the case of Abraham’s servant Eleazar – that the name
means ‘Comforter’ and is an allusion to the Holy Spirit.
Modern scholars tend to believe Isaiah was written by three
men. In this case do not place too much
faith on there being three separate authors.
It is enough that Jesus quoted from it and called it Isaiah’s work. When someone brings into question the different
styles of an author, they also bring into question whether the real author is
God or man’s imagination.
Romans 1:21 Because
that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful;
but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22
Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools… Is it any wonder that rather than call
themselves teachers they have chosen the title of ‘professor.’ This chapter goes on to say that this
excessive over thinking of life’s processes leads to homosexuality and other
life damaging sins.
Why?
Because they do not accept the existence of God and
therefore will not accept His rules or instruction. If some professors do believe in a greater
power or heavenly influence over our lives, they will not give Him the honor He
is due as our heavenly Father and Lord.
They feel they must keep themselves in control of their own destiny and
protect themselves from any ridicule they might suffer. ‘Professors’ who believe the Word of God is miraculous
and flawless are cast down in the court of public educational opinion and
tossed out on their ears.
Because scripture is perfect and without error (in the
original), God does not allow it to be watered down in any way. This is obvious in Revelation 22 which says,
“19 For I testify unto every man that
heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these
things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 20
And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God
shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and
from the things which are written in this book.
If anyone adds their own opinions to certain doctrines
contained in scripture they will be cursed with plagues. We have seen this happen time and time
again. Most recently in this country,
men and women state that God loves and accepts them when their lifestyle goes
against scripture. When someone removes
various doctrines they will be removed from the book of life. This is more difficult to observe, but
equally frightening. If you say God will
not judge you or that it ‘doesn’t take all that’ then you simply will not make
it in on ‘that day.’
Scripture was closed with the book of the Revelation of
Jesus Christ. After that moment there
could not be any other additions. Every
religion and revelation that goes against this finished work of God is forever
cursed. There are no new scriptures after
the time of Christ. Any new
‘non-scriptural’ revelations such as those contained in Islam, Mormonism or
others are sufficient to curse their followers to Hell. Sadly, scripture says that many will follow
these paths to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14).
Beloved, the 66 books contained in scripture will serve you
well in your knowledge of God. They are
miraculous and inspired by God. Never
doubt His promises and you will not be disappointed by life’s trials.
“…and having done all to stand, stand therefore.”
Bishop J
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