Q: We believe in the ONE true God of the Holy Scriptures. How should we respond to those who believe that the Holy Bible is not inspired by God but man’s own interpretation – therefore, leaving them to create their own belief system?
A: [Good question] As Christians, we believe in the ONE true God of the Holy Scriptures. This is why we study theology. The term “theology” comes from the combination of theos (Greek for “god”) and logos (Greek for “word” or “dialogue”). Many scholars understand theology as a discussion or study of God. Theology involves several disciplines: Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, World Perspectives, Biblical Languages, Historical Theology, Philosophy of Religion, and Pastoral Studies.
It is also important to spend a little time answering those outside of Christendom that oppose a belief system in/of ONE true God. Let’s take a quick quiz. Answer the following two questions for discussion:
1. A__H__I__M – is the belief in no God?
2. A__N__S__I__I__M – is the belief of someone who does not know for sure that there is a God?
From this pop quiz, we can derive at the conclusion that there are those who believe that the Holy Bible is not inspired by God but man’s own interpretation. Therefore, they’ve created their own belief system. In 2 Corinthians 2:1‐7, the Apostle Paul stated, “Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”
In simple interpretation, Paul is saying:
(verses 1‐4): As we speak/teach the truth that’s been commended to us in this new life style, anyone proclaiming Jesus Christ must know that God is watching us, and therefore, we must speak the truth and not seek to please people. The gospel is open/revealed to everyone, except those who refuse to believe (interested in money and power) and make this world system their god.
(Verses 5‐6): Their focus should be on Christ, not on us; therefore, we have to be patient with them as they grow into maturity.
(Verse 7): The message of salvation has been entrusted to our frail bodies. The power of God is in us, but its God’s power, not ours.