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Can Christians Truly Rely Solely on God's Words?

The Claim: Sole Reliance on God's Words


Some Christians assert, "I totally and truly only rely upon God's Words." This statement suggests that their faith and understanding are based purely on the biblical text, without any intermediary influences. While this claim reflects a commendable commitment to Scripture, it oversimplifies the complex process by which the Bible has been transmitted, translated, and interpreted over the centuries. It also overlooks the essential role that various scholars and resources play in providing access to and understanding of the biblical text.



The Importance of Original Languages


Hebrew and Greek Texts


The original languages of the Bible are Hebrew, Aramaic (for portions of the Old Testament), and Koine Greek (for the New Testament). Most modern Christians do not read these languages, which raises an important question: How can one claim to rely solely on God's Words without engaging with the original texts?


Psalm 119:89: "Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens."

The psalmist's declaration underscores the enduring nature of God's Word, but the practical reality of accessing that Word involves navigating the linguistic and historical context in which it was originally given.


The Role of Translators


Given that the majority of believers do not read biblical Hebrew or Koine Greek, they depend on translations. Translators play a crucial role in bridging the gap between the original texts and contemporary readers. These translators rely on a wealth of scholarship, including textual criticism, lexicography, and historical studies, to provide accurate and readable versions of the Bible.


2 Timothy 3:16-17: "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."


This passage emphasizes the divine inspiration of Scripture, but the process of making these inspired texts available to modern readers involves significant scholarly effort.



The Transmission of the Biblical Text


Copyists and Manuscripts


Before the invention of the printing press, the Bible was copied by hand. This painstaking process was carried out by scribes who dedicated their lives to preserving the text. While this labor of love ensured the survival of the Scriptures, it also introduced the potential for scribal errors.


Jeremiah 36:23: "Whenever Jehudi had read three or four columns, the king would cut them off with a knife and throw them into the fire in the brazier, until the entire scroll was consumed in the fire that was in the brazier."


This account of King Jehoiakim burning Jeremiah’s scroll highlights the fragility of ancient manuscripts and the challenges faced in preserving the biblical text.


Textual Criticism


Textual criticism is the scholarly discipline that seeks to reconstruct the original text of the Bible by comparing the thousands of extant manuscripts. This field has been crucial in identifying and correcting scribal errors, thus providing a more accurate text for translators to work from.


1 Peter 1:24-25: "For 'All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.'"


The enduring nature of God's Word is maintained through the rigorous work of textual critics who ensure that the text we read today is as close as possible to the original writings.



The Contribution of Lexicographers and Translators


Lexicography


Lexicographers compile dictionaries that provide definitions for words in the original languages of the Bible. These resources are indispensable for translators, who rely on them to understand the nuances and meanings of biblical terms.


Nehemiah 8:8: "They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading."


This verse illustrates the importance of explaining the text clearly, a task that requires a deep understanding of the original languages facilitated by lexicographers.


Translation Process


Bible translation is a complex task that involves not only linguistic skills but also theological sensitivity and cultural awareness. Translators must balance fidelity to the original text with the need to make the Scriptures understandable to modern readers.


Acts 8:30-31: "So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, 'Do you understand what you are reading?' And he said, 'How can I, unless someone guides me?'"


This interaction between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch highlights the necessity of guidance and explanation in understanding Scripture, a role that translators and scholars fulfill for contemporary believers.



The Role of Biblical Scholars and Resources


Biblical Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, and Study Tools


Many Christians use additional resources such as Bible dictionaries, encyclopedias, word study books, and atlases to deepen their understanding of Scripture. These tools provide historical context, cultural background, and linguistic insights that enhance the reading and interpretation of the Bible.


Proverbs 4:7: "The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight."


Acquiring wisdom and insight into the Scriptures often involves consulting various scholarly resources that shed light on the text.


The Teaching of Scholars


Biblical scholars in seminaries and universities devote their lives to studying the Scriptures and teaching others. Their work ensures that the next generation of pastors, translators, and laypeople are equipped with a deep and accurate understanding of the Bible.


Ephesians 4:11-12: "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ."

This passage underscores the importance of teachers in the Christian community, whose role is to equip believers for effective ministry.



The Historical Continuity of Biblical Scholarship


The Chain of Teaching


The knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures have been passed down through generations of scholars and teachers. This chain of teaching stretches back to the early church and continues to the present day.


2 Timothy 2:2: "And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."


This instruction from Paul to Timothy highlights the ongoing process of teaching and transmission of biblical knowledge.


Reliance on Scholarly Work


Christians today rely on the cumulative work of countless scholars who have contributed to the field of biblical studies. These scholars have produced critical texts, translations, commentaries, and study aids that make the Bible accessible and understandable.


1 Corinthians 12:28: "And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues."


The inclusion of teachers in this list emphasizes the vital role they play in the church, a role that includes making the Scriptures comprehensible to all believers.



The Necessity of Humility and Gratitude


Acknowledging Our Dependence


While it is commendable to have a high view of Scripture and a desire to rely solely on God's Word, it is essential to acknowledge the many individuals and resources that God has used to make His Word available and understandable to us.


James 1:17: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."

The availability of reliable biblical texts and translations is a gift from God, facilitated by the efforts of many faithful scholars and translators.


Gratitude for Scholars and Translators


Christians should be grateful for the scholars, translators, and teachers who have dedicated their lives to studying, preserving, and explaining the Scriptures. Their work enables believers to access and understand God's Word more fully.


Colossians 3:15-16: "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom..."


This passage encourages believers to let the word of Christ dwell richly among them, which is made possible through the collective efforts of the Christian scholarly community.


Trusting the Process: God’s Use of Imperfect Humans in Preserving His Word


Setting aside the Bible authors who were inspired and moved along by the Holy Spirit, it is evident that God places His trust in imperfect humans throughout history to copy manuscripts, restore the original words of the Bible, translate the Scriptures into common languages, and create essential lexical resources. While the Bible writers were divinely inspired, the subsequent generations of scribes, scholars, translators, lexicographers, and educators were not. Nevertheless, their work has been crucial in preserving and transmitting the Word of God.


God has entrusted the monumental task of preserving His Word to fallible humans, which implies that we can also place a measure of trust in the scholarly process. This trust does not imply blind faith in every individual or every translation but rather a recognition of the diligent and meticulous work that has gone into preserving the Scriptures. For example, textual scholars work painstakingly to restore the original texts, translators labor to render these texts into the vernacular languages, and lexicographers compile lexicons that aid in understanding the nuances of biblical languages. Professors and educators then pass on this knowledge, ensuring that the next generation is equipped to engage deeply with the Scriptures.


However, not all scholars and translations can be trusted equally. Some employ interpretive translation philosophies instead of a literal approach, potentially introducing theological biases. Others may adhere to liberal textual principles that stray from the goal of reconstructing the original words. There are lexicographers and translators whose theological perspectives might influence their work, and some scholars lean on higher criticism, which can undermine the authority of Scripture.


To navigate these challenges, Christians must be discerning and diligent. This involves investing time in finding the most accurate translations, critical texts, word study books, Bible dictionaries, commentaries, and encyclopedias. By "best," we mean those resources that strive for the highest degree of fidelity to the original texts. This pursuit requires a commitment to rigorous study and a reliance on the Holy Spirit for discernment.


Proverbs 2:1-5: "My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God."


This passage highlights the importance of actively seeking wisdom and understanding, which applies to our approach to biblical scholarship. By carefully selecting the most reliable and accurate resources, believers can ensure that their study of God's Word is grounded in truth. Ultimately, while God has entrusted imperfect humans with preserving His Word, He also provides the wisdom and tools necessary for us to discern and rely on the most faithful representations of His divine revelation.



Conclusion


The claim to rely solely on God's Words, while well-intentioned, oversimplifies the reality of how the Bible has been preserved, transmitted, and made understandable to modern readers. Acknowledging the vital role of scholars, translators, and various resources enriches our appreciation of Scripture and enhances our ability to engage with God's Word deeply and faithfully. Through humility and gratitude, believers can embrace the fullness of God's provision in making His Word accessible and clear to all who seek to understand it.


About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).


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