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The Holy Word of the Sacred Scriptures is provided by the Almighty Himself to the world to help them, guide them, mentor them and provide a way to the salvation of human souls. The Bible is also called the inspired word or "the word of God". It records the interaction of the Almighty with historical people and nations. It reveals the meaning of life and the responsibility of human beings to their Creator. The Bible is actually a collection of books, some long, some short. This book of books is the world’s all-time best seller and the world’s most translated book.
It is stated that the Roman Catholic Church, at the Council of Nicea, selected which writings to include, deciding what books were inspired while rejecting others as uninspired. If this assertion is true, the problem is immediately apparent: considering how many unscriptural beliefs are taught and practiced by the Roman Catholic Church, how can one be assured that the modern Bible is the word of Almighty? What if the Roman Catholic Church rejected some books that should have been included? If Catholicism is responsible for our modern Bible, how can we be sure it is correct?
The idea that the Roman Catholic Church is solely responsible for providing the world with the Holy Bible comes from, not surprisingly, the Roman Catholics themselves. They clearly spell out the reasoning used for this incredible claim:
It was the Catholic Church which gathered up all these books (of the New Testament), placed them within the covers of a single volume, and thus gave to the world what is known today as the Bible:
1. The New Testament was written in its entirety by Catholics. 2. St. Peter, the first pope of the Catholic Church, is the author of two of its epistles. 3. The Catholic Church determined the canon (A collection or list of sacred books accepted as genuine) or list of books to constitute the New Testament. 4. The declaration of the Catholic Church that the books of the New Testament are all inspired by God constitutes the sole authority for the universal belief of both Catholics and Protestants in their inspired character. 5. The Catholic Church existed before the New Testament. 6. The Catholic Church is the mother of the New Testament.
If she had not scrutinized carefully the writings of her children, rejecting some and approving others as worthy of inclusion in the canon of the New Testament, there would be no New Testament today. If she had not declared the books composing the New Testament to be the inspired word of God, we would not know it.
The author of this incredible statement is being intentionally misleading. He is deliberately twisting the words in a crafty manner. By using the term 'Catholic Church' throughout, one is led to assume that the church being referred to is the Roman Catholic Church. However, this is deceptive. The facts of history prove that the Roman Catholic Church did not come into existence until several hundred years after the New Testament was written. Therefore, the Roman Catholic Church could not, in point of fact, be 'the mother of the New Testament' nor could it have 'existed before the New Testament.' Therefore, the writers of the New Testament could not have been Roman Catholics.
And here is where the deliberate deception enters. The claim is made about the 'Catholic Church' not the 'Roman Catholic Church' as most readers would assume. The word 'catholic' simply means 'universal.' So in that sense, it could be argued that the writers of the New Testament were of the 'universal' body of believers which did, in fact, exist, before New Testament times. However, the implication that it is only the declaration of the Roman Catholic Church 'that the books of the New Testament are all inspired by God constitutes the sole authority for the universal belief of both Catholics and Protestants in their inspired character' is both incorrect and blasphemous.
Such a statement weakens the authority of the Bible and places the Roman Catholic Church in a position superior to Scripture. If the Word of YAH is holy only because the pope declares it to be so, that places the pope in a more important position than the Almighty Himself, the divine Author.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. {2 Timothy 3:16, 17}
It is important to understand that no church and no action of men are responsible for the Holy Scripture. No council somehow made a book 'inspired'. When people discover that Nicea did not decide the canon, the follow up question is usually, 'Which council did decide the canon?' Surely we could not have a canon without some sort of authoritative, official act of the church by which it was decided. And we have a canon because some group of men somewhere voted on it. Right?
This whole line of reasoning reveals a fundamental assumption about the New Testament canon that needs to be corrected, namely, that it was (or had to be) decided by a church council. The fact is that when we look into early church history there is no such council. Sure, there are regional church councils that made declarations about the canon. But these regional councils did not just 'pick' books they happened to like, but affirmed the books that worked as foundational documents for the complete set of scripture. In other words, these councils were declaring the way things had been, not the way they wanted them to be. Thus, these councils did not create, authorize, or determine the canon. They simply were part of the process of recognizing a canon that was already there.
A person might be considering how to study the Bible the best way. Many people feel very insecure, even frightened to study for themselves. They want to be told what to believe by an authority figure. Many people assume that what their pastor or church tells them is right and true and they need not apply understanding to apprehend the same, as it would be a dishonor of the things told to them by the pastors of the church. And since, the pastors or the church officials are dedicated to preach the Holy Word and the truth, they know more than any individual does. The Roman Church reserves to the clergy the right to interpret the Scriptures. On the ground that ecclesiastics alone are competent to explain Holy Word, it is withheld from the common people. Though the Reformation gave the Scriptures to all, yet the selfsame principle which was maintained by Rome prevents multitudes in Protestant churches from searching the Bible for themselves. They are taught to accept its teachings as interpreted by the church; and there are thousands who dare receive nothing, however plainly revealed in the Scriptures, that is contrary to their creed, or the established teachings of their church.
We should exert all the powers of the mind in the study of the Scriptures, and should task the understanding to comprehend, as far as mortals can, the limitless things of the Almighty; yet we must not forget that the honesty and submission of a child is the true spirit of the learner. Scriptural difficulties can never be mastered by the same methods that are employed in understanding the philosophical problems. People of good educational backgrounds usually consider themselves intelligent enough and think that the sacred scriptures are more of stories. Education teaches us how to make a living, the Holy Scriptures teach us how to live. We should not engage in the study of the Bible with that self-reliance with which so many enter in to the domains of science, but with a prayerful dependence upon the Almighty, and a sincere desire to learn His will, we should begin to read the Bible. We must come with a humble and teachable spirit to obtain knowledge from the great I AM. Otherwise, forces of darkness will so blind our minds and harden our hearts that we will not be impressed by the truth of the Holy Scriptures.
In an overview, a set of good, easily and safely applicable guidelines would include to start with prayer. Realize that if we are beginning to study and understand the Holy Word, we would need His assistance. Just like a professor of a particular subject would guide his students, similarly the all-knowing, all-pervading, omnipresent, all-powerful, the only true, living Almighty will assist us in understanding His will through His Holy Word. Study verse by verse, comparing scripture with scripture, which a good practice, as it enables us to comprehend the established truth by the consistency observed throughout the scriptures. Be a doer of the Holy Word and more importantly, have faith in Yahushua and His Word. It is good to start studying in a chronological order from the Old Testament to the New Testament, but a reader may also start with any book or chapter of interest.
Many translations of the Bible are available in the world today, with KJV being the most authentic and widely accepted version in english translations. It is still the preferred version, as the modern time translations make the Holy Word of little or no effect and many a times restricts the translation to the understanding level of the translators. Other versions or translations can be referred to and compared with the KJ version in case a person wants to understand a particular verse which is difficult to interpret or understand. Since the Bible has been a subject of controversy with the non-believers, it has been often disregarded and presented incorrectly while interpreting it's verses and it is a possibility that it's changed meaning or altered meaning versions be available. Hence it is important to determine or know, while studying any other versions/translations, that they are authentic and accurately translated. A truth seeker might consider other versions keeping KJ version as the standard. A more accurate and comprehensive study might involve studying the original Hebrew Scriptures, if one has access to the same, to get exact and multifaceted understanding of the scriptures, since many languages do not offer the exact translations of the words that are available in the Hebrew language.
Another important point is related to taking the ownership of the Holy Word. Those who try to understand the Word or the prophecies by solely relying on their own intellectual ability or mental strength are in turn taking the ownership of the Word, which is a serious mistake. This is because the ownership of the Holy Word lies with the Heavenly Father alone. Yahushua presents this truth when He said that He does not claim the authority of what He speaks, but the ownership is with the Heavenly Father.
I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. {John 5:30}
For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. {John 12:49}
Taking ownership of the Word is like walking in the rain of doubts without the protection of umbrella in the form of the faith in Yahushua. In such situations and in an attempt to justify their understanding of the Word, there is every possibility that those people will come up with false or complex (unrequired) doctrines. Similarly, those who are proud of or rely on their own intellectual ability, religious merits or knowledge of salvation are actually putting obstacles in their path to follow the Saviour, wherever He leads us.
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. {2 Peter 1:20-21}
A common mistake which is to be avoided is to build an entire belief on a single text, ignoring other texts that would change the meaning or interpretation of the one proof text. It is correct that the Almighty has provided His Word to the people to make them wise, knowledgeable and to prepare the people for Heaven, but this does not mean, however, that a single verse can be used as the basis for a doctrine while other verses on the subject are ignored. When this method of studying the truth is followed, it leads to serious mistakes regarding understanding of the scriptures, leading to false doctrine and spiritual pride. Nothing is more dangerous than false doctrines and spiritual pride. It is extremely difficult to get anyone who is spiritually proud to study with an open mind. Since the truth is consistent and remains the same, irrespective of the times or ages, it never contradicts with the other truths of the scriptures. Thus it is important that before arriving at any conclusion or doctrine, it should be examined that the conclusion does not contradicts with other verses, texts or scriptures of the Holy Word. And as the Almighty helps us grow in understanding and wisdom, we might come to know that our understanding of the verse or scripture was restricted or of surface level, hence it is also important to make provisions for any corrections or improvements as we come to know of the more accurate meanings or truths of the scriptures.
For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little. {Isaiah 28:10}
The truths most plainly revealed in the Bible have been involved in doubt and darkness by learned men, who, with a pretense of great wisdom, teach that the Scriptures have a mystical, a secret, spiritual meaning not apparent in the language employed. These men are false teachers. It was to such a class that Yahushua declared,
Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. {Matthew 22:29}
Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. {1 John 4:1}
Notwithstanding the Bible is full of warnings against false teachers, many are ready thus to commit the keeping of their souls to the clergy. There are today thousands of professors of religion who can give no other reason for points of faith which they hold than that they were so instructed by their religious leaders. They pass by the Saviour's teachings almost unnoticed, and place implicit confidence in the words of the ministers. Many a portion of Scripture which learned men pronounce a mystery, or pass over as unimportant, is full of comfort and instruction to him who has been taught in the school of Yahushua. One reason why many theologians have no clearer understanding of His Word is, they close their eyes to truths which they do not wish to practice. Many a pastors and churches acknowledge worldliness and preach only those verses which people wish to hear, and does not interfere with their worldly matters. An understanding of Bible truth depends not so much on the power of intellect brought to the search, as on the singleness of purpose, the earnest longing after righteousness. The language of the Bible should be explained according to its obvious meaning, unless a symbol or figure is employed. Yahushua has given the promise, "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." {John 7:17}. If men would but take the Bible as it reads, if there were no false teachers to mislead and confuse their minds, a work would be accomplished that would bring into the fold of Yahushua thousands upon thousands who are now wandering in error and darkness.
The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. {Psalms 119:130}
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. {Psalms 32:8}
Many claim that it matters not what one believes, if his life is only right. But the life is moulded by the faith. If light and truth is within our reach, and we neglect to improve the privilege of hearing and seeing it, we virtually reject it; we are choosing darkness rather than light. It is impossible for us, with the Bible within our reach, to honor the Almighty by erroneous opinions.
The Bible should never be studied without prayer. The Holy Spirit alone can cause us to feel the importance of those things easy to be understood, or prevent us from wresting truths difficult of comprehension. It is the office of heavenly angels to prepare the heart so to comprehend the Holy Word that we shall admire its perfectness, warned by its prophecies, protected by its truthfulness, or strengthened by its promises. We should make the psalmist's prayer our own, "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." {Psalms 119:18}. Temptations often appear irresistible because, through neglect of prayer and the study of the Bible, the tempted one cannot readily remember Almighty's promises and meet powers of darkness with the Scripture weapons. But angels are round about those who are willing to be taught in divine things; and in the time of great necessity, they will bring to their remembrance the very truths which are required.
There are many inspirational writings available in the world, that provide a good level of understanding, but none of them are complete, since only the Holy Word of the Sacred Scriptures are complete in themselves.
Of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. {Ecclesiastes 12:12}
No one knowingly chooses to cling to error, but often it is done through ignorance and love of tradition. No one should look to any other human, be that person a pastor, church official, parent, spouse or teacher, to define what is truth. Age does not make error into truth. You are answerable to the Almighty for yourself and therefore must study for yourself. No one can be saved for you. If you would be saved and escape the destruction, you must search for, accept and obey truth for yourself.
Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD. {Ezekiel 14:14}
It is the first and highest duty of every rational being to learn from the Scriptures what is truth, and then to walk in the light, and encourage others to follow the example. We should day by day study the Bible diligently, weighing every thought, and comparing scripture with scripture. With divine help, we are to form our opinions for ourselves, as we are to answer for ourselves before the Almighty.
It is not the Almighty’s plan that every doubt will be answered this side of eternity. If every doubt were resolved and every question answered, there would be no room for faith and it is by conflict with doubts or assumptions, that the faith in the Almighty and His Word is strengthened.
The Almighty has given us His word that we may become acquainted with its teachings, and know for ourselves what He requires of us. It is not enough to have good intentions; it is not enough to do what a man thinks is right, or what the minister tells him is right. His soul's salvation is at stake, and he should search the Scriptures for himself. However strong may be his convictions, however confident he may be that the minister knows what is truth, this is not his foundation. He has a chart pointing out every way mark on the heavenward journey as laid down in the Holy Scriptures, and he should not guess at anything. A man traveling, comes to a place where there are several roads, and a guide-board indicating where each one leads. If he disregards the guide-board, and takes whichever road seems to him to be right, he may be ever so sincere, but will in all probability find himself on the incorrect path.
Never be afraid to study for yourself. Never be afraid to be the only one you know to hold a particular belief. If your beliefs have been studied out in Scripture, by comparing texts and are in harmony with the verses, you might have to stand alone, but all of Heaven stands behind you.
Study for yourself to know what is truth. Do not take your pastor’s word for it; do not take the word of friends or family. Studying truth, comparing everything to the Bible for correctness and genuineness, is a sacred obligation. With honest searching and prayers over time, the Almighty will help us understand the scriptures, as our understanding and His will allows.
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