The Standard

The American College Dictionary defines the word standard like this:

Standard - An authoritative model or measure, a pattern for guidance, by comparison with which the quantity, excellence, or correctness of other things may be determined.

We use standards in our everyday life all the time.  We have Safety Standards for our Ladders, Helmets, and Goggles.  We have Construction Standards to help us building things properly.  We have Electrical Standards so we don't get shocked.  We have Law Enforcement Standards so people can't just do whatever they want to do and harm others.   We have Weight and Measures Standards so we know we are getting the whole gallon of gas when we pay for it.  All these things are STANDARDS!

When you violate standards that are in place for your safety, you enter an unsafe zone.  The train comes off the tracks, your ladder won't support you, you can get shocked, you can get arrested for violating the law.  All because we chose to violate standards.

Everyday we make decisions on how to act, how we form our attitudes and emotions.  We set goals for ourselves, our family, and even our business . . . and we honestly attempt to meet them. And every one of our actions express an code of right and wrong, because all of life is ethical.

There are many moral values which are recommended to us. There are many codes of right and wrong. We go through every day life surrounded by viewpoints which are in constant competition with each other. Some people make pleasure their highest value, while others put a premium on health. Could be entertainment, or rest, or work ethic.  There are those who say we should watch out for ourselves first of all, and yet others tell us that we should live to serve our neighbor. What we hear in advertisements usually conflicts with the values endorsed in our church. Sometimes the decisions of our employers violate laws established by the state. Our friends don’t always share the same code of behavior as our family. Throw in some standards on child behavior and discipline, and you’ve got a nice soup going now!  Making ethical decisions can be confusing and difficult. Every one of us needs a moral compass to guide us through the maze of moral issues and disagreements that confront us every moment of our lives.

To put it another way, making moral judgments requires a standard of ethics. There must be a standard for life!  Have you ever tried to draw a straight line without using a straight edge, like a ruler? As good as your line may have seemed initially, when you placed a straight-edge up to it, the line was actually very crooked. Or have you ever tried to give an exact measurement of something by simple eyeballing it? As close as you may have come by guessing, the only way to be sure and accurate was to use a proper standard of measurement, like a yardstick or a measuring cup. Try baking a nice cake by just guessing at the ingredients, having no recipe  to follow.  And if we are going to be able to determine what kind of persons, actions, or attitudes are morally good, then you will need a standard here as well. Otherwise we will lead crooked lives and make inaccurate decisions. What should our ethical standard be? What yardstick should we use in making decisions, determining attitudes, or setting and keeping our marriages on track? How do you ever know and test what is right and wrong?

To the Believer, the Holy Bible is the only 'Divinely Inspired' Word of God; the Ultimate Standard of measurement for Christian conduct, Church order and doctrine.  In Short, God’s Word is the Standard!

Don't ever doubt the integrity or validity of God’s Word!

Forever, O Lord, Thy Word is settled in heaven.  - Psalms ll9:89

For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. - Hebrews 4:12

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.  - Matthew 24:35.

Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.  - Matthew 4:4

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. - Psalm 119:105


The Bible is a Divine Revelation. In the Bible we find out what God wants mankind to know about Himself and His plan.   The Bible is the only written revelation of God to man.  There is only One Mind Behind The Bible.  

The Bible bears the seal of Jesus' authority, as He quoted the Old Testament dozens of times and referred to it as the Word of God.


Ladies and Gentlemen, The Bible Is The Word Of God - Our Standard!


So, What is the Purpose Of Bible?

The purpose of the Bible is to reveal God to mankind, and get us to come to God through Jesus Christ, so that we can know Him.


JOHN 1:1,14

1  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 14  And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father . . . .


LUKE 24:27 

27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.


JOHN 20:31

31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.


Psalm 138:2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.  


Think about that!