Bible Interpretation, Student Workbook, SW05

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B I B L E I N T E R P R E T A T I O N

• Present carefully the rationale and history of biblical criticism, and how this modern discipline seeks to trace the origins of the Scriptures from the original events spoken of in the Bible to the actual reports of those happenings recorded in the canonical books of Scripture. • Give a brief explanation, including the benefits and problems associated with the major subsections of modern biblical criticism, including form, source, linguistic, textual, literary, canonical, redaction, and historical criticisms, as well as translation studies.

Our Ground of Confidence

Devotion

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Isa. 55.6-11 - Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; [7] let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. [8] For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. [9] For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. [10] “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, [11] so shall my word be that goes out frommy mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” God is unequivocal in his assertion of his absolute integrity and truth. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is a God of faithfulness and trustworthiness, one who has never and could never lie or mislead, whose word is completely veracious, and whose sovereignty and truth provides his people with profound confidence. Even a glance at some of the texts of the Bible about God’s faithfulness underscores the remarkable certainty of God as the God of the faithful Word of covenant, and his bold proclamation of the operative power of his Scripture and promise. Here is a sampling of this confidence in the Word of God: Ps. 19.7-10 - The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; [8] the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; [9] the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. [10] More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.