The Bible

[for_his_glory]

Question to all who want to answer.

Do you believe the Bible was written for Christians or for those who do not know Christ?

 

[Free]

Both.

 

[miamited]

I believe that the Scriptures were written that everyone might know God and His salvation.

However, in the completeness of the Scriptures, there is knowledge of God and knowledge of 'how' believers should live. There is also knowledge of 'how' the lost will live. The Scriptures were written that everyone might know God and His plans and purposes for creating this realm in which we live.

 

[Dave...]

I agree with Free, both.

 

[Whatever]

Romans 15:4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.

Who is the "our"?

1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.

Paul seems to be talking about New Covenant Christians.

But I think God wants everybody to read it.

 

[for_his_glory]

Romans 15:4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.

Who is the "our"?

1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.

Paul seems to be talking about New Covenant Christians.

But I think God wants everybody to read it.

God would that everyone come back to Him as faith comes by hearing the word of God and that He would not want anyone to perish.

2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
2Pe 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
2Pe 3:11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
2Pe 3:12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
2Pe 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

 

[MattTheCricketBat]

Each book of the Bible was written for a specific purpose to be read by a specific audience. Most of the Old Testament was written to the people of ancient Israel. New Testament epistles were written to specific churches, with some having a wider intended audience. It's important and honestly fascinating to look at the original readers because they give us clues to the meaning of some of the passages.

 

[for_his_glory]

Each book of the Bible was written for a specific purpose to be read by a specific audience. Most of the Old Testament was written to the people of ancient Israel. New Testament epistles were written to specific churches, with some having a wider intended audience. It's important and honestly fascinating to look at the original readers because they give us clues to the meaning of some of the passages.

Hi MattTheCricketBat and welcome to CF

This is an interesting take and what makes you think that the OT is not for NT believers today?
One more question. What do you mean by the original readers and what or why would we need any clues to the meaning of the passages, especially if we are allowing the Holy Spirit teach us all that God wants us to learn?

 

[Whatever]

Most of the Old Testament was written to the people of ancient Israel.

That isn't what Paul says:

1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.

Rom 15:4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.

Seems that the Old Testament was written for New Covenant Christians.

 

[bramblewild]

The Bible must to some degree address the unbeliever, because how else could they come to believe? There is the example of the Ethiopian man Philip met in the wilderness. He was reading Isaiah, and it was of interest to him, but he did not understand it until Philip explained how the prophet was writing about Jesus.

The Bible must also address the believer. We are corrected, we are rebuked, we are instructed, we are encouraged, we are taught what to believe and how to grow and how to act.

 

[Fish153]

I agree with the above. For both:

Unbelievers:

The Purpose of John’s Gospel​

"Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." (John 20: 30,31)

Believers: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" (2 Timohty 3:16)

 

[Whatever]

The Bible must to some degree address the unbeliever, because how else could they come to believe?

Through hearing by preachers, missionaries or friends who are believers.

Rom 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God

1Co 1:21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.

Gal 3:2 This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

Eph 1:13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation

Most people didn't have access to a Bible till the modern era.
The printing press was invented by Johannes Gutenberg around 1440 in Germany. His invention of the movable-type printing press marked the beginning of the Printing Revolution, allowing for the mass production of books and significantly increasing access to knowledge.

 

[follower]

webnoted:

"According to Romans 3:2, the Jews were “entrusted with the oracles of God.” This means they were given the sacred responsibility of receiving, preserving, and transmitting the divine revelation to subsequent generations. The oracles of God refer to the entire canon of Scripture, including the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Writings, which were considered authoritative and infallible.

This privilege was unique to the Jews, as they were the chosen people of God. They were entrusted with the sacred task of being the custodians of God’s Word, which contained His laws, prophecies, and wisdom. This responsibility was not only an honor but also a heavy burden, as they were accountable to God for preserving and transmitting the Scriptures accurately.

The Jews’ role as guardians of God’s oracles had several benefits:

1. Clearer knowledge of God: They had a more direct and intimate understanding of God’s nature, character, and will, which was not available to other nations through natural revelation alone.
2. Acquaintance with key doctrines: They were familiar with the Trinity, the Messiah’s sonship and deity, the sacrifice and satisfaction of the Redeemer, and the manner of worshiping God according to His will.
3. Authority and accountability: As custodians of God’s Word, the Jews were accountable to God for their stewardship of the Scriptures, which added to their responsibility and importance.

In summary, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God, which included the entire canon of Scripture, as a sacred responsibility and privilege. This unique role carried significant benefits, including a clearer understanding of God, acquaintance with key doctrines, and authority and accountability."

 

[Free]

Each book of the Bible was written for a specific purpose to be read by a specific audience. Most of the Old Testament was written to the people of ancient Israel. New Testament epistles were written to specific churches, with some having a wider intended audience. It's important and honestly fascinating to look at the original readers because they give us clues to the meaning of some of the passages.

I agree, except I wouldn't say "they give us clues to the meaning of some of the passages," but "they give us clues to the meaning of all of the passages." It is foundational for our understanding of if and how a passage applies to us, to first know how the original readers would have understood it. That should be the first step in one's exegesis.

One of the main issues in Evangelicalism is to jump right to, "how does this passage apply to me?"--it's first and foremost about us and what God is saying to us--without any thought to how the original readers would have understood it. This often leads to misinterpretation, misapplication, and abuse of Scripture.

 

[MattTheCricketBat]

I agree, except I wouldn't say "they give us clues to the meaning of some of the passages," but "they give us clues to the meaning of all of the passages." It is foundational for our understanding of if and how a passage applies to us, to first know how the original readers would have understood it. That should be the first step in one's exegesis.

One of the main issues in Evangelicalism is to jump right to, "how does this passage apply to me?"--it's first and foremost about us and what God is saying to us--without any thought to how the original readers would have understood it. This often leads to misinterpretation, misapplication, and abuse of Scripture.

100% agree