Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 1, Section 8
Two questions today’s confession may answer are:
1. How did the bible come into being?
2. Why are there so many different translations of the bible?
The Old Testament in Hebrew (which was the native language of the people of God of old) and the New Testament in Greek (which at the time it was written was the language most generally known to the nations), being directly inspired by God and by his unique care and providence kept pure in all ages, are therefore authoritative, so that in all controversies of religion the church is finally to appeal to them. But, because these original languages are not understood by all the people of God, who have a right to, and a vital interest in, the Scriptures and are commanded to read and search them in the fear of God, therefore the Scriptures are to be translated into the common language of every nation to which they come; so that, the Word of God dwelling abundantly in all, they may worship him in an acceptable manner and by perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures may have hope.
Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 1, Section 8
How did the bible come into being?
- The scriptures were given to the people of God originally in Hebrew and Greek and have been carefully preserved in these original languages by God’s unique care and providence… They are to be trusted and appealed to as the authority in all controversies of the church.
Why are there so many different translations of the bible?
- Because God inspired the scriptures, the people of God need it “Vital Interest”– Because not everyone speaks the original languages, the word of God must be translated to the common language so that everyone may have access to the Word. That’s why we have so many different translations…
The scriptures are the inspired word of God, 2 Timothy 3:16 – All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful… they are a gift given to us by God to use, to encourage, to train, to equip… to worship God in Jesus Christ. Treasure this gift.
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