Is the Bible the Word of God?: Seeking A Balanced biblical Perspective

Is the Bible the Word of God?

Seeking A Balanced Biblical Perspective on the Scriptures

Roy Hershberger

Maybe it's just my imagination, but it seems like there are only two ways one can look at the Bible these days. One is to see it as a book of myths and legends that has no clear root in historical reality. The other is to proclaim it to be the perfect, inherent, Word of God. In this article I would like to suggest another way to look at Scripture that does not start with either dogmatic presupposition. A way that I believe is actually more biblical, more grounded in an understanding of history, and consistent with the way God has always interacted with mankind.
     It is true that the Scriptures have been subject to a great deal of unfounded criticisms and outright bashing though the years, and it is with this sad reality in mind that I approach this subject. My desire is to show as much sensitivity as possible toward those who have developed a passionate attitude toward their defense. I too am driven by that same passion, and there is no desire on my part to put a damper on anyones high view of the Bible. What I do hope to do is to present a way of seeing Scripture that consistently fits with a Christ centered view of reality.
     It is very common to hear Christians today call their Bibles the “Word.” But should the Scriptures and God's Word be understood in synonymous terms? Is that how God intends us to see them? The doctrine that the Scriptures are the “Word of God” with a capital W has been very deeply embedded into the conservative Christian way of thinking, but does the Bible itself even allude to such a concept?
     One of the first things I did when these questions arose was to do an on-line search and download every reference to the phrase “word of God” from the New Testament. This search revealed something quite interesting. Not once, in all the passages that the phrase is used (about 45 times), was it referring directly to the Scriptures.
     What does this fact reveal? Perhaps one thing it shows is that the writers of the New Testament did not see things in the same way we do today. Theirs was mainly an oral culture, were the “Word of God” would necessarily be something spoken not read. To their mindset the heart and soul of the message is what was important, not if every detail was recorded in a historically or scientifically acurate manner. In truth they didn't even think in scientific or factual terms like we do today.
     On the other hand, for the last 500 years the West has been mainly a written word oriented culture, were the detailed facts are of utmost importance. This is a pertinent understanding to have when approaching this subject because one of the reasons many Christians have made the Scriptures and the Word synonymous is that we have been so entrenched in this type of thinking. A type of thinking that is very different from the cultures that the Scriptures were originally written in. Interestingly enough, with the advent of new media, (i.e. the Internet) we are again becoming more of an oral culture, which may be one of the reasons why I find this subject so fascinating and relevant for discussion.
     Perhaps the way the term “Word of God” is applied in the Scriptures would also suggests that such a title was never intended to be ascribed to them. Calling our Bibles the “word of God” with a small w is truly accurate in a certian sense. Yet they do not make a capital W claim about themselves in any way whatsoever.
     It is clear that the Scriptures are an essential part of how God communicates with us and that we can look to them as authoritative, accurate documents that God has provided for our benefit. Many of the books contained are a historical record of God's interaction with the human race through the ages, not to mention the fact that they contain much clarity on doctrinal issues. However, it's important to understand that their authority is derived through who wrote them not through what they are in and of themselves.
     It is evident that those who are responsible for writing the many books that today make up what we call the Bible were inspired by the Holy Spirit to write what they did. The Scriptures are a reliable documentation, an accurate record, of the words and truth of God as given to the prophets and apostles. Indeed, their authority and authenticity is farther inhanced by the fact that they were written by those who experienced first hand the historical events that led to and shaped Christianity. For example, Jesus himself chose each one of the disciples, and they walked and talked with him, witnessing first hand his words and deeds. For these reasons we must attribute a greater weight to what they wrote. It is totally reasonable to use these writings, penned by these chosen men of God, to gage all truth by. If any book or any teaching goes against Scripture then we have a justified and logical reason to call it heresy.
     Let the reader understand that I stand fully behind the authenticity and authority of Scripture for the reasons stated above, and I believe the evidence weighs in favor of the idea that the authors who the books are attributed to did indeed write them. There is no real reason to believe that they were written later, long after the prophet or apostle who was named as the author died. Such claims are wholly without merit or evidence. Yet I do not believe that these writings in and of themselves were ever meant to be viewed as the inerrant and perfect “Word of God” which we should rely on as our sole source of truth and guidance? I believe that viewing the Scriptures in this manner is problematic because it demands that we put our faith in the wrong things.
     First of all it's important to point out that the the word “word,” (Greek “rhema” or “logos”) is not the same word used for Scripture. The word for “scripture” in the Greek is “grafe” meaning document. When the word “word” is used it is generally referring to the spoken word. In the case of “God's word” it is when God speaks either directly or through another person. Technically when we read the Scriptures we are often reading God's word given through one of the prophets or apostles, but it is important to understand that that “word” is often being spoken specifically to a person or a group of people. This does not necessarily mean that it isn't applicable to our situation, and that we can't learn from the example, but it is very important to keep things in context or we can get into a lot of trouble when we try to make God's word spoken to a particular person or people fit into our own lives as “God's word” to us.
     Finding a balanced view of Scripture, understanding the role and purpose God has for it is incredibly important. We must not lift it up to a level that God did not intend, and we must be equally as careful not to downplay its significants and the wonder of what it represents. The key to this is to place our attention on what should be our true focal point, the only perfect and inerrant Word of God, Jesus Christ.
     The Scriptures are clear on the fact that Jesus is the Word of God with a capital W. He is the fulfillment of the law, and the full and perfect representation of God's truth to all of mankind. He did not say I speak the truth, he said I am the Truth. This is a vital point to grasp because it is through a relationship with the Truth, through his example, and his work on the cross, that we can learn to understand the things God wants us to understand. He is the final and ultimate authority that the Scriptures point to. When we realize this we then start to understand that the Scriptures were never meant to be seen as the “Word” itself but as a vehicle by which God reveals the “Word” to us. They do not point to themselves as the “Word” but they do point to who is. We need to ask ourselves, does our faith rest in Jesus or does it rest in the Scriptures? Do we dishonor Jesus by placing more emphasis on the Scriptures then we do on him? When we call our Bibles the “Word” are we in danger of placing our faith in the wrong thing, perhaps even flirting with idolatry?
     As my cousin Jim stated in an email discussion of this issue:

So, how does one come to know someone else personally? Not by reading a book! If my wife had handed me a book about her when I first met her and said “When you've read the book, then you'll love me” I would have thought she was crazy. Why do we think we can learn who God is by reading a book about him? Now, if I read books about my wife like her yearbook, or other people's written descriptions of her, it will certainly help me understand who she is and where she's coming from and how she thinks. But I can only get to know her personally by conversing with her, spending time, and listening to her. It's no different with God.

Consider this. If Jesus intended the Scriptures to be seen as the “Word of God” one must wonder why he didn't write his own book to be preserved forever as the ultimate “Word”? Could it be that he was not so much interested in the written word as he was in that which is written in our heart? Is that not why he came in the first place that we through him could once again connect to God on a spiritual or heart level? For we have been freed from the letter of the law and are to walk instead in the fullness of grace and truth that came to us through Jesus Christ. When we are fully connected to the true Living Word of God and in perfect communion with him every moment of our lives then and only then could we possible ever hope to hear and understand the fullness of God's Perfect Word.
One portion of Scripture that confirms this is found in 2 Peter the 1st chapter:

16 For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the power of our Lord Jesus Christ and his coming again. We have seen his majestic splendor with our own eyes. 17 And he received honor and glory from God the Father when God's glorious, majestic voice called down from heaven, “This is my beloved Son; I am fully pleased with him.” 18 We ourselves heard the voice when we were there with him on the holy mountain.
19 Because of that, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. Pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a light shining in a dark place--until the day Christ appears and his brilliant light shines in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophets themselves 21 or because they wanted to prophesy. It was the Holy Spirit who moved the prophets to speak from God. (NEW LIVING TRANSLATION)

This passage is often quoted to help support the idea of the Scriptures being the “Word of God” with a capital W, but it's clear that it is not really saying that at all. It does indeed back up the idea of godly inspiration and their authority because of who wrote them, but even more than this it confirms the fact that Christ is a superior light. The Scriptures in fact seem to pale in significants to the incarnet living Word. It's also very interesting that it talks about Christ's light shinning in our hearts. This would also confirm the ultimate place God desires to write his word. If we are communing with Jesus on a daily basis is it not true that we are being exposed to that light, and the process of that writing is underway in our hearts even now?
As far as the infallibility or inherency issue goes, I'll just say a couple of things. Historical accuracy and literary integrity that far exceeds any other ancient document can be very easily substantiated by good scholarship, but perfection can not. This is a problem for those who are wedded to a capital W, Word of God, view of Scripture, and have built their faith on the foundation of a perfect text. But why is a perfect book necessary when perfect understanding and flawless interpretation is out of the question? I'm glad I don't subscribe to the perfect book idea, because I lack a perfect mind to grasp it, and that would be down right discouraging and depressing. No matter how hard I try I would never be able to really get it. So what, may I ask, would the point be? Thankfully, the Living Word without spot or blemish is enough for me, and that is very liberating. A perfect book demands perfect understanding. A perfect Lord asks only for our surrender.

Scripture According to Scripture

In 2 Timothy at the end of chapter 3 Paul encourages Timothy to continue in the path that he (Paul) has shown him and to resist those who would pervert the Gospel. This is to be obtained through many sacrifices and disciplines such as sound doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, long suffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, etc. Then Paul states:

15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. (NEW LIVING TRANSLATION)

This I believe to be one of the clearest scriptural references to what the Scriptures are and how God intended them to influence our lives. Paul uses it as one of many things that we should use to grow in wisdom and truth and resist apostasy. He of course does not refer to them as the “Word of God.” If we look at other biblical references to Scripture we find this as well. When Jesus quotes from the Old Testament, for example, he uses such references to reinforce his point to those who had great respect for these ancient documents. However, he never refers to them directly as the “Word of God”, though it's clear he believes them to be authoritative and an accurate record of the “word of God” spoken to the prophets.
     The Scriptures are amazingly accurate historical documents that have been remarkably well preserved by imperfect men through the centuries. No other ancient book has been shown to be as accurate or as compelling. It's not difficult to perceive that God had a direct hand in their inspiration and preservation. However, only the Living Word of God has the power and ability to lead us into perfect truth and to truly change us from the inside out. The Scriptures do not have this power in and of themselves, though they are an important part of the process. If the Scriptures had such power than only the literate, learned, and scholarly would be able to experience this transformation. It must necessarily become an elitist club were indepth Bible study is the road to spiritual maturity and Godliness. Yet history has shown us that it is not always the most biblically learned and literate among us that God uses the most. Not that such knowledge is a bad thing, certainly not. Yet clearly the power of God's word in our lives goes much deeper than simply memorizing Bible verses or an in depth understanding of hermeneutics.
     Jesus should be front and center in all our thinking when it comes to the phrase the “Word of God”, for he is the sum total of what God has desired to communicate to us down through the ages. All truth and reality are wrapped up in his life, death, and resurrection. It is through a relationship with him that we develop an understanding of truth and sound faith. But, you might ask, how do we go about developing such a dynamic and real life changing relationship with the Truth? How do we consistently and clearly hear God's Word on all matters of life and living? How do we know we are adhering to sound doctrine?
     The common evangelical approach is in learning to humble ourselves, to get on our faces, and ask God to reveal truth to us. Learning to be sensitive to God's still small voice is certainly an important part of the equation. It helps us to put our dependency on God rather then on our limited intellectual powers to rightly interpret Scripture. Yet personal piety may also have its limits. This seems obvious in recognizing that countless pious individuals who appear to be seeking God with all their hearts seem to come up with countless contradicting ideas about just what the truth is on any given issue. Clearly this approach is only part of a lifestyle of hearing God's Word.
     Another approach that has not yet caught on in most evangelical or Protestant circles, but is an essential part of more ancient forms of Christianity. Catholic and Orthodox believers do not subscribe to the sola scriptura doctrine of most Protestants. Nor did the very early (pre Catholicism) pre-institutionalized community of believers. Disputes over doctrine were always settled, by the apostles and later by the consensus of the early church fathers who would meet in councils and make decisions on such issues. Perhaps Protestants should consider that these earlier forms of Christianity may in fact had the right idea in appealing to this traditional consensus. I believe the doctrine of sola scriptura was a reaction to an overly institutionalized body that was out of balance in placing too much weight on tradition, and who had actually passed into the keeping of mere human tradition. As a result of this we now have a fractured body were every Protestant group and sect has it's own personal interpretation of Scripture, it's own specialized "statement of faith."
     Yet it's also important to note that the Reformers understood sola scriptura to mean that the Scriptures contained the final word on questions of doctrine, but they never believed that the Scriptures could stand on their own without historical context and the traditional counsels of the past. The common evangelical view that all is needed for sound doctrine is the Scriptures alone was never a view shared by the Reformers. So in this respect evangelicals have had a tendency to miss the original meaning of the phrase, thus taking it to an unintended extreme.
     In the first 5 centuries after Christ, before there were any great schisms in the body of Christ, and before political and worldly power had so corrupted the institutional church, the body of Christ underwent incredible persecution and turmoil. It also fought many powerful and looming heresies. Such truth issues were often fought over to the point of many martyrs dying for what they believed was the truth. Yet amazingly through it all there was reached a widely accepted doctrinal consensus on all major issues that is maintained by all orthodox/traditional believers of every ethnic and denominational stripe even to this day.
     This is no small accomplishment, and can only be attributed to the work of the Holy Spirit. The early church fathers came from virtually every ethnic and social economic background in the civilized world. They wrote on every conceivable doctrinal issue that could ever arise, yet there wide body of work reflects an incredible consensus and unity. It would seem that through the trial of time and through the trying early stages of body development the truth on all major issues was settled. We only need to glean it from the early patriarchs of the faith.
     Of course this also has its limitations as many of the church fathers, being only human, also entertained some pretty whacked out views shaped more by their contemporary culture than by Jesus. Which brings us to another important aspect of determining sound doctrine. We must always be wary of viewing things through our own cultural biases and preconceptions.
     Every time and culture has had trouble seeing the forest because of all the trees. We often lack a good solid historical perspective, and have trouble envisioning realities beyond our own time. This results in us seeing Scripture only in a certain limited light. If we start with nothing but the Scriptures, and the culture we are a part of guess what will have too much weight in how we think about and view our faith? This may be one of the reasons popular culture has such a powerful sway over Protestant and evangelical Christians, because we have neglected the in-depth councils of the past. Clearly, being aware of the influence of contemporary culture is yet another important part of the big picture of determining truth.
     The fact of the matter is that we are fully dependent on Jesus. All these other things can confirm truth to us, but they are secondary to a dynamic relationship with the Living Word. When we surrender to Christ, and recieve the Holy Spirit, illumination is a necessary result. The Word of God is truly revealed through Christ and thus written in our hearts as God promised he would do. That Word is then confirmed by Scripture, nature, and life in general. It comes to us in many forms and through many vehicles not the least of which is through the study of Scripture, but equally in our quiet times with God, our conversation and interaction with our brothers and sisters in Christ,(indeed, a healthy body life is essential to the process of hearing God's Word, and also essential for proper interpretation of the Scriptures themselves) in the study and understanding of Christian history and the writings of the early church fathers, in the study of the created universe, in exploring the disciplines of art and music, and in our daily activity of living life. It is learning to be still and listen to his quiet but sure and strong voice. It is the Holy Spirit speaking to us plainly and simply, yet with dynamic and powerful life changing results.
     The Word of God is much bigger and more powerful then the Scriptures alone. I believe that the focus on the Bible as “The Word” not only takes our focus away from Jesus, but it also puts limits on God's ability to speak to us. Certainly it can be agreed that the best way to discover the proper balance is to place the emphasis on Jesus as the Word, put him first as our source of light and truth, and then the Scriptures will find their proper place as a unique and significant way God confirms his Word to us.

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