The Second Question
What rule has God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?
The answer is simple. The word of God, which is contained in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him.
They show the way. Nothing else will do.
The Word of God
The Bible is not a book of human ideas. It is the Word of God. "All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16). The prophets and apostles did not write their own words. "For no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God" (2 Peter 1:21).
Why the Bible is God’s Word
How do we know the Bible is from God? There are many reasons.
Its Majesty. When God speaks, His words carry weight. "For this is what the high and exalted One who lives forever, whose name is Holy, says: ‘I dwell in a high and holy place’" (Isaiah 57:15).
Its Purity. The Bible is clean, flawless. "The words of the Lord are pure words; Like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, filtered seven times" (Psalm 12:6).
Its Harmony. The Old and New Testaments fit together. The Law and the Gospel align. The prophecies and their fulfillment match.
Its Mysteries. The Bible reveals truths no man could invent. The Trinity. The Incarnation. The union of Christ and His people.
Its Age. The Scriptures predate all other books. They record the creation of the world. They tell of the flood. "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1).
Its Power. The Word convicts, converts, and comforts. "For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12). "The Law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul" (Psalm 19:7).
Its Design. The Bible lifts up God, not man. It humbles the proud. It points to Christ.
Its Miracles. The Bible is confirmed by mighty works. Jesus healed the blind. He raised the dead. He stilled the storm with a word.
Its Martyrs. Many have died for this book. They would not die for a lie.
Its Witness. The Spirit of God testifies to its truth. "But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all know" (1 John 2:20).
Why God’s Word is Written
God gave His Word in writing for a reason.
To Preserve It. Memory fades. Ink does not. "This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you in which I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder" (2 Peter 3:1).
To Spread It. The Gospel must go to the nations. "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations" (Matthew 28:19).
To Be a Rule. The Bible sets the standard for faith and life. "To the Law and to the testimony! If they do not speak in accordance with this word, it is because they have no dawn" (Isaiah 8:20).
The Old and New Testaments
The Bible has two parts. The Old Testament records creation, the fall, and the long history of God’s dealings with His people. It shows how man failed and how God remained faithful. It points to Christ through prophecies, types, and symbols.
The New Testament reveals Christ Himself. It tells of His coming, His life, His death, and His resurrection. It records His teachings and His fulfillment of the Old Testament promises. It brings the full light of salvation. The old was preparation; the new is fulfillment. Together, they form one unified revelation of God’s will for mankind.
What About the Apocrypha?
Some books claim to be Scripture but are not. The Apocrypha is useful for history but is not God’s Word. It lacks divine authority. It contains errors. It was not accepted by the Jews, to whom God entrusted His oracles. Unlike the Scriptures, it does not bear the marks of divine inspiration. The Apocrypha is interesting, but it does not command faith and obedience.
The Church and the Bible
Some say the Church gives the Bible its authority. That is false. The Church exists because of the Bible, not the other way around. The Scriptures are the foundation. "Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone" (Ephesians 2:20). The Church does not create truth; it receives truth. The Church does not define God’s Word; it submits to it.
History has proven that whenever men place the Church’s authority above Scripture, they corrupt the truth. The Church is only strong when it holds fast to the Word of God.
The Only Rule
The Scriptures are the only rule for how we glorify and enjoy God. "And all who will follow this rule, peace and mercy be upon them" (Galatians 6:16). Nothing else will do. Not reason. Not tradition. Not inner voices. Only God’s Word is sure.
Many have tried to replace Scripture with human wisdom. They have leaned on philosophy, cultural trends, or religious traditions. But man’s wisdom fails. "The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever" (Isaiah 40:8).
Conclusion
God has given us His Word. It is true. It is enough. It is the rule for all of life. Live by it. Hold to it. Test all things by it. It is the only way to glorify and enjoy Him forever. It is our foundation. It is our light. "Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105).
To trust Scripture is to trust God. To live by Scripture is to walk in the truth. Let no man, no institution, and no tradition take its place. Stand on His Word. Live by His Word. In it, you will find life.
Amen!