BIBLE BASICS FOR BEGINNERS
This study is directed to the beginner in Bible study. For those who have never had the opportunity to study the Scriptures, it is difficult to know where to begin. However, there are certain basic facts about the Bible that, when learned, will help the beginning Bible student to learn the marvelous truths of God's Word more quickly. But FIRST . . . A WORD OF WARNING:
Study to shew thyself approved unto God,
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth.
II Tim. 2:15
It is important to know that the Bible is the only written source of the knowledge of God. It is even more important to know that the Bible is the inspired Word of God.
II Tim. 3:16-17:
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. Never . . . NEVER . . . NEVER accept a doctrine (a teaching) as "GOSPEL" unless it is accompanied by a "thus saith the Lord" (that is, a scriptural reference in context) for "there are some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ." Paul warned the Galatians of this fact:
Gal. 1:8-9:
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
In music, the student's first introduction to the keyboard is "Middle C". All other notes are introduced according to their relation to "Middle C".
So it is in Bible study. The "Middle C" of the Bible is Christ -- Jesus, the only begotten Son of God. He is the "first" and the "last" -- "Alpha" and "Omega" -- the beginning and the end (Rev. 22:13).
From Genesis through Revelation, the Scriptures center on Christ, covering the period before creation, throughout time, and into eternity. Everything in the Scriptures is important only according to its relation to Christ. Until you learn the order of the books of the Bible, make use of the index to quickly locate a Scripture. (2) Christ created all things (John 1:3). (3) Christ came into the world to save sinners (I Tim. 1:15). (4) Christ died for our sins (I Cor. 15:3). (5) Christ was resurrected (I Cor. 15:4). (6) Christ ascended into heaven (Luke 24:51). (7) Christ has promised to come again (John 14:3). (8) Christ will receive believers unto Himself for eternity (I Thess. 4:16-17). The most important Bible truth for mankind is that salvation is "by grace" (which is the unmerited favor of God) and "through faith in Christ" and "not of works" (Eph. 2:8-9). (1) The Bible is the inspired Word of God:
All scripture is given by inspiration of God . . . . (2) There are two divisions of the Bible: (3) There are 66 books in the Bible: Old Testament (39) (4) The 39 books of the Old Testament are divided: Law (5) The 27 books of the New Testament are divided: Gospels (6) The Bible was written by approximately 40 writers. (7) The Bible was written over a period of approximately 1,500 years.As you study the Scriptures, you will learn that:
(1) Christ was with God before creation (John 1:1-2; 17:5).
Believers -- those who have put their faith in Christ for salvation -- may KNOW that they have eternal life (I John 5:13).
The unbeliever, according to the Scriptures, is "condemned already" -- not because of his sinful deeds but "because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God" (John 3:18).
Briefly, these basic facts will aid in Bible study:
II Tim. 3:16:
Old Testament
New Testament
New Testament (27)
Prophets
Psalms
Acts of Apostles
Epistles (Letters)
Revelation
The exquisite accuracy of the Scriptures can only be explained by divine inspiration:
(1) Who is speaking? (2) To whom is he speaking? (3) What is the subject? (4) What is the time? (5) What is the occasion? After you have determined these facts, then always interpret the Scriptures by the Scriptures because "no prophecy of the scriptures is of any private interpretation" (II Pet. 1:20-21).
II Peter 1:20-21:
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.This 5-point system of Bible study, found in the excellent book by Dr. Albert Garner, "Bible Analysis," will assist you in your effort to rightly divide the Scriptures. As you read a passage of Scripture, determine:
