Bibliology

Question 1

Authority of Scripture

Answer 1

The idea that all the words in Scripture are God’s words in such a way that to disbelieve or disobey any word of Scripture is to disbelieve or disobey God.

Question 2

Autograph

Answer 2

The original copy of a biblical document.

Question 3

Clarity of Scripture (Perspicuity)

Answer 3

The Bible is written in such a way that its teachings are able to be understood by all who read it seeking God’s help with a willingness to follow it (Deut. 6:6-7).

Question 4

General Revelation

Answer 4

Can provide knowledge that God exists and of some of his attributes simply from observation of the world. It can also provide awareness of sin, but it cannot teach the way of salvation (Rom. 10:13-17).

Question 5

God-breathed

Answer 5

Translation of the Greek “theopneustos” (sometimes translated “inspired by God”), which the Bible uses metaphorically to describe the words of Scripture as being spoken by God (2 Tim. 3:16).

Question 6

Inerrancy

Answer 6

Scripture in the original manuscripts does not affirm anything that is contrary to fact (Ps. 19:7-11).

Question 7

Infallibility

Answer 7

The idea that Scripture is not able to lead us astray in matters of faith and practice.

Question 8

Natural revelation

Answer 8

Another term for general revelation. The revelation of God as found in nature.

Question 9

Necessity of Scripture

Answer 9

The Bible is necessary for knowledge of the gospel and maintaining spiritual life and certain knowledge of God’s will.

Question 10

Special revelation

Answer 10

God’s words addressed to specific people at specific times, this can be spoken through prophets or angels, or directly to the person. Can also refer to the Bible as the revelation of God.

Question 11

The (OT) Apocrypha

Answer 11

Some books from the intertestamental period (400 silent years) not found in the Hebrew Old Testament, but they are in the Septuagint. Protestants reject these books as spurious (false) and they contain historical and theological errors. They are useful for “filling in” the history of the 400 silent years.

Question 12

Word of God

Answer 12

The Son of God, direct speech of God (decrees, personal address), God speaking through prophets, God’s word in written form (John 1:1).

Question 13

Septuagint

Answer 13

The Jews translated the Hebrew OT books into Greek. This translation was thought to be done by 70 men (hence the name LXX).

Question 14

Inerrancy

Answer 14

Scripture in the original manuscripts does not affirm anything that is contrary to fact.

Question 15

Inspiration

Answer 15

Refers to the fact that the words of Scripture are spoken by God. Because of the weak sense of this word in ordinary usage, Grudem prefers to use the term “God-breathed” to indicate that the words of Scripture (2 Tim. 3:16) are spoken by God.