Like the Ethiopian, we are on a journey. As he occasionally stopped the chariot, we too may pause to consider our position, where we are on the journey so far. In matters of understanding the Bible, some create their own maps. Others choose routes mapped out by their church or scholarly authorities. In this course, we seek to discover what the Bible says about its own writings. It describes inspiration as the Holy Spirit working through prophets whose writings came true, confirming their authenticity.
We have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:19-21)
The Bible forms a framework based on the two ways God has spoken: in the past through the prophets, and in these last days by His Son (Hebrews 1:1-2). Christ mediates the New Covenant, which makes Moses’ covenant “old” and “obsolete” (Hebrews 8:6-13). While the Law of Moses no longer rules over God’s people (Romans 6:14; 7:1-7), it remains God’s word, supplying enduring lessons and the background that leads toward salvation in Christ (2 Timothy 3:15).
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. (Romans 15:4)
Now these things [Old Testament judgments] happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. (1 Corinthians 10:11)
The Old Testament’s enduring principles, including the Ten Commandments— except the Sabbath—are carried over to the New Covenant. The greatest virtue is love, first for God and then for fellow-humans (Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:38- 40; 1 Corinthians 13:13; Romans 13:8-10). The New Covenant is “not like” the Old, as is evident also in the way it is given. Instead of a Sinai-like event with formal lists of laws and regulations, the New Covenant’s terms are embedded in Christ’s ministry and the letters to Christians. Jesus’ grand plan is the Great Commission. Based on His complete authority, it launches the evangelism described by Acts, and the maturing lessons in the New Testament’s letters.