Posted: February 17th, 2023

Preservation of Scripture and Reliability of Scripture

APPLICATION PAPER INSTRUCTIONS For this assignment, you must compose a 3-page double-spaced paper that addresses how the principles that you have learned throughout this course can be applied to your understanding of what it means to be a Christian. You will submit your paper by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of Module/Week 7. NOTE: Preservation of Scripture and Reliability of Scripture is the topic of the paper As you respond to the prompt, reflect on the concepts that you have learned throughout the course, and apply them to your specific topic. Be sure to integrate the information that you learned through the textbook readings, the assigned article readings, the lecture videos, and any other related content that you may have encountered during the course. Your paper must also: 1.Describe the course concepts that are related to your topic, demonstrating your reflection and analysis. Do not simply summarize what was presented in the course. 2.Demonstrate real ownership of the ideas that you present by providing unique insight as evidence of your careful consideration of the topic. 3.Provide a logical link between the description of the concepts from the course and the conclusions or implications that you draw in your reflection. In other words, your conclusion should be logically derived from the application of the course concepts to the description of your topic. 4.Demonstrate learning initiative by exploring conclusions and implications beyond the boundaries of your classroom discussion. 5.Focus on depth of understanding, rather than breadth of coverage. Format your paper in a Microsoft Word document using current APA, MLA, or Turabian style (whichever corresponds to your degree program). Review the Application Paper Grading Rubric to see the specific grading criteria by which you will be evaluated before submitting your paper. Structure your paper in the following format (See the “Application Paper Template” document): I.Introduction (1 paragraph introducing the 2 topics/doctrines that you will address) II.Part One (first topic: approximately 1 page) a.Theological Definition b.Biblical Foundation c.Practical Application III.Part Two (second topic: approximately 1 page) a.Theological Definition b.Biblical Foundation c.Practical Application IV.Conclusion (1 paragraph summarizing your areas of progression in Christian thought)
Introduction:

The preservation and reliability of Scripture are fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith. The belief in the inerrancy of the Bible is a central tenet of Christianity. In this paper, I will explore the concepts related to the preservation and reliability of Scripture in light of the principles learned in this course.

Part One: Preservation of Scripture

Theological Definition:
The preservation of Scripture refers to the belief that God has sovereignly protected the Bible from errors and omissions, ensuring that its message remains intact and reliable. This doctrine affirms that the Scriptures have been preserved in their original form, and their teachings have not been corrupted by human error or influence.

Biblical Foundation:
The Bible teaches that God is faithful to preserve His Word. Psalm 119:89 says, “Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.” Additionally, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 affirms that “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

Practical Application:
The doctrine of the preservation of Scripture has practical implications for Christians today. It gives us confidence in the reliability of the Bible and provides a solid foundation for our faith. We can trust that the Scriptures we have today are accurate representations of what God intended to communicate to us through His Word. This confidence enables us to rely on the Bible as a guide for our lives and to share its message with others.

Part Two: Reliability of Scripture

Theological Definition:
The reliability of Scripture refers to the belief that the Bible is entirely trustworthy and true. This doctrine affirms that the Scriptures are not only accurate but are also free from errors, contradictions, and inconsistencies.

Biblical Foundation:
The Bible itself claims to be true, and it presents itself as the ultimate authority for all matters of faith and practice. John 17:17 states, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” 2 Peter 1:21 affirms that “no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

Practical Application:
The doctrine of the reliability of Scripture has practical implications for Christians in several ways. First, it provides a firm foundation for our faith, as we can trust that the Bible accurately represents God’s message to us. Second, it gives us confidence in sharing the Gospel with others, knowing that the message we proclaim is true and trustworthy. Finally, it encourages us to study the Scriptures carefully and diligently, knowing that we can rely on them for guidance and wisdom.

Conclusion:

In this paper, we have explored the concepts related to the preservation and reliability of Scripture in light of the principles learned in this course. We have seen that the Bible teaches that God is faithful to preserve His Word and that it is entirely trustworthy and true. These doctrines provide a firm foundation for our faith, give us confidence in sharing the Gospel with others, and encourage us to study the Scriptures diligently. Through our reflection and analysis, we have gained a deeper understanding of what it means to be a Christian and how the principles we have learned in this course can be applied to our faith.

References
Carson, D. A., and Douglas J. Moo. An Introduction to the New Testament. Zondervan, 2005.
Kostenberger, Andreas J., and Michael J. Kruger, editors. The Heresy of Orthodoxy: How Contemporary Culture’s Fascination with Diversity Has Reshaped Our Understanding of Early Christianity. Crossway Books, 2010.
Metzger, Bruce M., and Bart D. Ehrman. The Text of the New Testament: Its Transmission, Corruption, and Restoration. Oxford University Press, 2005.
Mohler, R. Albert Jr. “The Inerrancy and Historicity of the Bible.” The Southern Baptist Journal of Theology 10.1 (2006): 4-12.
Walton, John H. The Lost World of Scripture: Ancient Literary Culture and Biblical Authority. InterVarsity Press, 2013.