Jesus Says, “The Scriptures Testify of Me”

Jesus Says, “The Scriptures Testify of Me” Devotional Reading August 2, 2023

Some Christian believers struggle with the teachings of the Bible. This is not because they are actively studying and unable to comprehend the Scriptures, but rather because it is easier to listen to the multitude of voices claiming to speak God’s truth than to study the Bible on their own.

One of the reasons given for the lack of studying the Bible, there are too many churches teaching too many different doctrines.

What has caused this overwhelming conflict in the Christian Community? One source identifies the origin of the chaos in the following statement: “American Protestantism is diverse, encompassing more than a dozen major denominational families – such as Baptists, Methodists, Lutherans, and Pentecostals – all with unique beliefs, practices, and histories.” Pew Research Center

Something is not right! The estimate of more than a dozen is actually 9,000 denominations that exist in Protestantism. And the qualifier, “all with unique beliefs, practices, and histories” should cause grave concern in the minds of Christian believers. We cannot change the history of any denomination, but we should have basic knowledge of how the denominational movement began and if the doctrines are Bible-based.

The qualifier, “all with unique beliefs and practices” should raise mental and spiritual red flags. If 9,000 denominations exist and have developed numerous self-interpretations of the Bible, we must ask ourselves, Where do I stand in the battle of God’s Truth versus error?

“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that has nothing to be ashamed of, rightly dividing the word of truth.” —2 Timothy 2:15

Every Christian is accountable for the decisions they make and the lifestyle they live. We cannot make excuses for not studying the Bible as part of our daily worship. The refusal or lack of desire to study reveals the condition of our hearts.

1. God gave us the Bible—The Old and New Testaments to provide us with the Gospel, Truth, and knowledge of the Presence, Power, and Divine and Loving Characteristics of the Triune Godhead: God, the Father, God, Jesus the Son, and God, the Holy Spirit.

In Genesis chapter one, we can study the origin of the world, the creation of human beings, and all plant and animal life refuting the humanmade, erroneous concept of evolution.

The Bible explains itself! The authenticity, origin, and purpose of the Holy Scriptures are revealed in the Bible. The Bible also contains the Ten Commandments. health laws, and righteous principles that promote love and unity among believers which are still valid today.

Jesus said, “For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter [jot], not the least stroke of a pen [tittle], will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. —Matthew 6:13.

We always need Divine Help when studying the Bible! Pray for the anointing, power, and presence of the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom and discernment as you study. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.” —John 14:26

“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” —Psalm 119:105

The Bible is filled with spiritual treasures that produce spiritual growth and transformation of the believer. As we study, our love, faith, and loyalty increase and we grow closer to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Fact! The Bible is the only Book that contains no errors. It does not need to be revised or updated. The Author tells us the reason that the Scriptures will stand forever, “For I am the Lord, I do not change…” —Malachi 3:1.

In the Holy Scriptures, we learn of Christ’s Divine Status as God, the Son, and His Divine Character. Jesus, our Heavenly Father is full of Sacrificial Love, Long-suffering, Gentleness, Meekness, Grace, Mercy, Power, Faithfulness, and Unequivocal Righteousness.

2. The entire Bible [Old and New Testament] is about Jesus. “You examine the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life, and it is those very Scriptures that testify about Me…” —John 5:39, NASB

God, the Father clears all confusion about Jesus’ status as God, the Second Person of the Triune Godhead. “But to the Son, He says: ‘Your throne, O God, is forever and ever…You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions [the heavenly angels].’ ” —Hebrews 1:8-9

Jesus Christ created this universe and all living beings. “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him, all things consist.” —Colossians 1:16-17

“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” —1 Timothy 2:5

Salvation is only through Jesus Christ! No human being can mediate for our salvation and the forgiveness of our sins. We confess and repent of our sins to God in prayer and are forgiven of those sins through our Heavenly Intercessor, Jesus. Every other concept is part of Satan’s deceptions. We learn from the Scriptures that we must accept Jesus Christ as our Savior. Jesus is the only way humanity can have salvation and redemption from their sins.

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’ ” —John 14:6

“Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” — Romans 10:9

3. The Bible is our spiritual mirror and provides God’s blueprint [instructions] for every believer’s life. Through the Scriptures, we obtain spiritual knowledge of God’s moral code, and our responsibilities [surrender, faith, obedience, and love for God and others] when following Christ. The Bible outlines all of God’s laws, precepts, and righteous expectations for believers.

“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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” —2 Timothy 3:16

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” —Hebrews 4:12

4. From the Bible, we have scriptural evidence of the Triune Godhead: God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Although the Holy Spirit is a mystery, we learn from the Scriptures who the Holy Spirit is, He is the third person of the Godhead who gives us spiritual discernment, wisdom, and the strength to overcome temptation.

“When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’ ” —Matthew 3:16-17

Jesus Promises the disciples to send the Holy Spirit after His Ascension: “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.” —John 16:13-14

5. The Scriptures provide us with God’s definitive plan for the afterlife of the righteous and the demise of the wicked. Every religion except Christianity has erroneous concepts which teach by humanity’s works [doing good] one can gain a blissful afterlife.

Trust the word of God over any belief, doctrine, or concept that cannot be substantiated by the Scriptures. As we grow closer to Christ, the Holy Spirit alerts us that the false teaching we heard is not from God.

I can remember hearing a pastor say that when Jesus comes and we go to heaven that we will cry over our family and loved ones that did not make it. Believe me, he was surprised to receive my email reminder that Jesus says in Revelation 21, verse 4, “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Remember, we cannot rely on our limited human wisdom [which God considers foolishness] to self-interpret His Righteous Precepts. Always pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal the Truth of the Scriptures. Another false teaching is that the wicked will burn forever. Would God be loving and a fair and just God if people were suffering in hell’s fire for eternity?

“Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful.’ And He said to me, ‘It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.’ He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.” —Revelation 21:6-7

The afterlife for the righteous is eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth and the wicked do not have an afterlife, they will be destroyed by fire [Malachi 4].

“But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” —Revelation 21:8

We choose our destiny! “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves.” —James 1:22

The believers who have the opportunity to study the Bible and choose not to learn of the precious precepts will fall victim to sin, doubt, worry, and unbelief. They will not have the biblical foundation that prevents them from accepting false teachings as God’s Truth. Nor can they have faith and trust or obey God whom they know nothing about.

God has given us His Divine Guidebook to edify our minds and souls. Studying the Bible is food for the soul. Without Biblical knowledge of God’s Character, His Promises, the Life of Christ, Salvation, and Redemption, and the Holy Spirit’s Purpose, we are in Spiritual Bankruptcy! Fill your emptiness with the spiritual nourishment of the Scriptures and faithfully obey God’s Truth by hiding the word of God in your heart.

Inspirational Quote: “Truth is inspired and guarded by God and truth will triumph!” Acts of the Apostles

Reflection: Why should I diligently pray and study the Holy Scriptures?

Jesus warns us “The Way is Narrow.”

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” —Matthew 7:13-14

Prayer: God, we thank You for giving us Your precious words in the Holy Bible. We also thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. We desire to know more about Your saving grace and commit to studying the Bible every day. We ask for forgiveness for not studying Your Holy word. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ Worthy name, Amen.

© 2023 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries