Scripture Cannot Be Broken

If Jesus wins your trust, If Jesus wins your trust, and that's why you'll become a and that's why you'll become a and that's why you'll become a Christian, if you're a real Christian, Christian, if you're a real Christian, Christian, if you're a real Christian, is that the person Jesus Christ, as he's is that the person Jesus Christ, as he's is that the person Jesus Christ, as he's revealed through the scriptures, wins revealed through the scriptures, wins revealed through the scriptures, wins your trust in himself as a person, as a your trust in himself as a person, as a your trust in himself as a person, as a friend, as a king, as a savior, as a friend, as a king, as a savior, as a friend, as a king, as a savior, as a wise counselor. He wins your trust. You wise counselor. He wins your trust. You wise counselor. He wins your trust. You know him. You know him. And you trust know him. You know him. And you trust know him. You know him. And you trust him, just like you trust your spouse or him, just like you trust your spouse or him, just like you trust your spouse or your friend or your mother or your your friend or your mother or your your friend or your mother or your father. You trust him because he's won father. You trust him because he's won father. You trust him because he's won you. He's a person. you. He's a person. you. He's a person. Now, once that happens, Now, once that happens, Now, once that happens, what he thinks about everything changes what he thinks about everything changes what he thinks about everything changes everything. everything. everything. And what he thinks about [music] And what he thinks about [music] And what he thinks about [music] scripture is massively significant. scripture is massively significant. scripture is massively significant. >> At some point, most everyone wrestles >> At some point, most everyone wrestles >> At some point, most everyone wrestles [music] with whether the Bible can be [music] with whether the Bible can be [music] with whether the Bible can be trusted or not. trusted or not. trusted or not. But for Christians, that question is But for Christians, that question is But for Christians, that question is bound up with a deeper question. Do we bound up with a deeper question. Do we bound up with a deeper question. Do we trust Jesus enough to receive what it is trust Jesus enough to receive what it is trust Jesus enough to receive what it is he says about the Bible?

he says about the Bible? he says about the Bible? I'm your host, Dan Cruver. I'm your host, Dan Cruver. I'm your host, Dan Cruver. In this episode of Light and Truth, John In this episode of Light and Truth, John In this episode of Light and Truth, John Piper shows that Jesus's confidence in Piper shows that Jesus's confidence in Piper shows that Jesus's confidence in scripture should shape the confidence of scripture should shape the confidence of scripture should shape the confidence of everyone who trusts in him. everyone who trusts in him. everyone who trusts in him. This seminar was originally delivered at This seminar was originally delivered at This seminar was originally delivered at Bethlehem Baptist Church in [music] Bethlehem Baptist Church in [music] Bethlehem Baptist Church in [music] September 2001. >> What does the Bible claim for it self? >> What does the Bible claim for it self? Jesus' view of the Old Testament. Let me Jesus' view of the Old Testament. Let me Jesus' view of the Old Testament. Let me read my note here, what I just wrote to read my note here, what I just wrote to read my note here, what I just wrote to myself this morning. myself this morning. myself this morning. Um, let me tell you what I'm going to Um, let me tell you what I'm going to Um, let me tell you what I'm going to skip here that I could do. I'm going to skip here that I could do. I'm going to skip here that I could do. I'm going to skip the big section I have on the Old skip the big section I have on the Old skip the big section I have on the Old Testament's testimony to itself. All the Testament's testimony to itself. All the Testament's testimony to itself. All the places where the Old Testament claims to places where the Old Testament claims to places where the Old Testament claims to be the word of God speaking. It would be the word of God speaking. It would be the word of God speaking. It would just consume so much of our time and I just consume so much of our time and I just consume so much of our time and I think we really need to get to step think we really need to get to step think we really need to get to step five. five. five. You can you can track those down with You can you can track those down with You can you can track those down with your concordance. your concordance. your concordance. Um Um Um and I'm going to skip the and I'm going to skip the and I'm going to skip the the apostles self-claims the apostles self-claims the apostles self-claims because we did so much of that last because we did so much of that last because we did so much of that last night arguing that Paul argued that he night arguing that Paul argued that he night arguing that Paul argued that he was speaking by the spirit and said was speaking by the spirit and said was speaking by the spirit and said measure your words by my words and we've measure your words by my words and we've measure your words by my words and we've said enough about that to know that it's said enough about that to know that it's said enough about that to know that it's there. What I want to look at now is there. What I want to look at now is there. What I want to look at now is Jesus view of scripture.

Jesus view of scripture. Jesus view of scripture. In particular, his scriptures, the Old In particular, his scriptures, the Old In particular, his scriptures, the Old Testament. Testament. Testament. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> And the reason for this the reason for this is because if Jesus wins your trust is because if Jesus wins your trust is because if Jesus wins your trust and that's why you'll become a Christian and that's why you'll become a Christian and that's why you'll become a Christian if you're a real Christian is that the if you're a real Christian is that the if you're a real Christian is that the person Jesus Christ as he's revealed person Jesus Christ as he's revealed person Jesus Christ as he's revealed through the scriptures wins your trust through the scriptures wins your trust through the scriptures wins your trust in himself as a person, as a friend, as in himself as a person, as a friend, as in himself as a person, as a friend, as a king, as a savior, as a wise a king, as a savior, as a wise a king, as a savior, as a wise counselor. He wins your trust. You know counselor. He wins your trust. You know counselor. He wins your trust. You know him. You know him. him. You know him. him. You know him. And you trust him just like you trust And you trust him just like you trust And you trust him just like you trust your spouse or your friend or your your spouse or your friend or your your spouse or your friend or your mother or your father. You trust him mother or your father. You trust him mother or your father. You trust him because he's won you. He's a person. because he's won you. He's a person. because he's won you. He's a person. Now, once that happens Now, once that happens Now, once that happens what he thinks about everything changes what he thinks about everything changes what he thinks about everything changes everything. everything. everything. And what he thinks about scripture is And what he thinks about scripture is And what he thinks about scripture is massively significant. And Jesus thinks massively significant. And Jesus thinks massively significant. And Jesus thinks a lot about scripture. a lot about scripture. a lot about scripture. This is why you see some of you, I don't This is why you see some of you, I don't This is why you see some of you, I don't know where you're coming from or what know where you're coming from or what know where you're coming from or what your backgrounds are, but a lot of your backgrounds are, but a lot of your backgrounds are, but a lot of Americans, millions don't even have a Americans, millions don't even have a Americans, millions don't even have a category for authority in their minds, category for authority in their minds, category for authority in their minds, let alone a category of written let alone a category of written let alone a category of written authority, let alone a category of authority, let alone a category of authority, let alone a category of religious written authority to which religious written authority to which religious written authority to which they're going to bow every day. That way they're going to bow every day. That way they're going to bow every day. That way of thinking is just foreign.

of thinking is just foreign. of thinking is just foreign. Whereas for Jesus, it was absolutely Whereas for Jesus, it was absolutely Whereas for Jesus, it was absolutely central. central. central. There is authority in God. There is authority in God. There is authority in God. God has revealed himself in history and God has revealed himself in history and God has revealed himself in history and given an authoritative interpretation of given an authoritative interpretation of given an authoritative interpretation of what he's doing in history in a canon of what he's doing in history in a canon of what he's doing in history in a canon of books, 24 or 39, depending on how you books, 24 or 39, depending on how you books, 24 or 39, depending on how you count them, Old Testament books. count them, Old Testament books. count them, Old Testament books. I, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, believe I, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, believe I, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, believe what is spoken there and guide my whole what is spoken there and guide my whole what is spoken there and guide my whole life by those books. life by those books. life by those books. So, that's what I want you to see. And So, that's what I want you to see. And So, that's what I want you to see. And the testimony to it, the evidence for the testimony to it, the evidence for the testimony to it, the evidence for it, is it, is it, is overwhelming. Now, if you say, overwhelming. Now, if you say, overwhelming. Now, if you say, as as a skeptic would, "This is just as as a skeptic would, "This is just as as a skeptic would, "This is just arguing in a circle. arguing in a circle. arguing in a circle. You know, you're going to Jesus You know, you're going to Jesus You know, you're going to Jesus to find out to find out to find out that the Old Testament has authority. that the Old Testament has authority. that the Old Testament has authority. Well, how do you know Jesus has Well, how do you know Jesus has Well, how do you know Jesus has authority? Why are you going to credit authority? Why are you going to credit authority? Why are you going to credit Jesus' word about the Old Testament? Jesus' word about the Old Testament? Jesus' word about the Old Testament? That's just a circle. You're choosing to That's just a circle. You're choosing to That's just a circle. You're choosing to jump into the circle arbitrarily at jump into the circle arbitrarily at jump into the circle arbitrarily at Jesus, and then Jesus tells you the Old Jesus, and then Jesus tells you the Old Jesus, and then Jesus tells you the Old Testament's okay, and then the Old Testament's okay, and then the Old Testament's okay, and then the Old Testament tells you Jesus is coming, and Testament tells you Jesus is coming, and Testament tells you Jesus is coming, and so you're not You've got this circle so you're not You've got this circle so you're not You've got this circle that you just arbitrarily jumped into."

that you just arbitrarily jumped into." that you just arbitrarily jumped into." It's not quite like that. But, I have to get ahead of myself here But, I have to get ahead of myself here to say why. to say why. to say why. What I'm arguing is What I'm arguing is What I'm arguing is somewhere and somehow, which we haven't somewhere and somehow, which we haven't somewhere and somehow, which we haven't explained yet, this Jesus, as he stands explained yet, this Jesus, as he stands explained yet, this Jesus, as he stands forth from the Bible, from the New forth from the Bible, from the New forth from the Bible, from the New Testament, from the Gospels, Testament, from the Gospels, Testament, from the Gospels, wins you wins you wins you authentically, compellingly, irrevocably authentically, compellingly, irrevocably authentically, compellingly, irrevocably for himself. for himself. for himself. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> And vindicates in you his truthfulness >> And vindicates in you his truthfulness >> And vindicates in you his truthfulness and his word. and his word. and his word. Now, you have to give an account of Now, you have to give an account of Now, you have to give an account of that. Why is that? Why do you love him? that. Why is that? Why do you love him? that. Why is that? Why do you love him? Why do you trust him? You must talk Why do you trust him? You must talk Why do you trust him? You must talk about that, but once that happens, it's about that, but once that happens, it's about that, but once that happens, it's no longer arbitrary no longer arbitrary no longer arbitrary that you would go to him for how he that you would go to him for how he that you would go to him for how he thinks about Scripture. And that's where thinks about Scripture. And that's where thinks about Scripture. And that's where we're going to go now. we're going to go now. we're going to go now. Let's just see what he thinks. Let's just see what he thinks. Let's just see what he thinks. Jesus believed the psalmist spoke by the Jesus believed the psalmist spoke by the Jesus believed the psalmist spoke by the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit. Mark 12:35.

Mark 12:35. Mark 12:35. Jesus answering began to say as he Jesus answering began to say as he Jesus answering began to say as he taught in the temple, taught in the temple, taught in the temple, "How is it that the scribes say that the "How is it that the scribes say that the "How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David? Christ is the son of David? Christ is the son of David? David himself said David himself said David himself said in or by in or by in or by the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit, 'The Lord said to my Lord,' and he 'The Lord said to my Lord,' and he 'The Lord said to my Lord,' and he quotes Psalm 110, quotes Psalm 110, quotes Psalm 110, 'Sit at my right hand.'" 'Sit at my right hand.'" 'Sit at my right hand.'" So, So, So, here's Jesus here's Jesus here's Jesus claiming that this word written by the claiming that this word written by the claiming that this word written by the psalmist was spoken in or by the Holy psalmist was spoken in or by the Holy psalmist was spoken in or by the Holy Spirit. So, there's a a divine Spirit. So, there's a a divine Spirit. So, there's a a divine inspiration kind of comment about the at inspiration kind of comment about the at inspiration kind of comment about the at least that part least that part least that part of the Old Testament scriptures. Jesus believed that what Moses wrote in Jesus believed that what Moses wrote in the law, the law, the law, God himself said. This is very subtle. God himself said. This is very subtle. God himself said. This is very subtle. Listen carefully. Matthew 19:3-6. Listen carefully. Matthew 19:3-6. Listen carefully. Matthew 19:3-6. Some Pharisees came to him testing him Some Pharisees came to him testing him Some Pharisees came to him testing him and saying, "Is it lawful for a man to and saying, "Is it lawful for a man to and saying, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife and divorce his wife and divorce his wife and uh for no for any cause at all?" And he uh for no for any cause at all?" And he uh for no for any cause at all?" And he answered and said, answered and said, answered and said, "Have you not read that he "Have you not read that he "Have you not read that he he he he who created them who created them who created them God. He who created them from the God. He who created them from the God. He who created them from the beginning beginning beginning made them male and female and said, made them male and female and said, made them male and female and said, And then he quotes Genesis 2:24, which

And then he quotes Genesis 2:24, which And then he quotes Genesis 2:24, which is not a quotation of God, it's Moses' is not a quotation of God, it's Moses' is not a quotation of God, it's Moses' comment on the creation of Eve. comment on the creation of Eve. comment on the creation of Eve. 'For this cause a man shall leave his 'For this cause a man shall leave his 'For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother and shall cleave to father and mother and shall cleave to father and mother and shall cleave to his wife and the two should become one. his wife and the two should become one. his wife and the two should become one. That is an amazing thing. That is an amazing thing. That is an amazing thing. That Jesus, in quoting Genesis 2:4, That Jesus, in quoting Genesis 2:4, That Jesus, in quoting Genesis 2:4, which is a commentary by the human which is a commentary by the human which is a commentary by the human author on a divine event, says, "God author on a divine event, says, "God author on a divine event, says, "God said." This is why Calvin and so many others This is why Calvin and so many others are willing to use the word dictation are willing to use the word dictation are willing to use the word dictation when they talk about the Old Testament. when they talk about the Old Testament. when they talk about the Old Testament. I don't think they mean by that to I don't think they mean by that to I don't think they mean by that to eliminate the personality of the writer eliminate the personality of the writer eliminate the personality of the writer or his particular stylistic traits. They or his particular stylistic traits. They or his particular stylistic traits. They just mean there is a correlation between just mean there is a correlation between just mean there is a correlation between the divine mind and the human the divine mind and the human the divine mind and the human writing here that is so close you can writing here that is so close you can writing here that is so close you can say God said that. God said that. So, that's another instance of Jesus' So, that's another instance of Jesus' sense of the authority of the Old sense of the authority of the Old sense of the authority of the Old Testament. Jesus put the authority of Testament. Jesus put the authority of Testament. Jesus put the authority of scripture above Satan and above his own scripture above Satan and above his own scripture above Satan and above his own human preferences. So, in the human preferences. So, in the human preferences. So, in the wilderness temptations, the tempter wilderness temptations, the tempter wilderness temptations, the tempter came, Matthew 4:3, the tempter came and came, Matthew 4:3, the tempter came and came, Matthew 4:3, the tempter came and said to him, "If you are the son of God, said to him, "If you are the son of God, said to him, "If you are the son of God, command that these stones become bread."

command that these stones become bread." command that these stones become bread." But he answered and said, But he answered and said, But he answered and said, "It is written." "It is written." "It is written." So, Jesus chooses to resist the devil, So, Jesus chooses to resist the devil, So, Jesus chooses to resist the devil, not with his own personal, divine, human not with his own personal, divine, human not with his own personal, divine, human authority, but with the words of God in authority, but with the words of God in authority, but with the words of God in the Old Testament, thus modeling, the Old Testament, thus modeling, the Old Testament, thus modeling, perhaps, for us how to do spiritual perhaps, for us how to do spiritual perhaps, for us how to do spiritual warfare when we are tempted. Man shall warfare when we are tempted. Man shall warfare when we are tempted. Man shall not live by bread alone, he quotes not live by bread alone, he quotes not live by bread alone, he quotes Deuteronomy. Jesus said to him, on the Deuteronomy. Jesus said to him, on the Deuteronomy. Jesus said to him, on the other hand, "It is written." other hand, "It is written." other hand, "It is written." Then Jesus said to him, "Begone, Satan, Then Jesus said to him, "Begone, Satan, Then Jesus said to him, "Begone, Satan, for it is written." for it is written." for it is written." So, here's the one opportunity for So, here's the one opportunity for So, here's the one opportunity for Jesus, as it were, to stand up, show his Jesus, as it were, to stand up, show his Jesus, as it were, to stand up, show his power, his might, his independent, power, his might, his independent, power, his might, his independent, unique authority, and he leans on the unique authority, and he leans on the unique authority, and he leans on the Bible to do it. to do it. That's a powerful statement about That's a powerful statement about That's a powerful statement about the the the role of the scriptures in Jesus' life. role of the scriptures in Jesus' life. role of the scriptures in Jesus' life. Jesus believed that all scripture would Jesus believed that all scripture would Jesus believed that all scripture would be fulfilled. Matthew 5:17, "Do not be fulfilled. Matthew 5:17, "Do not be fulfilled. Matthew 5:17, "Do not think that I came to abolish the law or think that I came to abolish the law or think that I came to abolish the law or the prophets.

the prophets. the prophets. I did not come to abolish, but to I did not come to abolish, but to I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter earth pass away, not the smallest letter earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass away from the law or stroke shall pass away from the law or stroke shall pass away from the law until all is accomplished. until all is accomplished. until all is accomplished. It It can't get much more sweeping than It It can't get much more sweeping than It It can't get much more sweeping than that. that. that. The smallest letter The smallest letter The smallest letter or stroke, or stroke, or stroke, little teeny Hebrew yodh, little teeny Hebrew yodh, little teeny Hebrew yodh, shall pass away from the law until all shall pass away from the law until all shall pass away from the law until all is accomplished. is accomplished. is accomplished. And a lot of it was accomplished in And a lot of it was accomplished in And a lot of it was accomplished in Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, which is why, though it has divine which is why, though it has divine which is why, though it has divine authority, isn't applicable today. We do authority, isn't applicable today. We do authority, isn't applicable today. We do not sacrifice animals, for example, not sacrifice animals, for example, not sacrifice animals, for example, today. We don't avoid today. We don't avoid today. We don't avoid certain kinds of unclean foods today certain kinds of unclean foods today certain kinds of unclean foods today because Jesus declared all foods clean. because Jesus declared all foods clean. because Jesus declared all foods clean. Jesus became our sacrificial lamb. Jesus Jesus became our sacrificial lamb. Jesus Jesus became our sacrificial lamb. Jesus became our high priest. became our high priest. became our high priest. So all that absolute authoritative word So all that absolute authoritative word So all that absolute authoritative word came to its fulfillment in Jesus, and he came to its fulfillment in Jesus, and he came to its fulfillment in Jesus, and he believed it would, and he was believed it would, and he was believed it would, and he was calculating his life to make that calculating his life to make that calculating his life to make that happen, to vindicate the authority of happen, to vindicate the authority of happen, to vindicate the authority of God in the Old Testament.

God in the Old Testament. God in the Old Testament. Jesus saw Moses and the prophets as Jesus saw Moses and the prophets as Jesus saw Moses and the prophets as speaking compelling truth on how to speaking compelling truth on how to speaking compelling truth on how to avoid hell. Remember the story of the avoid hell. Remember the story of the avoid hell. Remember the story of the rich man and Lazarus. I have five rich man and Lazarus. I have five rich man and Lazarus. I have five brothers. This man's in torment now. That he may warn them lest they come. That he may warn them lest they come. Well, let's send send somebody to my Well, let's send send somebody to my Well, let's send send somebody to my brothers to warn them. But Abraham, speaking from the bosom of But Abraham, speaking from the bosom of the father in heaven as they're having the father in heaven as they're having the father in heaven as they're having this little dialogue that we get a this little dialogue that we get a this little dialogue that we get a glimpse of, said, glimpse of, said, glimpse of, said, "They have Moses "They have Moses "They have Moses >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> and the prophets. >> and the prophets. >> and the prophets. Let them hear them." Let them hear them." Let them hear them." But he said, "No, father Abraham, but if But he said, "No, father Abraham, but if But he said, "No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, someone goes to them from the dead, someone goes to them from the dead, they'll repent." they'll repent." they'll repent." And he said to him, "If they don't And he said to him, "If they don't And he said to him, "If they don't listen to Moses and the prophets, listen to Moses and the prophets, listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if neither will they be persuaded if neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead." That's a very high view of Moses and the That's a very high view of Moses and the prophets.

prophets. prophets. Moses and the prophets, if you don't Moses and the prophets, if you don't Moses and the prophets, if you don't listen to them, listen to them, listen to them, that must mean something in Moses and that must mean something in Moses and that must mean something in Moses and the prophets the prophets the prophets that's as compelling, if you had eyes to that's as compelling, if you had eyes to that's as compelling, if you had eyes to see, see, see, as a resurrection from the dead. as a resurrection from the dead. as a resurrection from the dead. So, my mother, who's been dead for 20 So, my mother, who's been dead for 20 So, my mother, who's been dead for 20 six years now, six years now, six years now, were to walk through that door back were to walk through that door back were to walk through that door back there, I should have no more I should have no more sense sense sense of of of what she says being true what she says being true what she says being true than what I read than what I read than what I read in Moses and the prophets. I should be able to go to Moses and the I should be able to go to Moses and the prophets and by the illumination and prophets and by the illumination and prophets and by the illumination and help of the Holy Spirit come away from help of the Holy Spirit come away from help of the Holy Spirit come away from there with convictions as solid as if my there with convictions as solid as if my there with convictions as solid as if my mother appeared in this church on a mother appeared in this church on a mother appeared in this church on a Sunday morning 24 years after she died Sunday morning 24 years after she died Sunday morning 24 years after she died and went to heaven. and went to heaven. and went to heaven. That's an amazing statement.

Which means we have we have some work to Which means we have we have some work to do, don't we? When we get to number five do, don't we? When we get to number five do, don't we? When we get to number five is, "Whoa. is, "Whoa. is, "Whoa. How do you arrive at that kind of solid, How do you arrive at that kind of solid, How do you arrive at that kind of solid, unshakable unshakable unshakable conviction?" conviction?" conviction?" Well, we're on our way there, and I Well, we're on our way there, and I Well, we're on our way there, and I think Jesus spoke the way he spoke here think Jesus spoke the way he spoke here think Jesus spoke the way he spoke here so that when in the 20th century, you so that when in the 20th century, you so that when in the 20th century, you would read these things, you would find would read these things, you would find would read these things, you would find the Holy Spirit quickening your heart to the Holy Spirit quickening your heart to the Holy Spirit quickening your heart to say, "If Jesus saw it that way, it must say, "If Jesus saw it that way, it must say, "If Jesus saw it that way, it must be that way." And And God would just be that way." And And God would just be that way." And And God would just open you to feel the force. I think he open you to feel the force. I think he open you to feel the force. I think he did that for Billy Graham there in the did that for Billy Graham there in the did that for Billy Graham there in the mountains mountains mountains out there in California when he was in out there in California when he was in out there in California when he was in his 20s. Remember, he told the story his 20s. Remember, he told the story his 20s. Remember, he told the story over and over again. over and over again. over and over again. He was getting criticized as a young He was getting criticized as a young He was getting criticized as a young evangelist evangelist evangelist about how naive he was about biblical about how naive he was about biblical about how naive he was about biblical criticism criticism criticism the authority of the Bible. He took out the authority of the Bible. He took out the authority of the Bible. He took out went out in the woods, he laid his open went out in the woods, he laid his open went out in the woods, he laid his open Bible on a stump his King James Bible on Bible on a stump his King James Bible on Bible on a stump his King James Bible on a stump and knelt down a stump and knelt down a stump and knelt down and said, "Oh God, I have so many and said, "Oh God, I have so many and said, "Oh God, I have so many unanswered questions.

unanswered questions. unanswered questions. Help me. Help me. Help me. Help me to discern. Is this your book?" And God met him that night. I don't And God met him that night. I don't think he met him with a whisper. I don't think he met him with a whisper. I don't think he met him with a whisper. I don't think that's what he says. Like, there think that's what he says. Like, there think that's what he says. Like, there was a voice that said, "It's my book." was a voice that said, "It's my book." was a voice that said, "It's my book." And the voice itself now has the And the voice itself now has the And the voice itself now has the authority, not the book. That's the authority, not the book. That's the authority, not the book. That's the danger of getting other revelations danger of getting other revelations danger of getting other revelations about the book. Then the voice has the about the book. Then the voice has the about the book. Then the voice has the authority, not the book. But rather, the authority, not the book. But rather, the authority, not the book. But rather, the book, as it were, stood forth vindicated book, as it were, stood forth vindicated book, as it were, stood forth vindicated itself, and he got off his knees and itself, and he got off his knees and itself, and he got off his knees and said said said "I will never again say anything but "I will never again say anything but "I will never again say anything but thus saith the Bible." thus saith the Bible." thus saith the Bible." And that's pretty much the course he's And that's pretty much the course he's And that's pretty much the course he's held. You know, he goes on Jay Leno or held. You know, he goes on Jay Leno or held. You know, he goes on Jay Leno or Larry King over the years and just says, Larry King over the years and just says, Larry King over the years and just says, "The Bible says. "The Bible says. "The Bible says. The Bible says." The Bible says." The Bible says." >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> And God's honored it. Billy Graham's not >> And God's honored it. Billy Graham's not >> And God's honored it. Billy Graham's not perfect. He and I have I'm sure some perfect. He and I have I'm sure some perfect. He and I have I'm sure some theological differences, and he's made theological differences, and he's made theological differences, and he's made some compromises I probably wouldn't some compromises I probably wouldn't some compromises I probably wouldn't have made, but have made, but have made, but he says, "The Bible says." he says, "The Bible says." he says, "The Bible says." And God seems to have honored that.

And God seems to have honored that. And God seems to have honored that. >> [snorts] >> Jesus believed that the small >> Jesus believed that the small affirmations of scripture cannot be affirmations of scripture cannot be affirmations of scripture cannot be broken. broken. broken. John 10:33 John 10:33 John 10:33 The Jews answered him, The Jews answered him, The Jews answered him, "For a good work we do not stone you, "For a good work we do not stone you, "For a good work we do not stone you, but for blasphemy, because you, being a but for blasphemy, because you, being a but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself out to be God." man, make yourself out to be God." man, make yourself out to be God." Jesus answered them, Jesus answered them, Jesus answered them, "Has it not been written in your law, 'I "Has it not been written in your law, 'I "Has it not been written in your law, 'I said you are gods?' said you are gods?' said you are gods?' If he called them gods, to whom the word If he called them gods, to whom the word If he called them gods, to whom the word came, and the Scripture cannot be came, and the Scripture cannot be came, and the Scripture cannot be broken, broken, broken, do you say of him, whom the Father do you say of him, whom the Father do you say of him, whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, 'You sanctified and sent into the world, 'You sanctified and sent into the world, 'You are blaspheming because I said, "I am are blaspheming because I said, "I am are blaspheming because I said, "I am the Son of God?"' the Son of God?"' the Son of God?"' There's a lot to be talked about there There's a lot to be talked about there There's a lot to be talked about there that I don't want to get into, except that I don't want to get into, except that I don't want to get into, except just just just the Scripture cannot be broken, and it's the Scripture cannot be broken, and it's the Scripture cannot be broken, and it's almost a throwaway phrase. almost a throwaway phrase. almost a throwaway phrase. You are gods. You are like angels. You You are gods. You are like angels. You You are gods. You are like angels. You are gods with a little g. It's kind of are gods with a little g. It's kind of are gods with a little g. It's kind of an argument from the lesser to the an argument from the lesser to the an argument from the lesser to the greater. You don't get bent out of shape greater. You don't get bent out of shape greater. You don't get bent out of shape when the Old Testament uses that when the Old Testament uses that when the Old Testament uses that language. Why you get bent out of shape language. Why you get bent out of shape language. Why you get bent out of shape when I use this language?

when I use this language? when I use this language? Of course, there's a reason why they Of course, there's a reason why they Of course, there's a reason why they should get bent out of shape, but that should get bent out of shape, but that should get bent out of shape, but that he's just calling their attention to he's just calling their attention to he's just calling their attention to some inconsistencies, and in it he says some inconsistencies, and in it he says some inconsistencies, and in it he says the Scripture cannot be broken. the Scripture cannot be broken. the Scripture cannot be broken. Jesus put the authority of Moses above Jesus put the authority of Moses above Jesus put the authority of Moses above the distortions of the scribes. Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to his disciples, saying, "The scribes to his disciples, saying, "The scribes to his disciples, saying, "The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves and the Pharisees have seated themselves and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses. Therefore, all in the chair of Moses. Therefore, all in the chair of Moses. Therefore, all that they tell you, do and observe, but that they tell you, do and observe, but that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds, for do not do according to their deeds, for do not do according to their deeds, for they say things and do not do them." they say things and do not do them." they say things and do not do them." This This Jesus' way of saying, This This Jesus' way of saying, This This Jesus' way of saying, "Even if a a proud, arrogant, "Even if a a proud, arrogant, "Even if a a proud, arrogant, self-centered, and unbelieving Pharisee self-centered, and unbelieving Pharisee self-centered, and unbelieving Pharisee tells you what to do, and it comes from tells you what to do, and it comes from tells you what to do, and it comes from Moses, you do it. Moses, you do it. Moses, you do it. But don't you copy his life." In other But don't you copy his life." In other But don't you copy his life." In other words, the word of God can come right words, the word of God can come right words, the word of God can come right through a terrible means. through a terrible means. through a terrible means. There can be Elmer There can be Elmer There can be Elmer Gantries.

You You know, don't you, that there are You You know, don't you, that there are true stories of evangelists who are true stories of evangelists who are true stories of evangelists who are escaped convicts who preach the gospel escaped convicts who preach the gospel escaped convicts who preach the gospel to maintain the cover and people get to maintain the cover and people get to maintain the cover and people get saved. saved. saved. They don't believe anything they're They don't believe anything they're They don't believe anything they're saying. Because the word of God is living and Because the word of God is living and active. It's like Paul sitting in jail active. It's like Paul sitting in jail active. It's like Paul sitting in jail saying, "Well, saying, "Well, saying, "Well, some are preaching the gospel out of some are preaching the gospel out of some are preaching the gospel out of love to me because they love to me because they love to me because they are tenderhearted towards my bonds and are tenderhearted towards my bonds and are tenderhearted towards my bonds and others are proud and arrogant or trying others are proud and arrogant or trying others are proud and arrogant or trying to rub it in my face. But I just thank to rub it in my face. But I just thank to rub it in my face. But I just thank God the gospel's being preached." I just think that's just a view of of I just think that's just a view of of the power of the gospel that's amazing. the power of the gospel that's amazing. the power of the gospel that's amazing. So, Jesus had that view, Paul had that So, Jesus had that view, Paul had that So, Jesus had that view, Paul had that view. Jesus taught the that Moses' writings Jesus taught the that Moses' writings are to be believed. This is redundant, I are to be believed. This is redundant, I are to be believed. This is redundant, I guess. John 5:39, "You search the guess. John 5:39, "You search the guess. John 5:39, "You search the scriptures because you think that in scriptures because you think that in scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life. It is these them you have eternal life. It is these them you have eternal life. It is these that bear witness of me." 46, verse 46, that bear witness of me." 46, verse 46, that bear witness of me." 46, verse 46, "For if you believed Moses, you would "For if you believed Moses, you would "For if you believed Moses, you would believe me.

believe me. believe me. For he wrote of me. For he wrote of me. For he wrote of me. But if you do not believe his writings, But if you do not believe his writings, But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words? how will you believe my words? how will you believe my words? Mhm. That'd be worth thinking about. Mhm. That'd be worth thinking about. Mhm. That'd be worth thinking about. Having your mind and heart so wrought Having your mind and heart so wrought Having your mind and heart so wrought upon by the spirit that you comply with upon by the spirit that you comply with upon by the spirit that you comply with Moses Moses Moses fits you to recognize me as true. Now, this the same thing has to happen Now, this the same thing has to happen in your heart to recognize me as has to in your heart to recognize me as has to in your heart to recognize me as has to happen in your heart to see happen in your heart to see happen in your heart to see my word as true in Moses and the my word as true in Moses and the my word as true in Moses and the prophets. prophets. prophets. There's a spiritual reality that had to There's a spiritual reality that had to There's a spiritual reality that had to happen there. And if it happened there, happen there. And if it happened there, happen there. And if it happened there, you'd recognize me. But if you don't you'd recognize me. But if you don't you'd recognize me. But if you don't recognize me, it hasn't happened. You're recognize me, it hasn't happened. You're recognize me, it hasn't happened. You're using the book in an artificial way. Jesus contrasted the traditions of men Jesus contrasted the traditions of men with the word of God in the Old with the word of God in the Old with the word of God in the Old Testament.

Testament. Testament. He [snorts] was also saying to them, He [snorts] was also saying to them, He [snorts] was also saying to them, "You nicely set aside the commandment of "You nicely set aside the commandment of "You nicely set aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition." "You no longer permit him to do anything "You no longer permit him to do anything for his father or his mother, thus for his father or his mother, thus for his father or his mother, thus invalidating the word of God by your invalidating the word of God by your invalidating the word of God by your tradition, tradition, tradition, which you have handed down." which you have handed down." which you have handed down." Now, there's a distinction between Now, there's a distinction between Now, there's a distinction between tradition and word of God written. And tradition and word of God written. And tradition and word of God written. And what the elders and the scribes and the what the elders and the scribes and the what the elders and the scribes and the chief priests and the Pharisees were chief priests and the Pharisees were chief priests and the Pharisees were doing with the word of God in creating doing with the word of God in creating doing with the word of God in creating all kinds of additional traditions that all kinds of additional traditions that all kinds of additional traditions that wound up coming around and nullifying wound up coming around and nullifying wound up coming around and nullifying the very word of God. Oh, that's the very word of God. Oh, that's the very word of God. Oh, that's dangerous. I bet we've got some at dangerous. I bet we've got some at dangerous. I bet we've got some at Bethlehem. There's long traditions in the Baptist There's long traditions in the Baptist church or in American church, church or in American church, church or in American church, and they have made their way so far out and they have made their way so far out and they have made their way so far out from the Bible that they're starting to from the Bible that they're starting to from the Bible that they're starting to come around come around come around and torpedo the very authority of God and torpedo the very authority of God and torpedo the very authority of God himself in some way.

himself in some way. himself in some way. Oh, how we need to ask, "Were those in Oh, how we need to ask, "Were those in Oh, how we need to ask, "Were those in my life? my life? my life? What have I What have I embraced in my What have I What have I embraced in my What have I What have I embraced in my life that life that life that it feels like a nice Christian it feels like a nice Christian it feels like a nice Christian tradition, but is undermining the very tradition, but is undermining the very tradition, but is undermining the very commandment of God in my life?" commandment of God in my life?" commandment of God in my life?" But the point here is the word is held out and up by Jesus the word is held out and up by Jesus with with with authority over against everything, even authority over against everything, even authority over against everything, even the most religious tradition. the most religious tradition. the most religious tradition. >> [snorts] >> Jesus believed that knowing the >> Jesus believed that knowing the scriptures would keep you from doctrinal scriptures would keep you from doctrinal scriptures would keep you from doctrinal error. error. error. This is a situation of whether the This is a situation of whether the This is a situation of whether the Sadducees Sadducees Sadducees could trick him into making a fool of could trick him into making a fool of could trick him into making a fool of himself because he believed in the himself because he believed in the himself because he believed in the resurrection of the dead, which they resurrection of the dead, which they resurrection of the dead, which they didn't. And so the way they go about it didn't. And so the way they go about it didn't. And so the way they go about it is to say, is to say, is to say, "If a man's brother dies and leaves "If a man's brother dies and leaves "If a man's brother dies and leaves behind a wife, This is Mark 12:19. and behind a wife, This is Mark 12:19. and behind a wife, This is Mark 12:19. and leaves no child, leaves no child, leaves no child, his brother should take the wife and his brother should take the wife and his brother should take the wife and raise up." So, here's a There were seven brothers, and the first There were seven brothers, and the first took a wife. And then they all died, took a wife. And then they all died, took a wife. And then they all died, had the same wife. Now, she dies, had the same wife. Now, she dies, had the same wife. Now, she dies, goes to heaven.

goes to heaven. goes to heaven. Now she's a what? Polygamist. Polygamy in the resurrection. So, what Polygamy in the resurrection. So, what did you do with that? You believer in did you do with that? You believer in did you do with that? You believer in the stupid resurrection. You can't the stupid resurrection. You can't the stupid resurrection. You can't Resurrection does nothing but create Resurrection does nothing but create Resurrection does nothing but create problems like polygamy. It's like my problems like polygamy. It's like my problems like polygamy. It's like my father. My father remarried a year after father. My father remarried a year after father. My father remarried a year after my mother died. my mother died. my mother died. So, is it Ruth Piper? So, is it Ruth Piper? So, is it Ruth Piper? Or is it LaVon Piper that he's going to be married to in the that he's going to be married to in the kingdom? kingdom? kingdom? Who's going to be my father's wife Who's going to be my father's wife Who's going to be my father's wife in the resurrection? Jesus says, Jesus says, "Is this not the reason you are "Is this not the reason you are "Is this not the reason you are mistaken? mistaken? mistaken? That you do not understand scripture." You knew your Bibles better, You knew your Bibles better, you wouldn't make errors about the you wouldn't make errors about the you wouldn't make errors about the resurrection like this. You ought to resurrection like this. You ought to resurrection like this. You ought to know your Bibles better. Well, he's know your Bibles better. Well, he's know your Bibles better. Well, he's talking to some pretty talking to some pretty talking to some pretty pretty Bible-saturated people.

But what this says to me is But what this says to me is his category of scripture is just huge. his category of scripture is just huge. his category of scripture is just huge. I mean, he lives by He solves doctrinal I mean, he lives by He solves doctrinal I mean, he lives by He solves doctrinal questions by it. questions by it. questions by it. And he adds this, And he adds this, And he adds this, "You do not understand the scriptures or "You do not understand the scriptures or "You do not understand the scriptures or the power of God." And then he gives his the power of God." And then he gives his the power of God." And then he gives his answer to them, "May be no marriage in answer to them, "May be no marriage in answer to them, "May be no marriage in the kingdom." You'll be like angels in heaven. You'll be like angels in heaven. So, sorry, So, sorry, So, sorry, you know, you young folks who are so you know, you young folks who are so you know, you young folks who are so much in love with one another and much in love with one another and much in love with one another and old folks who are so much in love with old folks who are so much in love with old folks who are so much in love with one another, one another, one another, it's not going to be the same. It's just it's not going to be the same. It's just it's not going to be the same. It's just not going to be the same. not going to be the same. not going to be the same. I think it'll be as good and better I think it'll be as good and better I think it'll be as good and better in ways that we can't imagine, but it's in ways that we can't imagine, but it's in ways that we can't imagine, but it's not going to be a problem for my father not going to be a problem for my father not going to be a problem for my father to relate to Ruth Piper, my mother, and to relate to Ruth Piper, my mother, and to relate to Ruth Piper, my mother, and LaVon Piper, my stepmother, or this LaVon Piper, my stepmother, or this LaVon Piper, my stepmother, or this woman woman woman who had who had who had seven husbands. That's not going to be a seven husbands. That's not going to be a seven husbands. That's not going to be a moral problem, and it's not going to be moral problem, and it's not going to be moral problem, and it's not going to be a ethical a ethical a ethical uh problem because uh problem because uh problem because things are going to be so different things are going to be so different things are going to be so different relationally. They In In the relationally. They In In the relationally. They In In the resurrection, they do not marry or are resurrection, they do not marry or are resurrection, they do not marry or are given in marriage.

given in marriage. given in marriage. I don't know how I don't know how I don't know how it'll be. It'll just be better. it'll be. It'll just be better. it'll be. It'll just be better. Heaven is not a step backwards, I Heaven is not a step backwards, I Heaven is not a step backwards, I promise you. promise you. promise you. Jesus devoted his life to fulfilling the Jesus devoted his life to fulfilling the Jesus devoted his life to fulfilling the scriptures about the Messiah. scriptures about the Messiah. scriptures about the Messiah. For example, his face was set to For example, his face was set to For example, his face was set to Jerusalem. He took the 12 aside and said Jerusalem. He took the 12 aside and said Jerusalem. He took the 12 aside and said to them, "Behold, we are going up to to them, "Behold, we are going up to to them, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem. All things written through Jerusalem. All things written through Jerusalem. All things written through the prophets about the Son of Man will the prophets about the Son of Man will the prophets about the Son of Man will be accomplished." So, Jesus didn't just be accomplished." So, Jesus didn't just be accomplished." So, Jesus didn't just happen to fall into the fulfillment of happen to fall into the fulfillment of happen to fall into the fulfillment of the Old Testament. He knew the Old the Old Testament. He knew the Old the Old Testament. He knew the Old Testament was about him. You read in Testament was about him. You read in Testament was about him. You read in those scriptures cuz you think there you those scriptures cuz you think there you those scriptures cuz you think there you You don't read about me. Well, you do You don't read about me. Well, you do You don't read about me. Well, you do read about me. read about me. read about me. And I read about me, and I know exactly And I read about me, and I know exactly And I read about me, and I know exactly what I have to do. I've got to go to what I have to do. I've got to go to what I have to do. I've got to go to Jerusalem. Jerusalem. Jerusalem. That's where it's all going to happen. That's where it's all going to happen. That's where it's all going to happen. So, he loves this book, esteems this So, he loves this book, esteems this So, he loves this book, esteems this book. God wrote this book. God wrote his book. God wrote this book. God wrote his book. God wrote this book. God wrote his drama for the end of his life, and he's drama for the end of his life, and he's drama for the end of his life, and he's going to fulfill every jot and tittle of going to fulfill every jot and tittle of going to fulfill every jot and tittle of it intentionally. it intentionally. it intentionally. Cleansing of the temple.

He began to teach them. He began to teach them. After he drove them out, After he drove them out, After he drove them out, "Is it not written, my house shall be "Is it not written, my house shall be "Is it not written, my house shall be called a house of prayer for all the called a house of prayer for all the called a house of prayer for all the nations, but you've made it a den of nations, but you've made it a den of nations, but you've made it a den of robbers?" robbers?" robbers?" His ministry itself is a fulfillment of His ministry itself is a fulfillment of His ministry itself is a fulfillment of Old Testament. You have that passage in Old Testament. You have that passage in Old Testament. You have that passage in Luke 4:16 following, where he comes into Luke 4:16 following, where he comes into Luke 4:16 following, where he comes into the temple and he reads this text from the temple and he reads this text from the temple and he reads this text from Isaiah, "The spirit of the Lord is upon Isaiah, "The spirit of the Lord is upon Isaiah, "The spirit of the Lord is upon me." He closed the book and gave it back me." He closed the book and gave it back me." He closed the book and gave it back to the attendant and sat down, and the to the attendant and sat down, and the to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all were fixed upon him, and he eyes of all were fixed upon him, and he eyes of all were fixed upon him, and he said, "Today, this scripture has been said, "Today, this scripture has been said, "Today, this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." He knows, fulfilled in your hearing." He knows, fulfilled in your hearing." He knows, and he's planning that the scriptures and he's planning that the scriptures and he's planning that the scriptures find their fulfillment in him. find their fulfillment in him. find their fulfillment in him. So, that's So, that's So, that's crucial role that they are crucial role that they are crucial role that they are are playing for him. are playing for him. are playing for him. The ministry of Jesus and John the The ministry of Jesus and John the The ministry of Jesus and John the Baptist are being played out according Baptist are being played out according Baptist are being played out according to the scripture. to the scripture. to the scripture. They ask him, saying, "Why is it that They ask him, saying, "Why is it that They ask him, saying, "Why is it that the scribes and Elijah must come first?" the scribes and Elijah must come first?" the scribes and Elijah must come first?" And he said to them, "Elijah does come And he said to them, "Elijah does come And he said to them, "Elijah does come and restore all things.

and restore all things. and restore all things. And yet, how is it written? Is it And yet, how is it written? Is it And yet, how is it written? Is it written written written of the Son of Man that he should suffer of the Son of Man that he should suffer of the Son of Man that he should suffer many things and be treated with many things and be treated with many things and be treated with contempt? But I say to you that Elijah contempt? But I say to you that Elijah contempt? But I say to you that Elijah has indeed come, and they did to him has indeed come, and they did to him has indeed come, and they did to him whatever they wished, just as it is whatever they wished, just as it is whatever they wished, just as it is written of him." written of him." written of him." So, the Son of Man's coming is written So, the Son of Man's coming is written So, the Son of Man's coming is written about. about. about. John the Baptist or Elijah's coming is John the Baptist or Elijah's coming is John the Baptist or Elijah's coming is written about. written about. written about. Jesus saw his betrayal as the Jesus saw his betrayal as the Jesus saw his betrayal as the fulfillment of scripture. Mark 14:21, fulfillment of scripture. Mark 14:21, fulfillment of scripture. Mark 14:21, "The Son of Man is going to go is to go "The Son of Man is going to go is to go "The Son of Man is going to go is to go just as it is written of him." Jesus just as it is written of him." Jesus just as it is written of him." Jesus taught that we should not be taught that we should not be taught that we should not be slow to believe all that the Old slow to believe all that the Old slow to believe all that the Old Testament prophets have spoken. Luke Testament prophets have spoken. Luke Testament prophets have spoken. Luke 24:25, 24:25, 24:25, "He said to them, 'O foolish men and "He said to them, 'O foolish men and "He said to them, 'O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the slow of heart to believe in all that the slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets prophets prophets have spoken.'" have spoken.'" have spoken.'" Believe it all. You're foolish not to Believe it all. You're foolish not to Believe it all. You're foolish not to believe it all. You're slow of heart not believe it all. You're slow of heart not believe it all. You're slow of heart not to believe it all. Believe it all. This to believe it all. Believe it all. This to believe it all. Believe it all. This is Jesus talking.

is Jesus talking. is Jesus talking. What a powerful and extensive crediting What a powerful and extensive crediting What a powerful and extensive crediting of the Old Testament. of the Old Testament. of the Old Testament. >> Thank you for listening to this episode >> Thank you for listening to this episode >> Thank you for listening to this episode of Light and Truth, where we are of Light and Truth, where we are of Light and Truth, where we are committed to providing God-centered committed to providing God-centered committed to providing God-centered preaching to help you see Christ clearly preaching to help you see Christ clearly preaching to help you see Christ clearly and treasure him truly. I'm your host, and treasure him truly. I'm your host, and treasure him truly. I'm your host, Dan Cruver. Dan Cruver. Dan Cruver. On our next episode, John Piper On our next episode, John Piper On our next episode, John Piper continues our eight-part series, The continues our eight-part series, The continues our eight-part series, The Bible We Trust, with a session titled, Bible We Trust, with a session titled, Bible We Trust, with a session titled, "Does Paul Deserve Our Trust?" I hope "Does Paul Deserve Our Trust?" I hope "Does Paul Deserve Our Trust?" I hope you'll join us. you'll join us. you'll join us. For more resources, [music] visit For more resources, [music] visit For more resources, [music] visit desiringgod.org.