Can We Trust the Text?

Does the doctrine of the inerrancy of Does the doctrine of the inerrancy of the original manuscripts the original manuscripts the original manuscripts matter? My answer is yes, it matters because it My answer is yes, it matters because it affirms the reality of objective affirms the reality of objective affirms the reality of objective historical inspiration. historical inspiration. historical inspiration. There is an objective measuring rod There is an objective measuring rod There is an objective measuring rod for us to return to, to move back for us to return to, to move back for us to return to, to move back toward. toward. toward. To the degree that we come close to the To the degree that we come close to the To the degree that we come close to the wording of the original, we come close wording of the original, we come close wording of the original, we come close to the very words of God. to the very words of God. to the very words of God. >> You may have heard someone say that we >> You may have heard someone say that we >> You may have heard someone say that we don't have the original manuscripts, so don't have the original manuscripts, so don't have the original manuscripts, so how can we know what it is God actually how can we know what it is God actually how can we know what it is God actually said? And that's one of those questions said? And that's one of those questions said? And that's one of those questions that can sound technical at first, but that can sound technical at first, but that can sound technical at first, but it ends up touching on something that's it ends up touching on something that's it ends up touching on something that's very personal. [music] very personal. [music] very personal. [music] Can we trust the words we are reading? Can we trust the words we are reading? Can we trust the words we are reading? 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 explains why the doctrine of Piper explains why the doctrine of Piper explains why the doctrine of inerrancy matters and why we can have inerrancy matters and why we can have inerrancy matters and why we can have real confidence that the Bible in our real confidence that the Bible in our real confidence that the Bible in our hands faithfully gives us the words God hands faithfully gives us the words God hands faithfully gives us the words God inspired.

inspired. inspired. This seminar was originally given in This seminar was originally given in This seminar was originally given in September [music] 2001, just days after September [music] 2001, just days after September [music] 2001, just days after the 9/11 attacks, and includes some of the 9/11 attacks, and includes some of the 9/11 attacks, and includes some of John Piper's reflections on those John Piper's reflections on those John Piper's reflections on those events, and his remarks offer [music] a events, and his remarks offer [music] a events, and his remarks offer [music] a timely perspective on faith in the midst timely perspective on faith in the midst timely perspective on faith in the midst of tragedy. >> So, we're at step three. Do we have the >> So, we're at step three. Do we have the very words very words very words written by the biblical authors? written by the biblical authors? written by the biblical authors? So, after all these years So, after all these years So, after all these years of transmission of the text, can we count transmission of the text, can we count on what we're looking at on what we're looking at on what we're looking at as what was originally written if we as what was originally written if we as what was originally written if we were to believe it was inspired and were to believe it was inspired and were to believe it was inspired and true, which true, which true, which I hope we do. We do not have the actual piece of paper We do not have the actual piece of paper or papyrus or papyrus or papyrus or parchment or parchment or parchment that a biblical writer actually wrote that a biblical writer actually wrote that a biblical writer actually wrote on. There are no extant original on. There are no extant original on. There are no extant original manuscripts.

Nor are there any other document, by the Nor are there any other document, by the way, way, way, in the first centuries. How were the manuscripts of the New How were the manuscripts of the New Testament then Testament then Testament then preserved? preserved? preserved? We don't have the one that Paul wrote We don't have the one that Paul wrote We don't have the one that Paul wrote on, on, on, what do we have? The first printed Greek Testament, The first printed Greek Testament, for example, for example, for example, was published in 1516 by Erasmus. was published in 1516 by Erasmus. was published in 1516 by Erasmus. Before that, all copying was by hand. Before that, all copying was by hand. Before that, all copying was by hand. We owe our Bible to the meticulous love We owe our Bible to the meticulous love We owe our Bible to the meticulous love and care given by countless monks and and care given by countless monks and and care given by countless monks and scholars of the first 1,500 years scholars of the first 1,500 years scholars of the first 1,500 years of the Christian of the Christian of the Christian era. So, how many then, what's the lay of the So, how many then, what's the lay of the land with regard to manuscripts? land with regard to manuscripts? land with regard to manuscripts? These written out These written out These written out documents. How many manuscripts of the documents. How many manuscripts of the documents. How many manuscripts of the New Testament writings do we possess New Testament writings do we possess New Testament writings do we possess today?

Well over 5,000 as of 1967, Well over 5,000 as of 1967, the statistics and they haven't changed the statistics and they haven't changed the statistics and they haven't changed much. The statistics were much. The statistics were much. The statistics were 266 uncial texts, that's written with 266 uncial texts, that's written with 266 uncial texts, that's written with all capital letters in the Greek, all capital letters in the Greek, all capital letters in the Greek, 2,754 2,754 2,754 minuscule manuscript texts, written with minuscule manuscript texts, written with minuscule manuscript texts, written with small letters. small letters. small letters. 2,135 lectionary portions, that is 2,135 lectionary portions, that is 2,135 lectionary portions, that is worship sections taken from books that worship sections taken from books that worship sections taken from books that were used in worship during the early were used in worship during the early were used in worship during the early centuries and Middle Ages, which quoted centuries and Middle Ages, which quoted centuries and Middle Ages, which quoted scriptures. And then 81 papyri. scriptures. And then 81 papyri. scriptures. And then 81 papyri. 5,236 5,236 5,236 fragments fragments fragments of of of manuscripts. manuscripts. manuscripts. How does this amount of evidence compare How does this amount of evidence compare How does this amount of evidence compare with other ancient writings of the same with other ancient writings of the same with other ancient writings of the same era? We have no original manuscripts of any We have no original manuscripts of any other writers from this other writers from this other writers from this period. Moreover, Moreover, the textual evidence of other writings the textual evidence of other writings the textual evidence of other writings cannot compare cannot compare cannot compare with the wealth with the wealth with the wealth of New Testament manuscripts.

of New Testament manuscripts. of New Testament manuscripts. And then I'm going to skip this. I'll And then I'm going to skip this. I'll And then I'm going to skip this. I'll just put myself a post just put myself a post just put myself a post paste it here note saying skip this paste it here note saying skip this paste it here note saying skip this section cuz I don't think this These are section cuz I don't think this These are section cuz I don't think this These are just examples from just examples from just examples from Caesar's Gallic Wars, Tacitus, Caesar's Gallic Wars, Tacitus, Caesar's Gallic Wars, Tacitus, Thucydides to show you the kind of Thucydides to show you the kind of Thucydides to show you the kind of textual support they have textual support they have textual support they have and they're nowhere near as extensive as and they're nowhere near as extensive as and they're nowhere near as extensive as what the New Testament has and yet what the New Testament has and yet what the New Testament has and yet people people people do their history on the basis of those do their history on the basis of those do their history on the basis of those documents. Does this smaller number of manuscripts Does this smaller number of manuscripts cause secular scholars to despair that cause secular scholars to despair that cause secular scholars to despair that we can know what these writers wrote? we can know what these writers wrote? we can know what these writers wrote? F. F. Bruce says, "No classical scholar F. F. Bruce says, "No classical scholar F. F. Bruce says, "No classical scholar would listen to an argument that the would listen to an argument that the would listen to an argument that the authenticity of Herodotus or Thucydides authenticity of Herodotus or Thucydides authenticity of Herodotus or Thucydides is in doubt because the earliest is in doubt because the earliest is in doubt because the earliest manuscripts of their works, which are of manuscripts of their works, which are of manuscripts of their works, which are of any use to us, are over 1,300 years any use to us, are over 1,300 years any use to us, are over 1,300 years later than the originals." later than the originals." later than the originals." That's all they've got to work with. That's all they've got to work with. That's all they've got to work with. Nothing before 1,300 years, whereas the Nothing before 1,300 years, whereas the Nothing before 1,300 years, whereas the New Testament text go go back much much New Testament text go go back much much New Testament text go go back much much much earlier than that.

much earlier than that. much earlier than that. So, are you saying So, are you saying So, are you saying that the New Testament is unique in that the New Testament is unique in that the New Testament is unique in having so many manuscripts? Yes, no having so many manuscripts? Yes, no having so many manuscripts? Yes, no other ancient book comes close to this other ancient book comes close to this other ancient book comes close to this kind of wealth of diverse preservation. kind of wealth of diverse preservation. kind of wealth of diverse preservation. For example, some of the oldest For example, some of the oldest For example, some of the oldest manuscripts, the oldest is a papyrus and manuscripts, the oldest is a papyrus and manuscripts, the oldest is a papyrus and comes from about AD 130. comes from about AD 130. comes from about AD 130. Contains John 18:31 to 33 and 37. Two of the Two of the only full early manuscripts of the New only full early manuscripts of the New only full early manuscripts of the New Testament come from AD 350 called Codex Testament come from AD 350 called Codex Testament come from AD 350 called Codex Sinaiticus Sinaiticus Sinaiticus because it was discovered in a monastery because it was discovered in a monastery because it was discovered in a monastery on Mount Sinai. Do all these manuscripts create problems Do all these manuscripts create problems or solutions or solutions or solutions for getting back to the original for getting back to the original for getting back to the original writings? writings? writings? The answer is both. The huge number of The answer is both. The huge number of The answer is both. The huge number of manuscripts of the New Testament results manuscripts of the New Testament results manuscripts of the New Testament results in two things.

in two things. in two things. One, there are many variations in One, there are many variations in One, there are many variations in wording among wording among wording among these manuscripts because they were all these manuscripts because they were all these manuscripts because they were all copied by hand and subject to human copied by hand and subject to human copied by hand and subject to human error. error. error. There are so many manuscripts that, this There are so many manuscripts that, this There are so many manuscripts that, this is the second thing, is the second thing, is the second thing, these errors tend to be self-correcting these errors tend to be self-correcting these errors tend to be self-correcting by the many manuscript witnesses we have by the many manuscript witnesses we have by the many manuscript witnesses we have to compare. to compare. to compare. So, F. F. Bruce, who So, F. F. Bruce, who So, F. F. Bruce, who died back in the I think early '80s, died back in the I think early '80s, died back in the I think early '80s, fortunately, if the great number of fortunately, if the great number of fortunately, if the great number of manuscript increases the number of manuscript increases the number of manuscript increases the number of scribal errors, it increases scribal errors, it increases scribal errors, it increases proportionally the means of correcting proportionally the means of correcting proportionally the means of correcting such errors, so that the margin of doubt such errors, so that the margin of doubt such errors, so that the margin of doubt left in the process of recovering the left in the process of recovering the left in the process of recovering the exact original wording is not so large exact original wording is not so large exact original wording is not so large as might be feared. as might be feared. as might be feared. It is in truth remarkably small. It is in truth remarkably small. It is in truth remarkably small. Is there a branch of biblical studies Is there a branch of biblical studies Is there a branch of biblical studies that focuses on this problem of getting that focuses on this problem of getting that focuses on this problem of getting back to the wording of the original back to the wording of the original back to the wording of the original writings? Yes, the branch of biblical writings? Yes, the branch of biblical writings? Yes, the branch of biblical studies that works with all these studies that works with all these studies that works with all these sources to determine the best sources to determine the best sources to determine the best manuscripts manuscripts manuscripts is called textual criticism.

is called textual criticism. is called textual criticism. Does the doctrine of inerrancy in the Does the doctrine of inerrancy in the Does the doctrine of inerrancy in the original manuscripts matter? original manuscripts matter? original manuscripts matter? Does it matter? Does it matter? Does it matter? See, our our affirmation of faith says See, our our affirmation of faith says See, our our affirmation of faith says that the that the that the documents are inspired documents are inspired documents are inspired and without error in the original and without error in the original and without error in the original manuscripts. manuscripts. manuscripts. There's a lot of evangelicals and others There's a lot of evangelicals and others There's a lot of evangelicals and others who almost scoff who almost scoff who almost scoff at that wording at that wording at that wording because they say since we don't have any because they say since we don't have any because they say since we don't have any of them, why even make any statements of them, why even make any statements of them, why even make any statements about them? about them? about them? What's the point? What's the use What's the point? What's the use What's the point? What's the use of making any of making any of making any statement about the authority or statement about the authority or statement about the authority or inerrancy of of a piece of paper we inerrancy of of a piece of paper we inerrancy of of a piece of paper we don't have? And I've thought a lot about whether And I've thought a lot about whether that kind of scoffing is that kind of scoffing is that kind of scoffing is warranted. warranted. warranted. And I've asked myself this question. And I've asked myself this question. And I've asked myself this question. Does the doctrine of the inerrancy of Does the doctrine of the inerrancy of Does the doctrine of the inerrancy of the original manuscripts the original manuscripts the original manuscripts matter? Well, my answer is yes, it matters Well, my answer is yes, it matters because it affirms the reality of because it affirms the reality of because it affirms the reality of objective historical inspiration.

objective historical inspiration. objective historical inspiration. There is an objective measuring rod There is an objective measuring rod There is an objective measuring rod for us to return to, to move back for us to return to, to move back for us to return to, to move back toward. toward. toward. To the degree that we come close to the To the degree that we come close to the To the degree that we come close to the wording of the original, we come close wording of the original, we come close wording of the original, we come close to the very words of God. to the very words of God. to the very words of God. We are there there for all practical purposes. In other for all practical purposes. In other for all practical purposes. In other words, when you take what textual words, when you take what textual words, when you take what textual critics have done critics have done critics have done in the Bible Society's Greek New in the Bible Society's Greek New in the Bible Society's Greek New Testament or the Nestle-Aland Greek New Testament or the Nestle-Aland Greek New Testament or the Nestle-Aland Greek New Testament, that's where we are Testament, that's where we are Testament, that's where we are virtually. virtually. virtually. There's There's There's almost no serious discrepancies almost no serious discrepancies almost no serious discrepancies after you get your work done on textual after you get your work done on textual after you get your work done on textual criticism. Let me read a few conclusions criticism. Let me read a few conclusions criticism. Let me read a few conclusions here from F. J. A. Hort and F. F. Bruce. here from F. J. A. Hort and F. F. Bruce. here from F. J. A. Hort and F. F. Bruce. The proportion of words virtually The proportion of words virtually The proportion of words virtually accepted on all hands as raised above accepted on all hands as raised above accepted on all hands as raised above doubt is great, not less on a rough doubt is great, not less on a rough doubt is great, not less on a rough computation than 7/8 of the whole.

computation than 7/8 of the whole. computation than 7/8 of the whole. The remaining 1/8 The remaining 1/8 The remaining 1/8 formed in great part by changes of order formed in great part by changes of order formed in great part by changes of order and other comparative trivialities and other comparative trivialities and other comparative trivialities constitutes the whole area of textual constitutes the whole area of textual constitutes the whole area of textual criticism. criticism. criticism. The words, in our opinion, still subject The words, in our opinion, still subject The words, in our opinion, still subject to doubt only make up 1/60 of the whole to doubt only make up 1/60 of the whole to doubt only make up 1/60 of the whole New Testament. New Testament. New Testament. Substantial variation is but a small Substantial variation is but a small Substantial variation is but a small fraction of the whole residuary fraction of the whole residuary fraction of the whole residuary variation and can hardly form more than variation and can hardly form more than variation and can hardly form more than 1/1000 1/1000 1/1000 part of the entire text. And F. F. Bruce part of the entire text. And F. F. Bruce part of the entire text. And F. F. Bruce says, "The variant readings about which says, "The variant readings about which says, "The variant readings about which any doubt remains among textual critics any doubt remains among textual critics any doubt remains among textual critics of the New Testament affects no material of the New Testament affects no material of the New Testament affects no material question of historic fact or of question of historic fact or of question of historic fact or of Christian faith and practice." Christian faith and practice." Christian faith and practice." So, of the small fraction of disputed So, of the small fraction of disputed So, of the small fraction of disputed wordings, wordings, wordings, none of those affects any significant none of those affects any significant none of those affects any significant historical event or any significant historical event or any significant historical event or any significant doctrinal doctrinal doctrinal conviction.

conviction. conviction. One of the interesting testimonies to One of the interesting testimonies to One of the interesting testimonies to this this this success of the science of textual success of the science of textual success of the science of textual criticism criticism criticism is that is that is that up until I think up until I think up until I think maybe it was the late 70s or early 80s I maybe it was the late 70s or early 80s I maybe it was the late 70s or early 80s I don't know when she just when this first don't know when she just when this first don't know when she just when this first happened there were two major projects happened there were two major projects happened there were two major projects one the Bible Society's Greek New one the Bible Society's Greek New one the Bible Society's Greek New Testament one the Nestle-Aland Greek New Testament one the Nestle-Aland Greek New Testament one the Nestle-Aland Greek New Testament these were the two major Testament these were the two major Testament these were the two major contemporary textual critical efforts contemporary textual critical efforts contemporary textual critical efforts and groups to produce an authoritative and groups to produce an authoritative and groups to produce an authoritative Greek Testament from which we can all Greek Testament from which we can all Greek Testament from which we can all uh work towards translation and uh work towards translation and uh work towards translation and preaching. preaching. preaching. And somewhere along the way those two And somewhere along the way those two And somewhere along the way those two groups found themselves in such groups found themselves in such groups found themselves in such significant agreement that they're not significant agreement that they're not significant agreement that they're not published separately anymore. published separately anymore. published separately anymore. The same Greek text is used for both the The same Greek text is used for both the The same Greek text is used for both the Nestle-Aland and the Bible Society's Nestle-Aland and the Bible Society's Nestle-Aland and the Bible Society's Greek Testament. So that today if you Greek Testament. So that today if you Greek Testament. So that today if you want to read and study Greek there's want to read and study Greek there's want to read and study Greek there's only one Greek only one Greek only one Greek contemporary text that's used contemporary text that's used contemporary text that's used because of the amazing extent of the because of the amazing extent of the because of the amazing extent of the agreement and what makes that doubly agreement and what makes that doubly agreement and what makes that doubly remarkable remarkable remarkable is that is that is that the people working on this are not the people working on this are not the people working on this are not evangelicals by and large.

There are very significant evangelicals There are very significant evangelicals involved but you don't have to think involved but you don't have to think involved but you don't have to think well yeah of course these prejudiced well yeah of course these prejudiced well yeah of course these prejudiced evangelicals who have to have an evangelicals who have to have an evangelicals who have to have an authoritative text because they say they authoritative text because they say they authoritative text because they say they believe the Bible they're going to believe the Bible they're going to believe the Bible they're going to they're going to do it one way or the they're going to do it one way or the they're going to do it one way or the other they're going to make it happen. other they're going to make it happen. other they're going to make it happen. You got German scholars who you know You got German scholars who you know You got German scholars who you know they live and die for some particular they live and die for some particular they live and die for some particular fact even if it crossed Jesus in half fact even if it crossed Jesus in half fact even if it crossed Jesus in half and and and uh and others all over the world who are uh and others all over the world who are uh and others all over the world who are coming together and they are producing coming together and they are producing coming together and they are producing this this text. this this text. this this text. So this little personal story for me this little personal story for me when I went to Germany to study for my when I went to Germany to study for my when I went to Germany to study for my doctorate in 1971 doctorate in 1971 doctorate in 1971 and I was there till 74 and I was there till 74 and I was there till 74 I finally after about 8 months hit upon I finally after about 8 months hit upon I finally after about 8 months hit upon with the help of my with the help of my with the help of my doctor father, Leonard Goppelt, doctor father, Leonard Goppelt, doctor father, Leonard Goppelt, a topic a topic a topic for a dissertation, and the topic was uh for a dissertation, and the topic was uh for a dissertation, and the topic was uh love your enemies. love your enemies. love your enemies. Um Um Um Jesus' command of enemy love in the Jesus' command of enemy love in the Jesus' command of enemy love in the early Christian parenesis in the early Christian parenesis in the early Christian parenesis in the teachings of Jesus in the early teachings of Jesus in the early teachings of Jesus in the early Christian parenesis, something like Christian parenesis, something like Christian parenesis, something like that.

that. that. And uh so I said, "Okay, now I know what And uh so I said, "Okay, now I know what And uh so I said, "Okay, now I know what I've got to focus on." I've got to focus on." I've got to focus on." The very first thing I do, so every The very first thing I do, so every The very first thing I do, so every month the doctoral candidates, about six month the doctoral candidates, about six month the doctoral candidates, about six of us with Dr. Goppelt, got together at of us with Dr. Goppelt, got together at of us with Dr. Goppelt, got together at his house out in Tutzing, just outside his house out in Tutzing, just outside his house out in Tutzing, just outside München, and uh I get on a train, I go München, and uh I get on a train, I go München, and uh I get on a train, I go out there, and I'd sit, and it'd all be out there, and I'd sit, and it'd all be out there, and I'd sit, and it'd all be in German, and in German, and in German, and and I try to I was trying to learn and I try to I was trying to learn and I try to I was trying to learn German, and and uh learn how to do German, and and uh learn how to do German, and and uh learn how to do scholarship scholarship scholarship so the Germans would smile upon it. so the Germans would smile upon it. so the Germans would smile upon it. And uh And uh And uh and I'd listen to these other every and I'd listen to these other every and I'd listen to these other every doctoral candidate read a paper every doctoral candidate read a paper every doctoral candidate read a paper every month. month. month. So it's my turn was coming down the So it's my turn was coming down the So it's my turn was coming down the line. line. line. And he's going to let me do it in And he's going to let me do it in And he's going to let me do it in English, it's fine, no problem. Uh then English, it's fine, no problem. Uh then English, it's fine, no problem. Uh then all the discussion be in German, but I all the discussion be in German, but I all the discussion be in German, but I could read in English. So I said, "What could read in English. So I said, "What could read in English. So I said, "What do I do first? What do I present?" do I do first? What do I present?" do I do first? What do I present?" I said, "Well, I said, "Well, I said, "Well, my text is clear. It's Matthew 5:43-48 my text is clear. It's Matthew 5:43-48 my text is clear. It's Matthew 5:43-48 about you have heard that it was said, about you have heard that it was said, about you have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate 'You shall love your neighbor and hate 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy, but I say to you, love your your enemy, but I say to you, love your your enemy, but I say to you, love your enemy and pray for those who persecute enemy and pray for those who persecute enemy and pray for those who persecute you.' you.' you.' So I'm going to establish the text. So I'm going to establish the text. So I'm going to establish the text. That's what I'm going to do.

That's what I'm going to do. That's what I'm going to do. I'm going to do text criticism. So my I'm going to do text criticism. So my I'm going to do text criticism. So my first my entire paper, I read 60 minutes first my entire paper, I read 60 minutes first my entire paper, I read 60 minutes on saying why every word in this text is on saying why every word in this text is on saying why every word in this text is what it is. And when I was done, And when I was done, Professor Goppelt, Professor Goppelt, Professor Goppelt, he he's sitting there kind of going like he he's sitting there kind of going like he he's sitting there kind of going like this the whole time. His eyes were this the whole time. His eyes were this the whole time. His eyes were closed, and he's sitting that's the way closed, and he's sitting that's the way closed, and he's sitting that's the way he usually sat, listening intently. he usually sat, listening intently. he usually sat, listening intently. And when I was done, he he said um And when I was done, he he said um And when I was done, he he said um "Herr Pieper." "Herr Pieper." "Herr Pieper." That's what he called me. "Herr Pieper." Uh Uh that was good. that was good. that was good. But But But you didn't need to do that. That work is done. That work is done. We don't worry with text criticism We don't worry with text criticism We don't worry with text criticism anymore. anymore. anymore. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> I mean this is a this is a frontline >> I mean this is a this is a frontline >> I mean this is a this is a frontline major publishing high echelon German major publishing high echelon German major publishing high echelon German scholar who says scholar who says scholar who says Kurtz has done that for us.

Kurtz has done that for us. Kurtz has done that for us. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Kurt Aland >> Kurt Aland >> Kurt Aland and Bruce Metzger, they've done that and Bruce Metzger, they've done that and Bruce Metzger, they've done that work. We take what's right there in the work. We take what's right there in the work. We take what's right there in the Aland Greek New Testament and that's Aland Greek New Testament and that's Aland Greek New Testament and that's where we'll start. where we'll start. where we'll start. But I I think he was happy that I, you But I I think he was happy that I, you But I I think he was happy that I, you know, looked like a scholar anyway. know, looked like a scholar anyway. know, looked like a scholar anyway. Uh but he said Uh but he said Uh but he said don't don't do that on all the text. You don't don't do that on all the text. You don't don't do that on all the text. You you got a lot of text to deal with. You you got a lot of text to deal with. You you got a lot of text to deal with. You don't need to spend your time don't need to spend your time don't need to spend your time reestablishing the text, you know, like reestablishing the text, you know, like reestablishing the text, you know, like you got to do the text critical work you got to do the text critical work you got to do the text critical work over again. So that that's generally over again. So that that's generally over again. So that that's generally generally the issue today and I just generally the issue today and I just generally the issue today and I just want to move this aside now. The issue want to move this aside now. The issue want to move this aside now. The issue today is not do we have the words that today is not do we have the words that today is not do we have the words that Paul and Matthew and Mark and Luke and Paul and Matthew and Mark and Luke and Paul and Matthew and Mark and Luke and James and Peter wrote. James and Peter wrote. James and Peter wrote. Nobody Nobody Nobody does any serious rejection of does any serious rejection of does any serious rejection of Christianity because we don't accept Christianity because we don't accept Christianity because we don't accept Muslims Muslims Muslims who think that immediately who think that immediately who think that immediately the real records the real records the real records were stolen, were stolen, were stolen, false records were created within the false records were created within the false records were created within the first century. That's what's behind all first century. That's what's behind all first century. That's what's behind all these manuscripts.

these manuscripts. these manuscripts. And it's just it's just a myth And it's just it's just a myth And it's just it's just a myth created. There's no historical evidence created. There's no historical evidence created. There's no historical evidence for it. I I used to live next door to a for it. I I used to live next door to a for it. I I used to live next door to a Muslim when I was over in Tom's house Muslim when I was over in Tom's house Muslim when I was over in Tom's house and we would talk about this and we would talk about this and we would talk about this week in week out. About I learned more week in week out. About I learned more week in week out. About I learned more about Islam talking to this guy and and about Islam talking to this guy and and about Islam talking to this guy and and the fact that he didn't think Jesus the fact that he didn't think Jesus the fact that he didn't think Jesus died, and and he thinks the Bible is in died, and and he thinks the Bible is in died, and and he thinks the Bible is in a in a mosque, the true Bible's in the a in a mosque, the true Bible's in the a in a mosque, the true Bible's in the basement of a mosque in Jerusalem, and basement of a mosque in Jerusalem, and basement of a mosque in Jerusalem, and and it's not at all like yours, and we and it's not at all like yours, and we and it's not at all like yours, and we know this. I said, "Can you just give me know this. I said, "Can you just give me know this. I said, "Can you just give me any shred of historical evidence for for any shred of historical evidence for for any shred of historical evidence for for that?" Because all the evidence that that?" Because all the evidence that that?" Because all the evidence that everybody, all religions in the world everybody, all religions in the world everybody, all religions in the world work with when they're doing historical work with when they're doing historical work with when they're doing historical Christian scholarship, is that all the Christian scholarship, is that all the Christian scholarship, is that all the manuscripts lead to one source, namely manuscripts lead to one source, namely manuscripts lead to one source, namely the one we've got right here. And he the one we've got right here. And he the one we've got right here. And he said, "Well, that's just the great hoax said, "Well, that's just the great hoax said, "Well, that's just the great hoax that has been pulled over your eyes." that has been pulled over your eyes." that has been pulled over your eyes." And And And but but but I mean, what how can I don't know how to I mean, what how can I don't know how to I mean, what how can I don't know how to respond to something like that, but you respond to something like that, but you respond to something like that, but you just need to know that for for many at just need to know that for for many at just need to know that for for many at least that's one way that Islam has for least that's one way that Islam has for least that's one way that Islam has for nullifying the record of Jesus' death nullifying the record of Jesus' death nullifying the record of Jesus' death and resurrection to say that that whole and resurrection to say that that whole and resurrection to say that that whole hoax began soon after he slipped away hoax began soon after he slipped away hoax began soon after he slipped away and didn't get killed, and now your New and didn't get killed, and now your New and didn't get killed, and now your New Testament is all Testament is all Testament is all distorted.

distorted. distorted. I could have done the same kind of thing I could have done the same kind of thing I could have done the same kind of thing here with text criticism, I think, with here with text criticism, I think, with here with text criticism, I think, with the Old Testament that I did with the the Old Testament that I did with the the Old Testament that I did with the new, and I didn't, number one, because I new, and I didn't, number one, because I new, and I didn't, number one, because I don't know it as well. don't know it as well. don't know it as well. Uh and number two, because of time. Uh and number two, because of time. Uh and number two, because of time. But I I think But I I think But I I think um um um what you would find is the same kind of what you would find is the same kind of what you would find is the same kind of and probably even more care and rigor and probably even more care and rigor and probably even more care and rigor that was taken in the preservation of that was taken in the preservation of that was taken in the preservation of the Masoretic text the Masoretic text the Masoretic text of Hebrew than of these Greek of these of Hebrew than of these Greek of these of Hebrew than of these Greek of these Greek texts, because you you have the Greek texts, because you you have the Greek texts, because you you have the the rabbinic model. the rabbinic model. the rabbinic model. Number one, they believe the canon is Number one, they believe the canon is Number one, they believe the canon is closed, like I argued last night. And closed, like I argued last night. And closed, like I argued last night. And number two, they as they copied this and number two, they as they copied this and number two, they as they copied this and passed it down, both from memory and and passed it down, both from memory and and passed it down, both from memory and and copying, there was a an an amazing sense copying, there was a an an amazing sense copying, there was a an an amazing sense of responsibility. The The Jewish of responsibility. The The Jewish of responsibility. The The Jewish people, people, people, the reason when they said when they the reason when they said when they the reason when they said when they speak Hebrew today, I don't know if speak Hebrew today, I don't know if speak Hebrew today, I don't know if you've ever been to a synagogue and you've ever been to a synagogue and you've ever been to a synagogue and and listened and listened and listened the reason the reason the reason they will use the word in speaking they will use the word in speaking they will use the word in speaking Adonai Adonai Adonai Elohim Adonai Elohim Adonai Elohim Adonai in in um in in um in in um referring to the Hebrew Tetragrammaton referring to the Hebrew Tetragrammaton referring to the Hebrew Tetragrammaton which we translate Jehovah or Lord all which we translate Jehovah or Lord all which we translate Jehovah or Lord all caps caps caps or Yahweh or Yahweh or Yahweh that they won't they won't take that that they won't they won't take that that they won't they won't take that name upon their lips because for fear of name upon their lips because for fear of name upon their lips because for fear of of taking it in vain.

of taking it in vain. of taking it in vain. And And And so they so they so they have an incredibly state have an incredibly state have an incredibly state have an have an have an in the first centuries incredibly high in the first centuries incredibly high in the first centuries incredibly high regard for the actual meticulous wording regard for the actual meticulous wording regard for the actual meticulous wording of the Hebrew Old Testament. So I think of the Hebrew Old Testament. So I think of the Hebrew Old Testament. So I think the same thing would hold sway. the same thing would hold sway. the same thing would hold sway. There there are textual critical There there are textual critical There there are textual critical problems in both Old and New Testament problems in both Old and New Testament problems in both Old and New Testament but I think it would the the proportion but I think it would the the proportion but I think it would the the proportion is spoken of here in terms of an eighth is spoken of here in terms of an eighth is spoken of here in terms of an eighth and then a sixtieth and then a and then a sixtieth and then a and then a sixtieth and then a thousandth of any seriousness would also thousandth of any seriousness would also thousandth of any seriousness would also hold true there. hold true there. hold true there. All this historical stuff that I spent All this historical stuff that I spent All this historical stuff that I spent years and years years and years years and years laboring over in seminary laboring over in seminary laboring over in seminary and afterwards and to reconstruct this and afterwards and to reconstruct this and afterwards and to reconstruct this course to reread so much of this course to reread so much of this course to reread so much of this material that I once read material that I once read material that I once read had had a wonderful I think had had a wonderful I think had had a wonderful I think uh uh uh apologetic significance in helping me apologetic significance in helping me apologetic significance in helping me relax around critical scholars in relax around critical scholars in relax around critical scholars in Germany knowing they didn't have the Germany knowing they didn't have the Germany knowing they didn't have the last word and things like that last word and things like that last word and things like that but I'll tell you when I come to die but I'll tell you when I come to die but I'll tell you when I come to die I won't be able to remember what I've I won't be able to remember what I've I won't be able to remember what I've just put on these overheads.

just put on these overheads. just put on these overheads. I know I won't. My brain will not be I know I won't. My brain will not be I know I won't. My brain will not be able to call to mind 5,000 manuscripts able to call to mind 5,000 manuscripts able to call to mind 5,000 manuscripts F.F. Bruce said this and F.J. Hort said F.F. Bruce said this and F.J. Hort said F.F. Bruce said this and F.J. Hort said this and blah blah blah. I'm I'm That's this and blah blah blah. I'm I'm That's this and blah blah blah. I'm I'm That's not going to work. And I was thinking this morning, when it And I was thinking this morning, when it comes to eschatology, they say, "Ooh, they say, "Ooh, I wonder if Bin Laden is the I wonder if Bin Laden is the I wonder if Bin Laden is the Antichrist." Antichrist." Antichrist." >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> I wonder >> I wonder >> I wonder if 3 and 1/2 years, or was it 1,260 if 3 and 1/2 years, or was it 1,260 if 3 and 1/2 years, or was it 1,260 days, uh started days, uh started days, uh started there. Um your ability Um your ability to precisely to precisely to precisely nail down nail down nail down the details of eschatology will not the details of eschatology will not the details of eschatology will not sustain your faith sustain your faith sustain your faith in the crisis of those last days. in the crisis of those last days. in the crisis of those last days. It won't do it. It won't do it. It won't do it. You know what'll do it? You know what'll do it? You know what'll do it? Having studied that enough to know Having studied that enough to know Having studied that enough to know God's got the dates, God's got the dates, God's got the dates, and God's in control down to the day, and God's in control down to the day, and God's in control down to the day, that'll sustain your faith.

that'll sustain your faith. that'll sustain your faith. And that'll be there. And that'll be there. And that'll be there. So that you We study eschatology, we So that you We study eschatology, we So that you We study eschatology, we will study eschatology on Wednesday will study eschatology on Wednesday will study eschatology on Wednesday nights. We will study it, but I know nights. We will study it, but I know nights. We will study it, but I know good and well good and well good and well the fragility of your understanding of the fragility of your understanding of the fragility of your understanding of those details in Revelation and Matthew those details in Revelation and Matthew those details in Revelation and Matthew 24 and Daniel 7 and 9, your 24 and Daniel 7 and 9, your 24 and Daniel 7 and 9, your forgetfulness and your fallibility in forgetfulness and your fallibility in forgetfulness and your fallibility in understanding all those details won't understanding all those details won't understanding all those details won't carry your soul through death. carry your soul through death. carry your soul through death. And I'm very interested in helping And I'm very interested in helping And I'm very interested in helping people die. people die. people die. Really interested. I want you to be able Really interested. I want you to be able Really interested. I want you to be able to die well. I want you to be able to to die well. I want you to be able to to die well. I want you to be able to choose to die. choose to die. choose to die. So here you are on that plane, So here you are on that plane, So here you are on that plane, boy, would I like to have seen boy, would I like to have seen boy, would I like to have seen the plane that went down in the plane that went down in the plane that went down in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania. What went on in that plane? We choose to die here. We choose to die here. But, would we really die? But, would we really die? But, would we really die? Maybe they're just going to go to Iran.

Maybe they're just going to go to Iran. Maybe they're just going to go to Iran. Maybe they're just going to land it in Maybe they're just going to land it in Maybe they're just going to land it in Canada. The details of eschatology at that point The details of eschatology at that point about whether this is the tribulation about whether this is the tribulation about whether this is the tribulation we're in right now we're in right now we're in right now or whether 3 and 1/2 years is this or 3 or whether 3 and 1/2 years is this or 3 or whether 3 and 1/2 years is this or 3 and 1/2 years is that, you're not going and 1/2 years is that, you're not going and 1/2 years is that, you're not going to have that worked out to the degree to have that worked out to the degree to have that worked out to the degree where you can specify any date so that where you can specify any date so that where you can specify any date so that you can say with sure you can say with sure you can say with sure footing this is going to happen, that's footing this is going to happen, that's footing this is going to happen, that's going to happen, and and so I feel going to happen, and and so I feel going to happen, and and so I feel comforted by that. You won't feel comforted by that. You won't feel comforted by that. You won't feel comforted by that cuz you might be comforted by that cuz you might be comforted by that cuz you might be wrong. wrong. wrong. You got to have settled, solid, You got to have settled, solid, You got to have settled, solid, sovereign, gracious, good God ground sovereign, gracious, good God ground sovereign, gracious, good God ground under your feet. under your feet. under your feet. And all the all the questions you've And all the all the questions you've And all the all the questions you've tried to figure out over the years, tried to figure out over the years, tried to figure out over the years, you you'll be so you'll be in so much you you'll be so you'll be in so much you you'll be so you'll be in so much pain and so much anxiety [music] you pain and so much anxiety [music] you pain and so much anxiety [music] you won't even be able to think about them. Well, that that that's another thing. Well, that that that's another thing. It's why why it's hard for me to get It's why why it's hard for me to get It's why why it's hard for me to get worked up about some particular [music] worked up about some particular [music] worked up about some particular [music] controversies.

>> 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. and treasure him truly. and treasure him truly. I'm your host, Dan Cruver. I'm your host, Dan Cruver. I'm your host, 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 Scripture Cannot Be Broken. Now, I hope Scripture Cannot Be Broken. Now, I hope Scripture Cannot Be Broken. Now, I hope you'll join us. For more resources, you'll join us. For more resources, you'll join us. For more resources, visit desiringgod.org.