Ang Banal na Kasulatan (The Holy Scriptures)

2. The supremacy, infallibility, and final authority of the Holy Scriptures in Christian faith and doctrine. A. The Holy Scriptures as God's Covenant: The Holy Scriptures or Bible, is God's sacred covenant with humanity. It consists of 39 books in the Old Testament and 27 books in the New Testament. The Holy Bible serves as our guide and light toward salvation and a life that pleases God. It teaches the true faith and reveals the beautiful plan of God prepared for our lives. The counsel of the Lord Jesus Christ is to learn from Him so that we may find rest for our souls amid the burdens we carry. His words and promises bring freedom, healing, and peace with God. Take His yoke for it is gentle, and His burden for it is light (Matthew 11: 29-30). B. The Supremacy and Infallibility of the Holy Scriptures: The Bible was written through divine inspiration. It is not based on human interpretation, but was revealed and written under the guidance of the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20–21). It serves as the foundation of our Christian faith. C. The Final Authority of the New Testament: The New Testament is the final authority and basis for establishing faith and practices of the Christian Church (Hebrews 1:1–2; Acts 1:2; Ephesians 2:19–20; 3:2–5). While, the Old Testament serves as a supplementary guide for doctrine and the practice of faith (2 Timothy 3:15–16). The Old Testament books (39 Books) had been written, collected, revered, and recognized as official, canonical books by the year 300 BC (Many believe Ezra the acribe led the first recognition council). The New Testament (27 Books) were declared to be canonical during the Third Council of Carthage in A.D. 397. However, it must be understood that the Bible is not an authorized collection of books, but rather a collection of authorized books. The 27 New Testament books were not inspired because the Council of Carthage proclaimed them, but rather the Council proclaimed them to be such because they were already inspired. The 5 Steps combination which help in determining the 27 New Testament Books whether it is inspired or not part of the Holy Scriptures: 1) Apostolic Authority and Association. 2) Local Churches Acceptance. 3) Church’s Fathers Recognition. 4) Content of the Book (Subject matter and consistency with other recognized books) 5) Personal Edification (Ability to inspire, convict, and edify a local Churches) D. The Translation of the Scriptures: The King James Version is considered the most accurate translation of the Holy Scriptures. Its translation process was meticulous, rendered from the original languages—Hebrew, Greek, and some Aramaic—into English. E. The Interpretation and Application of the Scriptures: 1) Literal Interpretation – does not preempt figurative Speech and symbolic languages. a. Interpret within context. b. Interpret in proper dispensation. c. Interpret comparing scriptures with scriptures. 2) Life Application – may vary depending on a given situation or circumstances. a. Apply naturally the explicit written words. b. Apply the principles behind the implied written words.