Religion

Validity and Authority of Scripture (Inerrant Word of God)

Jesus resurrected and Mary Magdalene

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The validity and authority of  Scriptures is often called into question, mostly by those who believe there is no God.

In an age where skepticism prevails, Pentecostals affirm the Bible as the divinely inspired and inerrant Word of God. Scriptures is the result of God moving upon holy men to carefully record His revelation of truth to all humanity (2 Timothy 3:16, 17 ; Matthew 5:18; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; John 5:39), a source the Church has always considered final and authoritative for doctrine.

Besides this critical claim as the source of infallible truth, there are two other alternative stances taken by others toward the Bible: (1) absolute error and (2) a composite of both truth and error. The first alternative is clearly understood and rejected by Pentecostals, though the second poses a more complex problem. Liberal scholars often point to contrived inconsistencies and contradictions in the Bible; however, if only discreet parts are accepted as true, then the whole must be judged as ultimately unreliable.

Further, it is argued, if the divinely infallible Christ is related to fallible Scripture, how can an errant word of God reveal an inerrant Christ who is believed to be the incarnate Word? Such logic is contradictory and inconsistent with the foundation necessary for strong Christian faith. Therefore, Pentecostals categorically reject all perspectives of Scripture opposing that of absolute inerrancy and divine inspiration.

In addressing this issue, Pentecostals offer further logic as notable evidence for this stand. First, it is of inconsistent character for a trustworthy God who desires reconciliation with lost humanity to offer a flawed revelation of the divine plan. Second, the power of life-transformation attests to the truth of the Bible; the lives of countless millions have been miraculously changed by the word of God.

Finally, that a pervasive unity and harmony exist in Scripture, despite the diversity of authors and centuries separating them, lends strong support to the Bible as the infallible word of God.

Though a majority of mainline protestant denominations reject the Bible as accurate and divinely inspired, Pentecostals hold steadfast to that claim and faithfully depend upon its truth as the foundation for their beliefs and practice.

http://kevinnunez.org/2011/11/20/authority-god-governs-his-people-through-scripture/

What does the Bible says about abortion?

Children are an inheritance from the Lord that bring blessing , as well as responsibility into the home. The bible revealed that Jesus loved children and referred to their faith as a blue print of that which is necessary for us to do to enter into the kingdom of of heaven. (Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven….Matthew 18:3). It was in this same breath of this proclamation that He also condemn anyone who willfully  injure or harm a child. (Matthew 18:-10…Luke 18:15-17).

Despite the special place of children in the heart of God, recent history has not been so kind to them, particularly before birth. Since the 1980s the Center for Disease Control and prevention has recorded the number of surgical procedures that resulted in abortion to be well over one million per year. Although issues surrounding abortion are quite complex, this estimate of lives terminated before their time is staggering and heart-rending.

There are various theological and scientific arguments put forward as to precisely when a fetus constitutes a person. The big question however, is when does life begins?

Several scriptural references do touch the surface and deserve at best a hearing. Firstly, the sixth commandment forbids killing (Exodus 30:13), while the shedding of innocent blood is listed among the seven deadly sins hated by the Lord (Proverbs 6:16-18). In the calling of the prophet Jeremiah, God declared that he was known before he had been formed in the belly and was sanctified and ordained as a prophet before thou camest forth out of the womb (Jeremiah 1:5). While John the Baptist was in the womb awaiting birth, he leaped for joy when he heard the greeting received by his mother from the Virgin Mary who was herself  carrying the Christ Child at the time (Luke 1:41-44). These passages tend to be very troublesome for those who argue against the right of the unborn.

According to scriptures, the sanctity of life is of high priority but abortion is a subject matter of high complexity, not as easily judged as some would suppose. Even among Christians there is debate  as to whether fetal abortion is ever justified, e.g., when the mother’s life is endangered by a pregnancy. NB: My use of this example is neither to condone the act nor to further confound the issue, but rather to point out its difficulties and thereby emphasize the greater need to minister with compassion to those who have experienced the crisis.

Whether chosen as an alternative to an unwanted pregnancy, or as a last resort to save life, the reality of abortion is traumatic for women who experience it. Hence their desperate need for support and not harsh criticism.