Confidence in the Word

Examining the Bible's Testimony

The Bible's Claims

The Bible makes many very remarkable claims for itself, not only for the whole of Scripture, but for certain parts of it as well. As a general rule, what is said about any particular part of the Scriptures is true of the whole. Thus, what David says about the law, decrees and commandments of the Lord in the Psalms can be applied to the whole of both the Old and New Testaments. On this page we look at five verses from a single psalm, together with a number of other related scriptures. We offer them for your consideration and reflection as a vital initial step in restoring and increasing your Confidence in the Word.

(Visitors from The Bible's Origin return to Main Text)

Psalm 19:7-11 makes nine great affirmations about the qualities of the laws and commandments of the Lord, and explains the benefit each conveys. Since what is true of any part of the Scriptures is true of the whole, we may say that these verses claim that the entire Bible is:-

1. Perfect ...

... reviving the soul

The Bible claims that it can restore and renew the whole person by providing spiritual restoration and refreshment.

(Related scriptures: Psalm 23:2-3 (NIV), Psalm 119:138, James 1:25.)

2. Trustworthy ...

... making wise the simple

The Bible claims that it is able effectively to instruct those previously untaught in the ways of the Lord.

(Related scriptures: Psalm 119:24, Psalm 119:130, Proverbs 1:4, 2 Timothy 3:15.)

3. Right ...

... bringing joy to the heart

The Bible claims that its moral and doctrinal integrity brings a happiness that cannot be found anywhere else.

(Related scriptures: Psalm 119:92, Psalm 119:128, Psalm 119:143 Psalm 119:171-172.)

4. Clear ...

... giving insight to life

The Bible claims that it is a complete and all-sufficient guide for the whole of life.

(Related scriptures: Psalm 17:4, Psalm 119:98-100, Proverbs 1:1-3, Proverbs 3:1-2.)

5. Pure ...

... lasting forever

The Bible claims to be pure spiritual milk (1 Peter 2:2), free of any human contamination or addition. Because of this it is not subject to change or decay with the passage of time.

(Related scriptures: Psalm 12:6, Psalm 119:89, Isaiah 40:8, Mark 13:31.)

[In context, the Psalmist's statement refers to the fear of the Lord (Psalm 19:9 (NIV)), an expression which refers to the attitude of heart and mind which seeks to observe all that God requires out of reverence for him. It is the same as the attitude of holy fear which characterised Noah when he built the ark (Hebrews 11:7 (NIV), and which is found in all true disciples of the Lord.]

6. True ...

... each law is fair

The Bible claims that its commands are not unreasonable or unduly burdensome, but simply tell us what God requires from people devoted to him

(Related scriptures: Psalm 33:4, Psalm 119:75 and 144, Psalm 119:160, 2 Timothy 2:19, 1 John 5:3-4 (NIV).)

7. More Desirable than Gold...

... even the finest gold

The Bible claims that to know and follow its teachings is worth more than the most valuable thing the world can offer. It invites all who are spiritually thirsty to receive freely from its abundance (Isaiah 12:3 and Isaiah 55:1-2).

(Related scriptures: Psalm 119:14, Psalm 119:36, Psalm 119:111, Psalm 119:127.)

8. Sweeter than Honey ...

... even honey dripping from the comb

The Bible claims to offer something more satisfying and pleasurable than even the most delicious food earth can provide.

(Related scriptures: Psalm 119:103, Ezekiel 3:1-3.)

9. A Warning to Those who Hear...

... there is great reward for the obedient

For the one who has ears to hear (Mark 4:9 and 4:23 (NIV)), the Bible claims to sound a cautionary note: God is not to be trifled with. But for all who follow its precepts, Scripture promises great reward.

(Related scriptures: Psalm 112:1-3, 1 Corinthians 10:1-11, Galatians 6:8-10, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 John 1:8-9.)

(Visitors from The Unity of Scripture return to Main Text)