How Should We View the Bible?

The ELCA has a real disregard for Scripture.  If you doubt that's true, check out some of the links on these pages (here and here).

We need to hold Scripture in the same way the Bible tells us to hold it, or in other words, the way God tells us in Scripture.

The Bible says. . .

2 Peter 1: 20-21 -  "But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of ones own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God."

John 10:35 -  (Jesus said)  ". . .the Scripture cannot be broken."
 
Matthew 5:17, 18 -  (Jesus said) "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.  I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished."

Proverbs 30:5 -  Every Word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.
 
Luke 16:17 -  (Jesus said) ". . . It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law."

John 17:17 -  (Jesus said) "Set them apart in the truth; your word is truth."

Matthew 22:29 -   "Jesus answered them, 'You are deceived, because you don’t know the scriptures or the power of God.'"

Psalm 138:2 -  I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.

Hebrews 1:1-2  -  In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 -  All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work. 

Isaiah 40:8 -  The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.

Hebrews 4:12 - Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Matthew 4:4 - Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

Psalm 119:105 - Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

James 1:21-25 -  Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.

John 8:31-32  - So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him,  "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

Galatians 1:6-9 - I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another gospel, but there are some who are confusing you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should proclaim to you a gospel contrary to what we proclaimed to you, let that one be accursed! As we have said before, so now I repeat, if anyone proclaims to you a gospel contrary to what you received, let that one be accursed!

Joshua 1:7-9 -  "Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.  Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Psalm 19:9-11 - The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous.  They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.  By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

1 Timothy 4:13-16 - Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.  Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.  Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Acts 17:11 - Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

Jeremiah 23:29 - “Is not my word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?

Clearly God wants us to follow the words He gives us.  We know God's words because He gave us the Bible.  Please read the above verses again and take them to heart.  Trust in what God says, not in what man, or the ELCA, says.