We kick off this exciting Bible course by describing the sacred, inspired nature of the Bible, which is a quality unique to the 72 books of Sacred Scripture. What do we mean when we say that Scripture is inspired, and where do we go in the Bible itself to find this claim? The answer is to be found in Chapter 3 of St. Paul’s Second Epistle to St. Timothy (2 Tim 3:10-17).
In the second half of this lesson, we examine the golden thread that ties the Biblical narrative together (from the Old Testament right on through the New Testament). This unifying principle is called “the covenant,” and it is extremely important to understand the nature of a covenant in order to understand the story that the Bible tells. Understanding the Scriptures begins not only with knowledge of the inspired nature of these writings but also an understanding of a covenantal worldview.
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This study is awesome! I got a lot out of it. Can’t wait to hear the rest!
Rewarding,full of knowledge
I don;t agree that the Koine Greek word “elder, bishop or overseer” (PRESBUTEROS) means “priest.’ The Holy Spirit used very specific language in Greek and the word for “priest” is (HEIRUS)
I liked your description of the difference between a “covenant” and a “contract,” both conditional and unconditional. You mentioned the Adamic, Noahic, Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants. Are you dispensationalist? Do you believe that each covenant was specific and peculiar to a particular time and place?
I am used to studying Books of the Bible, Word by Word and Verse by Verse in original language and grammar, but all in all, this was an OK study. I agreed to participate in the series with a Catholic friend.
MARANATHA
Debbie, it’s not that PRESBUTEROS means “priest.” Rather, it’s that the English word “priest” comes from PRESBUTEROS => PRiES
BUTEROS. This is the etymology behind the English term “priest,” much like the etymology behind the English term “weaver” is the German word “weber,” which means: “a textile worker who makes cloth out of raw material.” It isn’t coincidental that weaver happens to look a lot like weber, just as it isn’t coincidental that priest looks a lot like presbyteros.No, I’m not a dispensationalist. Dispensationalism is a 19th century invention. *smile* Since covenants endure, unlike contracts, I believe that these covenants are still in force. That is why he who is under the Adamic covenant (all mankind!) needs to be delivered from it by the death and resurrection of Christ.. and why the Jew who is under the Mosaic covenant needs to be delivered from it by the death and resurrection of Christ!
Thanks so much for participating in the study. I pray God continues to richly bless you with his inspired Word.