Topical Bible: The Scriptures are Called The: Holy Scriptures

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Holy Scriptures" is a designation used to refer to the sacred writings of the Christian faith, encompassing both the Old and New Testaments. These texts are considered divinely inspired and authoritative for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). The phrase underscores the sanctity and set-apart nature of these writings, distinguishing them from other literary works.

Divine Inspiration and Authority

The Holy Scriptures are believed to be inspired by God, a concept known as "theopneustos" in Greek, meaning "God-breathed." This divine inspiration is foundational to their authority and infallibility. As the Apostle Paul writes, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16). This passage highlights the comprehensive role of the Scriptures in guiding believers in their faith and conduct.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament, also referred to as the Hebrew Bible, is considered holy due to its role in revealing God's covenant with Israel and His unfolding plan of redemption. The psalmist declares, "The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple" (Psalm 19:7). The holiness of these texts is further emphasized in their use in worship and instruction, as seen in the practices of ancient Israel.

New Testament Affirmation

The New Testament writings affirm the holiness of the Scriptures, often referencing the Old Testament as foundational to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus Himself attests to the enduring nature of the Scriptures, stating, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away" (Matthew 24:35). The apostles, in their epistles, frequently cite the Old Testament, underscoring its continued relevance and sanctity.

Role in the Early Church

In the early Christian community, the Holy Scriptures were central to worship, teaching, and the formation of doctrine. The Bereans, for example, were commended for their diligent study of the Scriptures: "Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true" (Acts 17:11). This practice of scriptural examination highlights the reverence and authority attributed to the Holy Scriptures.

Preservation and Transmission

Throughout history, the Holy Scriptures have been meticulously preserved and transmitted by scribes and scholars, ensuring their accuracy and integrity. The reverence for these texts is evident in the careful copying and translation efforts, which have allowed the Scriptures to be accessible to diverse cultures and languages. The commitment to preserving the holiness of the Scriptures reflects their central role in the life and faith of the Christian community.

Conclusion

The designation of the Scriptures as "Holy" underscores their unique status as the divinely inspired word of God. They serve as the foundation for Christian belief and practice, guiding believers in their spiritual journey and relationship with God. The Holy Scriptures continue to be revered and studied by Christians worldwide, affirming their timeless relevance and authority.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 1:2
(Which he had promised before by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Timothy 3:15
And that from a child you have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make you wise to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How the Holy Spirit is Called Love, and Whether He Alone is So ...
... Called Love, and Whether He Alone is So Called. That the Holy Spirit is
in the Scriptures Properly Called by the Name of Love. 27. ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 17 how the holy spirit.htm

The Holy Spirit is Called the Gift of God in the Scriptures. By ...
... Book XV. Chapter 19."The Holy Spirit is Called the Gift of God in the Scriptures.
By the Gift of the Holy Spirit is Meant the Gift Which is the Holy Spirit. ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 19 the holy spirit is.htm

On the Meanings and Interpretation of the Holy Scriptures
... The legitimate and genuine sense of the holy Scriptures is, that which the Holy
Ghost, the ... that is, it is the grammatical sense, as it is called. II. ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation ix on the meanings.htm

Argument. --It is Proved from the Scriptures that Christ was ...
... Argument."It is Proved from the Scriptures that Christ Was Called an Angel. But
Yet It is Shown from Other Parts of Holy Scripture that He is God Also. ...
/.../chapter xx argument it is proved.htm

On the Sufficiency and Perfection of the Holy Scriptures In
... For in no way, except by a revelation and an inward sealing of the Holy Spirit,
(2 Corinthians 1:20-22 ... They are called, and truly so, "the Scriptures of the ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 3 on the sufficiency.htm

On the Sufficiency and Perfection of the Holy Scriptures In
... mode of speaking usually employed by holy men of ... prophets: for it is soon afterwards
called "prophecy of ... he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures what they ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 2 on the sufficiency.htm

The Holy Ghost, Throughout the Old Testament Scriptures, Made ...
... Holy Ghost, throughout the Old Testament Scriptures, made mention ... Christ, the governing
power of the Holy Spirit; give ... himself above all that is called God, or ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter vithe holy ghost throughout.htm

That the Body and Blood of Christ and the Holy Scriptures are Most ...
... the Body and Blood of Christ and the Holy Scriptures are most ... These may also be called
the two tables, placed on ... and on that, in the treasury of Thy holy Church ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xi that the body.htm

Secret Study of the Holy Scriptures.
... Such is the holy Book, and such is the variety ... nature and character of the Old
Scriptures claims definitely ... elsewhere, not in what may be called the technical ...
/.../moule/to my younger brethren/chapter iii secret study of.htm

The Doctrine of the Scriptures.
... The Bible is also called "The Scripture" (Mark 12:10; 15:28; Luke 4:21; John 2:22;
7:38; 10:35 ... These terms mean that the Scriptures are "Holy Writings." By ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of the scriptures.htm