Church of God Study Guide: A Monotheistic, Sabbath - Observant View of the Scriptures

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THE BOOKS OF THE BIBLE

The following information is given to help us understand the Bible’s history and content.

The word Bible is from the Greek word biblos to mean book. The Holy Bible is the revelation of the will of God to humankind. This is the Book.

About forty people wrote the Bible. The first writer was Moses and the last was John. It took around fifteen hundred years to compose the Bible.

The Old and the New Testament comprise the Bible. Yeshua, however, never used the term Old Testament. When making reference to what we know as the Old Testament, he called it the Scriptures (Matt. 21:42; Mark 14:49 and John 5:39). Throughout this book, we will use the Jewish acronym TaNaKh³ while mentioning the Old Testament. Instead of the misnomer New Testament, we will use the expression the apostolic writings to better describe these writings that post-date our Messiah’s death and resurrection.

The Bible has been translated into the prominent languages of earth. The King James Version (KJV) is one of the most frequently used Bibles of the past in the English-speaking world. The KJV was made between 1606 and 1611. The New American Bible was made in 1970 and the New Revised Standard Version was made in 1989.

The TaNaKh was written mostly in Hebrew, though some parts were written in Chaldaic and Aramaic. Not fewer than thirty persons wrote the TaNaKh, which comprises thirty-nine books, not including the deuterocanonical books. It can be arranged into four sections: the Pentateuch, history, poetry, and prophecy.

The word Pentateuch comes from the Greek words pente, meaning five, and teuchos, meaning a volume: the fivefold volume. Its books are Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The first five books are also called the Book of the Law of Moses (Neh. 8:1). The Pentateuch is known in Hebrew as the Torah (meaning law, direction, or instruction). The Torah is the "core revelation of biblical faith.⁴"

THE TORAH

Genesis is a Greek word meaning origin, or beginning, hence it is the book of beginning. It includes the primeval history with the Creation of the cosmos and of humankind. It tells us about the matriarchs and patriarchs, the ancestors of Israel.

Exodus is a Greek word that means exit or departure. It is the book that contains the history of the departure of the children of Israel from captivity in Egypt under the leadership of Moses.

Leviticus is from Levi, a son of Jacob. The priests were his descendants. Leviticus is the book of the Israelite priesthood.

Numbers is so called because it contains the history of the numbering of the children of Israel at two different times.

Deuteronomy is from deuteros, second, and nomos, law, and signifies second law. It is not a new law, but a restating of the original Law given at Sinai through Moses.

In the Torah (or Pentateuch) first, there is the history of the creation, of the fall of humankind and the destruction of the wicked by the flood. Secondly, there is the choosing of a special people, the schooling of them in Egypt and in the wilderness, and the giving of the Law from Sinai. In the Torah, we find the system of worship in force from the patriarchs to the destruction of the Jerusalem temple in 70 A.D.

HISTORICAL BOOKS

Joshua: This book is so called after Joshua, the successor of Moses. It contains a history of the crossing of the Jordan, the taking of the land of Canaan, and the giving of each tribe their part of the land by lot.

Judges: It contains the history of the Israelites after the death of Joshua and continues through the reign of thirteen judges.

Ruth: This is a supplement to the book of Judges. It takes place during Deborah and Barak’s judgeships. Ruth is a Moabite woman who joins Israel. She is a Gentile mentioned in the genealogy of Yeshua.

First and Second Samuel: Here you will find the history of Samuel, the anointing of king Saul and of king David, and the death of Saul.

First and Second Kings: These books contain the history of the reign of king Solomon and the division of Israel.

First and Second Chronicles: These books contain the history of the reign of king Solomon and the captivity of Israel and Judah in Babylon.

Ezra: This book is named after its main character, Ezra. It contains the history of the return from captivity and the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem.

Nehemiah: This book contains the history of the building of the walls of Jerusalem against the opposition of the Samaritans and the Ammonites. The book of Ezra and Nehemiah tell us how God uses foreign rulers to accomplish his will.

Esther: This book is named after its principal character mentioned, Esther. This is an historical novella that purports to testify of the divine protection of the Jews, though scattered in the diaspora. This book was the only canonical book from the TaNaKh not found among the Dead Sea Scrolls. Esther was one of the last books to be recognized as canonical both by Jews and by Christians. Its canonicity was debated again during the Protestant Reformation. Some parts of the book of Esther are considered deuterocanonical⁵⁶.

POETICAL BOOKS

Job: This is a history of the afflictions of Job, an Edomite, and his unwavering faith in God through hardship. This book is concerned about the injustice of undeserved suffering.

Psalms: This is a collection of sacred songs and poems, as well as many prophecies. They are a reflection and expression of human feelings before God.

Proverbs: This is a code of ethics or rules of life. It presents insight and guidance to those searching for wisdom.

Ecclesiastes: The name is from a Greek word meaning preacher. Here you will find the history of a failure to enjoy a meaningful life if you pander to worldly pomp and carnality.

Song of Solomon: This is the story of the faithfulness of a young shepherd girl to her betrothed shepherd. Even though a king (Solomon) wanted her and plied her with all kinds of gifts and promises, she remained true to her first love. It is an oriental poem often interpreted metaphorically as the ardent expressions of holy affections existing between the Father in heaven and his chosen people Israel.

PROPHETIC BOOKS

Isaiah: Isaiah is sometimes called the evangelical prophet or the gospel prophet because the book contains many predictions relative to the coming of a Davidic king, the Messiah, and the work he would do for the children of Israel. 54969.png 's sovereignty will be recognized among the nations.

Jeremiah: Here you will find the prediction of many things that were to befall Judah, and the revelation that the people would return after seventy years.

Lamentations: In this book, the author expresses grief at the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. This book is an appeal for God’s mercy upon his people.

Ezekiel: This book contains predictions of the evil that will befall Israel. It tells of Jerusalem being trodden over by the Gentiles until the Lord returns to set up his kingdom and a new temple for Israel. It contains prophecies of restoration for Israel. All Israelites will be returned to their own land. The glory of 54971.png will return along with loyal priests and subjects of 54973.png .

Daniel: This book tells of the development and the fall of the kingdoms of this world and the triumph of the kingdom of God. It contains great stories of faithfulness from Hebrew dignitaries exiled in Babylon. The Prayer of Azariah and the Song of the Three Jews, Susanna and Bel, and the Dragon are all deuterocanonical parts of the book of Daniel.

Hosea: This book denounces the people of Israel for their unfaithfulness and tells of the captivity they would suffer at the hands of the Assyrians.

Joel: This book predicts that enemies will invade the Israelites’ country and foretells the outpouring of the holy spirit. This book is an affirmation of God’s sovereignty.

Amos: This book predicts evil for the nations around Israel and declares that Judah and Israel will not escape punishment for their sins. Amos as a prophet was in many respects like Christ in his occupation as a workingman, in his humility, and in his method of teaching by using parables and illustrations. He predicted the dispersion and restoration of Israel.

Obadiah: Israel is assured of blessings, though they were to suffer much from the nations around them. This book centers on an ancient feud between the Edomites (descendants of Esau) and Israel. The Edomites refused Israel passage through their land, even though Israel offered them compensation. Edom is doomed, and Israel is blessed in the coming kingdom.

Jonah: Making use of humor and irony, this book describes the adventure and deliverance of Jonah, his preaching at Nineveh, and the repentance of the people of Nineveh (a Gentile city).

Micah: Micah is highly critical of the Israelite society of his time. He declares the coming of the Messiah and gives the place of his birth. It tells us how the nations will all come for pilgrimage to the new Zion.

Nahum: This book tells of the goodness of God. The destruction of Nineveh, capital city of the Assyrians, is foretold minutely. This book tells how 54975.png executes justice against the enemies of his people.

Habakkuk: This book is concern about the suffering of the righteous among the Judeans. It tells us how God will vindicate those who suffer unjustly. The Day of 54977.png is coming when the sinners will be punished. God will be glorified upon the earth.

Zephaniah: This book is a denunciation of Israel for its wickedness and a call for the people to repent. The book denounces religious syncretism and announces the punishment and restitution of Jerusalem. The Day of 54979.png is coming in which the whole world will receive its due.

Haggai: This book encourages the people to work in rebuilding the temple. The temple is God’s dwelling place. Blessings upon Israel depend of God’s presence in their midst.

Zechariah: This book describes the rebuilding of the temple, and the promise of a priest and king who is the Messiah. Like Haggai, Zechariah saw the sinful condition and religious indifference of the people. He uttered stirring exhortations, which aided Israel in a broader scope, and predicted the dawning of a brighter day for Zion. A series of eight visions is given to show the secret of success is spiritual enterprise.

Malachi: This book reproves Israel and its priesthood for their sins and declares to them that punishment will certainly be theirs if they do not repent. The righteous will be rewarded. Malachi is concerned about faithfulness to God’s covenants.

THE APOSTOLIC WRITINGS

The apostolic writings may be arranged into four sections: biography, history, teaching, and prophecy.

The four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are biographies of Yeshua, the Messiah. The four biographers of the gospels give us the account of the birth, life, work, trial, crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and ascension of the Messiah. The four gospels contain parables, miracles stories and sayings from Yeshua. Their goal is to encourage people to follow in Yeshua’s footsteps. The term gospel derives from a Greek word, which means good news.

Matthew: This gospel was originally written in Hebrew by a Jewish believer in around 70 A.D. Matthew hold the Torah in high esteem, while condemning Jewish leaders for their man-made traditions⁷.

Mark: This gospel is the earliest to be composed. It compiles stories of controversies with some of the Pharisees, as well as some of Yeshua’s sayings and miracles. It ends abruptly in Mark 16:8 and contains a short and a long ending (Mark 16:9-20).

Luke: Luke was Paul’s personal physician and companion (Col. 4:14). He addressed this elegantly crafted gospel and the Book of Acts to Theophilus (meaning dear to God, symbolic for any saint). Internal evidence indicates that Luke’s Acts were written especially for the Gentiles. This is inferred from the fact that the writer takes pains to explain Jewish customs and sometimes substitutes Greek names for the Hebrew. It is full of joy and praise. God’s compassion towards the most marginalized is emphasised.

John: The author of this gospel is also known as the beloved disciple. This gospel contains many stories not found in other gospels. It is mostly concerned about Yeshua’s identity as the Messiah.

The Acts of the Apostles: Luke wrote this book. He gives an account of the ascension of Christ, the selection of Matthias, the baptism of the apostles in the holy spirit, the establishment of the church of God and its growth, and the persecution of the disciples. It may also be styled as the book of conversions. It contains the history of Messianic preaching in and around Jerusalem, as well as some of the missionary journeys the disciples made.

Romans: Paul wrote this letter to the church of God at Rome. The power of the gospel is mentioned. It also discusses why the gospel went to Gentiles, the conditions under which they may be saved, and an appropriate attitude toward the civil powers. In this book, Paul explains how Jews and Gentiles are fellow heirs in the kingdom of God by having the faithfulness of Abraham.

First Corinthians: In this letter, Paul writes about the sinfulness of divisions among the people of God, gives a reproof of those who sin, and recommends withdrawing from those who will not live right. It also discusses head covering, the so-called Lord’s Supper, spiritual gifts, the meaning of love, and the resurrection of the dead.

Second Corinthians: In this letter, Paul discusses the excellences of the gospel, assurance of immortal glory for the faithful, and the grace of giving of your means for the spread of the gospel.

Galatians: Paul wrote this letter to the Gentiles who had been converted from worshipping idols. They had become followers of Christ. There was a tendency on the part of some to adopt circumcision as a requirement for Gentiles. This letter warns the Gentiles against such a course of action and presents the blessing of a new creation in Christ.

Ephesians: This letter discusses the purpose of God, redemption and salvation for humankind, good works, Gentiles as an object of salvation, and duty of children to parents. It compares the Christian life to warfare.

Philippians: Philippi was the chief city of Macedonia. Paul and Silas were imprisoned there. This church expressed sympathy for Paul in his missionary work and contributed to his support. In this letter, Paul expresses his appreciation and warns them against false teachers.

Colossians: This letter contains an exhortation to faithfulness and a warning against traditions contrary to the Scriptures.

First Thessalonians: Timothy had visited this church and reported some things that should be corrected. Paul commends them for following Christ and exhorts them to godliness. He comforts them concerning their dead friends and speaks of the second coming of Christ.

Second Thessalonians: Upon receiving a reply from his first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul wrote a second letter to them. He assures them of the great departure from the faith that will come before Christ makes his second advent.

First Timothy: In this letter, the author gives instructions to Timothy, a young preacher, on his work as an evangelist. He also discusses the setting-in-order of congregations and the qualifications of elders and deacons.

Second Timothy: This letter contains an exhortation to remain consistent and has some final recommendations to Timothy.

Titus: Titus was a Gentile convert. This is a commissioning letter that instructs Titus in his duties as an evangelist.

Philemon: Onesimus had been a servant of Philemon and left him. It is possible that Onesimus had not acted honourably towards Philemon. Later Paul converted Onesimus and sent him back to Philemon with this letter, requesting that Onesimus be received as a brother.

Hebrews: This letter, possibly written by one of Paul’s disciples, is addressed to Hebrew believers who have recognized Yeshua as the Messiah. The entire burden of the letter is to demonstrate the higher blessings of the gospel.

James: This letter is by James, possibly Yeshua’s brother. He speaks at length of the character of faith that saves.

First and Second Peter: These letters discuss our relationship to God and the relationship of husband and wife. It gives instructions to elders. It also foretells of the rise of false teachers, the second coming of Christ, and the destruction of the world.

First, Second, and Third John: In these letters, the Johannine author discusses the challenges those who are Christians will experience. He exhorts to mutual love, condemns false teachers and gives the picture of a missionary work among small house church communities.

Jude: This letter by Jude is a denunciation of the false teachers. Jude was possibly a brother of our Lord Yeshua. It contains a quotation from the First Book of Enoch.

Revelation: This book shows Christ revealing himself to seven churches. It gives the assurance of the final triumph of the gospel, and announces the final gathering of all God’s people in the happiness of the new Jerusalem. Believers will be vindicated. They will live on a new earth exempt of death and suffering, while evildoers and idolaters will be destroyed.

THE DEUTEROCANONICAL BOOKS

Deuterocanonical books are books viewed as also belonging to the canon. Early Christianity and early Judaism used these books. However, they were later rejected by rabbinic Judaism and eventually by the Protestant reformers. Most Christians still use these deuterocanonical books today. The following books were included in the earliest versions of the King James Bible.

Tobit: Originally written in Hebrew, the book of Tobit provides information about postexilic Judaism and testifies to a redeeming God who responds to the prayers of the faithful.

Judith: This book was originally written in Hebrew. Judith protected her people by showing great virtue and determination.

Wisdom of Solomon: Written in Greek by an Alexandrian Jew, this book exhorts readers to consider wisdom. It was written to honor King Solomon.

Ecclesiasticus, or The Wisdom of Jesus, Son of Sirach: This book, known as Ecclesiasticus or Sirach, was originally written in Hebrew by Yeshua ben Eleazar ben Sira, circa 180 BCE. This wisdom book provides a window into life of ancient Israel and offers many wise teachings.

Baruch: Originally written in Hebrew, this book’s themes are sin, exile, and return. It tells of the gift of the Torah to Israel. It is a reflection on the relationship between God and Israel.

First and Second Maccabees: First Maccabees was originally written in Hebrew. It condemns those who try to conform to the Greek way of life and presents Judea’s struggle against the hostile Seleucid kings, especially Antochius Epiphanes. Second Maccabees was composed in Greek. It is a parallel witness to First Maccabees and was apparently written for the Jewish diaspora in Egypt.

In addition to those deuterocanonical books used and recognized by most Christians worldwide, some other books and additions are found in the Greek and Slavonic Bibles: First and Second Esdras, Prayer of Manasseh, Psalm 151, and Third and Fourth Maccabees.

Other noteworthy deuterocanonical books include:

First Book of Enoch: This book is still used by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church today. Hebrew manuscripts from this book, predating the first coming of Christ, can be found among the famous Dead Sea Scrolls. The First Book of Enoch is a collection of apocalyptic writings quoted in the apostolic writings (Jude 14–15) that focus on God’s coming judgment and on the restoration of God’s creation to its original, intended purpose⁸.

Jubilees: It is a second century BCE Hebrew book from which Hebrew fragments were found among the Dead Sea Scrolls. This is a retelling of biblical history from creation to the giving of the Law to Moses. It emphasizes the supremacy of the Law and the importance of the Sabbath. This book is still used by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church⁹.

CHAPTERS AND VERSES

Hugo divided the Bible into chapters in 1240.

Mordecai Nathan divided the TaNaKh into verses in 1445.

Robert Steven divided the apostolic writings into verses in 1551.

1. THE BIBLE—THE WORD OF GOD

Having found the meaning of any book, as a whole, we are prepared to examine its details, to search each verse and ascertain its relation to the great general purpose for which the book was written.

1. What are the Scriptures able to do for you?

Answer: And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus (2 Tim. 3:15).

Note: There are many symbols used in the Scriptures that represent its uses in our lives. These holy Scriptures satisfy our entire spiritual needs. Let us examine some of these symbols.

2. What symbol is used to show us ourselves as we are and what we should be?

Answer: But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed (James 1:22–25)

3. The laver in the Torah is used to wash the sacrifice. What does the washing of water by the Word do?

Answer: That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word (Eph. 5:26).

4. We need light to guide us in the right way. What is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path?

Answer: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Ps. 119:105).

5. Who is the light of the world, and what will that light do for us?

Answer: Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life (John 8:12).

6. How are the Scriptures symbolized as they afford substance and satisfaction to the believer at all stages of spiritual development?

Answer: For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil (Heb. 5:12–14).

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby (1 Pet. 2:2).

7. What is to be desired rather than fine gold and silver?

Answer: More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter than honey and the honeycomb (Ps. 19:10).

All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing forward or perverse in them (Prov. 8:8).

Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather choice gold (Prov. 8:10).

My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver (Prov. 8:19).

8. What two things does God say his Word is like?

Answer: Is not my word like as a fire? saith 54981.png ; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? (Jer. 23:29).

9. What is the Word of God more powerful than?

Answer: For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Heb. 4:12).

10. What is the sword of the Spirit?

Answer: And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Eph. 6:17).

11. With what did God beget us?

Answer: Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures (James 1:18).

12. How is the Word of God compared to seed?

Answer: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of in- corruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever (1 Pet. 1:23).

When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundred-fold, some sixty, some thirty (Matt. 13:19–23).

2. SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

1. From what source do we get the Scriptures, and who gave them?

Answer: All scripture is given by inspiration of God (2 Tim. 3:16).

2. Is the prophecy of Scriptures of any private interpretation?

Answer: "And we have the word of prophecy made more sure; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts: knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation. For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit" (2 Pet. 1:19–21 ASV).

3. Of what value are the Scriptures, and for what are they profitable to us?

Answer: All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works (2 Tim. 3:16–17).

4. What are we admonished to do, that we may understand the Word correctly, and finally receive divine approval?

Answer: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15).

5. How should the Word be established?

Answer: This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established (2 Cor. 13:1).

6. By studying and receiving knowledge of the sacred Word, what will it finally acquire for us?

Answer: And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus (2 Tim. 3:15).

7. What will knowing the truth of God’s Word do for you?

Answer: And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32).

8. Why is a personal knowledge of the Scriptures of vital importance to every person, and without it why might some people be deceived?

Answer: Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world (1 John 4:1).

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works (2 Cor. 11:14–15).

9. What is the best approach for searching the Scriptures?

Answer: For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. But the word of 54983.png was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and smared, and taken (Isa. 28:10–13).

10. In what way does God warn his people to be on guard?

Answer: Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace (Eph. 6:13–15).

11. We notice that when Satan was tempting Christ for forty days and nights (Luke 4:1-12), that Christ always answered him by quoting a text of Scriptures. What does the holy spirit instruct us to do when we are likewise tempted?