The Bright Star Statement on Biblical Preservation
Preamble:
We affirm the divine inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, consisting of the sixty-six canonical books of the Old and the New Testaments (from Genesis to Revelation), as the only authoritative and infallible Word of God. Building upon the foundation laid by the Doctrine of Biblical Inerrancy, we now address the matter of Biblical Preservation, acknowledging the sovereign providence of God in safeguarding His Word throughout the ages. We hold that God, in His wisdom and power, has upheld the integrity and accessibility of His Word for the benefit of His people.
Article I: The Divine Commitment to Preservation
We affirm that God, who inspired the original autographs of Scripture, is likewise committed to preserving His Word from corruption and decay. The following references directly infer the conclusion that the Lord’s faithfulness to His covenant extends to the preservation of His Word for all time.
“Know now that there shall fall unto the earth nothing of the word of the LORD” (2 Kings 10:10).
“The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD; thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever” (Psa. 12:6,7).
“The law of the LORD is perfect converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple” (Psa. 19:7).
“The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations” (Psa. 33:11).
“For the LORD is good, his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations” (Psa. 100:5).
“For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven” (Psa. 119:39).
“Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it” (Psa. 119:140).
“Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever” (Psa. 119:152).
“Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous “Every judgments endureth for ever” (Psa. 119:160).
“Every word of God is pure…” (Prov. 30:5).
“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever” (Isa. 40:8).
“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isa. 55:11).
“For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled” (Matt. 5:18).
“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matt. 24:35).
“And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail” (Luke 16:17).
“The scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35).
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever” (1 Pet. 1:23).
“But the word of the Lord endureth for ever” (1 Pet. 1:25).
Article II: The Centrality of the Textus Receptus
We affirm the significance of the Textus Receptus, the Received Text, as an essential source for accurately transmitting the Scriptures. The Lord’s providential care is evident in the preservation of the Textus Receptus, ensuring the reliability of the Greek New Testament text. This preservation aligns with God’s promises concerning His sovereignty over His word as well as historical evidence from the church fathers to reveal that the Text Receptus is the Bible the church has always had.
Article III: The Role of Textual Criticism
We affirm that textual criticism serves a valuable purpose in assessing textual variations, as long as it is undertaken with humility and a recognition of human limitations and a firm adherence to preservation and not reconstruction. The sovereign hand of God oversees even the minutest details, ensuring that essential doctrines and truths remain intact. The diligent pursuit of accurate manuscripts is commendable only while acknowledging the ultimate safeguarding of God’s Word by His providence.
Article IV: The Assurance of Accessibility
We affirm that God’s Word is accessible to His people, despite linguistic and cultural challenges. As stated in the Scriptures, the Word is nigh, even in our mouths and hearts (Deuteronomy 30:14; Romans 10:8). Through diligent study, prayer, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, believers can grasp the profound truths contained within Scripture.
Article V: The Diversity of Translations
We affirm that while translations inevitably introduce an additional layer of interpretation, God’s providence extends to the realm of translation work. Various translations, while imperfect, serve as vehicles to convey the richness of God’s Word to diverse language communities. All translation efforts should be based on the Textus Receptus.
Article VI: The Church’s Responsibility
We affirm the Church’s role in upholding the preserved Word of God and teaching it faithfully to subsequent generations. As the pillar and ground of truth (1 Timothy 3:15), the Church must steward the Scriptures with reverence, promoting accurate understanding while acknowledging the limitations of human interpretation.
Conclusion:
We declare our conviction in the divine preservation of Scripture along with a firm foundation on the Doctrine of Inerrancy. Through the ages, God’s providence has guided the transmission and accessibility of His Word, enabling believers to draw closer to Him and to understand His will. May we continue to uphold, teach, and cherish the preserved Word of God, seeking its guidance and wisdom in all aspects of life.
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