Does The Bible Contain The Word Of God Or Is It The Word Of God?
Please Explain The Difference In These Two Statements?

by Garland M. Robinson

        People often talk about the Bible containing the Word of God. This is true in one sense, the Word of God is found in the Bible. However, this statement does not go far enough! To simply say that the Bible ``contains the Word of God'' does not exclude the Bible from containing something other than God's Word. I may hold a jug in my hand and say it contains water. But it may also contain something other than water. There may be oil, detergent, rocks or sand or any number of other things in the jug. But if I say this container holds only water and nothing but water, that excludes everything else.
        It is more accurate to say that THE BIBLE IS GOD'S WORD. There is nothing in the Bible that is not God's Word. Every part of the Bible, whether it be a book, chapter, verse, word or letter, IS GOD'S WORD! No part of God's Word is found in any other book than the Bible, whether it be the Book of Mormon, Pearl of Great Price, Doctrine and Covenants, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, the Koran or any other that may claim inspiration.
        The Bible claims inspiration for itself: ``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'' (II Timothy 3:16-17). The Bible is the Truth and is ALL the Truth God has revealed. ``According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue'' (II Peter 1:3). Since God has given unto mankind ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness in the Bible, there are no things that pertain unto life and godli- ness outside the Bible! The Psalmist recorded, ``Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever'' (Psalm 119:160). Jesus gave his stamp of approval upon the scriptures when he said, ``...These are the words which I spake unto you...that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me'' (Luke 24:44).
        Instead of saying THE BIBLE CONTAINS THE WORD OF GOD we need to say the Bible IS THE WORD OF GOD. What do you say?
        It is that by which God will judge all men in the last day.