Copy Editing the Bible

One writer recently submitted an article to a publication and the editors made the decision to edit out much important content in the author's message. No one from the publication contacted the writer requesting permission to make the omissions. The copy editor decided what part of the article was more important for the readers to see, and by doing so significantly altered the full meaning of what the author intended to communicate. Simply not publishing the author's article would be more ethical and professional.

This made me think about the importance of the proper use of the Holy Bible. The Bible is a book of books. There are sixty-six books in the Bible – 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. The Bible was compiled over a period of approximately fifteen hundred years by over 40 different authors. These authors wrote down the words that they were divinely inspired to write.

The Old Testament contains history, law, prophecy and poetry. We can learn the history of the creation of our world, and of all life. We can learn from the Old Testament the history of how God has always dealth with his creation. We learn from the very first book in the Bible that God loves us and wants us to love and obey Him. We also read about the first rebellion of our human ancestors. Adam and Eve disobeyed God and brought death to all their descendents. Sin is the act of disobeying God. The Old Testament also tells us about God's plan to redeem humanity through a wonderful Savior. This Messiah would come through Jewish parents. God preserved and protected the Jewish people even in their years of rebellion so that Christ would be born at exactly the right time.

When we come to the New Testament, we learn more details about the life of Jesus Christ – the great Redeemer who was promised to God's people. Jesus first came to the Jews, and then to all mankind. Many ancient prophecies made to God's people have been precisely fulfilled with the birth of Jesus of Nazareth.

We also learn how it is necessary for us to respond with obedient faith to Jesus Christ. It is impossible for people living under the new covenant of Christ to receive eternal life without accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. Jesus is the Way, Truth, Life. There are no other roads to Heaven. There is only one Heaven that is being prepared for all believers who remain faithful to Christ. We learn truth from the Bible, and the most important truth is that we must accept Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Accept that truth with joy and live with comfort that Jesus will reward you for your faith.

Jesus teaches: "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31b-32 NIV) "But unless you repent, you too will all perish." (Luke 13:3 NIV) "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven." (Matthew 10:32 NIV) "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20 NIV)

Friends, I strongly urge you to read the Bible as the very Word of God. Learn how God loves you and is willing to grant you a home in paradise if you will trust and obey Jesus as Lord.

When you read the Bible, please do not reject the words that you do not agree with. The Bible is true, and the message of the New Testament contains the plan of salvation for people living today. Just put away your editorial knife, accept what it says, obey the truth, and live.

You are invited to attend the services of the Church of Christ at the corner of 3rd and E Streets. Write me with any questions or comments David Binkley, Sr., P.O. Box 186, Cedar Key, FL 32625 or E-mail at dgbinkley@aol.com. You may also request to receive the daily WORD OF THE DAY by e-mail. Check out our web site at www.cedarkeychurchofchrist.com.