Back to Basics: Roots of Scripture — Introduction: Why We Study the Roots of Scripture

Opening Scripture

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”2 Timothy 3:16 KJV

“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”2 Peter 1:21 KJV

Introduction

The purpose of this study is to return to the foundation of God’s Word and understand why it is so important to study Scripture as God has given it. In a time when many voices, opinions, teachings, and interpretations are being presented, it is imperative that we know the Word of God for ourselves.

This study is not about following man’s opinion. It is about allowing Scripture to verify Scripture. God’s Word does not contradict itself. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture lines up with Scripture and gives witness to the truth God has revealed.

When we do not know God’s Word as it has been written, inspired by God, and understood by the leading of the Holy Spirit, we can easily be directed another way.

That is why this study begins with the foundation: the Word of God, the inspiration of Scripture, and the truth that all understanding must lead us back to The Finished Work of the Cross.

Why We Study the Roots of Scripture

The roots of Scripture matter because God’s Word has a foundation. The Bible did not begin with modern opinions, traditions, or personal interpretations. Scripture was given by inspiration of God, and Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

That means the Word of God must be handled with reverence, care, and truth. We do not approach Scripture to make it say what we want it to say. We approach Scripture so that God’s Word can reveal what He has already spoken.

As we move through this study category, we will look at the historical journey of Scripture and examine key biblical witnesses such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Tanakh, the Septuagint, and the King James Bible. We will also look closely at the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Koine Greek, so that the meaning of the text can be understood with greater clarity.

This is important because words matter. The original meaning of the text matters. Context matters. Scripture must be rightly understood through Scripture itself.

Scripture Verifies Scripture

One of the main purposes of this study is to show how Scripture verifies Scripture. God’s Word confirms itself. When one passage is properly understood, it will not stand against another passage. The Word of God works together in perfect agreement because it comes from God.

This is why we must compare Scripture with Scripture. A verse should not be pulled away from the whole counsel of God’s Word and made to stand alone outside of its meaning. From Genesis to Revelation, the Word of God reveals one consistent truth, and that truth leads us back to Jesus Christ and The Finished Work of the Cross.

When Scripture is separated from Scripture, misunderstanding can enter in. When the meaning of a word is removed from its original context, confusion can follow. When people do not know what God has written, they can be easily led by something that sounds spiritual but does not line up with the Word of God.

This is why we study. This is why we go back to the roots.

The Inspiration of God’s Word

Second Timothy 3:16 tells us that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God. This means Scripture is not merely the thoughts of men. The Word of God is inspired by God.

Second Peter 1:21 gives further clarity by stating that Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. The Holy Spirit, who is God, moved upon those who wrote and spoke the Word He gave.

Because Scripture is inspired by God, it must be received as the authority for truth. The Word of God is not something we stand over and judge according to our own understanding. It is the truth we submit to, allowing the Holy Spirit to bring clarity and understanding according to God’s will.

The Holy Spirit will never lead contrary to the Word He inspired. He brings understanding, correction, conviction, and clarity through the truth of God’s Word.

From Genesis to Revelation

This study will move with the understanding that the Word of God is complete in its witness from Genesis to Revelation. The beginning points to the end, and the end confirms what God has revealed from the beginning.

Genesis shows us the beginning of creation, the entrance of sin, and the need for redemption. Revelation shows us the fulfillment of God’s purpose and the final victory of Jesus Christ. Between Genesis and Revelation, Scripture continually reveals the plan of God, the condition of man, the promise of redemption, and the finished work accomplished through Jesus Christ.

This is why we cannot study Scripture in fragments only. We must allow the whole Word of God to speak. Every passage must be understood in harmony with the truth God has revealed throughout Scripture.

Studying the Original Languages

As we continue in this category, we will examine Scripture through the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Koine Greek. This does not replace faith in God’s Word. It helps us look more carefully at the meaning of the text as it was written.

The Hebrew and Aramaic of the Old Testament and the Koine Greek of the New Testament help us understand word meanings, sentence structure, and context with greater clarity. This matters because translation involves words, and words carry meaning.

By looking at the original text, we are not trying to create a new truth. We are seeking to understand the truth God has already given.

The goal is clarity, not confusion. The goal is truth, not opinion. The goal is to allow God’s Word to speak for itself.

The Historical Journey of Scripture

This study will also examine the historical journey of Scripture. We will look at important biblical texts and witnesses, including the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Tanakh, the Septuagint, and the King James Bible.

Each of these gives us a deeper look into how Scripture has been preserved, translated, read, and studied through time. Understanding this journey helps us see the seriousness of God’s Word and the importance of handling Scripture carefully.

The goal is not to exalt manuscripts above God. The goal is to understand the witness of Scripture and see how God’s Word has continued to speak throughout history.

Leading Back to The Finished Work of the Cross

All true understanding of Scripture must lead back to The Finished Work of the Cross. The Word of God reveals our need for redemption and God’s provision through Jesus Christ.

The cross is not an afterthought. It is the center of God’s redemptive work. From the beginning, Scripture points to the need for a Saviour. Through Christ, the work of redemption was completed.

When we study Scripture, we are not only gaining knowledge. We are being brought back to the truth of what God has done through Jesus Christ. The Word of God reveals who He is, what He has done, and how we are to walk in truth.

A Foundation for the Studies Ahead

This introduction is the beginning point for the studies that will follow. One blog post at a time, we will move through the roots of Scripture with care, reverence, and accuracy.

We will study the Word from Genesis to Revelation. We will compare Scripture with Scripture. We will look at the original meaning of the text. We will examine the historical journey of Scripture. We will consider the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Tanakh, the Septuagint, and the King James Bible. We will look at Hebrew, Aramaic, and Koine Greek where needed for clarity.

Most importantly, we will allow the Word of God to remain the foundation.

Because if we do not know the Word of God, we can be led away from the truth. But when we are rooted in Scripture, guided by the Holy Spirit, and grounded in The Finished Work of the Cross, we are brought back to the truth God has revealed.

Closing Reflection

The purpose of this study is simple: to return to the foundation.

God’s Word is true. Scripture verifies Scripture. The Holy Spirit gives understanding through the Word He inspired. And all of Scripture leads us back to The Finished Work of the Cross.

As we begin this journey, may our hearts be willing to receive God’s Word as truth, study it with reverence, and allow Scripture to bring clarity where confusion has entered in.