Stages of Scripture
Did the Bible drop out of the sky into your lap– conveniently in your own language? Of course not. The scriptures found in our english Bibles were originally written in Hebrew and Greek (for the most part) thousands of years ago. If you've ever wondered what the process is, the Bible has specific references to various stages of scripture, starting with God speaking (revelation) and continuing to this day with His inspired words being preserved through the translation process into various languages.
Stages of Scripture 2a: Titles
Stages of Scripture 2b: Numbers
Stages of Scripture 2c: Descriptions
These identified stages aren't necessarily chronological in nature– for instance, preservation and inspiration are continual themes that weave throughout the old and new testament and can be seen in other stages identified below. The following is a breakdown of the stages along with explanatory sub-points. These concepts founded on scripture are foundational to understanding the inspiration and preservation of the Bible.
Stage 1: Revelation
God's words revealed
- God speaks with Authority (Gen 1:3; Mark 4:39-41 KJV)
- God speaks directly to people (Jeremiah 36:1 KJV)
- God speaks through Jesus' testimony (John 12:47-50 KJV)
- God speaks through others' testimonies (1 John 1:1-5 KJV)
Stage 2: Inspiration
God's words inspired
God places His word in man (Isa. 59:21 KJV)
God's words are direct and clear (Jeremiah 36:1-3 KJV)
God inspires all scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:19-21 KJV)
God's words are living (Hebrews 4:12 KJV)
Stage 3: Inscripturation
God's words written down
God writes down His words directly (Exodus 32:15-16 KJV)
God writes down His words through scribes (Jeremiah 36:4 KJV)
God records history (1 Corinthians 10:11 KJV)
Stage 4: Transmission
God's words copied and distributed
God's words are copied from medium to medium (Luke 16:27-31 KJV)
God's words are distributed through locality and culture (Romans 3:1-2 KJV)
God's words are distributed through time (Romans 15:4 KJV)
God's words are accessible (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV)
Stage 5: Canonization
God's words established
God has founded His word from the beginning and settled it forever (Psalm 119:89, 152, 160; John 10:35 KJV)
God commands for His words to not be added to or diminished from (Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 30:6; Matthew 15:8-9; Revelation 22:18-19 KJV)
Stage 6: Translation
God's words translated
God's words can be declared in multiple languages simultaneously (Genesis 31:47; Luke 23:38; Acts 2:4-11; Revelation 9:11 KJV)
God translates His words (Daniel 5:25-28; Matthew 27:46 / Mark 15:34; John 1:41; Revelation 16:16 KJV)
God's words will be received of every kindred, tongue, people and nation (Revelation 5:9; 14:6 KJV)
Jesus commands His church to teach all His commandments to all nations (Matthew 28:18-20 KJV)
Stage 7: Preservation
God's words preserved
God preserves His words, even when physically destroyed (Exodus 32:19; 34:1, 4; Jeremiah 36:27-32 KJV)
God keeps His words forever (Psalms 12:6-7; Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35 / Mark 13:31; 1 Peter 1:24-25 KJV)
God keeps His words in His children forever (Isaiah 59:21 KJV)
God preserves the power of His words (Luke 16:17 KJV)
God punishes those who attack His word (Revelation 22:18-19 KJV)
Credits
This work was a collaborative effort by members of Midtown Baptist Temple in Kansas City, MO. We would love to get your feedback and questions in order to further refine this labor of love.