Journal: Journal of Dispensational Theology
Volume: JODT 15:44 (Apr 2011)
Article: Editorial
Author: Ron J. Bigalke, Jr.

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Editorial

Ron J. Bigalke

God’s Word is readily available to nourish believers “on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine” (1 Tim 4:6), but this may not always be the experience. The Old Testament was written in Hebrew, and translated into Greek between 300-200 BC. The Septuagint was used widely among Hellenistic Jews because many were beginning to lose their Hebrew language. The Greek translation also provided many non-Jews with the opportunity to read the Old Testament. The New Testament was written in the common Greek (Koine) of the day, which allowed its dissemination to spread rapidly throughout the first centuries of the church, yet its availability was scarce throughout much of the medieval period. It is possible to argue that the Word of God is becoming scarce in our time. People do not know the biblical teaching with regard to marriage and sexuality; therefore, families are being destroyed. There are mothers (and doctors who assist them) who ignore the sanctity of life to avoid personal inconvenience. The Word of God is discounted and mocked in much “scholarship”; consequently, our schools and institutions of higher learning are absent of moral values because there are minimal to no values taught. Many civic leaders do not know the teaching of the Word of God with regard to government and politics; therefore, public affairs and policies may be without any substantive purpose. The Word of God is scarce in the business and labor world; consequently, there is exploitation, greed, hatred, and wastefulness. Although the Word of God is abundantly available in our nation today, there is much evidence that it is becoming removed from contemporary life. The Word of God is readily available today as “a lamp to [our] feet and a light to [our] path” (Ps 119:105), yet many grope in darkness. If the Word of God is rejected persistently, God may withdraw its availability. The result would be spiritual starvation (cf. Amos 8:12). The Word of the Lord is a precious commodity that instructs us in a manner that preserves and protects us. Sean Grier’s article communicates how a literal interpretation of Genesis 1—11 is essential to maintain the inerrancy and integrity of God’s Word, and how this revelation enlightens the intense debate with regard to origins. Jacob Gaddala defended Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch, which is a crucial matter for affirming the veracity of Scripture. The Synoptic problem was a concern for René López, and he has answered the doubts of those who may question the integrity of the biblical manuscripts and writers, and especially affirms the necessity of God’s revelation to understand the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. John Tucker helps ...

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