12.  Its Own Claims to Divine Origin. (1) It clearly claims to be the the word of God. (a) All scripture is given by inspiration Of God. 2 Tim. 3:16. (b) God spake unto the fathers by the prophets, Heb. 1:1. (c) Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 Peter 1:21. (d) He spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, Luke 1:70. (e) Which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake.  Acts 1:16. (f) God showed by the mouth of all his prophets.  Acts 3:18. (g) By the revelation of Jesus Christ, Gal. 1:12. (h) Not as the word of men, but as it is in truth the word of God, 1 Thes. 2:13. (2) It claims to be a good book and to be given for man’s good.  Both of these claims have been amply justified.  But it could not be a good book and claim what is not true.  This it would do if it ware not the Word of God.

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Chapter II.

The Names of God.

Several names are used for God, each having its own significance, and every Bible reader should in some general way know the meaning of each name.  We cannot always distinguish the exact meaning, but the following, while not all, will be of use in reading the English translation.

1.  God.  This comes from one word and two of its compound or forms and will mean accordingly:  (1) The Strong one used 225 times in the Old Testament; (2) The Strong one as an object of worship; (3) The Strong one who is faithful and, therefore, to be trusted and obeyed.  This last is a plural term and is used 2300 times in the Old Testament.  It is the name used when God said.  “Let us make man” and “God created man in his own image,” etc., Gen. 1:26-27.  It was by this name that God the Trinity covenanted for the good of man before man was created.

2.  Lord.  Small capitals in the old version and translated Jehovah in the in the revised translation.  It means:  (1) The self-existing one who reveals himself; (2) God as Redeemer.  It was under this name that he sought man after the fall and clothed him with skins.  Gen. 3:9-17; (3) God who makesand keeps his covenants.  It is used more than 100 times in connection with the covenants, as in Jer. 31:31-34 where he promises a new covenant.

3.  Lord.  Small letters except the L and always denotes God as Master in his relation to us as servants.  There are two kinds of servants-hired and bought servants, the latter being always superior and more beloved.  The servant is expected to obey and is guaranteed protection and support for his service.

4.  Almighty God.  This means a Strong-breasted one, the Pourer or Shredder forth of spiritual and temporal blessings.  It refers to God:  (1) As a nourisher, strength-giver, satisfier and a strong one who gives; (2) As the giver of fruitfulness which comes through nourishment.  He was to make Abraham fruitful, Gen. 17:1-8; (3) As Giver of chastening.  This he does in the way of pruning that there may be more fruit.