Grace, Truth, and the Authenticity of Scripture
Summary
### Summary
As we delve into the story of the woman caught in adultery from John 8, we face a significant challenge: the authenticity of this passage as part of the original Gospel of John. The earliest manuscripts do not include this story, and many ancient witnesses and early church fathers do not reference it. Despite this, the story has been included in many translations due to its consistency with the character of Jesus and its presence in influential texts like the Latin Vulgate and the King James Bible.
The process of how the Bible came to be, including the development of the canon, is crucial to understanding why this passage is debated. The early church used criteria such as apostolic authorship, orthodoxy, and usage in worship to determine what was considered sacred Scripture. Textual criticism, which compares thousands of manuscripts, helps us get as close as possible to the original texts.
The story itself, while likely not part of the original Gospel of John, is consistent with the character of Jesus as depicted in the canonical Gospels. Jesus' response to the woman and her accusers—"Let him who is without sin cast the first stone"—and His subsequent forgiveness of the woman while instructing her to "sin no more" aligns with His teachings and actions elsewhere in Scripture.
This brings us to the importance of how we handle Scripture. The doctrine of the inspiration of Scripture is foundational to our faith. We must approach the Bible with reverence, understanding its divine inspiration and the role of the Holy Spirit in its preservation and interpretation. Misusing Scripture for malicious purposes, as the religious leaders did in this story, is a grave error that we must avoid.
Ultimately, the story serves as an illustration of the grace and truth of Jesus. While it may not be canonical, it echoes the consistent message of the Gospel: there is no condemnation for those in Christ, but this freedom comes with the call to live a life of sanctification and righteousness.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Textual Criticism: Understanding the origins and authenticity of biblical texts is crucial. Textual criticism helps us discern the most accurate representation of the original manuscripts, ensuring that our faith is grounded in the true Word of God. This process underscores the reliability and divine inspiration of Scripture. [06:52]
2. The Role of the Canon: The early church used specific criteria to determine what writings were considered sacred Scripture. Apostolic authorship, orthodoxy, and usage in worship were key factors. This process was essential in preserving the integrity of the Gospel and ensuring that the teachings of Jesus were accurately transmitted. [11:02]
3. The Consistency of Jesus' Character: The story of the woman caught in adultery, while likely not part of the original Gospel of John, is consistent with the character of Jesus as depicted in the canonical Gospels. His response to the woman and her accusers reflects His grace, mercy, and call to repentance, which are central themes in His ministry. [29:27]
4. The Doctrine of Inspiration: The belief in the divine inspiration of Scripture is foundational to our faith. The Holy Spirit's role in the writing, preservation, and interpretation of the Bible ensures that it remains the living, active Word of God. This doctrine is essential for our understanding of God's revelation and our daily walk with Christ. [25:19]
5. The Call to Sanctification: Jesus' instruction to the woman to "go and sin no more" highlights the transformative power of the Gospel. While there is no condemnation for those in Christ, this freedom comes with the responsibility to live a life of sanctification, continually growing in righteousness and reflecting the character of Christ. [36:04]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:31] - Reading from John 8
[02:34] - The Challenge of the Text
[03:25] - Unique Elements in John
[04:21] - Manuscript Evidence
[06:01] - Textual Criticism Explained
[07:46] - The Canonization Process
[08:58] - Early Church and False Teachings
[10:08] - Criteria for Canon
[11:02] - Apostolicity and Orthodoxy
[12:54] - Manuscript Variations
[14:00] - Ancient Witnesses
[15:48] - The Latin Vulgate
[16:37] - Influence of Major Translations
[17:32] - Consistency with Jesus' Character
[18:14] - The Inspiration of Scripture
[19:57] - The Closed Canon Debate
[21:11] - Historical but Not Canonical
[23:40] - The Importance of Doctrine
[25:19] - Illustration of Jesus' Character
[29:27] - Jesus' Response to the Accusers
[30:46] - No Condemnation, Sin No More
[31:59] - The Reliability of Scripture
[33:17] - The Malicious Use of Scripture
[34:38] - The Beauty of the Gospel
[36:04] - The Call to Sanctification
[36:04] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- John 8:1-11 (ESV)
- Romans 8:1-2 (ESV)
- Deuteronomy 22:22 (ESV)
### Observation Questions
1. What was the response of Jesus when the scribes and Pharisees brought the woman caught in adultery to Him? ([01:31])
2. According to the sermon, why is the story of the woman caught in adultery debated in terms of its authenticity in the Gospel of John? ([03:25])
3. What criteria did the early church use to determine the canon of Scripture? ([11:02])
4. How does Jesus' response to the woman and her accusers reflect His character as depicted in the canonical Gospels? ([29:27])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is textual criticism important for understanding the authenticity and reliability of biblical texts? How does this process affect our faith in the Scriptures? ([06:52])
2. How does the story of the woman caught in adultery illustrate the balance between grace and truth in Jesus' ministry? ([29:27])
3. What does the doctrine of the inspiration of Scripture mean, and why is it foundational to our faith? ([25:19])
4. How does the call to "go and sin no more" in John 8:11 relate to the concept of sanctification in the life of a believer? ([36:04])
### Application Questions
1. How can you apply the principles of textual criticism in your personal Bible study to ensure you are understanding Scripture accurately? ([06:52])
2. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's grace and forgiveness. How did it impact your life, and how can you extend that same grace to others? ([29:27])
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of handling Scripture with reverence. What steps can you take to ensure you are not misusing Scripture in your daily life? ([31:59])
4. Jesus instructed the woman to "go and sin no more." What specific areas in your life do you feel called to change in response to this command? ([30:46])
5. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation for the doctrine of the inspiration of Scripture in your faith journey? ([25:19])
6. The sermon mentioned the malicious use of Scripture by the religious leaders. Have you ever witnessed or experienced this? How can you guard against it in your own life? ([34:38])
7. Romans 8:1-2 speaks of no condemnation for those in Christ. How does this truth influence your daily walk with God, and how can you live out this freedom responsibly? ([36:04])
Devotional
### Day 1: The Importance of Textual Criticism
Textual criticism is essential for understanding the origins and authenticity of biblical texts. This scholarly discipline involves comparing thousands of manuscripts to discern the most accurate representation of the original writings. By doing so, textual criticism helps ensure that our faith is grounded in the true Word of God. This process underscores the reliability and divine inspiration of Scripture, affirming that what we read today is as close as possible to the original texts penned by the biblical authors. [06:52]
Textual criticism also highlights the meticulous care taken by early scribes and scholars in preserving the Scriptures. It reminds us that the Bible we hold is not a random collection of writings but a carefully curated and preserved document. This should deepen our appreciation for the Bible and encourage us to study it diligently, knowing that it has been faithfully transmitted through the ages.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV): "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
Reflection: Think about a time when you doubted the reliability of the Bible. How does understanding the process of textual criticism strengthen your confidence in Scripture? How can this knowledge impact your daily Bible study?
### Day 2: The Role of the Canon
The early church used specific criteria to determine what writings were considered sacred Scripture. Apostolic authorship, orthodoxy, and usage in worship were key factors in this process. Understanding the development of the canon is crucial because it shows how the early church sought to preserve the integrity of the Gospel and ensure that the teachings of Jesus were accurately transmitted. [11:02]
The canonization process was not arbitrary but guided by the Holy Spirit, ensuring that only those writings that truly reflected the teachings of Jesus and the apostles were included. This process helps us trust that the Bible is a reliable and authoritative source of God's revelation. It also challenges us to approach Scripture with reverence, recognizing its divine origin and the careful discernment that went into its formation.
Jude 1:3 (ESV): "Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints."
Reflection: Reflect on the criteria used by the early church to determine the canon. How does knowing this process affect your view of the Bible? How can you apply this understanding to your personal study and application of Scripture?
### Day 3: The Consistency of Jesus' Character
The story of the woman caught in adultery, while likely not part of the original Gospel of John, is consistent with the character of Jesus as depicted in the canonical Gospels. His response to the woman and her accusers reflects His grace, mercy, and call to repentance, which are central themes in His ministry. This consistency reassures us that the story, even if not originally part of John, still conveys the heart of Jesus' message. [29:27]
Jesus' actions in this story—challenging the accusers and offering forgiveness to the woman—demonstrate His commitment to justice and mercy. It reminds us that Jesus does not condone sin but offers grace and calls us to a transformed life. This story encourages us to reflect on how we respond to sin in our own lives and in the lives of others, urging us to embody the same grace and truth that Jesus exemplified.
Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Reflection: Think about a situation where you were quick to judge someone else's sin. How can you respond with the same grace and truth that Jesus showed? What steps can you take to embody His character in your interactions with others?
### Day 4: The Doctrine of Inspiration
The belief in the divine inspiration of Scripture is foundational to our faith. The Holy Spirit's role in the writing, preservation, and interpretation of the Bible ensures that it remains the living, active Word of God. This doctrine is essential for our understanding of God's revelation and our daily walk with Christ. [25:19]
Recognizing the divine inspiration of Scripture means that we approach the Bible not just as a historical document but as God's living Word to us. It calls us to read and study the Bible with a sense of reverence and expectation, knowing that through it, God speaks to us today. This understanding also challenges us to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance in interpreting and applying Scripture to our lives.
2 Peter 1:20-21 (ESV): "Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."
Reflection: How does the belief in the divine inspiration of Scripture influence your approach to reading the Bible? In what ways can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide your understanding and application of God's Word in your daily life?
### Day 5: The Call to Sanctification
Jesus' instruction to the woman to "go and sin no more" highlights the transformative power of the Gospel. While there is no condemnation for those in Christ, this freedom comes with the responsibility to live a life of sanctification, continually growing in righteousness and reflecting the character of Christ. [36:04]
Sanctification is an ongoing process where we are gradually conformed to the image of Christ. It involves daily choices to turn away from sin and pursue holiness. This call to sanctification is not about earning God's favor but responding to His grace with a life that honors Him. It challenges us to examine our lives and identify areas where we need to grow in righteousness, relying on the Holy Spirit's power to transform us.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 (ESV): "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor."
Reflection: Identify one specific area in your life where you need to grow in sanctification. What practical steps can you take today to pursue holiness in this area? How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to help you in this process?
Quotes
1. "So we come to a significant challenge this morning. And by we, I mean me, but because you're along for the ride, I mean we, okay? Because one of the big questions that hangs over our text today is the question about whether or not this text is actually a text. It is the question about whether this story is part of sacred Scripture, whether or not it should be preached as the sacred Word of God, and to be honest, whether or not that question is even worthy of a Sunday morning sermon." [02:34] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The Bible is the most authenticated manuscript in ancient history, by far. For instance, the closest things we can compare it to, Julius Caesar's Gallic Wars. There are ten ancient manuscripts that deal with that. Livy's Roman History, we've got twenty ancient manuscripts. For the New Testament we have over five thousand eight hundred manuscripts. It's not even close. Some of those are full some of those are partial just individual books some of those are fragments. But we have over five thousand eight hundred ancient manuscripts for the New Testament." [06:52] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The malicious use of Scripture ought to disgust us, and it ought to convict us. The malicious use of Scripture, right? Even if this story is not a part of John's gospel, it is very consistent with many other stories in the gospel of John. In John chapter 5, that's the story of the invalid that was an invalid for 38 years, and Jesus meets him and heals him. Are the religious leaders excited because he's healed? Excited that this beggar of 38 years is now walking around, and they're all excited. This is incredible. What a great day for you. No, they're upset because he's carrying his mat on the Sabbath." [34:38] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The no condemnation of the gospel only makes gospel sense if it's followed by, from now on, sin no more. This is the beauty of the gospel. Romans 8, there's no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Christ bore our sins on the cross. Our sin debt has been canceled. That has been wiped away. We are forgiven. There is no condemnation. But when you come to Christ, you are born again. You are born from on high. You are born of the Spirit, and you are born with the Spirit. You are a new creation in Christ." [36:04] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "All of your walk with Christ is based upon the reliability of the inspired Word of God. So that conversation is incredibly important. We can't just toss all that aside because we like the story. Any more than we can toss all that aside because we don't like the story, right? It comes down to what does it mean to call this the inspired Word of God?" [25:19] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "How we handled inspired Scripture is extremely important. How we handled inspired Scripture is extremely important. How we handled inspired Scripture is extremely important. All of our Christian faith is based upon the conviction that this is the inspired Word of God. When you wake up in the morning on Monday morning and you have your morning prayer time and you read Scripture, you do that because you have this conviction that it's the living Word of God, that the Holy Spirit is speaking through that and is going to give you words of life and words of truth and words of encouragement and words of promise." [31:59] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The idea that God reveals Himself to His creation, that He does that by speaking through words, that He has commanded that those words be written down to benefit others, that those words be written down to benefit others, that those words be written down to benefit others, the benefit that that brings is to teach truth, to correct sin, and to lead in righteous living, and that the Holy Spirit is involved in all of that process. The Holy Spirit's involved in hearing the words. The Holy Spirit's involved in writing the words. The Holy Spirit is involved in copying the words. The Holy Spirit is involved in preserving the words throughout history, and more than that, the Holy Spirit still speaks through the words as you and I open them up whether it's in our morning quiet time, or in a corporate worship service, or wherever it may be, it is the living, ongoing breath of God." [25:19] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The presence of the text and the presence of the footnotes forces us to look at this bigger question. And it brings up the question about the inspiration of Scripture. The dependability. The dependability of Scripture. The dependability of the Word of God. On what basis do you and I gather together on a Sunday morning and say, thus saith the Lord? What is the basis that we do that? What is the foundation ground that we're able to point at this and say, this is the living inspired breath of God. We sit ourselves under it and we hear it and we receive it and we live our lives according to that." [18:14] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "The malicious use of Scripture, we see this over and over again. They did not care about this woman. They did not care about justice. They were just trying to score some points on a religious debate. And we see this story, and it ought to offend us greatly. And it ought to cause us as followers of Christ to cry out to the Holy Spirit, if there is any of this, in me, would you convict me of it so I can confess and repent and be cleansed of that? The story ought to cause that reaction." [34:38] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "The challenge that this text presents really is, is, is so much bigger. As a preacher, as a church, as a, as a Bible reader and follower of Christ, the presence of the text and the presence of the footnotes forces us to look at this bigger question. And it brings up the question about the inspiration of Scripture. The dependability. The dependability of Scripture. The dependability of the Word of God. On what basis do you and I gather together on a Sunday morning and say, thus saith the Lord? What is the basis that we do that? What is the foundation ground that we're able to point at this and say, this is the living inspired breath of God. We sit ourselves under it and we hear it and we receive it and we live our lives according to that." [18:14] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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