Chapter VII: Introduction: 1. What is God's will concerning man?

God willeth that all men should be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Tim. 2:4.

_2. Where does God show us how we may be saved?_

In the holy Scriptures, also called the Bible.

_3. Who wrote the Bible?_

The holy prophets, evangelists, and apostles wrote the Bible.

_4. But how can their word be the Word of God?_

The Spirit of God revealed to them what to speak and write.

=2 Pet. 1:21. [R. V.] Men spoke from God, being moved by the Holy
Ghost.=

=2 Tim. 3:16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and
is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness.=

_5. What must we do to experience personally that their word is
the Word of God?_

We must obey the Word and receive it into our hearts.

=John 7:17. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the
doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.=

_6. Is the Bible then the only safe rule of our faith and duty?_

Yes; the Bible alone contains full information of the will of God concerning our salvation.

_7. How do we rightly use the Word of God?_

We must first look to God for the light of His Spirit, and then read with devotion and an earnest purpose to live according to the Word.

=1 Cor. 2:14. [R. V.] The natural man receiveth not the things of
the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him; and he
cannot know them, because they are spiritually judged.=

_8. Who should read the Bible?_

It is the will of God that all should use His Word and love it as a dear gift.

_9. What is the substance of all the books of the Bible?_

The great truth that Jesus is the way to salvation for all who believe.

=John 20:31. But these are written, that ye might believe that
Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might
have life through his name.=

_10. How is the Bible divided in regard to its teaching?_

It is divided into Law and Gospel.

_11. What is the Law?_

The Law is the divine Word which tells us what we must do.

_12. What is the Gospel?_

The Gospel is the glad tidings of the grace of God in Jesus Christ our Savior.