By Emeritus Prof. Mercy Olumide

The principal way God speaks to us is through Scripture(Cont)
Listening to God through the Scripture leads to repentance—”godly sorrow”
“For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.”(2 Cor 7:10)

“Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation” refers to the sorrow for our sins that results in changed behaviour. Many people are sorry only for the effects of their sins or for being caught (“the sorrow of the world”). Compare Peter’s remorse and repentance with Judas’ bitterness and act of suicide.

Both disowned Christ. One repented and was restored to faith and service; the other took his own life.

Although the principal way God speaks to us is through Scripture, God also speaks directly to our hearts in words other than those of Scripture. God also speaks to us through the inner voice–the gentle impress of the Spirit that brings the message of heaven direct to the human heart.

• The Holy Scripture is God’s inspired Word
Read 2 Tim 3:10-17

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2Tim 3:16,17)

3:16 The Bible is not a collection of stories, fables, myths, or merely human ideas about God. It is not a human book. Through the Holy Spirit, God revealed his person and plan to certain believers, who wrote down his message for his people (2 Peter 1:20,21). This process is known as inspiration. The writers wrote from their own personal, historical, and cultural contexts. Although they used their own minds, talents, language, and style, they wrote what God wanted them to write. Scripture is completely trustworthy because God was in control of its writing. Its words are entirely authoritative for our faith and lives. The Bible is “God-breathed.” Read it, and use its teachings to guide your conduct.

The whole Bible is God’s inspired Word. Because it is inspired and trustworthy, we should read it and apply it to our lives. The Bible is our standard for testing everything else that claims to be true. It is our safeguard against false teaching and our source of guidance for how we should live. It is our only source of knowledge about how we can be saved. God wants to show you what is true and equip you to live for him. How much time do you spend in God’s Word? Read it regularly to discover God’s truth and to become confident in your life and faith. Develop a plan for reading the whole Bible, not just the familiar passages.

The psalmist states that God exalts two things above all else: His name and His Word (Ps 138:2)

•Email:[email protected]. Facebook: Yetunde Mercy Olumide