Part 1 The Principle of Affirmation

Every person lives their life with certain basic assumptions.  These assumptions vary from one situation to another.  For example, if you were to fly to Japan, you would have to assume several things.

    1.    The pilot knows how to fly the plane.

    2.    The plane will arrive safely.

    3.    The immigration people in Japan will honor your passport.

In studying the Bible there are also several things that one must assume.  The most important assumption we make is that the Bible is God’s Word.

An ancient Chinese proverb states, “The Journey of 1,000 miles starts with a first step.”  The first step in Bible study is affirmation.  Affirmation is accepting the Bible as truthful, and inspired by God.  It is only when we affirm that the Bible is the Word of God and our absolute authority for our life that we are ready to study the Bible the way God intended.

In the April 5, 1993 issue of Time Magazine, a January 1992 telephone survey of 1,013 adult Americans revealed that between the ages of 46-64 80% agreed that the Bible is the “totally accurate” Word of God.  Between the ages of 27-45 73% held this belief.  However, only 65% of those surveyed between 18-26 years old believed that the Bible is the “totally accurate” Word of God.

When this same group was asked if they had read their Bible in the past week, 54% of those between the ages of 46-64 said yes.  43% of those between 27-45 said yes and 31% of those between 18-26 said yes.