Biblical Perspective

Phase I – Understanding the Bible

   There is no overstating the fact that God has placed His will, purpose, and plan within the pages of His Word. Each book of the Bible, in its own unique way, echoes this truth. However, from Genesis to Revelation, there are three major themes that run throughout the course of the Bible. They are (1) the redemptive plan of God for mankind, (2) the seen and unseen works of Christ, and (3) the reward of the faithful and the penalty of the disobedient. All else that appears in the Bible is interwoven within these three magnificent themes. What, then, is the Bible? It is the living, enduring, infallible, and inerrant Word of God. It is "the word of truth," written by men who were under the influence and direction of the Holy Spirit, ever revealing the redemptive plan of God, the works of Christ, the reward of the faithful, and the penalty of sin.

Phase II - Analyzing the Bible

   For many readers, the Book of Ecclesiastes has proven perplexing and confusing. Many readers tried to reconcile the hopelessness and emptiness of life as expressed by the writer, with the hopefulness and joy of the believer who trust in God. In like manner, some stray because they do not understand the true theme of the book. In Ecclesiastes, there are two key phrases that are essential to a proper understanding of the book. These two phrases are repeated throughout the book; they are “vanity of vanities” and “under the sun.” The phrase “vanity of vanities” conveys the emptiness and futility of all things. The phrase “under the sun” denotes an individual left to his own device who does not have a proper relationship with God. Ecclesiastes is believed to have been written when King Solomon was out of fellowship with God. During this period in his life, King Solomon had forsaken God and began looking to science and philosophy (things under the sun) to find happiness and purpose of life. Consequently, he only grew more weary and disappointed as he searched for the meaning and purpose of life apart from a true relationship with God.

Phase III - Exploring Biblical Doctrines

   As a pure Spirit of infinite perfection, God is free and independent from all things. He neither depends on nor requires assistance from anyone. He is complete in Himself and in the reality of His existence. No verse captures this truth more vividly than Exodus 3:14, “And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.” The phrase “I AM” exemplifies the totality of God’s personality. His self-consciousness is complete. He knows who He is and is not searching to discover Himself. Who He is, He always was and forever shall be; He is the “I AM.” His self-determination is absolute. Of His own free will, independent of everyone and from everything, He has performed the works of His own hands. He does not need the opinion of man to validate who He is; He is the “I AM.”