When someone considers the unity and complexity of the biblical narrative, they must be impressed with the awesomeness and congruity within its pages. The biblical writers spanned some 1,600-2,000 years, from multiple continents, in several languages and totaled some 40 men. All of this and not one single contradiction.  Leonard noted that “contrary statements” aren’t “contradictory.”[1] When seriously and fairly handling the text of the Bible, not one single solid case can be leveled against it for error. The Bible is perfect.

The Bible is beyond human production for a host of reasons, none of which are of superior import than the rest. This writer loves to consider the way in which the Bible is used within itself. The biblical writers used other inspired text within their writings and it shows a unity and a brilliancy beyond even the most capable minds of history. Through echo, allusion, or direct quote, the Bible is a unified story of Jesus Christ and the eternal scheme of redemption. “Intertextuality” or studying how the New Testament uses the Old Testament is a rich and rewarding study. Leonard also noted, “there is a need for defending the inerrancy of the biblical text, which is directly tied to the issue about how the New Testament uses the Old Testament.”[2]

Another layer of goodness within the pages of holy writ, also akin to intertextuality, is typology.  Regarding rules concerning the consideration of types, Mosher said, “(1)We must never expect the type and the antitype to be the same (2) that for one purpose the type has been selected, and finding that purpose, the application of it will be easy (3) It must foretell something (4) anything, to be a type, must have been a real person, thing, event, or office (5) the antitype is always superior to the type (6) sometimes figurative language is employed in giving a typical event.”[3] It is of this kind of brilliance that should solidify the faith of one beholding the word of God.

Consider with this writer for just a moment a powerful picture of Christ. Joseph is a character that auditors of the biblical narrative meet upon the reaching the second half (30-50) of the second unit of Genesis (12-50). Although the New Testament never comes out and says, “Joseph is a type of Christ”, the similarities are striking and convincing.

(1) He is the object of his father’s special love (2) He had promises of divine exaltation (3) He was mocked by his family (4) He was sold for pieces of silver (5) He was stripped of his robe (6) His robe was very desirable (7) He was delivered up to the Gentiles (8) He was falsely accused (9) He was faithful through temptation (10) He stood before rulers (11) His power was acknowledged by those in authority (12) He saves his rebellious brothers from death when they realize who he is (13) He was willing to do the Fathers will (14) He is exalted after and through humiliation (15) He is the instrument God uses at the hands of the Gentiles to bless his people (16) He welcomes Gentiles to be a part of his family (17) He gives hungry people bread (18) He gives instructions that must be followed (19) People bow their knee before him (20) He weeps over his people (21) He is the only hope of the world.

It is the prayer of this writer that you will see the whole value of the whole Bible so it can bless your whole life. God has intended for His word to be the brightest light of your life, the comfort of each step and the assurance of your future. Only a being like God could compile a library of literature such as the Bible. Only an infinite God could raise up a slew of great men, to point us to the Great One.

God bless you as you study His most excellent word. 

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[1] Leonard, Drew, Substantive Faith: An Approach to Christian Apologetics, pg.157, Drew Leonard Books, Johnson City, TN. 2022. Print.

[2] Leonard, Drew, Essays in Intertextuality: AN Approach to How the New Testament Makes Use of the Old, pg.9, Drew Leonard Books, Elizabethton, TN. 2019. Print.

[3] Mosher SR, Keith A., Shadows of Good Things, MSOP, pg.332-333, Sain Publications, Pulaski, TN, 2010.Print.