Introduction
In a day when the Bible is being neglected or despised, those who determine, by God’s grace, to remain true to the teachings of his holy Word, often face an uphill struggle. In many places, the Word of God is not being taught as thoroughly or as accurately as it should be. Consequently, many of the Lord’s people are hungering and thirsting for a sufficient knowledge of the truth. There can be no substitute, of course, for a study of the Bible itself. To this end, these notes have been written in such a way that, from beginning to end, the Bible is employed to teach, explain and illustrate almost every point covered.
We are living in a time of ever changing opinions regarding the Bible. Some people regard the Bible as a great and significant literary work. Others see it as much more than this. In many cases, however, the teaching of God’s Holy Word is being disregarded or minimised. This has been happening to such an extent that even within the church, some people live with little or no regard for Biblical standards.
The present author makes no apology for maintaining an uncompromising and unwavering belief in the Bible as the inspired Word of God, and as completely infallible, inerrant and unchanging. From a theological perspective, the teachings presented in these studies fully acknowledge God’s sovereignty over his entire creation. All studies in the series, Bible Truths Explained, are written from the standpoint of the doctrines of grace.
This study forms the introduction to a series of studies. The series covers all the major teachings of the Bible in terms that the serious reader or student of God’s Word should appreciate. The notes are intended for those who have already covered the basics of God’s Word elsewhere, and who wish to make further progress in understanding its most precious, important and foundational truths. To this end, most of the studies in the Bible Truths Explained series cover a different Bible doctrine in some detail. Extensive use is made of Scripture quotations to illustrate, clarify or prove points mentioned in the text.
Bible Truths Explained is not an academic or critical study of the doctrines of God’s Word. It is a generally informative survey of each major doctrine, and is intended for the non-theological reader. Its aim is to stimulate, inform and otherwise to help—however inadequately—the people of God, so that they may come to a fuller understanding of the great and unchanging truths contained in his holy Word.
As the author of this series, I am all too aware of my many shortcomings in attempting such a vast undertaking as this. Unfortunately, and despite my best endeavours to maintain the highest standards throughout, I am sure this work will reflect many of these failings. I have spent over 20 years preparing these studies, and have only now felt able to offer them for publication. I freely recognise the faults and failings of this work. However, I pray most earnestly that the Lord will still use these studies to glorify his holy name, and to encourage and strengthen his people in the faith.
I pray that, by the diligent study of God’s Word, the reader may be encouraged to press forward in the faith. I pray too that he or she may glorify God for the great things he has done for them through Christ Jesus. If this is the result, then I will be more than satisfied. My primary concern is for the upbuilding of the church in love; for the honour, praise and glory of God, and for the honour, praise and glory of his Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Bible Truths Explained is being augmented on the web site at www.gordonlyons.co.uk by a series of Expository Notes. These Notes provide a verse-by-verse devotional and practical series of commentaries on the majority of New Testament books.
I would much appreciate the prayers of the Lord’s people for the means to continue this undertaking. I would also request your prayers that both the doctrinal notes and the expository notes will cause those who read them to value God’s Word even more.
May God’s richest blessing be with all those who love the Lord and cherish his unchanging and infallible Word—the Bible.
Your servant and brother in Christ Jesus,
Gordon Lyons
