Matthew 24:34-35

These verses occur within the context of the Olivet Discourse, one of the major eschatological passages in the New Testament. Throughout this chapter, Christ revealed many incredible truths concerning future events. In order to confirm the veracity of those statements, Christ utters the words of our text. While the direct reference to “my words” are the prophetic elements of this passage, the clear implication is that Christ is stating a general principle that applies to all of God’s Word.

The Scriptures teach here that the words of God “shall not pass away.” We see from this remark that God’s Word is more dependable than the perceived tenacity of the known universe (heaven and earth). Thus Christ is teaching the absolute certainty and faithfulness of His words. Commenting on the parallel passage in Mark 13, D. Edmond Hiebert writes, “His words will never lose their validity.”

These verses do not teach anything about the physical preservation of God’s Word. There is no logical connection between the preservation of God’s Word and its availability in complete, inerrant detail to every generation. It is not the availability of God’s Word that is promised to “this generation” but its continued authority, power, and trustworthiness. If anything, these verses imply that if all existing copies of scripture were to be destroyed (as part of heaven and earth passing away), God’s Word, and the truth and promises contained therein, would still exist.


Andy

 

What you have just suggested is basically true for millions of the world's population (past and present) -- they have never seen a version in their own language, let alone a Greek manuscript.

What does that mean regarding God's Word -- is it still righteous, pure, true, faithful, convicting, etc?

Hasn't God's grace abounded towards us?