Lesson 8 - False Identification Of God's Preserved Words (I)

Examing false teaching on webpage: https://www.truthbpc.com/v4/main.php?menu=resources&page=resources/vpp_08

A Theological Refutation of Verbal Plenary Preservation Claims

Examining the Doctrine of Perfect Textual Preservation

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THESIS STATEMENT

The article "Identification of God's Preserved Words" presents the doctrine of Verbal Plenary Preservation (VPP), claiming that God has preserved every jot and tittle of Scripture in the Hebrew Masoretic Text and Greek Textus Receptus underlying the King James Version. This thesis systematically refutes these claims, demonstrating that:

1. VPP is not a biblical doctrine but an addition to Scripture
2. The article conflates distinct theological categories (inspiration vs. preservation)
3. The claims about textual history are demonstrably false
4. The teaching creates unnecessary division in Christ's body
5. A biblical understanding of God's providential preservation is both sufficient and glorious

FALSE TEACHING #1: VPP Is a Biblical Doctrine

The Claim:

"These VPI words in the original languages are verbally and plenarily preserved (VPP) by God throughout the ages, and found in the Hebrew Masoretic Text of the Old Testament and the Greek Textus Receptus of the New Testament."

The Error:

The article asserts VPP as biblical doctrine while admitting it must be "identified" - meaning it's not explicitly taught in Scripture but inferred.

Biblical Refutation:

Step 1: Scripture Never Teaches VPP

The article cites Matthew 5:18, Psalm 12:6-7, and other passages, but none of these teach that every manuscript must be identical.

Matthew 5:18 - "Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."

• Context: Jesus is affirming the authority and enduring nature of God's revelation, not making promises about manuscript transmission
• Meaning: God's Word will accomplish its purposes; it will not fail or become void
• NOT teaching: That every physical manuscript copy will be letter-perfect identical

Psalm 12:6-7 - "The words of the LORD are pure words...Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever."

• Context: God promises to protect His oppressed people (v. 5: "I will set him in safety")
• "Them" refers to: The needy people mentioned throughout the Psalm, not manuscripts
• NOT teaching: Perfect mechanical preservation of manuscripts

Step 2: The Warnings Against Adding to Scripture

Proverbs 30:5-6 - "Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar."

VPP adds to Scripture by claiming God made preservation promises He never actually made.

Deuteronomy 4:2 - "Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it"

By teaching VPP as biblical doctrine when Scripture doesn't teach it, the article violates this command.

Biblical Truth:

God promises His Word will endure (Isaiah 40:8, Matthew 24:35, 1 Peter 1:25), meaning His revelation and truth will stand forever - NOT that every manuscript will be mechanically identical.

FALSE TEACHING #2: Conflating Autographs and Apographs

The Claim:

"Is the Word of God perfect only in the past but no longer perfect today? Is the Bible of today a lost and broken relic or is it a precise and exact representation of the Original?"

The article creates a false dilemma: either accept VPP or believe the Bible is "lost and broken."

The Error:

This conflates inspiration (how God gave Scripture) with preservation (how God maintained it through history).

Biblical Refutation:

Step 1: Scripture Distinguishes These Categories

2 Timothy 3:16 - "All scripture is given by inspiration of God"

• This speaks of the original giving of Scripture
• It does not address the copying process
• Inspiration = God breathing out His Word originally

2 Peter 1:21 - "Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost"

• This describes the original prophetic utterance
• NOT the subsequent manuscript transmission

Step 2: God's Providence Works Through Normal Means

Philippians 2:12-13 - "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."

• God works THROUGH human activity, not bypassing it
• Similarly, God preserved His Word THROUGH faithful scribes, not by miraculous mechanical perfection

Ezra 7:6 - "This Ezra...was a ready scribe in the law of Moses"

• God used human scribes to copy Scripture
• Scribes were faithful but human - capable of minor copying errors
• God's providence worked THROUGH their faithful work

Step 3: Biblical Examples of Textual Variation

2 Samuel 22 and Psalm 18 - Nearly identical passages with minor textual differences in Hebrew

If God demanded absolutely identical preservation, why do these inspired parallel accounts differ in minor details?

The Gospels' OT Quotations:

• Matthew 2:15 quotes Hosea 11:1 differently
• The Septuagint (Greek OT) differs from Hebrew in places
• NT writers often paraphrase rather than quote verbatim

Acts 7:14 vs. Genesis 46:27 - Stephen says "75 souls"; Genesis says "70 souls"

Both are inspired Scripture. God permitted this variation because substance matters more than mechanical identity.

Biblical Truth:

Inspiration = God's original giving of Scripture without error Preservation = God's providential care maintaining His Word through multiple witnesses These are related but DISTINCT concepts that must not be confused.

FALSE TEACHING #3: "Autographs Only" Creates Useless Authority

The Claim:

"An authority must be existent, tangible, available right now, at this time, or else it can be no authority at all...How can a non-existent authority serve as our final authority?"

The Error:

This creates a false problem. We don't need one perfect manuscript to have God's authoritative Word.

Biblical Refutation:

Step 1: God's Method Is Better Than VPP Claims

God has given us:

• 5,800+ Greek NT manuscripts
• 10,000+ Latin manuscripts
• Thousands of other ancient versions
• 86,000+ quotations from church fathers

This abundance allows us to determine the original text with over 99% confidence through comparison - far superior to relying on one "perfect" manuscript.

Deuteronomy 19:15 - "At the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established"

God's principle: MULTIPLE WITNESSES establish truth. He has given us thousands of manuscript witnesses!

Step 2: We Have God's Word Today

John 10:35 - "The scripture cannot be broken"

• This affirms Scripture's authority and reliability
• Spoken when no "autographs" existed - only copies
• Jesus trusted the copies His hearers possessed

Luke 4:16-21 - Jesus read from Isaiah in the synagogue

• This was a manuscript copy, not the autograph
• Jesus treated it as authoritative God's Word
• He said "This day is this scripture fulfilled" - affirming its authority

Acts 17:11 - The Bereans "searched the scriptures daily"

• They searched manuscript copies, not autographs
• Paul commended them for this
• The copies they had were sufficient for truth

Step 3: Textual Criticism Serves the Church

1 Thessalonians 5:21 - "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good"

Comparing manuscripts to determine original readings is:

• Biblical (testing/proving)
• Faithful scholarship serving the church
• NOT undermining Scripture but confirming it

Biblical Truth:

We have God's authoritative Word today through:

• Abundant manuscript evidence
• Comparative textual analysis
• God's providence in preservation
• The Holy Spirit's illumination

We don't need VPP's claimed mechanical perfection to have genuine biblical authority.

FALSE TEACHING #4: The Westminster Confession Teaches VPP

The Claim:

The Westminster Confession of Faith "clearly states that Biblical preservation is God's work...by His singular care and providence, kept pure in all ages"

The Error:

The article misreads the WCF. "Kept pure" refers to doctrinal preservation, not mechanical textual identity.

Biblical Refutation:

Step 1: What the WCF Actually Says

The WCF I.VIII states the original language Scriptures are "kept pure in all ages" - meaning:

• The essential text has been preserved
• The doctrines remain pure and intact
• The church has access to God's Word
• NOT that every manuscript is identical

Step 2: The Westminster Divines' Actual Practice

The Westminster divines:

• Used multiple manuscript sources
• Recognized textual variants existed
• Didn't claim one manuscript family was "perfect"
• Affirmed the apographs preserved God's Word sufficiently

William Orr notes they believed their text was "identical" in content/substance, not in mechanical letter-for-letter perfection across all manuscripts.

Step 3: Historical Honesty Required

Exodus 20:16 - "Thou shalt not bear false witness"

To claim the Westminster divines taught VPP when they:

• Knew of textual variants
• Used multiple sources
• Never claimed mechanical perfection
• Affirmed providential (not mechanical) preservation

...is to misrepresent their position.

Biblical Truth:

Psalm 119:160 - "Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever"

God's Word is true and endures - but this speaks of its nature and reliability, not a promise about manuscript copying mechanics.

FALSE TEACHING #5: Rejecting VPP Means Accepting "Lost Words"

The Claim:

Anti-VPPists "speak of only 'essential' (ie, partial) preservation...some words of Scripture have been lost and are no more (eg, 1 Sam 13:1, 2 Chron 22:2)"

The Error:

This misrepresents the issue. Textual variants don't mean words are "lost" - we have them in various manuscripts.

Biblical Refutation:

Step 1: Understanding Textual Variants

When manuscripts differ:

• We have MULTIPLE readings preserved
• Nothing is "lost" - we have variant readings in different manuscripts
• Textual criticism determines which is original
• No doctrine depends on disputed variants

Example: 1 John 5:7-8

• The Comma Johanneum appears in late manuscripts
• Absent from early Greek manuscripts
• Present in some Latin manuscripts
• The doctrine of the Trinity doesn't depend on this verse

Romans 1:20, 3:23, 5:8, etc. - Trinity is clearly taught elsewhere

Step 2: God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose

Isaiah 55:11 - "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please"

God promises His Word will:

• Accomplish His purposes
• Not return void
• Transform lives

This has happened throughout church history with various manuscript traditions - proving God's promise is kept WITHOUT VPP.

Step 3: The Early Church Had Variants

Origen (3rd century) noted textual differences Augustine discussed variant readings Early church fathers quoted Scripture with variations

Yet the church:

• Recognized Scripture's authority
• Defended essential doctrines
• Spread the gospel effectively
• Trusted God's Word completely

Biblical Truth:

Hebrews 4:12 - "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword"

The power is in GOD'S WORD ITSELF, not in a theory about how it was copied. The Word has been powerful throughout church history across various manuscript traditions.

FALSE TEACHING #6: The KJV Underlies Are "100% Perfect"

The Claim:

"The Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek words behind the KJV...are 100% perfect, without any mistake"

The Error:

This is historically and factually false. Even manuscripts in the TR family differ from each other.

Biblical Refutation:

Step 1: Historical Facts

The Textus Receptus:

• Is based on 6-7 late medieval Greek manuscripts
• Different editions (Erasmus, Stephanus, Beza, Elzevir) differ from each other
• Contains readings found in NO Greek manuscript (Revelation 22:19)
• Was a publishing convenience, not a theologically determined text

The Masoretic Text:

• Medieval manuscripts differ in minor details
• Dead Sea Scrolls show earlier textual variations
• The MT is excellent but not mechanically "perfect"

Step 2: The KJV Translators Themselves

The KJV translators:

• Used multiple sources
• Made marginal notes showing alternative readings
• Revised the translation several times (1611, 1629, 1638, 1762, 1769)
• Never claimed their underlying texts were "100% perfect"

In their Preface, they wrote: "we do not deny, nay, we affirm and avow, that the very meanest translation of the Bible...containeth the word of God"

They believed MANY translations contained God's Word - not just theirs!

Step 3: Biblical Principle of Honesty

Proverbs 12:22 - "Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight"

To claim "100% perfection" when:

• Manuscripts demonstrably differ
• The KJV has been revised
• TR editions differ from each other
• Historical evidence shows variations

...is to make claims that contradict observable reality.

Biblical Truth:

2 Corinthians 4:2 - "But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully"

We must handle God's Word with honesty. The evidence shows:

• God has preserved His Word remarkably well
• Through MULTIPLE manuscript witnesses
• With high agreement (99%+)
• Allowing confident determination of original text

This is glorious providence - not mechanical perfection, but better!

FALSE TEACHING #7: Creating False Tests of Orthodoxy

The Claim:

"If we reject the doctrine of VPP, we effectively reject the faithful KJB" and align with "corrupt texts"

The Error:

This makes VPP a test of orthodoxy when Scripture never does.

Biblical Refutation:

Step 1: Scripture's Actual Tests of Orthodoxy

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 - The gospel is:

• Christ died for our sins
• Was buried
• Rose again the third day

1 John 4:2-3 - Confessing Jesus Christ came in the flesh

Romans 10:9 - Confessing Jesus as Lord and believing God raised Him

NOWHERE does Scripture make manuscript tradition or translation choice a test of genuine faith.

Step 2: The Unity of the Body

Ephesians 4:3-6 - "Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit...One Lord, one faith, one baptism"

Our unity is based on:

• One Lord (Jesus)
• One faith (the gospel)
• One baptism (into Christ)

NOT on:

• One manuscript tradition
• One translation
• One preservation theory

Romans 14:1-4 - "Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations...Who art thou that judgest another man's servant?"

Manuscript preference is a "doubtful disputation" - a non-essential matter where charity should prevail.

Step 3: The Danger of Adding Requirements

Galatians 1:6-9 - Paul warns against "another gospel"

While VPP isn't adding to salvation requirements, the PATTERN is similar:

• Taking something not taught in Scripture
• Making it a test of orthodoxy
• Dividing believers over it
• Judging those who disagree

Acts 15:10 - "Why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?"

The Jerusalem Council refused to add unnecessary requirements. We should do likewise with VPP.

Biblical Truth:

John 13:34-35 - "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another...By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another"

Our identifying mark should be LOVE, not agreement on manuscript theories. VPP teaching creates division where God calls for unity.

FALSE TEACHING #8: The Four-View Chart Misrepresentation

The Claim:

The article presents four views, claiming only the "Fideistic" (VPP) view is "Reformed & Fundamental" with "Biblical Basis"

The Error:

This is a false representation that mischaracterizes other positions.

Biblical Refutation:

Step 1: The Chart's Errors

The chart claims non-VPP positions:

• Have "no biblical basis"
• Believe in "lost words"
• Accept "discrepancies in the Bible"
• Support Westcott & Hort

This is FALSE. Many who reject VPP:

• Affirm full inspiration and inerrancy
• Believe God has preserved His Word
• Recognize NO words are "lost" (variants exist in manuscripts)
• Simply don't claim mechanical perfection across all manuscripts

Step 2: The Genetic Fallacy

The chart commits the genetic fallacy by associating non-VPP positions with liberalism.

John 7:24 - "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment"

We must evaluate positions based on their merits, not by association.

Many orthodox, Bible-believing scholars:

• Reject VPP
• Affirm inerrancy
• Defend Scripture vigorously
• Simply recognize textual realities

Step 3: Historical Orthodox Position

Throughout church history, orthodox believers:

• Affirmed Scripture's authority
• Recognized textual variants existed
• Trusted God's providence in preservation
• Did NOT claim mechanical perfection

Augustine, Chrysostom, Calvin, Luther, Spurgeon - None taught VPP as defined in this article. Were they all "neo-evangelical"?

Biblical Truth:

1 Corinthians 13:6 - Love "rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth"

Truth requires honest representation. The chart:

• Misrepresents opposing views
• Creates straw men
• Bears false witness
• Violates Christian charity

Philippians 4:8 - "Whatsoever things are true...think on these things"

We must represent others' positions truthfully, not caricature them.

FALSE TEACHING #9: Questioning Others' Salvation and Orthodoxy

The Claim:

The article labels opponents as holding "imperfect" Bibles, asks "Why such deceit?", calls positions "heretical," and questions whether people are truly "Bible-believing"

The Error:

This violates scriptural commands about judging brothers and bearing false witness.

Biblical Refutation:

Step 1: The Command Against Judging

Matthew 7:1-2 - "Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged"

Romans 14:4 - "Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth"

The article judges:

• The salvation of scholars (calling them "unregenerate")
• The orthodoxy of pastors (calling them "anti-VPP")
• The faithfulness of Christians using other translations

Step 2: The Command Against False Witness

Exodus 20:16 - "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour"

The article bears false witness by:

• Claiming opponents believe in a "lost Bible"
• Suggesting they doubt God's faithfulness
• Implying they're not "Bible-believing"
• Questioning their honesty ("Why such deceit?")

Step 3: The Command for Charity

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - "Charity suffereth long, and is kind...thinketh no evil...believeth all things, hopeth all things"

1 Peter 3:15 - "Be ready always to give an answer...with meekness and fear"

The article's tone:

• Lacks charity
• Assumes evil motives
• Shows no meekness
• Creates fear and intimidation

Biblical Truth:

Colossians 4:6 - "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man"

We can disagree on VPP while:

• Maintaining Christian charity
• Assuming good faith
• Avoiding judgmental attitudes
• Preserving unity in essentials

FALSE TEACHING #10: Claiming VPP Protects the Gospel

The Claim:

"The inspired and preserved Word of God for the Bible-Presbyterian Church is upheld by a 'threefold cord'...the VPP of God's Word"

"The present attack on the VPP will lead ultimately to a denial and betrayal of the KJB"

The Error:

This suggests the gospel and church depend on VPP - an unbiblical doctrine.

Biblical Refutation:

Step 1: The Gospel's True Foundation

1 Corinthians 3:11 - "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ"

The foundation is CHRIST, not VPP.

Matthew 16:18 - "Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it"

The church stands on CHRIST'S PERSON AND WORK, not on a preservation theory.

Step 2: What Actually Protects God's Word

Isaiah 40:8 - "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever"

God's Word stands because:

• GOD HIMSELF preserves it
• His nature is faithful
• His promises are sure
• His power is unlimited

NOT because we accept VPP!

Psalm 119:89 - "For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven"

God's Word is settled IN HEAVEN - its ultimate preservation is in God Himself, not in any earthly manuscript tradition.

Step 3: Church History Proves VPP Unnecessary

The church thrived for 1800+ years WITHOUT:

• The Textus Receptus (compiled 1516)
• The KJV (translated 1611)
• The doctrine of VPP (20th century)

The gospel spread, souls were saved, doctrine was defended, and God was glorified - all WITHOUT VPP.

If VPP were necessary, how did the church survive without it for most of its history?

Biblical Truth:

Jude 3 - "The faith which was once delivered unto the saints"

The faith was delivered ONCE - completely. It doesn't depend on modern preservation theories.

2 Timothy 2:19 - "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure"

God's foundation is sure because HE IS FAITHFUL, not because we accept VPP.

COMPREHENSIVE BIBLICAL TRUTH ABOUT PRESERVATION

Having refuted the false teachings, let us establish the biblical truth:

Truth #1: God Has Preserved His Word

Isaiah 40:8 - "The word of our God shall stand for ever" Matthew 24:35 - "My words shall not pass away" 1 Peter 1:25 - "The word of the Lord endureth for ever"

God HAS preserved His Word - but through PROVIDENCE, not mechanical perfection.

Truth #2: God's Method Is Glorious

God preserved His Word through:

1. Multiple manuscript families across different regions
2. Thousands of individual manuscripts providing abundant witnesses
3. Early translations into Latin, Syriac, Coptic
4. Patristic quotations preserving readings
5. Faithful scribes throughout history
6. Providential oversight ensuring the message remains

This demonstrates God's WISDOM more than mechanical perfection would.

Truth #3: We Have God's Word Today

John 10:35 - "The scripture cannot be broken"

Through comparative textual analysis:

• We can determine original readings with 99%+ confidence
• No major doctrine is affected by textual variants
• We have God's authoritative Word
• The Holy Spirit illuminates truth to believers

Truth #4: Textual Criticism Serves the Church

Acts 17:11 - "They searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so"

Faithful textual scholarship:

• Compares manuscript evidence
• Determines most likely original readings
• Serves the church
• Honors God's Word

This is biblical faithfulness, not "attacking" Scripture.

Truth #5: Multiple Good Translations Exist

1 Corinthians 14:9 - "Except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken?"

Good translations:

• Based on sound textual foundations
• Use faithful translation methods
• Communicate God's Word clearly
• Can be trusted for doctrine and life

The KJV is excellent; other scholarly translations are also faithful.

Truth #6: Unity in Essentials

Ephesians 4:3 - "Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace"

We unite around:

• The gospel of Christ
• The inspiration of Scripture
• The authority of God's Word
• Essential Christian doctrines

We allow liberty in:

• Manuscript preferences
• Translation choices
• Non-essential matters

Truth #7: Our Confidence Rests in God

Proverbs 30:5 - "Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him"

Our confidence is in:

• God's faithfulness, not VPP
• God's power, not mechanical perfection
• God's providence, not one manuscript tradition
• God's promises, not human theories
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CONCLUSION

Summary of Refutation

We have systematically demonstrated that the article's teaching on Verbal Plenary Preservation:

1. Is not taught in Scripture - adds to God's Word
2. Conflates theological categories - confuses inspiration and preservation
3. Makes false historical claims - misrepresents manuscripts and history
4. Misinterprets key passages - twists Matthew 5:18, Psalm 12:6-7
5. Misrepresents other positions - bears false witness
6. Creates false tests of orthodoxy - divides over non-essentials
7. Questions others' faith - judges servants not our own
8. Claims what cannot be proven - asserts "100% perfection" contrary to evidence
9. Harms Christian witness - creates unnecessary barriers
10. Undermines real faith - sets up believers for crisis

The Biblical Alternative

Instead of VPP, we affirm:

God's Actual Promises:

• His Word will endure forever (Isaiah 40:8)
• His Word will accomplish His purposes (Isaiah 55:11)
• His Word cannot be broken (John 10:35)
• His Word is living and powerful (Hebrews 4:12)

God's Actual Method:

• Providential preservation through multiple witnesses
• Abundant manuscript evidence
• Faithful transmission across centuries
• The church's recognition and use of Scripture

Our Actual Confidence:

• We HAVE God's Word today
• Through thousands of manuscripts
• With 99%+ textual certainty
• Illuminated by the Holy Spirit
• Sufficient for all faith and practice

The Call to Faithfulness

2 Timothy 2:15 - "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth"

Let us:

1. Affirm what Scripture teaches - inspiration, authority, sufficiency
2. Trust God's providence - He has preserved His Word
3. Use faithful translations - KJV and other scholarly versions
4. Extend Christian charity - to all who love Christ
5. Pursue unity - in essential gospel truths
6. Reject additions - to what God has revealed
7. Study diligently - God's Word itself rather than theories about it
8. Obey faithfully - the Scripture we have

Final Word

Psalm 119:160 - "Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever"

God's Word IS true. God HAS preserved it. We DO have it today.

Not because of VPP. Not because of mechanical perfection. Not because of one manuscript tradition.

But because GOD IS FAITHFUL.

The evidence He has provided - thousands of manuscripts, early translations, patristic quotations, and the witness of His Spirit - gives us complete confidence in His Word.

VPP is unnecessary and unhelpful. It adds to Scripture, divides believers, and creates false confidence based on claims that cannot be proven.

True biblical confidence rests in God's actual promises and His demonstrated faithfulness throughout history.

To God alone be the glory, who has given us His Word and preserved it through the ages. Amen.

"The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever." - Isaiah 40:8

"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." - Matthew 24:35

"For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven." - Psalm 119:89