Bibliology 4: Inspiration of the Bible — Defined
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Inspiration refers to the way in which God gave us the Bible. Having revealed Himself to man, God then had this revelation recorded in written form.
There are a number of possibilities here. For example, God’s Word could have come to us via an angelic emissary; or, it could have been carved by divine lightning upon the highest mountains; or, it could even have been discovered on gold plates buried upon Cumorah hill …..
.… BUT IT WASN'T!
The Bible itself is very clear as to its origins and its inspiration.
I. Biblical Statements concerning Inspiration.
I. Biblical Statements concerning Inspiration.
A. Il Peter 1:21.
A. Il Peter 1:21.
21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
This passage clearly teaches two key aspects of inspiration:
This passage clearly teaches two key aspects of inspiration:
1. Human Penmanship —”..holy men of God spake...”
1. Human Penmanship —”..holy men of God spake...”
2. Divine Authorship -”..moved by the Holy Ghost.”
2. Divine Authorship -”..moved by the Holy Ghost.”
An analysis of this particular verse makes it clear that God the Holy Spirit was the active Source of the scriptures. The Greek word translated “moved” is pepouevol (‘pheromenoi”), which literally means “borne along.” God did not follow the human writers to correct any of their mistakes, or intervene if necessary — rather, the writers were consciously, willingly, carried along. As God gave the words, they wrote. (The same Greek word is translated “driven” in Acts 27:17, where the ship was totally controlled by the wind, at the mercy of the storm.)
An analysis of this particular verse makes it clear that God the Holy Spirit was the active Source of the scriptures. The Greek word translated “moved” is pepouevol (‘pheromenoi”), which literally means “borne along.” God did not follow the human writers to correct any of their mistakes, or intervene if necessary — rather, the writers were consciously, willingly, carried along. As God gave the words, they wrote. (The same Greek word is translated “driven” in Acts 27:17, where the ship was totally controlled by the wind, at the mercy of the storm.)
17 Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven.
The inspiration of the Bible is a supernatural miracle. God used approximately 40 human writers of varying occupations and education over a time span of about 1,600 years — and gave us a Book with amazing unity.
The inspiration of the Bible is a supernatural miracle. God used approximately 40 human writers of varying occupations and education over a time span of about 1,600 years — and gave us a Book with amazing unity.
B. Il Timothy 3:16.
B. Il Timothy 3:16.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
The important phrase is … inspiration of God...” Those who delight in the original languages tell us that the Greek word translated “inspired” is AcorEvOtOS (theopneustos”) — literally meaning “God-breathed.”
The important phrase is … inspiration of God...” Those who delight in the original languages tell us that the Greek word translated “inspired” is AcorEvOtOS (theopneustos”) — literally meaning “God-breathed.”
This scripture clearly teaches the divine Authorship of the Bible
II. Inspiration Defined.
II. Inspiration Defined.
By inspiration we mean “the Holy Spirit moved the human writers of the Bible in such a way that they recorded the very words and sense of God, though couched in their own literary style.”
By inspiration we mean “the Holy Spirit moved the human writers of the Bible in such a way that they recorded the very words and sense of God, though couched in their own literary style.”
In considering this definition, there is a need for further elaboration — especially in light of the various theories of inspiration found within Bible-doubting, Bible-rejecting Christendom. There are five terms the student needs to define and be well acquainted with:
In considering this definition, there is a need for further elaboration — especially in light of the various theories of inspiration found within Bible-doubting, Bible-rejecting Christendom. There are five terms the student needs to define and be well acquainted with:
A. Confluent Inspiration.
A. Confluent Inspiration.
By this we mean that the holy scriptures are a product of two agents, human and divine. The words “in such a way” used in the above definition declare inspiration ultimately to be a phenomenon, a mystery — the product of divine/human involvement — thus as inexplicable as the virgin birth of Christ or the new birth.
By this we mean that the holy scriptures are a product of two agents, human and divine. The words “in such a way” used in the above definition declare inspiration ultimately to be a phenomenon, a mystery — the product of divine/human involvement — thus as inexplicable as the virgin birth of Christ or the new birth.
Many scriptures affirm that God spoke authoritatively through the words of men. For example:
Many scriptures affirm that God spoke authoritatively through the words of men. For example:
1. Acts 4:25.
“Who [the LORD] by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?”
1. Acts 4:25.
“Who [the LORD] by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?”
2. Acts 13:35.
“Wherefore he (GOD] saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.”
2. Acts 13:35.
“Wherefore he (GOD] saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.”
3. Isaiah 8:1. “Moreover the LORD said unto me, Take thee a great roll, and write in it with a man’s pen concerning Mahershalalhashbaz.”
3. Isaiah 8:1. “Moreover the LORD said unto me, Take thee a great roll, and write in it with a man’s pen concerning Mahershalalhashbaz.”
4. Isaiah 30:8 “Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever:”
4. Isaiah 30:8 “Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever:”
The following illustration should serve to show what we mean by“confluent inspiration” as distinct from the “mechanical dictation” theory.
The following illustration should serve to show what we mean by“confluent inspiration” as distinct from the “mechanical dictation” theory.
A man picks up a writing instrument and begins writing on a sheet of paper. Having done so, he may then say to another, “I have written these words.” Technically he is incorrect in what he says, for it is the writing instrument that has done the writing. Nevertheless, the instrument could not write anything unless it was moved by the hand of the man. Furthermore, the words written down are not those of the instrument but of the man.
A man picks up a writing instrument and begins writing on a sheet of paper. Having done so, he may then say to another, “I have written these words.” Technically he is incorrect in what he says, for it is the writing instrument that has done the writing. Nevertheless, the instrument could not write anything unless it was moved by the hand of the man. Furthermore, the words written down are not those of the instrument but of the man.
Secondly, the physical appearance of the writing will vary according to the instrument selected. A word written with a fine-point pen will look different than the same word written in crayon, or with a broad paint brush, or with a felt-tipped marker. It will also vary according to each writer — calligraphy or scrawl, script or block letters!
Secondly, the physical appearance of the writing will vary according to the instrument selected. A word written with a fine-point pen will look different than the same word written in crayon, or with a broad paint brush, or with a felt-tipped marker. It will also vary according to each writer — calligraphy or scrawl, script or block letters!
This illustrates how God had men write down His words. The Bible is not the word of men, because they wrote only as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. Yet, like the different kinds of pens, God retained the individual characteristics of these men. He used their style, memories, intuitions, judgments, idiosyncrasies, and their research.”
This illustrates how God had men write down His words. The Bible is not the word of men, because they wrote only as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. Yet, like the different kinds of pens, God retained the individual characteristics of these men. He used their style, memories, intuitions, judgments, idiosyncrasies, and their research.”
Note: This illustration explains the differences in style and content of the four Gospels, where the life of Christ is portrayed from four perspectives.
It also explains the statement of the apostle Paul in / Corinthians 7:12, “ ..to the rest speak I, not the Lord...” Many would take this to mean that some parts of the Bible are inspired and some are not inspired. However, the statement actually refers to new revelation from God through Paul as opposed to (old) revelation previously given (in Matthew 19 and the Old Testament) and cited by Paul. Inspiration provides that new revelation and old revelation were both written down as Paul was moved by the Spirit. A comparison of this scripture with verses 10,25, & 40 will explain further.
It also explains the statement of the apostle Paul in / Corinthians 7:12, “ ..to the rest speak I, not the Lord...” Many would take this to mean that some parts of the Bible are inspired and some are not inspired. However, the statement actually refers to new revelation from God through Paul as opposed to (old) revelation previously given (in Matthew 19 and the Old Testament) and cited by Paul. Inspiration provides that new revelation and old revelation were both written down as Paul was moved by the Spirit. A comparison of this scripture with verses 10,25, & 40 will explain further.
B. Verbal Inspiration
B. Verbal Inspiration
By this we mean that the very words of scripture are God’s words. Inspiration goes beyond the concepts and the message to the actual words.
I Corinthians 2:13 — “Which things also we speak, not in the WORDS which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.”
I Corinthians 2:13 — “Which things also we speak, not in the WORDS which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.”
Matthew 24:35 - “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my WORDS shall not pass away.”
Matthew 24:35 - “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my WORDS shall not pass away.”
Jeremiah 1:9 — “Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my WORDS in thy mouth.” In fact, according to Matthew 5:18, inspiration extends even to the letters (“jot” — yodh, the smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet) and the parts of letters (“tittle” — the minute accents and diacritical marks of the written Hebrew). cf. Luke 16:17.
Jeremiah 1:9 — “Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my WORDS in thy mouth.” In fact, according to Matthew 5:18, inspiration extends even to the letters (“jot” — yodh, the smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet) and the parts of letters (“tittle” — the minute accents and diacritical marks of the written Hebrew). cf. Luke 16:17.
Many scripture passages show the emphasis God places upon the “words” of the Bible — e.g. Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 6:6; 12:28; 17:19; 18:18; 27:3; 31:12; 32:1,45,46; Joshua 8:34,35; 24:26; 1 Samuel 8:10, Il Samuel 23:2; Psalm 12:6; Proverbs 30:5,6; Jeremiah 7:27; 23:36; 26.2, 30:2, Ezekiel 3:10; Daniel 10:9-11; Matthew 4:4; Luke 44; John 8:47; 17:8; 1 Timothy 4:6; Il Peter 3:2; Jude 17; and Revelation 1:3; 22. 18,19.
Many scripture passages show the emphasis God places upon the “words” of the Bible — e.g. Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 6:6; 12:28; 17:19; 18:18; 27:3; 31:12; 32:1,45,46; Joshua 8:34,35; 24:26; 1 Samuel 8:10, Il Samuel 23:2; Psalm 12:6; Proverbs 30:5,6; Jeremiah 7:27; 23:36; 26.2, 30:2, Ezekiel 3:10; Daniel 10:9-11; Matthew 4:4; Luke 44; John 8:47; 17:8; 1 Timothy 4:6; Il Peter 3:2; Jude 17; and Revelation 1:3; 22. 18,19.
C. Plenary Inspiration.
C. Plenary Inspiration.
The word “plenary” means “ extending to all parts alike.” By plenary inspiration we mean all of the Bible is inspired, and every part of the Bible is equally inspired.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
D. Inerrant Inspiration.
D. Inerrant Inspiration.
In it's recording The word "inerrant" means "not liable to be proven false or mistaken." Inerrant inspiration means the Bible was written down correctly in every detail.
In it's recording The word "inerrant" means "not liable to be proven false or mistaken." Inerrant inspiration means the Bible was written down correctly in every detail.
18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
19 God is not a man, that he should lie; Neither the son of man, that he should repent: Hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;
Inerrant inspiration provides that the exact divine message be given. Both God's truth and Satan's lie are reported and recorded exactly. (i.e., Inspiration does not change truth into lies, nor lies into truth!) "What Scripture says, God says - through human agents and without error." (1) The proof of this statement may be demonstrated by a quick comparison:
Inerrant inspiration provides that the exact divine message be given. Both God's truth and Satan's lie are reported and recorded exactly. (i.e., Inspiration does not change truth into lies, nor lies into truth!) "What Scripture says, God says - through human agents and without error." (1) The proof of this statement may be demonstrated by a quick comparison:
17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.
13 And the Lord said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me.
16 And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.
8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
1 Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:
3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
The New Testament references state that it is the scripture which spoke, whereas the Old Testament references quoted or alluded to say it was the Lord Who said it.
The New Testament references state that it is the scripture which spoke, whereas the Old Testament references quoted or alluded to say it was the Lord Who said it.
E. Infallible Inspiration.
E. Infallible Inspiration.
This means the Bible is without error in its teaching. It is incapable of teaching deception.
This means the Bible is without error in its teaching. It is incapable of teaching deception.
160 Thy word is true from the beginning: And every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
The terms "infallible" and "inerrant" are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference:
The terms "infallible" and "inerrant" are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference:
Inerrant means without error in its recording.
Inerrant means without error in its recording.
Infallible means without error in its teaching.
Infallible means without error in its teaching.
"Infallibility is obviously restricted to the intended assertions of scripture, understood in an ordinary grammatical exegesis of the text."
"Infallibility is obviously restricted to the intended assertions of scripture, understood in an ordinary grammatical exegesis of the text."
In other words, infallibility takes into account such things as the use of poetic or figurative language, the use of simile, hyperbole, allegory, parable and symbolism, etc. In most cases, what is inspired is also authoritative - but not all cases. Some things in the Bible, though accurately recorded through the process of inspiration, do not have the authority of God. e.g. The Book of Job accurately records the words of God, Job, Satan, Job's wife, Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar, and Elihu. Some of the statements in the Book are consequently ungodly or in direct contradiction to other statements of scripture. They are inspired, but not authoritative. Many cults conveniently, or ignorantly, overlook this very important distinction.
In other words, infallibility takes into account such things as the use of poetic or figurative language, the use of simile, hyperbole, allegory, parable and symbolism, etc. In most cases, what is inspired is also authoritative - but not all cases. Some things in the Bible, though accurately recorded through the process of inspiration, do not have the authority of God. e.g. The Book of Job accurately records the words of God, Job, Satan, Job's wife, Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar, and Elihu. Some of the statements in the Book are consequently ungodly or in direct contradiction to other statements of scripture. They are inspired, but not authoritative. Many cults conveniently, or ignorantly, overlook this very important distinction.
III. Seven facts about the inspired word of God.
III. Seven facts about the inspired word of God.
Because the Bible is inspired of God, we can resolutely affirm that:
Because the Bible is inspired of God, we can resolutely affirm that:
A. It is infallible- without error.
A. It is infallible- without error.
160 Thy word is true from the beginning: And every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
B. It is invariable - without change.
B. It is invariable - without change.
19 God is not a man, that he should lie; Neither the son of man, that he should repent: Hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
89 LAMED. For ever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven.
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
C. It is inexorable - without yielding.
C. It is inexorable - without yielding.
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, And it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
29 Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?
12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
E. It is inevitable - without failure.
E. It is inevitable - without failure.
23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:
25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
See also: Psalm 126:5,6; Matthew 5:18; 24:35
See also: Psalm 126:5,6; Matthew 5:18; 24:35
F. It is incomparable - without equal.
F. It is incomparable - without equal.
72 The law of thy mouth is better unto me Than thousands of gold and silver.
G. It is invaluable - without price.
G. It is invaluable - without price.
Because:
Because:
1. It Convicts.
1. It Convicts.
12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
2. It Converts.
2. It Converts.
17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
3. It Corrects.
3. It Corrects.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
4. It Cleanses.
4. It Cleanses.
9 BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word.
11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, That I might not sin against thee.
5. It Conceives.
5. It Conceives.
4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
6. It Conquers.
6. It Conquers.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
7. It Comforts.
7. It Comforts.
18 Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.
