Bibliology Session 4-Defining Inspiration

Examining Inspiration From the Mind of God through the Human Author to the Document Topics of Discussion When Dealing with Inspiration 1. Necessity of Inspiration 2. Examination of Inspiration 3. Definition of Inspiration 4. Implications of Inspiration 5. Defense of Inspiration Necessity of Inspiration The recording of spiritual truth in a document is what allows that spiritual truth to endure through time and speak to later generations (Ex. 31:18; 34:1, 28; Deut. 31:9-13; Josh. 24:26; Jer. 30:2; 36:2-4, 27-31; 51:60). The Dead Sea Scrolls discovered at Qumran illustrate the endurance of the written word. Necessity of Inspiration “Alphabets, writing, books, are our chief dependence for the history of the past; all the great religions of the world are book-religions; … “Mohammed discovered that the Scriptures of the Jews were the source of their religion. He called them a ‘book-people,’ and endeavored to construct a similar code for his disciples.” - Strong, A. H. (1907). Systematic theology (p. 116). Philadelphia: American Baptist Publication Society. Examination of Inspiration 1. What David says… 2. What the O.T. Prophets say… 3. What Jesus says… 4. What Paul says… 5. What Peter says… David on “Inspiration” 2 Samuel 23:2 & Acts 1:16 - Note the Spirit is speaking; David is merely a conduit. - This passage implies that men knew when they were being inspired by God… The O.T. Prophets on “Inspiration” The prophets of the O.T. viewed their message as authoritative because it came from God through His Spirit (Jeremiah 36:2; Ezekiel 1:3; Zechariah 7:8-12). Nearly 3800 times in the O.T. the Prophets declare “Thus Says the LORD…” Jesus on “Inspiration” Noting statements Jesus made about the O.T. gives us insight into His views on “inspiration.” Jesus believed the O.T. was essentially the product of the Spirit of God (Matt. 22:43). Jesus believed the O.T. was true in the smallest detail & timeless (Matt. 5:18; Luke 16:17; John 10:35). Jesus on “Inspiration” Jesus believed the O.T. should be read, and could be understood (Matt 24:15). Jesus believed that the individual words, even the verb tenses were inspired and accurate (Matt. 22:32). Jesus believed the O.T. was essentially about Himself (Luke 24:25-27; John 5:46-47). Jesus on “Inspiration” Jesus indicated His belief that the Bible is historically accurate by alluding to many characters and events from the O.T. Adam & Eve (Matt. 19:4-5), Abel (Matt. 23:35), Noah & Lot (Luke 17:26-28), Abraham (John 8:56-58), Creation (Mark 10:6-9), the Flood (Matt. 24:37-39), Sodom & Gomorrah (Luke 17:29), Manna from heaven (John 6:32), the serpent bites in the wilderness (John 3:14), Elijah & Elisha (Luke 4:25-27), and Jonah’s Great fish (Matt. 12:39-40). Paul on “Inspiration” - Note 2 Timothy 3:16. This is Paul’s final epistle, and he knows it (2 Tim. 4:6-8). The Apostles are passing off the scene. But when they are gone, the church still has a voice of authority, namely, the Bible! - All Scripture is “inspired” by God… Literally, “God-breathed,” or blown out… - The term “inspiration” is primarily an allusion to speech, i.e. pronouncing sound by passing breath over the lips. Paul on “Inspiration” - However, this word additionally alludes to an act of creation; “by the breath of His mouth were the heavens made” (Ps. 33:6; Gen. 1:3, 2:7). - Creation is said to be made by the breath of God, yet mankind in particular (Gen. 2:7), is a special creation of God into which He breathed… The Scripture is the only other thing that receives this level of creative activity from God. - Having the “breath of God,” Scripture both lives (Heb. 4:12), and can give life (2 Tim. 3:15; 1 Peter 1:23). Peter on “Inspiration” - Read 2 Peter 1:16-21 - Peter teaches that the word of prophecy is “sure,” i.e. steadfast, or standing firmly on both feet. The Bible is more certain than any vision or experience that I might have. - The Bible is like a light in a dark place. The truth of the Bible guides us through life and helps us discern between true and false teaching. Peter on “Inspiration” - v. 20-21 The Bible effectively guides us because it does not originate with men, but from God. - The word “interpretation” can mean either “origin” or “explanation” (Mark 4:34; Gen. 40:8; 41:8,12 LXX). Verse 21 clearly speaks to the origin of the Bible, so verse 20 probably speaks to its interpretation. Peter on “Inspiration” - In other words, the Bible does not just say whatever you want it to say. Rather, it is a decisive record of truth, which interprets itself. Compare 2 Peter 3:16, “some wrest” or pervert the Scriptures. - Verse 21 then tells us why the Bible can’t mean whatever you want, namely, because it comes from God. The Bible does not come “by the will of men.” Rather, God spoke the Bible as He “moved” men (“Moved” is the same verb used in Acts 27:15). God controls men so that they speak His words. Essentials of a Definition According to the passages we have seen, any good definition of “Inspiration” must include three main ideas… 1. Essentially a Controlling Action of the Holy Spirit… 2. Yet Involves Human Activity… 3. Ultimately Results in a Perfect Divine Word… Definition of Inspiration The Spirit of God controlled the human authors of the Bible so that everything that they recored in the original documents was the inerrant words of God to mankind.