Inspiration

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"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Many people have different opinions about what this means. Some feel that God gave the writers of the Bible the thoughts which He wished to convey and the writers recorded them. On the other hand, some believe that God dictated the words and the writers just acted as secretaries and recorded God’s words. I believe that the Bible teaches that true inspiration lies somewhere between these two views.

"But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 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." (1 Corinthians 2:9-13).

We can learn several things from this passage. First of all, in order for us to know God’s will, He had to reveal it to us at some point in the past. I can not tell what you are thinking unless you tell or show me. If God had not given us His word, we would not know what He was thinking either. God gave us His will by inspiring certain men through His Spirit.

Second, we learn that God revealed His will with words. This is a principle that is taught in other places as well. "The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue." (2 Samuel 23:2). David said the the Spirit of God spoke through him. Notice also; "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." (2 Peter 1:21). However, this shouldn’t be confused with mechanical dictaction. God gave these men the very words but in doing so, He used their own vocabulary and style. This accounts for the varying styles of the different books of the Bible.

What a blessing it is to know that we have God’s will today. Through His Spirit He was able to give mere men the very words that He desired for them to hear. We can know what we must do to be saved. Do you know? Please see Plan of Salvation.

-- Ralph Price --