The Nature and Inspiration of the Holy Scriptures
(with biblical references)      

      The Holy Scriptures are believed by Christians to be the inspired word of God revealing special knowledge - a guidebook for life (See John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21.)

      The Bible is not however, a literal dictated word of God, but rather a witness of God acting in the past, present and future.

      Old Testament writers recognized the inspiration of what they wrote. (See Isaiah 30:8-15; 37:5-7; 44:1-4; 24-28; Jeremiah 2:1-5; 6:22; 19:1-3; 26:1-6; 29:10; 31:35-37; Ezekiel 3:16-19; 30:1-4; Zechariah 1:14-17.)
      New Testament writers affirmed the inspiration of the Old Testament. (See Acts 7:1-49; Romans 3:1-2; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 5:12; 1 Peter 1:23-25; 4:11; 2 Peter 3:14-16.)

      Jesus Christ affirmed the inspiration of the Old Testament by quoting it. Being subject of prophecies, Jesus unifies the Old and New Testament. (See Matthew 4:3-10; 5:17-18; 12:40-41; 15:3-6; 19:3-6; 22:29-32, 43-45; 23:35; 24:37-39; Mark 13:18-19; Luke 16:17; 24:25-27, 44; 17:28-29; John 1:1-3; 5:39; 8:56-58; 10:35-36; 20:28-31; 1 Corinthians 10:1-4.)

      The Bible is God’s word in human words because it is written by numerous writers with different backgrounds, from different cultures, and using a variety of genres. The complex process of canonization (selection, editing, compilation, etc.), however, produced a remarkably unified product with a single theme of human salvation running from beginning to end. (See 2 Peter 1:19-21; 2 Timothy 3:16.)

      Many of the biblical concepts can have metaphorical as well as literal meanings, making the Bible relevant to all people in all ages - indeed an inexhaustible treasure chest of saving knowledge and wisdom. (See Mathew 13:52.)

      Despite being a human creation, the entire Bible has God’s authority and none of it will pass away without fulfilment. (See Matthew 24:34-35; Mark 13:30-31; Luke 21:32-33.)

      Other evidence of biblical inspiration includes fulfilled prophecies, confirmation by sciences, and changed lives (See for example, Ezra 1:1-4; 6:3-12; Isaiah 44:28; Jeremiah 29:10-14; Daniel 9:24-26.)

     Ultimately, however, each person must prove to themselves whether or not to accept the scriptures as inspired, relevant, and a guide to their lives.

© 2007 Eva Peck