It is written in 2 Tim 3:16-17: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect thoroughly furnished unto all good works. The word inspiration as used in the scripture above literally means God-breathed. It is from the Greek word Theopneustos which is used once only here in the entire Scriptures. It is that special influence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of holy men, which qualified and enable them to make an infallible record of divine truth concerning the will of God to man. This truth is what we now call the Bible. The purpose of inspiration is to secure truth and unity in record and not sameness of words or statements. Revelation discovers new truth; inspiration superintends the communicating and recording of that truth. We have examples in Scripture of inspiration without revelation (Luke 1:1-4); of inspiration including revelation (Rev 1:1, 11); of inspiration without illumination (1 Peter 1:11, 1 Corinth 14:13-19); and revelation and inspiration including illumination (1 Corinth 2:12-16; 14:30).
We also find lies of Satan and men, false doctrines, and many sins listed in Scripture. Inspiration simply guarantees that these lies were told; these fallacies were taught by certain men; and that these crimes were committed, but it does not make these lies and fallacies the truth or place God's sanction upon the crimes. One must find out whether Satan, evil men, or God is speaking in any Scripture been read. God is not responsible for what others have said just because He causes what they did say to be recorded by inspiration. All God guarantees is that these things were said and done as they were recorded. Only what God says or teaches is truth which He requires men to obey.
To what degree were writers inspired to write the Bible?
Some parts of Scripture give the exact words of God (Ex 32:16, Deut 5:4; 24, Matt 3:17)
Some words were put into the mouths of the speakers who spoke as the Spirit inspired them (Ex 4:12, Num 23:5, Ezek 2:7; 3:10-11, Acts 3:21)
Some words were written as the Spirit moved men (Ex 34:27, 2 Peter 1:21)
In some parts of Scripture it was left up to the writers to choose their own words and relate truth by the inspiration and guidance of the Spirit (Dan 12:8-9, Luke 1:1-4, John 20:30-31, Acts 1:1-2)
The Spirit used the faculties and abilities of the writers to record things, past, present, and future. He gave direct revelations, guided them to choose records of men, and superintended the writers in all their work until we now have a perfect and infallible record of the origin and destiny of all creation.
Proofs That The Bible is inspired
Its wonderful unity: Over 40 authors wrote 66 books in different lands and a period of about 1,800 years. Many never saw the writings of the others and yet there is no contradiction between any two of them. Collect any group of books by any other 40 men on any subject and see if they agree.
Its superiority to other books: The bible is superior to other books in its origin, formation, doctrines, principles, claims, moral tone, histories, prophecies, revelations, literature, present redemption and eternal benefits, and its general contents.
Its influence in the world: It has blessed millions in every generation, made the highest civilizations, and given man the highest hope and destiny.
The Character and greatness of those who accept it: The wisest, most godly, and honest of men acknowledge it as God's Word. Only infidels and the ungodly reject it.
Man could not have written it if he would, and would not have written it if he could: No critic of Scripture has ever been able to improve or disprove it.
Good men must have written it: It condemns all sins and records the sins and faults of its writers as well as others. This, evil men would not do. Even good men would not do it unless inspired to do so to help others.
All man's present and eternal needs are met by the Bible: Redemption and promised benefits have been given to all who believed in all generations and this will always be so.
Its preservation through the ages: Whole kingdoms and religions have sought in vain to destroy it. It is still victor and indestructible.
The heavenly and eternal character of its contents proves it to be of God
The response of the soul to it: The Bible fits the soul as a key to a lock.
Its definite depths and lofty ideals: It is universal in its appeal, reasonable in its teachings, reliable in its promises, durable in its conflicts, everlasting in its usefulness, new and modern in its statements, indispensable in human civilization, indisputable in its authority, interesting in its histories, colorful in its biographies, accurate in its prophecies, individual in its messages, far reaching in its vision, complete in its laws, comprehensive in its knowledge, infinite in its detail, unselfish in its purpose, simple in its application, just in its demands, righteous in its judgments, clear in its application, and masterful in its wisdom.
Fulfilled prophecy. About 3,300 verses of prophecy have been fulfilled, predictions made hundreds and even thousands of year before their fulfillment. Not one detail has failed yet. About 2,908 verses are being fulfilled or will yet be fulfilled.
Its perfection. It is scientifically and historically correct. No one man has ever found the Bible at fault in any of its many hundreds of statements on history, astronomy, botany, geology, or any other branch of learning.
Its adaptability. It is always up to date on any subject. It fits the lives of all people of all ages and all lands.
Its spiritual and moral power. It meets perfectly every spiritual and moral need of man.
Its doctrines. They surpass all human principles in relationship, religion, culture, etc. (1 Corinth 2:14)
Claims of the Bible itself. Over 3,800 times Bible writers claim God spoke what they wrote. The Bible itself claims to be the Word of God.
Secular history. Many pagan as well as Jewish and Christian writers confirms the facts of the Bible, quoting it as being genuine, authentic, and inspired of God. It would take many volumes to deal fully with the many thousands of facts which confirm the Bible to be the Word of God. Therefore the book must be divine. If one will use it properly it will confirm itself to him as the inspired Word of God.
