Divine Inspiration

Tiger75 · Posted: Wed May 14, 2003 6:26 am Post subject: Divine Inspiration

I have read this verse being alluded to in a lot of different threads. It would be interesting to see what people actually believe it means. (I'm quoting from the NKJV)

RevJP · Moderator Joined: 18 Apr 2003 Posts: 7005 Location: USA

Hey Tiger,

I use the Amplified bible when doing study so let me put that scripture translation and then we will look at what I think it tells us:

16 Every Scripture is God-breathed - given by His inspiration - and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, and for training in righteousness [that is, in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose and action].
17 So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well-fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Let's look shall we?

The first part of the passage clearly states that the divinely inspired Scripture is a valuable tool to help us know what is right or wrong, what are transgressions, how to correct the error of transgretion and to train us in obedience to God.

Notice how Scripture is capitolized? Most know that deitical pronouns are capitolized to show the reader that the reference is to a deity. Why then is Scripture capitolized? Divine inspiration is the obvious answer, but is there more? This reference could be amplifying the validity of Christ's teachings. Jesus is referred to as The Word, and the New Testament is also a report of his life and his teachings, one could conclude therefore that His life, His teachings, are divine. Double validation to what Christians already believe, but interesting none-the-less.

Notice as well the reference to 'Every Scripture'? I wonder what we could make of this when considering things like the Dead Sea Scrolls?
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Dshadna · German Shepherd Joined: 21 Apr 2003 Posts: 344

RevJP · Moderator Joined: 18 Apr 2003 Posts: 7005 Location: USA

Martin Luthor ~ "The words of the Hebrew tongue have a peculiar energy. It is impossible to convey so much so briefly in any other language. To render them intelligibly we must not attempt to give word for word translations, but only aim at the sense and the original author's idea."

The Lockman Foundation says:

"...unfortunately there is a traditional reluctance to increase the number of English words used lest on "add to" the inspired text. Onl the other hand, by refusing to consider all the shades of meaning intended in the original language, we have unintentionally disobeyed the admonistion not to "take from" God's holy Word. In a sense, amplification merely helps the English reader comprehend what the Hebrew and Greek listener understood as a matter of course."

Christians believe the bible is God's inspired Word, but they also should understand that His Word runs deeper than what they have been reading, KJ is wonderful for literature but the depth and breadth of God's true Word is lost to those who rely soley on that version, or any other word for word translation.

Divine inspiration coupled with Divine interpretation will equal truth. Dshada says she believes there is possiblity for different interpretations, true enough if I open the bible, read and start deciding what it means.

If I pray, through faith, that God will provide me with the true divination of His meaning, I will understand the truth of His word. Through faith, prayer and God's grace one will leave behind his own agenda, his own desire for the Word to support his position and will recieve the proper truth from God.

Scripture taken out of context can prove any point. Scripture taken in context can often support one's position or agenda. Scripture read and meditated on through prayer and faith cannot do anything but shine the light of God's truth.
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LarrySax · Not So Newbie Joined: 17 May 2003 Posts: 6

"16 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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."

What do these verses mean?

(In a nutshell,... it means what it says.)

First these verses instruct us about the origin or source of scripture. All scriptures have been given by inspiration of God or are God-breathed. They are not simply the thoughts of the author of the various books. They are the act of God inspiring the authors to write specific words to communicate specific truths to mankind. (Also see II Peter 1:19-21) Because it is God breathed it has the authority of God and should be handled with proper respect and decorum. It does not need our embelishments, the very words are the words God inspired the writers to pen.

Second these verses tell us what are the beneficial uses of scripture.
1.)It is inspired so that it can be used for doctrine -- teaching of facts, subject matter, etc. If we want to learn what God has to say on a subject we can open the bible and find His answers on any subject.
2.)It is inspired so that it can be used for reproof-- the ability to prove by another avenue of reasoning or another source the same teaching or truth. If someone attempts to invalidate God's Word, we can demonstrate again and again the truth it teaches and we can have the confidence that these are God's thougts on the matter.
3.) It is inspired so that it can be used for correction. God intends that we should use His Word to correct ourselves and others. Thus He inspired what was written so that we would have a final source to reference when seeking correction or correcting someone else. (Today people scoff at "simply quoting a scripture to someone" but that is part of God's intent with His Word.) Am I wondering if lieing is ok? His word says, lie not to one another (Col. 3:9). Am I wondering if having sex with someone other than my wife is ok? God's Word says adultery is wrong(Ex. 20:14). Am I wondering if it is ok to defraud my brother? God's Word says defraud not (Mark 10:19). Am I wondering if it is ok to live for my self? God's Word says, Christ died that we who live should not live for ourselves, but for Him who died for us (2 Cor. 5:15) Etc.
4.) It is inspired so that I can know how to live righteously. Am I wondering what things I can do to please God, read His word. Page after page is filled with God telling us what pleases Him. It tells us what is considered righteous in God's sight and what is considered as unrighteous or wicked. Do I have a question about the appropriateness of a certain action or conduct or word or thought or intent -- search the scriptures they will provide an answer.

Thirdly these verses tell us what is God's desired impact of the Scriptures on our lives. Or you may say that this last phrase provides the purpose of God inspiring the scriptures. "That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." Is there something you want to do for God? Search His Word it will tell you if it is a good work or not. It perfects and thoroughly furnishes us unto all good works. Remember we are created in Christ Jesus unto good works that God has before ordained that we should walk in them (Eph.2:10). And Christ died to purchase a people Zealous for good works (Titus 2:14). Thus it is quite Fatherly of God to inspire the scriptures such that we can have no lack in doing the good works that we are created for and which we should be zealous to do. God did not say, "do good works and greatly desire to do them but I will not provide the directions you will need." Rather He created us for them, purchased us to be zealous of them; and additionally inspired scripture so that we can be completely furnished to perform them.

If the Scriptures are thus inspired we would be well-advised to spend much time reading the scriptures and ordering our lives by what they say.

In Christ,

Ron · Posted: Sat May 17, 2003 10:25 pm Post subject:

I was going to post my opinion on this verse but suffice to say I agree with Larry's post.

Scripture is the tool for reproof, rebuke, correction, etc of man's "wisdom" and "knowledge".

Also, a quick point on the inspired Word. The original manuscripts were the inspired Word of God. The rest are all copies and translations. We may have in them a viriety of styles, but the substance is the same.

With regard to human authors:

If a brother said to a brother "put that ice cream away and do not eat it" the brother would probably ignore this command. There is no authority for it. But if the brother said "Dad said to put the ice cream back and do not eat it", the chances of compliance are much greater. This is the way of the Bible. Some argue the Bible was written by men. While this is true, the Words are of God. He is the authority behind the message.
_________________
"He that hath ears to hear, let him hear." Matthew 11:15

Yours in Christ with much love,
Ron

http://www.arkwebshost.com/theology/ron