Doctrine & Disciplines of the Bible
The Doctrine of Inspiration of Scripture is an indispensable concept that affirms the Bible’s trustworthiness. It provides a framework through which we can comprehend that every book, chapter, line, and Word of Scripture is the very breath of God Himself, making it God’s authoritative and trustworthy voice. This divine truth is the foundation of our faith, the bedrock upon which we stand, and it is through this doctrinal framework, we can accurately interpret and apply the teachings of Scripture.
It is essential to approach the reading and study of the Scriptures with a sound understanding of doctrinal truths. Sound Doctrine, for instance, affirms the Trinity and the deity of Christ, while false Doctrine might deny these truths. Sound Doctrine summarizes what the Word affirms and what the church is bound to believe, reflecting sound theology and standing in direct contrast to false Doctrine. Through this framework, we can accurately interpret and apply the teachings of Scripture and gain a deeper understanding of God’s plan for humanity.
The inspiration of the Bible is a central aspect of its trustworthiness. It is the Holy Spirit who superintended over the writers of the Bible to ensure that what was written was authoritative, trustworthy, and free from error in the original autographs. This divine source of inspiration extends to every Word, tense, and even the most minor parts of letters, making ‘verbal-plenary inspiration’-a term that means every word and every part of the Bible is inspired by God-the foundation of all sound theology.
To understand the Bible’s inspiration, we must look to its source. As confirmed in Acts 4:25, David was God’s mouthpiece. But the Bible’s inspiration goes far beyond the authors of its individual books. The Holy Spirit, as the third person of the Trinity, worked through human authors to produce the Scriptures; through this collaboration, we have the Word of God. It is a unique work that is human and divine, providing us with a glimpse of God’s mind and His will for humanity.
The Bible is not merely a collection of mundane writings; it is the very Word of God. The verses of Psalm 119 beautifully characterize God’s Word as holy and reflect His lordship attributes. It is a testament to God’s sovereignty and goodness, revealing His nature and character. As we read in Psalm 33:6-9, God’s Word is so powerful that it was how He created the universe. The Bible is not merely a human product but rather a divinely inspired work that not only reveals God’s plan for humanity but also has the power to transform our lives.
As Christians, we must approach our reading and study of the Scriptures with the utmost reverence and respect. Through the Scriptures, we come to know God more deeply and grow in our understanding of His plan for our lives. Our personal relationship with God, nurtured through spending time in the Word, is essential for our spiritual growth, as seen in Deuteronomy 30:11-14. It is through the inspiration of the Bible that we can have confidence that we are studying and following God’s divine will.
In conclusion, the Doctrine of Inspiration of Scripture is not just an academic concept, but a pillar of our faith. It is an indispensable concept in affirming the trustworthiness of the Bible. It establishes that every Word of Scripture is breathed out by God Himself, making it the authoritative and trustworthy voice of God. As we continue to study and meditate on the Scriptures, may we be filled with awe and wonder at the power and majesty of our God and grow in our knowledge and love of Him, knowing that we are anchored in the truth of His Word.
All sources for this series are listed here: https://debbieswindell.wordpress.com/2019/05/30/excited-to-share/
Debbie Swindell 