“The Bible must be the invention of either good men or angels, bad men or devils, or of God. Therefore, it could not be the invention of good men or angels, for they neither would nor could make a book, and tell lies all the time they were writing it, saying, “Thus saith the Lord,” when it was their own invention. It could not be the invention of bad men or devils, for they would not make a book which commands all duty, forbids all sin, and condemns their soul to hell for all eternity. Therefore, I draw this conclusion, that the Bible must be given by divine inspiration.” —Charles Wesley
Webster defines “unique” as: “1. One and only; single; sole. 2. Different from all others; having no like or equal.” Truly, the Bible is a unique book. It is different from all others in several ways, but especially in its continuity.
Here is a book that was:
- Written over a 1,500 year span
- Written over 40 generations
- Written by more than 40 authors
- Written in different places
- Written at different times
- Written during different moods
- Written on three continents
- Written in three languages (Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic)
Yet it has one theme, one message, and one focus: the coming, death, resurrection, and reign of the Savior, Jesus Christ. The Bible, from cover to cover, points to the redemption of man through the Lord’s Messiah.
How can a book written by man, who is fallible, have no errors?
Here are four facts revealed about the Bible’s inspiration, according to 2 Peter 1:20-21:
- No prophecy is by man’s own interpretation.
- No prophecy is an act of human will.
- Men were moved by the Holy Spirit.
- Men spoke from God.
God used living men, not dead tools, in the recording of Scripture. He did not set aside human personality, but rather used the very personality and literary talents in the penning of His revelation. Under the complete control and guidance of the Spirit of God, the result in every word of the original documents is a perfect and errorless recording of the exact message which God desired to give to man. This is why it is called verbal inspiration, not mechanical dictation.
What are the proofs of the inspiration of the Bible?
- Its indestructibility
Only a very small percentage of books survive more than a quarter of a century; a much smaller percentage last for a century; and only a small number live a thousand years. After years of effort to exterminate the Bible or rob it of its authority, the Bible is still the number one best seller. The fact of the indestructibility of the Bible strongly suggests that it is the embodiment of a divine revelation. - Its prophecy
- Its continuity
- Its ability to bring salvation
Here are three benefits that will come your way if you study, apply, and rely on God’s Word:
- Wisdom (Psalm 119:98). How has this benefit been experienced in times of trials?
- Insight (Psalm 119:99). How might knowing God’s Word give you this benefit in an intimidating situation?
- Understanding (Psalm 119:100). Are you satisfied with your level of maturity?
What is the proper response to the Word of God?
- Follow (John 6:68)
- Study (2 Timothy 2:15)
- Treasure (Job 23:12; Psalm 19:9-10)
- Love (Psalm 119:97)
- Obey (Psalm 119:4)
- Contend for it. (Jude 3)
- Preach (2 Timothy 4:2)
