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Truth and Beauty
 

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

Holy Bible

      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