Trust MeSample

The Inspiration of Scripture

Read: “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right” (2 Timothy 3:16).

Think: How did God use human writers to record the Scriptures for our benefit? Theologians call the how of this process “inspiration,” and it is one of the great promises from God to us regarding the validity of His word.

Among the many verses that speak of the inspiration of Scripture, 2 Timothy 3:16 ranks highest in clarity, “All Scripture is inspired by God.” The term “inspired” (θεόπνευστος in the original Greek), literally translates as “God breathed.” A promise that these words are not mere human words, but God’s words! With this language, Paul urges Timothy to recognize the Author of Scripture and the means by which He used to bring His word into being, i.e. inspiration. Therefore, God promises that Scripture comes from Him. It is His word, His pouring into written form His very own self. The Westminster Confession of Faith 1.8 describes inspiration in this way,

“The Old Testament in Hebrew…and the New Testament in Greek…were directly inspired by God and have been kept uncontaminated throughout time by His special care and providence.”

Through the means of inspiration, God literally “breathing out” His word, God enabled human writers to accurately record in written format what He desired us to know. This promise, that God inspires His word, is of great comfort to us as we trust in His word day in and day out.

Apply: Think on God’s word. Do you trust it? Perhaps a better question is, do you trust God? If so, then His word stands as worthy of your trust today.

Pray: Father, cause our hearts and minds to hope in you today, to trust in the inspiration, clarity, and truthfulness of the Bible. It comes from you as a gift to us. Help us to cling to your Word so that we might cling in our love and devotion to You. Amen.

(JT Holderman serves as Senior Pastor of Bellevue Presbyterian Church  in Gap where he has served since 2013. He has been married to Kim since 2006 and lives in Strasburg with two daughters and one son.)