The Jesus Bible Reading PlanНамуна

A GOD-BREATHED BOOK

In 2 Timothy 3:16, Paul declares that Scripture is “God-breathed,” a word that combines the Greek words theos meaning “God” with pneo meaning “to breathe.” Paul’s point is that the Bible is not a man-made book. All sixty-six of the Bible’s books were “breathed out” by God through the unique writing styles and vocabulary of each biblical author. Since God is always truthful (Nu 23:19; Titus 1:2; Heb 6:18) and since the Bible is his own word, then the Bible must therefore be completely true. Theologians call it “inerrant,” meaning “without error.” So while our understanding of Scripture may be fallible, the Bible itself is as true as God himself is true.

Furthermore, because the Bible comes from God, it carries his own authority. The authoritative Word, the One who spoke all things into existence and brought the dead to life during his ministry on earth — Jesus himself — continues to exert the same power over God’s people today through the Scripture, God’s revelation to his people. Scripture defines our values, directs our lives and commands our obedience. It is, therefore, useful for “teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2Ti 3:16). It can lead a person to salvation (v. 15) and equip a believer to face every opportunity and challenge in life (v. 17).

Jesus, thank you for breathing the Bible into being. Help me to never take your Word for granted and to submit to its every letter. Amen.