How does 2 Peter 1:21 affirm the divine inspiration of Scripture? The Verse in Focus 2 Peter 1:21: “For no prophecy was ever brought about by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” Key Truths Wrapped in This Single Sentence • Prophecy never originated in human will. • The prophets spoke words that came directly “from God.” • The Holy Spirit “carried” the writers, guiding every syllable. The Holy Spirit: The Driving Wind Behind Every Word • “Carried along” pictures a ship’s sails filled and propelled by the wind, highlighting complete divine control. • The Spirit did not merely influence thoughts; He ensured the precise words conveyed God’s intent. • This divine superintendence guarantees that Scripture is free from error and fully reliable. Human Penmen, Divine Author • God used real people with unique styles—Moses in law, David in poetry, Paul in letters—yet the end product is God’s unified voice. • As writers picked up pen or dictation tools, the Spirit ensured that what they wrote was exactly what God desired, without overriding their personalities. • The result: one Book, many writers, one flawless message. Scripture’s Self-Testimony Elsewhere • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 — “All Scripture is God-breathed…” • Hebrews 1:1-2 — God spoke “through the prophets” and “by His Son.” • Numbers 23:19 — God does not lie; His words are trustworthy. • Psalm 119:160 — “The entirety of Your word is truth.” • John 17:17 — “Your word is truth,” declared by Jesus Himself. • Hebrews 6:18 — “It is impossible for God to lie,” underscoring inerrancy. Why This Matters for Our Confidence in the Bible • Certainty that every promise and warning carries divine authority. • Assurance that the historical accounts are factual, not myth. • Confidence that doctrinal teaching rests on an infallible foundation. • Encouragement to interpret Scripture literally, allowing its plain meaning to stand. • Motivation to obey, knowing disobedience is not against human opinion but God’s command. Living Out the Truth of Divine Inspiration • Read the Bible daily, expecting God Himself to speak. • Submit personal opinions to the clear statements of Scripture. • Resist cultural pressures that undermine biblical authority. • Share Scripture boldly, trusting its inherent power. • Find comfort: the same Spirit who inspired the Word illuminates its meaning for believers today. |
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