Topical Bible: Scriptures: Inspired by God ("God-Breathed"; Greek: Theopneustos)

◄ Scriptures: Inspired by God ("God-Breathed"; Greek: Theopneustos) ►

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The concept of the Scriptures being "inspired by God" is foundational to the understanding of the Bible's authority and reliability within the Christian faith. The term "God-breathed" (Greek: Theopneustos) is derived from 2 Timothy 3:16, which states, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness" . This passage underscores the belief that the Scriptures are not merely human writings but are divinely inspired, carrying the authority and truth of God Himself.

The Nature of Inspiration

The doctrine of inspiration asserts that the Holy Spirit guided the human authors of the Bible in such a way that their writings are both fully their own and fully the Word of God. This divine-human synergy ensures that the Scriptures are without error in their original manuscripts and are trustworthy in all they affirm. The process of inspiration does not negate the individual styles and personalities of the biblical authors but rather works through them to convey God's message.

Biblical Evidence of Inspiration

Several passages in the Bible affirm the divine origin of the Scriptures. In 2 Peter 1:20-21, it is written, "Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever brought about through human initiative, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit" . This highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in ensuring that the Scriptures are a true and faithful representation of God's will.

Jesus Himself affirmed the authority of the Scriptures, often quoting the Old Testament in His teachings and referring to it as the Word of God. In Matthew 5:18, He declared, "Truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished" . This statement underscores the enduring and unchanging nature of God's Word.

Implications of Divine Inspiration

The belief in the inspiration of Scripture has several important implications for Christians. Firstly, it establishes the Bible as the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice. Believers are called to submit to its teachings, trusting that it is the definitive guide for living a life pleasing to God.

Secondly, the inspired nature of the Scriptures assures believers of their reliability and truthfulness. In a world where human opinions and philosophies are constantly changing, the Bible stands as a steadfast source of divine wisdom and guidance.

Finally, the inspiration of Scripture calls Christians to a deep reverence and commitment to studying and applying the Bible in their lives. As the Word of God, the Scriptures are not merely historical documents but are living and active, capable of transforming hearts and minds.

Conclusion

The doctrine of the Scriptures being "God-breathed" is central to the Christian faith, affirming that the Bible is the authoritative and trustworthy revelation of God's will. As believers engage with the Scriptures, they encounter the living God who speaks through His Word, guiding, correcting, and equipping them for every good work.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Nave's Topical Index

Greek

2315. theopneustos -- God-breathed, ie inspired by God
... inspired by God Definition: God-breathed, inspired by God ... 2315 ("God-breathed"),
likely a term , "expresses the sacred nature of the Scriptures (their divine ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2315.htm - 8k

Library

Inspiration of Scripture. --Gospel Difficulties. --The Word of God ...
... every several book of those hiera grammata, or Holy Scriptures, in which Timothy
had been instructed from his childhood,"is inspired by God [330] . ...
/.../inspiration and interpretation/sermon iii inspiration of scripture gospel.htm

Zwinglian Confessions.
... Pope and the Bishops has no foundation in the Holy Scriptures and the ... the ground
of the Scripture which is called theopneustos [ie inspired by God], and I ...
/.../ 51 zwinglian confessions.htm

The Doctrine of Arbitrary Scriptural Accommodation Considered.
... The same God who gave us the Scriptures of the Old Testament, gave us the New
Testament also. ... He who inspired the Law, inspired the Gospel. ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/sermon vi the doctrine of.htm

In the Present Crusade against the Bible and the Faith of ...
... of the divisions of the Old Testament Scriptures are as ... present working, when, 6,000
years ago, God arranged the ... with which he regards the inspired record; and ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/v in the present crusade.htm

Appendix iii
... theologian of the East, the obedient son of the Scriptures and their ... and is the deepest
fount of the mysteries of God, yet he ... [170] (All inspired Scripture is ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/harnack/the origin of the new testament/appendix iii.htm

On the Interpretation of Scripture
... of the world which the Scriptures have experienced. ... Apostles and Evangelists as equally
inspired in their ... theopneustos) given by inspiration of God' is spoken ...
/.../on the interpretation of scripture.htm