The concept of the Scriptures being "given by inspiration of God" is foundational to the understanding of the Bible's authority and divine origin. This belief is rooted in the conviction that the Bible, as the Word of God, is not merely a collection of human writings but is divinely inspired and authoritative for faith and practice.

Biblical Basis

The primary scriptural basis for the doctrine of inspiration is found in 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" . The term "God-breathed" (Greek: theopneustos) signifies that the Scriptures originate from God Himself, conveying His will and truth through human authors.

Another key passage is 2 Peter 1:20-21, which affirms, "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 underscores the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding the human authors, ensuring that what they wrote was in accordance with God's intended message.

Nature of Inspiration

The doctrine of inspiration asserts that the Bible is both fully divine and fully human. God, in His sovereignty, used human authors with their unique personalities, cultural backgrounds, and writing styles to convey His infallible Word. This dual authorship does not diminish the divine authority of the Scriptures but rather highlights the miraculous nature of their composition.

Inspiration extends to the entirety of the Scriptures, encompassing both the Old and New Testaments. This includes the historical narratives, laws, prophecies, poetry, and teachings found within the biblical canon. The belief in the plenary (full) inspiration of the Bible affirms that every part of Scripture is inspired and authoritative.

Implications for Believers

The belief that the Scriptures are given by inspiration of God has profound implications for believers. It establishes the Bible as the ultimate authority in matters of faith, doctrine, and conduct. As the inspired Word of God, the Scriptures are trustworthy and reliable, providing guidance and instruction for living a life that is pleasing to God.

Furthermore, the inspired nature of the Bible calls for a reverent and diligent approach to its study and interpretation. Believers are encouraged to engage with the Scriptures prayerfully and thoughtfully, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit to understand and apply its truths.

Historical Affirmation

Throughout church history, the doctrine of inspiration has been affirmed by various creeds and confessions. The early church fathers, the Reformers, and subsequent Christian theologians have consistently upheld the belief that the Bible is divinely inspired. This conviction has been a cornerstone of orthodox Christian faith, shaping the church's teaching and practice across the centuries.

Conclusion

The Scriptures, given by inspiration of God, stand as a testament to God's revelation to humanity. They are a source of divine wisdom, instruction, and comfort, guiding believers in their relationship with God and their understanding of His purposes. As such, the Bible remains central to the life and faith of the Christian community.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:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2315. theopneustos -- God-breathed, ie inspired by God
... 2315 ("God-breathed"), likely a term , "expresses the sacred nature of the Scriptures
(their divine origin) and their power to ... given by inspiration of God. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2315.htm - 8k

The Holy Scriptures.
... The Scriptures contain all that is necessary for the formation of a perfect Christian. ...
The apostle says, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter ii the holy scriptures.htm

Verbal Inspiration
... Many proofs might be given to show the Scriptures are verbally ... Another evidence of
verbal inspiration is to be seen in the fact that words are used in ...
/.../the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter thirteen verbal inspiration .htm

The Absolute Godhood of God is Seen in Giving of the Scriptures
... "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God." No part of it was of human ... God acted
sovereignly in the writing of the Scriptures as in everything else. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the godhood of god/3 the absolute godhood of.htm

The Scriptures
... A: The Word of God, which is contained in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments,
is the only rule to ... All Scripture is given by inspiration of God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 the scriptures.htm

The Doctrine of the Scriptures.
... The statements of the Scriptures regarding Inspiration may be summed up as follows:
Holy men of ... In this sense, "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of the scriptures.htm

The Authority and Utility of the Scriptures
... 3:16, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God," &c.: where you have two points
of high concernment,"the authority of the scriptures, and their utility. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture iii the authority and.htm

The Bible Way.
... 'The Scriptures are given by inspiration of God and are profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/how to live a holy life/the bible way.htm

Inspiration.
... All Scripture is given by inspiration ... Hence the confession of inspiration does not
exclude ordinary numbering ... That the Scriptures themselves present a number of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xvi inspiration.htm

The Wonderful Unity of the Bible Attests Its Divine Authorship
... In the Scriptures the Plan of Redemption is central and fundamental. ... the only
explanation of this fact is, that "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God ...
/.../pink/the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter seven the wonderful unity.htm

Concerning Scripture .
... All Scripture, then, is given by inspiration of God and is also assuredly profitable
[2518] . Wherefore to search the Scriptures is a work most fair and most ...
/.../john/exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter xvii concerning scripture.htm

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