The Inspiration of the Bible
March 10, 2002 Northwest Bible Church
THE INSPIRATION OF THE BIBLE
INTRO
One of the foundational truths and convictions of Christianity is that the Bible, both OT and NT, is inspired by God. Thus,
- we have a sure word from God
- we have an authority for determining doctrine and
- we can know with certainty the way of salvation.
I. SATAN’S ATTACK AGAINST THE BIBLE.
Because the Bible is the inspired word of God, the devil is committed to discrediting it in any way he can.
Satan’s tactics fall into two kinds of attacks against the Bible:
1) Direct assault to discredit the Bible.
From the garden of Eden
Higher Criticism
2) Indirect assault to minimize the influence of the Bible.
II. THE DOCTRINE OF THE INSPIRATION OF THE BIBLE.
A. A definition of "inspiration".
The supernatural influence of the Spirit of God on certain men which enabled them to write down the very words of God.
1) inspiration affirms a ______________________ where God is the primary Author and man is the secondary author.
2) inspiration is _______________.
3) inspiration is _______________.
4) inspiration is ascribed to the _______________________.
2 Tim. 3:16 -
2 Pet. 1:20-21 -
B. A defense of "inspiration".
1) The internal witness of the Holy Spirit
Calvin taught, "Unbelieving men . . . both wish and demand rational proof that Moses and the prophets spake by divine inspiration. But, I reply that the testimony of the Spirit is superior to all reason. For, as God alone is a sufficient witness of Himself in His own Word, so also the Word will never gain acceptance in the hearts of men until it is confirmed by the internal testimony of the Holy Spirit. The same Spirit, therefore, who has spoken through the mouths of the prophets must penetrate into our hearts to persuade us that they faithfully proclaimed what had been divinely commanded. . . Until He [the Spirit] illumines their minds, they ever waver among many doubts!"" (Institutes, bk. I, ch. 7, sec. 4)
2) Some biblical support.
a) Man’s hearing problem. Jn. 8:43, 47.
b) The illuminating ministry of the Holy Spirit.
1 Thess. 2:13; 1:5
1 Cor. 2:12-15
Ps. 119:18 - "Open my eyes"
Jn. 15:26; 16:13, 15
1 Jn. 5:7-10
Acts 16:14
CONCLUSION