Inspired. It’s a word we often use for a moving speech or a beautiful work of art. But when we say that the Bible is inspired, we’re talking about something far deeper—something far more moving and beautiful.
According to 2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, and for training in righteousness.” That phrase “God breathed” is the heart of what inspiration means. The Bible did not come from the imagination or wisdom of people. It came from the mouth of God.
Not Humans’ Thoughts About God, But God’s Word to Humans
Inspiration means that every word of Scripture came from God himself. He used human writers—prophets, apostles, evangelists—but they did not write on their own. As 2 Peter 1:21 explains, “No prophecy ever came by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
The Spirit worked through the inspired writers’ personalities, languages, and styles—yet ensured that what they wrote was exactly what God intended. This is called verbal inspiration: not just the ideas, but the very words were given by God.
The Bible isn’t a human book with divine thoughts—it’s a divine book with divine words.
Why It Matters
If even part of Scripture came from human invention, how could we trust any of it? But because the Bible is fully inspired, we can say with confidence:
- It is completely true.
- It is without error (inerrant).
- It is fully trustworthy.
We don’t base our faith on feelings, trends, or traditions. We build it on the unshakable foundation of God’s inspired Word. What God says is true forever, not just for a season.
In a world that questions truth, Scripture stands as the final authority—not because the church says so, not because tradition confirms it, but because God himself is the author.
The Voice of the Shepherd
Think about this: every time you open the Bible, you’re hearing the voice of your Good Shepherd. Jesus said in John 10:27, “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me.” That voice still calls to us in the inspired words of Scripture.
Through these words, God teaches us, corrects us, comforts us, and leads us. He exposes our sin—but he also reveals our Savior. The same God who breathed life into Adam breathed life into the words that now breathe life into us.
A Prayer to Treasure God’s Inspired Word
Lord, thank you for giving us your holy, inspired Word. You have spoken with clarity, power, and love. Help me to trust every word as truth—truth that does not change, truth that points me to Jesus. Let your Word be the lamp for my feet and the anchor for my soul. Speak to me, teach me, and strengthen me through the Scriptures. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Scripture references come from the Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version. Click here to learn more about this translation.
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