he Bible is the inspired Word of God. None may add to it or take away from it except at his peril.
The word Bible comes from the Greek 'ta Biblia' which means 'the books'. That is just what the Bible is - a
collection of books, 66 in all (39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New), written by a number of men over
some sixteen centuries. Yet the books have a marvellous unity of theme and purpose, demonstrating the
undeniable truth that the Bible is the inspired Word of God.
Note carefully as we look at what the Bible says of Scripture that we are not just saying that the Bible contains
the Word of God - that would allow for the human mind to sift through and to choose what it considered to be
Divinely given. No, our affirmation is that the Bible, Old and New Testaments, from Genesis to Revelation, every
word as given in the original languages, IS the inspired Word of God. How else could fallen man know so
completely and reliably about God except God reveal Himself.
God-breathed
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God…." II Timothy 3 v 16.
The Greek literally means 'all scripture is God-breathed,' that is, breathed out by God. If man is to know anything
about God, it must be because God has revealed Himself. God spoke to Adam and the patriarchs. Then to Moses
He gave commandment that the spoken word should be written down. Through subsequent prophets and men of
God He has spoken (Hebrews 1 v 1) and lastly through His own Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Make no mistake,
the Scripture is the revelation of God's will and purpose; not simply inspiring but inspired, (Latin in +
spirare = to breathe into), God-breathed.
More light is thrown upon the matter in II Peter 1 vv 20,21;
"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation; for the prophecy came not in
old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit."
Although human agents have been used and there are differences of style
and expression (for God does not suppress but sanctifies personality), yet every word is God-breathed. There is
not the slightest error; nothing is of human invention or personal opinion. The Greek means that holy men of God
spoke as they were being 'borne along' by the Holy Spirit. To be sure, Peter could reassure us that
"We have not followed cunningly devised fables." (II Pet 1 v 16). Again and again, men like David and
Jeremiah could testify that the word of God was in their mouth. (See Jeremiah 1 vv 4 - 9; II Samuel 23 vv 1,2.)
Further it can be said that nothing has been left to chance. The written word, the revelation of God's will and
purpose, is unchanging and sure because it is written in heaven. From eternity to eternity it is sure, but in the
course of time it has to be revealed to us, not, however, imperfectly but perfectly.
"Forever," said the Psalmist,
"Thy word is established in heaven." (Psalm 119 v 89). Daniel was shown
"that which is noted in the Scripture of Truth" by his angelic visitor.
(Daniel 10 v 21.)